From dealing with hangover headaches from your booth staff, spills and accidents on the show floor, to missing inventory, almost anything can (and will) happen. Since you can never be too prepared, we prepared a list of products trade show exhibitors should keep in their toolkit so you never get caught off guard.
We hope you find these products helpful for your next show! Just so you know, Ellivent may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.
- We all have to clip things together on the show floor like schedules, agendas, invoices, and business cards. These assorted binder clips will come in handy when you least expect it.
Amazon
Review – “The clips arrived and I am so happy! All sizes! They were sent in one big plastic bag, and my OCD-ness couldn’t let that be. Had fun sorting them!” – L. Thompson
Get it from Amazon for $8.49
2. These assorted color stick pins/thumb tacks come are useful when you need to affix something to your display but don’t want to call attention to it.
Amazon
3. We all know the rule: ABC – Always Be Charging. This multi-cable charging kit will ensure that you and your team are always charged and ready.
Amazon
Review: “These are awesome cables. I use these daily for my kids and their friends who of course all have to be connected. They have held up exceptionally well under constant use and misuse from passengers. They provide great charging throughput, including with fast/quick charge technologies. The ends are very durable and the cable and sleeving are flexible and strong.” – Nereamia
Get it from Amazon for $14.99
4. This bag of assorted rubber bands is a must when you’re trying to keep your collateral together or need to hold something together at the last minute.
Amazon
Review: “Love these. Wide and stretchy. Just used them to tame the holiday lights and have enough left for the rest of my life, and probably for the next two generations. This size fits easily over a soda can (see photo for scale) and you get a huge number of these bands. They do have a bit of a rubber band smell (as expected) but not bad.” – Two kids mom
Get it from Amazon for $5.49
5. We all make mistakes writing down orders, names and phone numbers. This pack of correction tape will be a relief when that happens.
Amazon
Review: “I was a little nervous about buying these at first because of the reviews but honestly, they’ve been wonderful. I haven’t had any problems with the tape and it comes out so smoothly and evenly. The tape is also capable of being written on. I tested a variety of pens and highlighters on the tape (see picture) and they all wrote very well. Sometimes the tape bubbles up a bit but just press your finger down and it’ll stick perfectly. The tape is best used at a 45 degree angle. Once you’re done, press down and lift the tape up at 90 degrees to make a clean tear. It’s also easy to layer if you accidentally miss a spot. One shell holds a lot of tape. I’ve been using the first one out of the pack for several weeks and I’m not even a third of the way done with it. The price for the amount of tape you get is great, honestly. This product is great!” – KL
Get it from Amazon for $12.48
6. This fingernail clipper/file is handy when you hit a snag – pun intended. Helpful for tidying up loose ends from around your display.
Amazon
Review: The GoBetter Nail Clippers Set is an excellent product – Sturdy construction – Good looking and functional carrying case – Easy to use – Sharp clippers – Very good nail file on both the Toenail and Fingernail clippers. I am very happy that I purchased this product. If you are looking for a go-to set of Toe and Fingernail clippers, look no further. – L.R.Stellpflug
Get it from Amazon for $8.99
9. Need to make a last minute repair to your booth? A few glue sticks might be able to hold it together till the end of the show.
Amazon
10. Did you shake a lot of hands today? Stay well and carry a couple bottles of hand sanitizer and your team will thank you.
Amazon
Review: “Left my hands feeling smooth; smells very nice! Will purchase again.” – Momof2sons
Get it from Amazon for $10.18
11. Make sure your booth staff knows what’s important. Make your notes stand out with these highlighter pens.
Amazon
Review: “My favorite highlighters! Doesn’t bleed through if you move at a normal pace without pushing hard, doesn’t smear the writing, can read the writing through even the darker colors. And I love the click version, personally, but I’ve tried the others with lids and they work great too!” – Tawnnie
