Gang Box for Trade Shows

A Gang box is a term commonly used by exhibitors as an emergency kit when out on the road at every trade show.  The items contained in a gang box are things a seasoned exhibitor would never leave home without. Experience teaches you exactly what is right for you while on the road at trade shows but we can give you a head start with a list of things that many exhibitors carry.

Make a list, check it twice and then check it again. You will be glad you did when you are an hour away from the show opening and discover how much you are about to pay for something as small as a “cleaning kit”. You also want to remember to write down things you have forgotten, while at the show, so you will remember to bring them next time. Experience comes into play here again. Trust me, after you pay some exuberant prices for items that you could have easily brought ahead of time, you will get the hang of it.

The more things you can purchase locally (and in bulk) and bring with you the better. It is always better to bring items with you than to buy them after you get to the show.

Your basic gang box should include:

• Scissors
• Stapler with extra staples and staple remover
• Adhesive tape dispensers with regular and double-sided tape
• Solar-powered hand calculator
• Box of black pens
• Mechanical pencil with eraser
• Highlighter pen
• Black felt tip markers
• Assortment of stick-on notepads and message pads
• Hand held paper punch
• Glue stick
• Superglue
• White correction fluid
• Breath mints
• Hand sanitizer
• Kleenex
• Fingernail clipper and file
• Tweezers (use for removing crate splinters)
• Mini sewing kit
• Small box with assortment of the usual office supplies (paper clips, binder clips, rubber bands)
• Mini first aid kit (include Tylenol, ibuprofen, allergy medication and eye drops)
• Shoe insoles (this is not a good time to try out a new pair of shoes)
• Stain removing pen

A larger gang box will include:

• Phillips and flathead screwdrivers – or a multi-purpose tool
• Regular and needle-nosed pliers
• Small claw hammer
• Measuring tape
• Small flashlight
• Assortment of batteries
• Small level (for hanging graphics)
• Felt tip markers for repairs or touch up
• Clear fishing line
• Exacto knife with extra blades or other cutting tools
• Paper towels
• All purpose cleaner
• Disposable camera
• Adhesive remover
• Assortment of Ziploc plastic bags
• Small staple gun with staples
• Extra light bulbs for your exhibit (you never know when they will go out)
• Fabric cleaner
• Hook an loop fasteners

Super size gang box should include:

• Extra connectors specific to your exhibit
• Extra screws, bolts and wing nuts
• Extra set of exhibit set up prints
• Spray carpet cleaner
• Spray Mount Artist’s adhesive
• Mega Cleaning roller and refill (for around $11.00 this lint roller will help spot clean your booth area before the show and throughout)
• Masking tape
• Gaffers tape
• Double sided carpet tape
• Clear packing tape
• Electrical tape
• Portable strapping kit
• Rolls of hook and loop fabric fasteners
• Black stretch wrap
• Plastic sheeting to keep your carpet clean during set up
• WD-40

Everyone’s kit will have a lot of the same things but you will need to pack accordingly for your individual situation.