The most important ingredient in preparing for a tradeshow is having a remarkable message and a beautiful booth fixture to display that message. The hot and burning question is: how much time do I have to get a tradeshow booth made?   Here are some general rules of thumb:

You will need about a total of 60 DAYS for a pre-designed booth.

You will need about a total of 90 DAYS if you are starting from scratch.

CONSULTATION & DESIGN:  up to 2 weeks

Things you must consider when starting from scratch.   Who is my target audience and what message do I want to convey to them at THIS particular show?  Will I be researching out my own stock images on-line or will I pay a turnkey company to do manage my trade show booth production?  Do I wish to use stock photography or custom made images for the final design?

 BOOTH FIXTURE:

If you are re-using an existing booth, that will save you time.

A new kit booth off the shelf takes about 15 business days.

A custom booth, production & shipping will take about 35 business days.

 GRAPHICS PRODUCTION: 7 business days

For fabric graphics, which need to be printed, transferred, sewn and finished will take 7 business days.  For traditional printing and laminating, it could take slightly more; allow for up to 10 business days depending on the complexity of the project.

 FINAL REVIEW TIME: to be done at least one week before shipping!

Allow in your schedule one week to view the final booth dressed for final walk through. This will allow for any adjustments that might need to be made.

SHIPPING TIMES:

And finally, depending on your starting location to the final destination, you should allow for at least one week for shipping.

BEWARE: This entire schedule should be adjusted to sending out the week before the exhibit warehouse locks. Sometimes the warehouse locks one to two weeks before the show opening. Always read the exhibition hall’s manual for exact dates.