Upcoming Trade Show Season Checklist

Trade show season approaches fast and the difference between a successful event and a stressful one often comes down to preparation. Whether you’re exhibiting at one show or ten, having a clear trade show checklist can help you avoid last-minute issues, protect your investment, and maximize ROI on the show floor.

At Best Displays and Graphics, we help exhibitors prepare for trade shows of all sizes with custom displays, modular solutions, graphics, and logistics support. Use this complete trade show preparation checklist to make sure your booth, branding, and planning are dialed in well before move-in day.

 

1. Confirm Your Trade Show Goals

Before you finalize booth design or graphics, define what success looks like for your team.

Ask yourself:

• Are you focused on lead generation, brand awareness, or product launches?
• How many qualified leads justify the investment?
• What action should attendees take at your booth?

Clear goals help Best Displays design displays that support your objectives, not just fill floor space.

2. Review Your Current Trade Show Display

Many exhibitors reuse their booth year after year without evaluating its effectiveness.

Checklist:

• Are your graphics up to date with current branding?
• Does your booth stand out visually from competitors?
• Are there signs of wear, damage, or outdated technology?
• Does the layout encourage conversation and engagement?

If your display is more than 3–5 years old, a refresh from Best Displays can dramatically improve visibility and lead flow.

3. Assess Booth Size and Layout

Your booth should work for both your marketing goals and your staff.

Consider:

• Is your booth size appropriate for expected traffic?
• Do you have space for demos, meetings, or storage?
• Is the booth open and inviting from multiple aisles?

Best Displays specializes in modular trade show displays that adapt to different booth sizes and layouts, ideal for companies exhibiting at multiple events.

4. Update Graphics and Messaging

Your booth messaging should be understood in three seconds or less.

Checklist:

• One clear headline that explains what you do and who you serve
• Minimal text with strong visual hierarchy
• High-resolution images and professional printing
• Consistent branding across all booth elements

High-quality trade show graphics printed by Best Displays ensures your brand looks sharp and professional under show lighting.

5. Plan for Shipping, Storage, and Logistics

Trade show logistics are one of the most common sources of stress and unexpected costs.

Make sure you:

• Confirm advance warehouse and direct-to-show deadlines
• Inspect shipping cases and hardware
• Clearly label all crates
• Arrange post-show storage if needed

Best Displays and Graphics offers support with trade show logistics, helping clients avoid costly delays and onsite issues.

6. Prepare Your Booth Staff

A well-designed booth only works if your staff is ready to engage.

Checklist:

• Assign roles (greeter, presenter, closer)
• Train staff on key messaging and lead qualification
• Set expectations for appearance and booth behavior
• Schedule breaks to maintain energy

Your booth design from Best Displays should support natural conversations, not block them.

7. Plan Engagement and Lead Capture

Make it easy for attendees to interact with your brand and capture leads efficiently.

Ideas include:

• Product demos or interactive displays
• Giveaways tied to lead capture
• QR codes linking to landing pages
• Digital lead retrieval tools

Displays designed by Best Displays can incorporate monitors, counters, and storage to support engagement strategies.

8. Schedule a Pre-Show Booth Inspection

Avoid surprises by reviewing everything before shipping.

Before your booth leaves the warehouse:

• Assemble the booth or review setup photos
• Test lighting and hardware
• Confirm all components are included

At Best Displays we recommend a pre-show inspection to ensure your booth arrives show ready.

9. Create a Post-Show Follow-Up Plan

Trade show ROI is determined after the show ends.

Checklist:

• Assign responsibility for follow-up
• Prepare email templates ahead of time
• Segment leads by priority
• Follow up within 48–72 hours

A strong follow-up plan ensures your investment in a trade show display delivers long-term value.

 

Get Trade Show Ready with Best Displays

Trade show preparation doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right checklist and the right partner, you can approach every event with confidence.

If you’re unsure whether your current booth is performing at its best, Best Displays and Graphics can help evaluate, refresh, or redesign your trade show display for the upcoming season.