How We Nearly Blew It at Our First Exhibition (And What We Learned Along the Way)
As a young company navigating the world of immersive design, exhibiting at Museum Connections Paris 2025 was a huge milestone for us. It was our first proper exhibition—an opportunity to showcase our work, meet like-minded individuals, and hopefully spark meaningful connections with potential clients. But like all great adventures, it came with its fair share of chaos, drama, and… valuable lessons. Here’s a peek behind the curtain at our whirlwind journey and what we learned along the way.
The Backdrop Fiasco
One week to do everything. We found out late that we were able to be a part of the exhibition, which meant every task was packed into just a few days. It all started with our booth backdrop—a crucial element for us as an immersive design company. This wasn’t just any backdrop; it featured an AR experience to showcase our capabilities.
The design was finalised just a week before we flew out, and we trusted a printing company to deliver it on time to me (Harshi) in London and then when that wasn’t going to happen, to Paris on setup day. What followed was a comedy of errors: missed deliveries, a tracking number leading us to a random grocery store, frantic calls to DHL (shoutout to Missy and Pooja for their persistence), and a lot of last-minute scrambling. To add to the drama, we learned that deliveries to the exhibition venue were only permitted during a specific time window, so timing was everything. With every new update, we felt like we were on a treasure hunt or trapped in an escape room, piecing together a puzzle while the clock was ticking. All of this unfolded while running on barely any sleep and logging over 21,000 steps on the first day alone—the chaos was real.
By 8 PM on setup day, after navigating countless metro rides and carrying a 1m-long tube of backup prints, we finally had everything in place. Of course, it wasn’t without its challenges. At one point, we accidentally exited the metro and panicked, realising we’d need to buy another set of tickets. Just as panic set in, a kind stranger noticed our distress and held the doors open, giving us just enough time to dash back inside. That fleeting moment of kindness reminded us that even in the middle of chaos, people can make all the difference.
And finally, by 9:30 PM, just half an hour before setup was meant to end, we had done it! Did we sweat? Absolutely. Did we rely on the incredible generosity of fellow exhibitors who lent us scissors and ladders? You bet. Despite all the hurdles, the kindness we encountered made the chaotic start unforgettable. And, thankfully, when it came time to test our tech, it worked perfectly. No glitches, and no troubleshooting—just smooth, immersive AR demos that made all the chaos worthwhile.
The Exhibition Experience
The next two days were all about putting our best foot forward, meeting new people, and showing off what we do best. Here are some of our key takeaways:
Helpful Exhibitors Make All the Difference: Despite language barriers and setup stress, the camaraderie among exhibitors was heartwarming. We exchanged tips, tools, and laughs, which made the experience much more enjoyable.
Overcoming the Language Barrier: We quickly learned that not everyone spoke English, so we adapted on the fly. By the second half of the first day, we had a translated sign on our iPad inviting visitors to discover augmented reality for their venues. Later, we translated key documents into French to make conversations smoother.
Plan for Pre-Booked Meetings: In the early hours, most visitors seemed to have pre-scheduled meetings and didn’t browse much. Next time, we’ll aim to book more meetings in advance to ensure steady engagement from the start
The Power of a Great Backdrop: While some exhibitors could connect over shared languages, our vibrant, AR-enabled backdrop did the talking for us. It intrigued visitors and sparked conversations about our work.
Not Everyone Loves Freebies: We brought along pens and Scottish shortbread as giveaways, assuming they’d be a hit. To our surprise, most attendees politely declined them. (although, no British declined the shortbreads).
It’s All About Connections: Beyond meeting potential clients, we connected with so many like-minded individuals who may not convert immediately but offered valuable insights, feedback, and even future collaboration opportunities.
What We Learned
Always Have a Backup Plan: Whether it’s a missing parcel or last-minute tech issues, having a plan B can save the day (and your sanity).
Adaptability Is Key: Whether it’s overcoming language barriers or rethinking your strategy on the spot, staying flexible is a superpower.
Network, Network, Network: Exhibitions aren’t just about pitching your product. They’re about building relationships—both personal and professional—that could open doors down the line.
A Huge Thank You
To everyone who stopped by our booth, lent us a helping hand, or simply shared a friendly smile—thank you. Museum Connections Paris was an unforgettable experience for us, and it wouldn’t have been the same without you. We’re already looking forward to the next one, armed with lessons learned and plenty of enthusiasm.
A big thank you to the hosts as well, the exhibition was so well organised. From free coffee and water bottles to an on-site Paul Café and the cutest tote bags, we felt right at home.
If you’re a young company preparing for your first exhibition, know this: it’ll be chaotic, thrilling, and, above all, worth it. And if all else fails, pack a good pair of walking shoes and a big smile—you’ll need them!
Ready to explore how augmented reality can transform your venue? Let’s bring your vision to life. Whether you’re looking to enhance visitor experiences or dive into immersive design, we’re here to help. Contact us here and let’s start creating something extraordinary!
Also don’t forget to check out our flagship product at www.historiscope.co!
Written by Harshi Chandwani and a trusted AI Assisstant :)