International Shipping

ten by 10

We asked 10 exhibit-industry experts for their opinions and advice on international shipping.


"Don't assume that shipping to one country is the same as shipping to another." – Kelli Steckbauer, director, global business, MG Design Associates Corp. 1 "Don't look at just the costs to move a shipment. Look at all the pieces of the international exhibit pie to ensure your booth is delivered to the show site on time and intact." – Dorene Kolb, director, marketing and sales support, Lynden Inc. 5	2 "Using FedEx or UPS to ship internationally is not the same as if the shipment was going to a U.S. show. You still need to follow customs entry formalities." – Jeanine Swan, owner and president, Global Exhibit Management 6 "If exhibitors don't allow enough time for their shipments to clear customs, it can lead to higher costs and missed shows." – Kati Box, senior account manager, Transit Air Cargo Inc. 9 "I have had all of my exhibits built in the show's host country because there was too great a chance of something going wrong with international shipping." – Cindy McCormick, CTSM, senior manager, convention marketing, Norvo Nordisk A/S	"Take control of the process. Left to their own devices, everyone in the supply chain will take advantage of your inexperience as a first-time international shipper." – Leslie August, senior vice president, Boomerang Carnets 3 "Work with people who have been there and done that; trust the professionals." – Sean Roberts, founder, Standingstonez 7	4 "Local knowledge is key; customs can vary from region to region and country to country." – Russ Schamun, vice president, business development, Ceva Logistics U.S. Inc. 8 "Involve your logistics team at the planning stage, not at the end when goods are already packaged for shipping." – John Wakely, director, event services, EEI Global Inc. 10 "A good shipping company should provide the exhibitor with all the information he or she needs to ensure proper documentation for exporting and importing." – Jon Powell, vice president, Craters & Freighters