The Ultimate Trade Show Checklist: 30 Days Before to Show Day
Don't leave your trade show success to chance. This day-by-day checklist ensures you're fully prepared — from ordering your display to packing your booth accessories.
Why Every Exhibitor Needs a Trade Show Checklist
The average trade show involves 47 individual tasks across planning, logistics, and execution. Missing even one — like forgetting your display lighting or shipping to the wrong dock — can cost you an entire show. This checklist breaks down everything you need to do from 30 days out to show day, so nothing falls through the cracks.
30 Days Out: Order and Confirm
Order your trade show exhibit system if you haven't already — standard delivery is 3-5 business days with free shipping. Confirm booth space assignment with the show organizer. Submit custom graphic artwork for printing. Order business cards, brochures, and giveaways. Book hotel and travel for your team. Review the exhibitor manual for setup times and restrictions.
14 Days Out: Prepare and Ship
Inspect your display — check all frame connectors, test LED lights, inspect graphics for wrinkles or damage. Pack everything in your display case with a detailed inventory checklist. Ship advance freight to the convention center warehouse. Confirm shipping labels include show name, booth number, and exhibitor company name. Brief your booth staff on key messaging and lead capture procedures.
3 Days Out: Final Preparations
Confirm advance freight delivery with the show's general services contractor. Pack a 'booth essentials' carry bag with cable ties, tape, scissors, business cards, tablet for lead capture, phone chargers, and snacks. Print your booth layout diagram showing where every element goes. Review your setup guide one more time. Charge all electronic devices.
Show Day: Setup and Execute
Arrive at least 1 hour before setup deadline. Locate your freight and verify all cases arrived. Set up your booth package following the layout diagram — most displays assemble in 10-30 minutes. Mount TV stands and position lighting. Test all electronics. Take a photo of your completed booth. Greet visitors with energy and confidence — your display is doing the heavy lifting. Start your trade show planning on the ExhibitBossPro homepage.
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