Cybersecurity at Trade Shows

Blue and white ReelPower trade show booth display

You’ve spent weeks preparing your trade show booth, polishing your presentations, and lining up your best team. The last thing you want is to have all that effort compromised because of a cybersecurity breach. Trade shows are exciting but also high-risk environments for hackers looking to steal data, access devices, or compromise your attendees’ information.

As a leader in trade shows, Southeast Exhibits & Events, serving Atlanta, Las Vegas, and Orlando, we understand the importance of keeping your booth and information secure. Let’s go over what you need to know about cybersecurity at trade shows and the steps you can take to protect your data.

The Risks You Might Not See

When you’re busy setting up, engaging with visitors, or giving demos, it’s easy to forget that trade shows can be magnets for cyber threats. Here are some of the most common issues:

  • Public Wi-Fi Is Risky – Using an open network for transactions makes it easy for hackers to intercept your information.
  • Shared Devices and Kiosks – Tablets, interactive displays, or demo stations may store attendee details or payment information, making them perfect targets for cybercriminals.
  • Outdated Devices – Old laptops, phones, or software with missing security updates are vulnerable to attacks.
  • Phishing and Social Engineering – Scammers may target your team through email, text, or by posing as visitors to steal information.

Why Protecting Your Information Matters

Protecting your information at trade shows safeguards your reputation, clients, and business. If sensitive data is leaked:

  • Client Information Could Be Compromised – Attendee names, emails, and payment information can fall into the wrong hands. This can harm your clients and your reputation. Also, there are laws on how this information has to be used and stored.
  • Your Business Reputation Is at Risk – A data breach can make your company appear careless or unprofessional.
  • Financial Consequences – Data breaches can result in costly fines, legal liabilities, or lost business opportunities.
  • Competitive Advantage Could Be Lost – Proprietary product information, trade secrets, or strategic plans could be exposed to competitors.

How to Protect Your Data at Trade Shows

These best practices for cybersecurity at exhibitions are designed to help you stay secure at the trade show:

1. Protect Your Devices and Networks

This is the first step in protecting your data and your client’s information. Here are some tips:

  • Use Encrypted Connections – Always connect devices to password-protected networks. If you must use public Wi-Fi, use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your data.
  • Enable Multi-Factor Authentication – They can be annoying, but MFA adds an extra layer of security, requiring more than just a password to access critical systems.
  • Keep Software Updated – Install the latest updates and patches for all devices, software, and apps before the event.

Checklist for exhibitors:

  • Bring only devices that have updated security software.
  • Use strong, unique passwords for each account.
  • Keep personal and work devices separate to reduce exposure.

2. Secure Sensitive Information

Don’t collect information you don’t need, and make sure the data you do have is protected from cyberthreats. Here are some tips:

  • Limit Data Collection – Collect only the data you truly need from attendees, such as name and email, rather than sensitive personal or financial information.
  • Store Data Safely – Keep data encrypted and avoid storing it on unsecured devices or public cloud services.
  • Train Your Team – Teach staff how to recognize phishing attempts and suspicious emails, as well as how to lock devices when unattended. You can do fun little challenges and see if they spot the scam.

Checklist for exhibitors:

  • Create a secure folder for attendee data on encrypted devices.
  • Use tablets or apps with built-in security for lead collection.
  • Regularly back up critical data before and after the event.

3. Vet Third-Party Technology

Many booths rely on external vendors for apps, kiosks, or digital experiences. Each third-party system can introduce vulnerabilities.

  • Check Vendor Security Practices – Ask vendors about encryption, data storage, and access policies.
  • Limit Vendor Access – Only allow vendors to access the parts of your system necessary for their service.
  • Monitor Systems – Keep an eye on digital platforms during the show for unusual activity.

Checklist for exhibitors:

  • Choose vendors with proven cybersecurity protocols.
  • Require signed agreements on data handling and privacy.
  • Audit third-party devices before they go live on your booth network.

4. Design a Secure Booth

Physical booth design can also support cybersecurity:

  • Use Protected Interactive Displays – Digital kiosks and displays should encrypt any data collected from visitors.
  • Monitor Your Network – Regularly review network activity at your booth to spot anomalies.
  • Provide Safe Charging Stations – Offer isolated charging stations to prevent unauthorized access to devices.

Checklist for exhibitors:

  • Avoid connecting booth devices to public charging ports.
  • Position digital displays in secure areas to limit tampering.
  • Train staff to log off devices when leaving the booth.

5. Prepare for Potential Breaches

Even with precautions, incidents can happen. Having a plan reduces downtime and potential damage.

  • Create an Incident Response Plan – Outline steps for staff to follow if a breach occurs.
  • Have IT Support on Call – Ensure a technical team can respond quickly to security issues.
  • Communicate With Stakeholders – Know how and when to notify clients or attendees if sensitive data is compromised.

Checklist for exhibitors:

  • Conduct a pre-show briefing on breach protocols.
  • Assign specific team members to manage IT emergencies.
  • Maintain an offline backup of critical data in case of a cyberattack.

Partner With Southeast Exhibits & Events

Southeast Exhibits & Events designs booths that combine creativity and security. From design and fabrication to on-site support, we’ll help you understand how to protect your data at trade shows. Contact us to design a secure, high-impact trade show booth in Atlanta, Las Vegas, or Orlando.