Get it from Amazon for $8.98
12. When the Wi-Fi cuts out or computer dies, a pad of scratch paper can be a lifesaver.
Amazon
Review: These note pads are very handy to have around. This is the 2nd time I’ve I’m ordered them and I will order them again when I run out! They are excellent quality. Thicker sheets than other note pads I’ve had in the past. I took pictures with a TV remote and pen to give an idea of size. Obviously, you are just getting the note pads with this purchase, no pens or TV remotes! 😉 – Liz
Get it from Amazon for $12.99
13. Large or small you always need paper clips. These things will save your life and keep your papers together.
Amazon
Review: I’m not exactly a connoisseur of paper clips, but this nice little container of paper clips is great for my small business. The case itself is plastic with pie shaped dividers. The lid screws on, but I rarely take the time to do that as it snaps on just as easily. The small and medium clips are pretty close in size and are hard to tell apart when they are in the container. There is only one “slice” of jumbo clips, which is a little disappointing. Since there are 6 “slices,” I wish they had done 2 of each size. But who knows, maybe there is a body of research out there that says that the smaller sizes are used twice as much. Who knows! Anyway, these clips are doing just fine and for the price – they are awesome. The ones I got are non-serrated. – Lauren
Get it from Amazon for $7.99
14. A paper punch on the trade show floor is more useful than you might suspect – it can punch holes in fabric, cardboard, stacks of order forms, and more.
Amazon
Review: Never, ever would I expect such amazing results from such a tiny punch. I make items out of discarded credit/gift cards and this punch glides right through them. No sore hands, no having to lean on the punch with your body weight…eases through those cards. Very fair price for the high performance. I love this product. – Jonesies
Get it from Amazon for $7.99
15. Where did all the pens go? Keep an extra pack of these black pens. so you don’t have to pilfer another exhibitor’s promotional items.
Amazon
Review: The highlight of these Zebra Z-Grip pens is definitely the quality of the ink. Surprisingly so smooth and after writing I swiped my finger across the ink and it was already dry. He ink doesn’t bleed which means these pens will last a very long time. Another thing is the metal clip which is great for durability! The no slip grip is a plus of course especially when needing to scribble something down fast! What I love the most though is the look of the pen, nice and sleek, not bulky. – Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $6.59
16. Add a reminder for your morning staff by writing a note on these post-it notes (small and large).
Amazon
17. Have q-tips on hand to clean spills and remove gunk from small spaces like your keyboard.
Amazon
Review: These are a good value, especially using Subscribe and Save. My photo shows a store brand swab (top) and the Q-tip brand swab (bottom). I had to go back to using Q-tip swabs for three reasons:
1) absorbency–the store brand wouldn’t even stay attached, so it wasn’t working hardly at all (I felt as though some of the cotton might end up in my ear). The Q-tip stayed intact while using.
2) strength–the Q-tip swab has a much stronger cardboard stick. The store brand would often break while using it.
3) control–because the Q- tip swab’s cotton is wound tighter, it allows me to apply things such as an ointment or paint much more easily and precisely.
Overall, I’m going to purchase either this package or a different size Q- tip brand package of swabs and will stay away from the store brand types. It’s not saving me money when the product is sub-par and I’ll end up tossing it or giving it away. –Kristen S
Get it from Amazon for $4.64
18. If you need to make a clean cut, you’ll need to put your keys away. Keep a pair of scissors on hand.
Amazon
Review: Three pairs is awesome and at such a great price! These seem to be sturdy and very sharp. The packaging was durable and the blades of each pair were protected with a cardboard like sheath. I would definitely purchase again! – April Goosby
Get it from Amazon for $9.99
19. Sharpie felt tip pens are critical for labeling items. Grab a pack and make sure you have a few in your kit at all times.
Amazon
20. A stapler and stapler remover to affix papers together (and re-affix them when you forget the back page).
Amazon
21. You’ll always need tape – 3/4″ adhesive, double sided, removable tape is just right for keeping your display together and hanging up temporary signs.
