Start with a clear objective

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Before you arrive at ONS, make sure you are aligned on what you want to achieve.

Think about:

• Who you want to meet
• What you want to be known for
• How you can make the best possible use of your stand

Create a prioritised list of companies, customers and contacts you would like to speak with. Also think carefully about how you want to present yourselves, with a clear message, a strong profile and a stand that is easy to notice.

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Take care of the practicalities early

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A successful ONS week starts with good preparation. Log in to the exhibitor portal well in advance and make sure all necessary orders are in place.

This may include:

• Internet access
• Screens and furniture
• Coffee machines
• Visitor scanning
• Other practical stand requirements

It is also important to think about accommodation early. During ONS, the city fills up quickly and prices can rise fast, so the earlier you start planning, the more options you are likely to have.

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Consider exploring:

• Hotel booking apps
• Hotels
• Airbnb
• Finn.no
• Friends, family or colleagues with accommodation options

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Bring the team together before the event

ONS works best when the whole team knows what they are doing and why. Spend time internally before the exhibition to align people around direction, messaging and stand setup. When more people feel ownership of the plan, the execution is usually much stronger.

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This is also a great opportunity to build team spirit. ONS is a demanding, energetic and social week, and it is a major advantage if the team is aligned before it all begins.

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Stand out without overdoing it

There is a lot of competition for attention at ONS, so your stand needs to spark interest. This can be about:

• Design
• Height
• Colours
• Activity
• Strong visual elements

However, it does not have to mean large budgets. Often, it is the simple, smart ideas that work best. A clever demo, a clear message, a relevant activity or a small detail that creates curiosity can be enough to make people stop.

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At the same time, one important rule applies: less is more. Do not try to say everything at once.
A clear and simple expression is often more effective than a stand that tries to do too much.

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Think meeting place, not just exhibition space

A good stand should not only look good, it should also function well. If possible, create a small meeting area where it is easy to have a quick and meaningful conversation. It does not need to be large or formal, but it can make the stand much more useful in practice.

It can also be smart to create activity at the stand throughout the week.

For example:

• Short talks
• Small presentations
• Professional conversations
• Simple demonstrations

These activities can attract people and bring more life to the stand.

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People make the difference

A successful stand depends to a large extent on the people working on it. Choose people who not only have relevant expertise, but who also want to be present and engaged. At ONS, energy, presence and initiative matter.

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Bring your company experts if possible. They add credibility, depth and stronger professional conversations. That can be exactly what makes a customer choose to stay a little longer.

Make sure you also create a staffing plan that works throughout the week. You need enough people on the stand, while still allowing time for meetings, customer visits and participation in other activities.

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And remember the most important thing: do not spend too much time standing around talking to colleagues at the stand. Customers and contacts should always be the main focus.

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Invite people in

Do not wait for the right people to show up by chance. Invite customers and contacts to your stand both before and during ONS.

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The most important meetings often happen because someone took the initiative.

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Use the full ONS experience

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ONS is not only about the stand. Make active use of the conference programme as well. It offers professional insight, new perspectives and great meeting places for both existing and new relationships.

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Use the week to gain inspiration too:

• See what others are doing
• Learn from the industry
• Connect with new people

ONS is an arena for both visibility and development.

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When the day ends, the opportunities continue

When the exhibition area closes for the day, ONS continues through ONS+ in the city centre. Here, the industry comes together in a more informal setting, with events, conversations and social meeting places every evening.

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This is an important part of the overall experience. So do not just plan the stand, plan the entire week. You may also want to invite customers to:

• A gathering
• A meal
• An event during ONS+

At the same time, remember that this is a working week. Do not use up all your energy too early. It is easy to get carried away, but it is just as important to stay sharp and ready for the next morning.

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After ONS, the follow-up begins

Once the week is over, it is important to follow up quickly. Reach out to new contacts, be clear about next steps and make sure good meetings actually lead somewhere.

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Also set aside time for an internal evaluation:

• What worked well?
• What could be improved?
• What should you do differently next time?

The best exhibitors use their experience actively and come back even stronger next time.

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A few simple things to remember

• Do not try to communicate too much at once
• Do not assume that a large budget is the only way to create impact
• Do not spend your time at the stand mainly talking with colleagues
• Do not forget to invite customers and contacts to your stand
• Do not underestimate the importance of preparing your stand team well
• Enjoy the social side, but do not drink too much, and remember to stay hydrated

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In short

The exhibitors who get the most out of ONS are usually the ones who prepare well, bring the team together, think broadly and make active use of everything the arena has to offer. ONS is not just stand space, it is a week full of opportunities.

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Welcome to Stavanger, and best of luck with your planning.