How to Maintain and Store Your Trade Show Exhibit for Longevity

A well-designed trade show exhibit is a significant investment, and like any valuable asset, it requires proper care to ensure it lasts for many shows to come. After all the time and money spent creating a custom booth, you want to make sure it looks just as great at the tenth show as it did at the first. By following best practices for exhibit maintenance and storage, you can protect your investment and extend its lifespan.

Here’s how to maintain and store your trade show exhibit to keep it in top condition for years of successful shows.

1. Post-Show Inspection: Catch Problems Early

Once the trade show is over, don’t rush to pack your exhibit away. A thorough post-show inspection can help you catch any wear and tear or damage before it gets worse. This is especially important if your exhibit is reused frequently or travels to multiple shows.

Check for Damage: Inspect all components of the exhibit for signs of wear, such as scratches, dents, or cracks in the materials. Pay extra attention to high-traffic areas like counters, shelving, and display walls.
Graphics Review: Ensure that printed graphics are still vibrant and free of damage. If any panels are fading or scratched, consider reprinting them before the next show.
Test Electrical Components: Check lighting, screens, and any other electrical components to ensure they’re working properly. Replace burned-out bulbs or malfunctioning equipment as needed.

By catching small issues early, you can repair them before they become larger, more expensive problems.

2. Proper Cleaning: Keep It Looking Fresh

Your exhibit goes through a lot during a trade show, with countless attendees touching, walking through, and interacting with it. To keep your exhibit looking fresh and professional, it’s important to clean it thoroughly after each use.

Wipe Down Surfaces: Use a soft cloth and non-abrasive cleaner to wipe down all surfaces, including counters, shelves, and walls. This will help remove dirt, fingerprints, and smudges.
Vacuum Flooring: If your exhibit includes carpet or flooring, vacuum it to remove dirt and debris that accumulated during the show.
Clean Graphics: Use a gentle cleaner to wipe down graphic panels. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage or fade the print.

Regular cleaning helps maintain your exhibit’s visual appeal and ensures it’s ready for the next event.

3. Address Repairs Immediately

If any part of your exhibit is damaged, don’t wait until the next trade show to address it. Small damages can quickly worsen if left untreated, leading to higher repair costs and potential disruptions during your next event.

Repair Structural Components: Fix any cracks, dents, or other damage to the structure of your exhibit as soon as possible. If needed, consult a professional to ensure the repair is done properly and safely.
Replace Worn or Damaged Graphics: If any graphics are damaged or outdated, replace them before your next event. Clean, fresh graphics are key to maintaining a professional appearance.
Fix Electrical Issues: If any lighting or electronic components aren’t working, replace them right away. This will prevent last-minute panic before your next show.

Timely repairs ensure that your exhibit stays in top condition and prevents minor issues from becoming major headaches down the line.

4. Packing and Shipping: Protect Your Exhibit in Transit

Your exhibit is subjected to rough handling during shipping, so proper packing is essential to prevent damage. When preparing your exhibit for transport, be sure to pack it securely and carefully.

Use Protective Packaging: Pack fragile components, such as screens or graphics, with protective materials like foam, bubble wrap, or custom crates to prevent damage during transit.
Label Components: Clearly label each component of the exhibit so it’s easy to identify and assemble on-site. This will help reduce setup time at the next event.
Secure Items Properly: Ensure that all items are tightly secured in crates or boxes so they don’t shift around during shipping, which can cause damage.

Careful packing helps ensure that your exhibit arrives at each show in the same great condition in which it left.

5. Climate-Controlled Storage: Keep Your Exhibit Safe Between Shows

Between trade shows, your exhibit needs to be stored in a safe environment to prevent damage from the elements. Improper storage conditions can lead to issues like warping, mold, or fading, which can drastically shorten the life of your exhibit.

Choose Climate-Controlled Storage: Store your exhibit in a climate-controlled facility that protects it from extreme temperatures, humidity, and moisture. This is especially important for materials like wood, fabric, and electronics, which can be easily damaged by the environment.
Organized Storage: Keep your exhibit components organized in clearly labeled crates or boxes, so they’re easy to find and transport for future shows.
Inspect Before Storing: Before storing your exhibit, do a final check to make sure all components are accounted for and in good condition. Proper organization will save time and stress when you’re preparing for the next trade show.

Storing your exhibit in a safe, controlled environment helps ensure it stays in great shape between events.

6. Planning for Future Use: Make Updates as Needed

Your trade show exhibit is an evolving asset, and as your business grows or changes, so should your exhibit. Periodically review your exhibit to ensure it still aligns with your brand and messaging.

Update Graphics: If your branding, logo, or key messages have changed, update your graphics to reflect your current identity.
Modify the Layout: If you’ve found that certain areas of your booth are underused or crowded, consider modifying the layout to improve attendee flow and engagement.
Add New Features: Incorporate new technology or interactive elements to keep your exhibit fresh and engaging.

Making periodic updates helps ensure that your exhibit continues to meet your business needs and stands out at future shows.

Conclusion: Protect Your Investment with Proper Maintenance and Storage

Your trade show exhibit is a valuable marketing tool, and with proper maintenance and storage, it can last for many years of successful events. By inspecting, cleaning, repairing, and storing your exhibit carefully, you’ll protect your investment and ensure that it continues to make a strong impression at every trade show.

At Xtreme Exhibits, we offer full-service exhibit maintenance and climate-controlled storage to keep your booth in top shape. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you extend the life of your exhibit and keep it looking great for years to come!