Amazon
Review: This double sided tape works well! I cut a small piece off to secure my kitchen rug, initially I was worried that the adhesion might not be strong enough but it amazed me when I first use it,now the tape really helped the rug and it doesn’t move at all. It is also completely traceless and wouldn’t hurt the surface.Perfect!! – ShiFengLin
Get it from Amazon for $12.87
22. When Wi-Fi is spotty, you should always have a local backup. Keep a USB thumb drive nearby in case you need to share or print a file.
Amazon
23. These black wide felt-tip markers are a must when trying to label items for storage or shipping.
Amazon
Review: I got these Sharpies to black out addresses on boxes or envelopes for recycling, and to label cardboard boxes. They arrived fresh with plenty of ink. I find the wide tip easier to write on large boxes compared to a standard size Sharpie marker. Very happy with them – Eva
Get it from Amazon for $5.32
24. Color assorted wide felt tip markers are helpful for organizing your inventory and keeping related items together.
Amazon
Review: The best I’ve had for a thick-pointed sharpie. This is what I will be buying in the future. I would say, “buy with confidence.” – Book Reader
Get it from Amazon for $12.49
25. An allen wrench set is helpful fot tightening up loose display elements.
Amazon
Review: I had a nice set of hex keys but when I moved they seemed to vanish or I just can’t remember where I put them! Either way, I needed a new set. I looked on several hardware store sites and Amazon. I didn’t need some fancy expensive set as I use them mostly for putting furniture together and adjusting my headboard. These are surprisingly nice for what I paid at the time (I think it’s up a dollar or two now). As other reviewers have stated some of the really thin ones (0.028in & 0.7mm) are slightly misshapen but for how extremely thin they are it’s understandable which is why I didn’t take a star off. Mainly because I doubt I would ever be using them anyway. Also, the case has a hole to hang it on the wall which I didn’t even pay attention to in the listing pictures. I probably should hang it so I don’t lose this set! Overall, they are perfect for what I need them for and am very happy with my purchase – LindsayDD
Get it from Amazon for $15.66
26. An awl or icepick is more useful than you think. Just don’t carry it on the plane with you!
Amazon
Review: After looking at a ‘big box’ store for a cheap ice pick and not finding any at any price, I found this awl via Amazon. For price including shipping I couldn’t have found a better deal. I wasn’t going to chip ice but had another use in mind. This Awl is well crafted and will outlast me. In fact I already had one but we recently moved and I couldn’t find it. It was a name brand. This one now being reviewed is every bit as good. – Ronald E. Parsons
Get it from Amazon for $6.52
27. Serving drinks at your booth? Don’t forgot the bottle opener or corkscrew.
Amazon
Review: It’s not a new technology, but that doesn’t keep most modern providers of these things from screwing them up royally. This is the exception: Simple, sturdy, and likely the last one I’ll be buying for a while. Serious, I don’t need high-tech in my wine puller. I think these devices reached the zenith of their development in about 1890 or so. Just give me something with sturdy parts and good leverage and I’m fine. I’ve bought (or received as gifts) several high-tech pullers that went in the garbage after a few months. And really, I don’t drink THAT much wine. Anyway, a good purchase. Buy and enjoy. – Bill D.
Get it from Amazon for $10.95
28. Is your box harder to get into than Fort Knox? A box cutter with replaceable blades + spare blades come in handy more than you could imagine.
Amazon
Review: Often the same size, the plastic shank is lighter and the metal or alloy shank is slightly heavier. For example, the plastic hand-protecting knife, according to the classic shape of ergonomic design, plus the anti-slip design of the rubberized cushion, can feel comfortable and easy to use when using. The blade body and metal bushing make the utility knife more stable and durable, and the blade process is smoother. The automatic blade locking device automatically locks the blade during use to prevent retraction, safe and efficient. – brain
