Model Exhibition Checklist

A model exhibition needs more than display tables and finished models. You must coordinate exhibitors, registrations, booth assignments, judging, visitor flow and practical equipment before opening day. Start with the date, programme and registration process, then move to the floor plan, exhibitor information and volunteer schedule. In the final week, check every display surface, sign, power connection and protective cover so exhibitors can set up without delays.

The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

  • Set the date and program

    2 people

  • Draft participant terms and conditions

    2 people

  • Publish registration form

  • Send invitations

    2 people

  • Post promotion on social media

  • Distribute posters

    2 people

  • Process registrations

    2 people

  • Collect dietary requirements

  • Check participant list

    2 people

  • Assign exhibitors

    2 people

  • Confirm reservations

  • Create a floor plan of the booths

    2 people

  • Assign volunteers

    2 people

  • Check insurance details

  • Send exhibitor information

  • Determine race categories

    2 people

  • Confirm judges

  • Prepare prize categories

    2 people

  • Make name badges

    2 people

  • Print stand numbers

  • Print route signs

  • Print program flyers

    2 people

  • Sort wristbands

  • Prepare prizes and certificates

    2 people

  • Check exhibition materials

    3 people

  • Test the lighting

    2 people

  • Test sound equipment

    2 people

  • Check the shopping list

    2 people

  • Do the shopping

    3 people

  • Chill drinks

    2 people

  • Setting up shelf-stable catering

    2 people

  • Bring materials to the venue

    4 people

  • Open venue

    2 people

  • Check entrances and emergency exits

    2 people

  • Set up tables and chairs

    6 people

  • Apply stand numbers

    3 people

  • Set up the exhibitor desk

    2 people

  • Set up competition table

    2 people

  • Set up the catering buffet

    3 people

  • Hang lighting

    3 people

  • Connect the sound system

    2 people

  • Place route signs

    2 people

  • Place waste bins

    2 people

  • Set up the information table

    2 people

  • Welcome exhibitors

    4 people

  • Set up the models safely

    6 people

  • Post model descriptions

    3 people

  • Register competition models

    2 people

  • Brief volunteers

    2 people

  • Test the cash register and card terminal

    2 people

Event

  • Open the public entrance

    3 people

  • Register visitors

    3 people

  • Collect entrance fees

    2 people

  • Distribute program

    2 people

  • Guide visitors around

    3 people

  • Support exhibitors

    2 people

  • Guide demonstrations

    2 people

  • Staff the photo booth

  • Serve coffee and tea

    2 people

  • Serve snacks

    2 people

  • Refill drinks

    2 people

  • Keep buffet clean

  • Check toilets

  • Empty trash bins

    2 people

  • Provide jury briefing

    2 people

  • Judge the competition

    4 people

  • Announce the winners

    2 people

  • Present prizes

    3 people

  • Inform last visitors

    2 people

  • Close the public entrance

    2 people

Aftercare

  • Pack the models safely

    6 people

  • Check out exhibitors

    3 people

  • Clean up catering

    3 people

  • Wash dishes

    2 people

  • Collect waste

    3 people

  • Take down tables and chairs

    5 people

  • Remove decorations

    3 people

  • Disconnect equipment

    2 people

  • Clean the venue

    5 people

  • Collect lost and found items

  • Lock up the venue

    2 people

  • Return materials

    3 people

  • Return borrowed items

    2 people

  • Share photos with participants

  • Send thank-you message

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

  • Tablesqty 24
  • Chairsqty 45
  • Bar stoolsqty 6
  • Foldable tablesqty 4
  • Tableclothsqty 24
  • High tablesqty 4

Equipment

  • Laptopqty 2
  • Printer
  • Payment terminal
  • Cash drawer
  • Speakersqty 2
  • Microphone
  • Extension cordsqty 10
  • Power stripsqty 12
  • USB sticksqty 4
  • Paper shredder

