What to Do With Your Exhibit Between Shows: Maintenance, Upgrades, and Storage Tips

Trade shows are high-energy, high-impact events, but what happens to your booth once the lights go down and the crates are sealed? Your exhibit represents a significant investment, and how you handle it between shows can make all the difference in its lifespan, performance, and return on investment. However, this is the one part of the process that many people don’t think about! 

Whether you exhibit a few times a year or on a national circuit, there are things you can do in between to keep your booth in top shape. Let’s cover what they are and how IGE Group can help! 

Inspect and Repair Immediately After the Show

Once your exhibit is dismantled, schedule a thorough inspection before it goes into storage. Even if your booth appeared flawless on the show floor, small issues can go unnoticed until teardown, such as scuffed panels, missing hardware, damaged lighting, or worn-out graphics.

When you partner with an exhibit provider like IGE Group, you’ll get a post-show evaluation. One of our team members will assess the condition of your exhibit, identify necessary repairs, and take the next steps to ensure your display is ready to shine at your next event. 

Store It Properly to Protect Your Investment

Where you store your exhibit matters. Climate-controlled, secure storage facilities protect against humidity, dust, temperature swings, and accidental damage, all of which can degrade materials over time.

At IGE Group, we offer professional exhibit storage solutions with easy access, detailed inventory management, and optional maintenance services. That way, you don’t have to worry about finding space in your office or losing parts between shows.

Take the Opportunity to Upgrade Strategically

Between shows is the perfect window to make improvements. Ask yourself: Do the graphics still align with your branding and messaging? Could your layout be more functional? Is there a new product or service you want to showcase?

Updating graphics, adding digital displays, or reconfiguring your layout can breathe new life into your existing exhibit without the cost of a full rebuild. On average, people refresh their exhibits after 3-5 years, but you may want to be on the earlier side of this if your brand has recently evolved, your exhibit no longer fits your needs, or you want to add new features and technologies. 

Clean and Repack Thoughtfully

Don’t just pack up your booth as-is. Clean each component thoroughly, label all crates, and organize parts so they’re easy to find later. This saves your team serious time (and frustration) when the next event comes around. 

Since taking apart each piece and packing away everything carefully takes time, you can outsource this to IGE Group. We have more than two decades of experience packing, shipping, and storing trade show components, so you can expect your booth to be taken care of to the highest standards. Let us worry about logistics while you worry about getting home safely and connecting with leads. 

Plan Ahead for Your Next Event

Use the downtime to your advantage. Confirm your next show’s floor plan, booth space, and audience. Then, determine whether your current setup works or if it needs tweaks to better serve your goals. This foresight helps you avoid last-minute surprises and ensures a seamless show experience. 

Let IGE Group Take Care of It

At IGE Group, we do more than build exhibits—we maintain, store, upgrade, and manage them, too. Our team is here to help you maximize the value of your investment by keeping your exhibit in excellent condition between shows.

Want a custom maintenance plan or storage quote? Contact us today at 800-557-1227 and let’s make your next show even better than the last.