Get it from Amazon for $14.99
29. Make the small repairs yourself by having some cable ties (AKA zip ties) – assorted colors/sizes on hand.
Amazon
Review: Zip ties worked great! used it for an expo my group went to to differentiate bags after we put them in the SUV. Easy to tell the bags apart with these and even came up with color combinations after we had too many bags. Will buy again for next year – Moses Solis
Get it from Amazon for $
30. No need to call the foreman. A small claw hammer in your kit can help you make the repairs you need.
Amazon
Review: I wasn’t expecting anything spectacular when I purchased this hammer, but this hammer is better then others I bought for more money. The first thing I noticed was the weight. This hammer feels heavy for it’s size. The durability seems top notch as well (keep in mind I received the hammer a few hours after writing the review.) I was impressed at how hard I was able to pound in some nails without any damage to the product. Also, it did not hurt my hand in the process. The rubber handle fits perfect for the size of my hands (I have long fingers) and I am able to keep a firm grip on it without any slipping. The magnet was also able to hold a rusted old nail extremely well. I tried to shake it out and smack it out of the nail holder much to my failure. It also came with a free bottle opener with a light. If you need a small hammer for quick fixes or small projects, this product will exceed you expectations. I will update if any problems should arise. 11 people found this helpful – Samuel Dovey
Get it from Amazon for $8.99
31. An adjustable crescent wrench can help you tighten loose parts.
Amazon
Review: Made of good quality metal. Feels good in the hand. No binding when adjusting and has a good grip. – ames Friel
Get it from Amazon for $20
32. Use an electrical receptacle tester to make sure all of your outlets are functioning.
Amazon
Review: After being an electrician for over 39 years & being an electrical inspector for over 15 years I have found that this tester is the best I have ever used, & I have used them all! – KEN W COPELAND
Get it from Amazon for $7.99
33. Don’t get caught without your exacto knife and a few extra blades when making last minute repairs.
Amazon
34. Is that outlet too far? Don’t forget your extension cords! We recommend grounded cords with a slim profile that are a minimum of 14-gauge and 10′ – 15′ long.
Amazon
Review: The Coleman Cable 035188801 Flatplug 12-Feet Thin Profile Extension Cord, 3-Prong, White far exceeded my expectations. I was simply looking for a low-profile cord to use in the house, but I got an extra bonus. I wanted to plug into an outlet behind my bookcases. The cord did that, but what I couldn’t tell from the poorly written product explanation was that the plug is also slightly tilted to the left. If you look closely at the prongs in the second manufacturer’s photo you will see that they don’t line up with the cord itself. What does this mean? The cord on low profile extension cords usually blocks the bottom socket, or you have to plug the extension cord into the bottom one in order to leave the top one free, but with this one, it doesn’t matter whether you use this plug in the top or bottom, because the cord will not get in the way. This made a huge difference for me, because one of the sockets in my apartment is tied to the light switch in the wall, and the other one is a regular socket, so I needed that flexibility. Thanks Coleman, for putting that little bit of extra ingenuity into the product! – customer
Get it from Amazon for $9.07
35. Looking for something? It’s always good to have a flashlight and spare batteries handy.
Amazon
Review: This is a great quality flashlight. Very well made and rugged. It is also very bright. – Frank Semeraro
Get it from Amazon for $11.99
36. Using foam shoe insole pads can keep you and your team on your feet over the course of a long show.
Amazon
37. This Stanley pocket-size level is perfect for your graphics or anything else you’re hanging and ensures a professional look.
Amazon
Review: I was looking for a small level I could fit in my pocket and this one does the trick. I work in telecommunications and have to mount equipment on walls pretty much everyday. Having this level makes my job a lot easier, it works exactly as it should. Highly recommended for someone who needs a very small and lightweight level. – The Fikes
Get it from Amazon for $8.99
38. Use locking measuring tape to get the layout of your booth and position elements precisely.
Amazon
39. A metal ruler is helpful for drawing straight lines and taking small measurements.
Amazon
Review: I received this ruler today and already like it a lot. It’s a bit flexible, but not too much, and has a cork backing to secure the ruler to the work surface, so it doesn’t slip. I’ll be using it as a blade guide for cutting foam board, and I think it will do a great job. – Josie