Lighting

  • LED work lightsqty 8
  • Table lampsqty 12
  • String lightsqty 6
  • Cable matsqty 10

Exhibition

  • Display casesqty 6
  • Model standsqty 30
  • Barrier fencesqty 12
  • Acrylic sheetsqty 20
  • Model protective coversqty 20
  • Turntablesqty 8
  • Diorama boardsqty 20
  • Race numbersqty 40
  • Information signsqty 40
  • Rope barrierqty 8

Registration

  • Clipboardsqty 6
  • Name badgesqty 80
  • Wristbandsqty 250
  • Clipboard boardsqty 4
  • Pen setsqty 10
  • Cash box
  • Stampqty 2
  • Lanyardsqty 30

Decorations

  • Balloonsqty 100
  • Buntingqty 8
  • Directional signsqty 20
  • Roll-up bannersqty 3
  • Sticky tackqty 6
  • Painter's tapeqty 10
  • Double-sided tapeqty 6
  • Cable tiesqty 200

Tableware

  • Coffee cupsqty 80
  • Glassesqty 100
  • Platesqty 100
  • Cutlery setsqty 100
  • Serving bowlsqty 12
  • Serving plattersqty 12
  • Coffee potsqty 4
  • Thermos flasksqty 6
  • Pitcherqty 4

Kitchen

  • Coffee machinesqty 2
  • Kettlesqty 2
  • Coolersqty 4
  • Ice cube traysqty 4
  • Cutting boardsqty 3
  • Bread knivesqty 3
  • Serving tongsqty 6
  • Serving spoonsqty 6
  • Bottle openersqty 3
  • Washing-up tubsqty 3
  • Thermos cupsqty 4

Cleaning

  • Broom setsqty 3
  • Floor mopsqty 3
  • Bucketsqty 4
  • Dustpan and brushqty 3
  • Cleaning cart
  • Microfiber clothsqty 20
  • Hand broomsqty 4

Safety

  • Cable rampsqty 8
  • Non-slip matsqty 12
  • Flashlightsqty 4
  • Work glovesqty 12
  • Safety scissorsqty 4

Transport

  • Transport cartsqty 4
  • Moving blanketsqty 20
  • Plastic containersqty 30
  • Ratchet strapsqty 12
  • Bubble wrapqty 4

Catering

  • Groceries

Tips

  • Set the date and publish the programme before opening registrations. Give exhibitors a clear closing date for applications, then allow at least 7 days to process registrations and assign booths.
  • Create the booth floor plan after confirming reservations, not before. Mark tables, display cases, barriers, aisles and power points, and leave enough space for visitors to stop without blocking the route.
  • Send exhibitor information at least 7 days before the exhibition. Include arrival and setup times, booth numbers, judging arrangements, payment details and any limits on display materials.
  • Prepare printed materials in one batch during the final week. Count programme flyers, name badges, stand numbers, route signs, information signs and wristbands against the confirmed participant and volunteer lists.
  • Test the practical setup before exhibitors arrive. Check the printer, payment terminal, microphone, speakers, extension cords, power strips, LED work lights and cable mats, and keep spare USB sticks available for programme files.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a model exhibition?
Start planning at least 8 to 12 weeks before the exhibition. Set the date and programme first, then allow time for registrations, booth assignments, judging, printing and equipment checks.
When should model exhibition registration close?
Close registration about 3 to 4 weeks before the event. This gives you enough time to process applications, collect dietary requirements, confirm reservations and create the booth floor plan.
How many tables do I need for a model exhibition?
Calculate tables from the confirmed booth assignments rather than estimating from visitor numbers. Finalise the layout at least 2 weeks before opening and add a small reserve if the venue allows it.
When should I send information to model exhibitors?
Send the exhibitor pack at least 7 days before setup. Include the booth number, arrival window, floor plan, judging details, contact information and any instructions for protective covers or display cases.

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