Trade Shows and Wheel Chairs

I was perusing an old friend's site the other day, Julia O'Connor- trade show expert extraordinaire, and came across this nugget. It's importance shouldn't be eschewed. Two of my good friends are confined to wheel chairs and they've educated me over the years on the dos and donts as it pertains to awareness of their surroundings.

We are all attentive of the hard work inherent in a trade show, but that hard work is magnified for attendees who may use a wheelchair. Below are just a few of Julia's tips... take them to heart. Do yourself a favor and read Julia's entire article; for it will assist you with wheel chair intel and life experiences as they apply to those in wheel chairs.

1. Those in the chairs know they are in the chairs. It’s your responsibility to make them as comfortable in your space as any other visitor. Quick no-no -- don’t gawk.
2. These days, wheelchairs are smaller and allow more mobility. Watch out for them as they zip around the corners and scoot out of elevators.
3. It’s important to maintain eye contact, as with any visitor, but rather than hunching over, pull up a chair so you’re both at the same eye level and have a normal conversation.
4. Just as people with vision problem may have a person with them as a guide, so too may people in chairs. While it’s polite to acknowledge the guide, address your comments to the visitor, not the guide.
5. If you’re showing video, using a computer or have a demonstration at a 40" height, be able to adjust it for people in a wheelchair or who may not be able to see at that height. In a double deck exhibit? Have a duplicate on both floors.
6. Make sure aisles are wide and clear, chair and table legs don’t angle out and there are no sharp edges on the exhibitu, accessories or free-standing graphics

A Smash Hit Displays tries to be aware of our surroundings at every trade show. To be prepared for your upcoming show take a few moments to read our Trade Show Tips section on our site. The articles will give you a leg up on your competition and give you the necessary information needed to maximize your show experience.