Before you hire anyone
- Download the exhibitor manual and list every deadline in one calendar.
- Note the general service contractor, the advance warehouse address, and the move-in and move-out times for your booth.
- Read the display rules for your booth type.
Booth and graphics
- Brief two or three exhibit houses with the same scope. Use our brief builder.
- Approve drawings, then graphics. Ask for printed proofs for brand colors.
- Collect flame-retardant certificates for fabrics and materials.
Show services
- Order electrical, flooring, internet, cleaning, and material handling before the discount deadline.
- File the EAC form and certificate of insurance if your exhibit house installs.
- Order rigging early if you hang a sign.
Freight
- Label every crate and case with the show, booth number, and exhibitor name.
- Ship to the advance warehouse by its deadline or book a direct-to-show slot.
- Keep weights and tracking numbers; material handling is billed by weight.
At the show
- Pack a toolkit: tape, zip ties, scissors, power strips allowed by the show, cleaning cloths, and spare graphics clips.
- Photograph the booth after install for next year's brief.
- Fill in outbound shipping paperwork before the show closes.
Questions
What is an EAC?
An exhibitor-appointed contractor: any company other than the official contractor that works in your booth, such as your exhibit house installers. Most shows require an EAC form and proof of insurance by a deadline.
Advance warehouse or direct to show?
The advance warehouse accepts freight weeks early and delivers it to your booth before you arrive, which lowers risk. Direct-to-show freight must arrive in a set window during move-in. Material handling rates can differ for each.