Get it from Amazon for $7.1
40. The Mr. Clean eraser can be used on your fabric graphics and works amazing for scuffs on corners or kiosks.
Amazon
Review: I was a bit skeptical, when I opened the box it was legit just a white spongey mass, but after running it under water and squeezing it 3 times, the chemical inside began to activate and I immediately smelled a fresh scent and saw foam manifesting. It is surprisingly effective at removed stains even though it has no rough texture to break down the build up, I think the chemical is what does the work. Since its white, you can use it on white walls with no worry, I just recommend washing your hands afterwards (or using gloves) since I don’t think its meant to stay on your hands for a longer period. Overall I am very happy with this item. – Kris NT
Get it from Amazon for $9.88
42. Carry a little picture wire in your kit and use it for heavier displays.
Amazon
43. A good set of regular & needle-nosed pliers can help you make last-minute fixes.
Amazon
Review: I like everything about these. They have a nice grip and feel to them and feel like nice sturdy build quality that I can rely on. I have had them quite a while now and they have helped me with every task I have needed a unique tool like these for. – Scott D. Espenschied
Get it from Amazon for $20.25
44. If you need to pull things apart, you’ll be glad to have this 12″ pry bar in your kit,
Amazon
Review: I purchased this products because I found out what a great and must have tool it is. I like it so much I purchased two of them. Very Strong and solid construction, exactly as described. Better than any other brands that I came across. Hey what more can I say? I like it so much I carry it in my tool box all the time. Best of all it works flawlessly and with ease! My thanks to China and Tekton! – Ahmed
Get it from Amazon for $7.74
45. Use residue scrapers handy to remove residue from tape or stickers. Give it a little pressure and it will come right off.
Amazon
46. Basic tools like a good pair of screwdrivers. will help you make quick fixes without getting charged an arm and a leg.
Amazon
Review: Good little magnetic screw drivers. I bought these not expecting much for the price. I was pleasant surprised at how well the magnetic tips worked. usually the cheaper tools have weak magnetism, but these dont. I havent pressed them hard, but they seem pretty strong, and I’m not worried they will break. was gonna toss them in the beater tool drawer, but think I’ll use them more than I thought I would. plus the re-magnitizer helps with other tools around the shop. – Jimmy Stanley
Get it from Amazon for $19.99
47. Small tear in your fabric? Hole in your shirt? A small sewing kit with safety pins can patch you right up.
Amazon
Review: No complaints – just needed a small kit for some hand sewing repairs and this works great. – A. P. Chicago
Get it from Amazon for $6.99
48. Is your furniture rocking? Have a pair of wood shims ready to get it quickly on the level.
Amazon
Review: Yes, very good. Forget plastic shims. Over time, plasticizers can leach out of the plastic making the shim brittle. Furthermore, plastic shims do not deform and squeeze into the crevice like wood shims. For choice of wood making the shim, cedar is the best, as it is the most resistant to rot and termites than spruce or Ponderosa pine. – Spinoza
Get it from Amazon for $9.29
49. No need to hire a cleaner to wipe your glass. Carry a spray way glass cleaner and you can do it yourself. These aerosol cans won’t spill either!
Amazon
Review: I don’t like doing windows. This is like magic! I’ve never used a product so easy to use. Truely amaxing. I love it! – Vickie Barrientos
Get it from Amazon for $4.99
50. Need a semi-permanent fix? Keep some super glue in your kit.
Amazon
Review: This is a great glue. The gel keeps it from getting everywhere. Other super glues are very “watery” and run all over the place. This glue goes down where you put it. I generally apply it with a tooth pick. The cap is awesome, with a little metal pin that keeps the nozzle from gluing shut. Only issue is I don’t know that it contains the same amount of glue as the liquid forms of this glue. But I won’t use anything but the gel form of this glue from now on. – BottomBracket
Get it from Amazon for $11.98
Hope you still have some space! Check out part 2 of our toolkit here.
