Getting it Right – Hints and Tips for Exhibition and Promotional Staff (No Matter What or Where the Job is!)

The great thing about working as promotional or exhibition staff is that no two days or assignments are the same. One week you can be acting as an extra on a film or TV production and the following week, you are capture leads and data for a well-known brand at a trade show.

Getting it right means being able to adapt to every assignment and task, and to what the client wants and needs from hired promotional staff, brand ambassadors, exhibition staff or extras.

Working different assignments also means you pick up valuable experience, learning those small lessons and details about working in the promotional and marketing world that make a difference between mediocre and exceptional service.

Promotional staffing etiquette, hints and tips

Whether you’re stationed outdoors, navigating vast exhibition venues, or engaging in a blend of diverse locations and tasks, understanding the fundamental etiquette for events is pivotal. Unlock the secrets to making lasting impressions and enhancing your overall assignment experience!

What is the assignment? Does it involve you being outside, inside or a mixture of both? Where is the venue? Where do you park?

It’s very important that promotional staff are capable of self-managing – that means consider what the assignment is and what is expected of you. It is important you know where you are going, how you are going to get there and arrive before the expected time.

Be ready for anything

There are some aspects of the assignment that can be predicted;

Outside assignments

If you are working outside for most or some of the time, you need to be ready for the weather. In winter, make sure you have plenty of warm clothing, waterproof clothing, an umbrella and that kind of thing.

In the summer, you’ll need sun cream and plenty of water. Consider the clothing you’ll be wearing too and like winter, make sure you take a change of clothes too.

Other things to consider

You need to be prepared and we know that many of our experienced promotional staff will often travel with a kit which includes;

• A toiletry bag – keeping a washbag of items with you such as toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant and other toiletries so you can refresh yourself at break times.
• Food and drink – at trade shows, film assignments, PR stunts and so on, finding somewhere for food that isn’t expensive or doesn’t have a long queue can be impossible. It’s probably best to take refreshments with you!
• Spare shoes and other kit – having the right gear is important and so if you are unsure what the dress code is, take some options with you.

Do your research

Whether you are indoors or out, acting as reception staff at an event or an extra in a TV film, knowing what is expected of you is important. That’s why promotional staff will take time beforehand to do some research on the client or brand. Being informed comes across when you do your work and also means you far more likely to be asked back again on another project.

Looking after your ‘personal brand’

As a promotional staffing agency, we often find that staff who make a great impression are asked back time and again by a client. The promo staff who tend to be the most popular are those who do ‘that bit extra’.

They turn up on time, every time because they have checked the details of the job including date, time and location. They arrive prepared, with knowledge of the client and what they may be asked to do. They have their own ‘kit bag’ they take with them so if they need something, they have it with them. It can be something as simple as a waterproof jacket or change of clothes. They also spend time making sure they ‘look the part’.

Likewise, they look after their ‘personal brand’. They keep us updated with new details and experiences for their personal profile, as well as plenty of up to date headshots. If your profile stands out for us, it will stand out for clients too.

What tips would you add to the list?