From sketch to show floor
- Brief: booth size, goals, products, meeting space, storage, and budget.
- Design: renderings, then construction drawings and graphic templates.
- Build: CNC routing, carpentry, metal frames, paint, lighting, and graphics.
- Pre-staging: a test assembly in the shop so problems are found before move-in.
- Ship, install, dismantle, and return to storage or recycle.
Show-floor rules that shape the design
Every show publishes height limits, line-of-sight rules for inline booths, and rules for island and peninsula booths. Hanging signs need show approval and are hung by the show's rigging contractor. Multi-level and covered booths often need plan review by the fire marshal. Read the exhibitor manual before design starts, not after.
Custom versus rental
Custom builds suit exhibitors who show often with the same footprint and want a distinct look. Rentals suit first-time exhibitors, one-off shows, and companies who do not want storage costs. Hybrid booths mix a rental structure with custom counters and graphics.
What to ask a shop
- Will you pre-stage the booth before it ships?
- Who files exhibitor-appointed contractor (EAC) paperwork?
- How do you package graphics and finishes for desert heat in transit?
- What does storage cost per month after the show?
Questions
Do I have to use the show's contractor to install my booth?
Not always. Many shows let you hire an exhibitor-appointed contractor if you file the form by the deadline. The rules are in the exhibitor manual.
What is pre-staging?
A full test assembly in the fabricator's shop. It catches missing parts and fit problems before you pay show labor rates.