Spring isn’t just for cleaning out closets and garages – it’s high season for trade show booths too! If your exhibit has been through a whirlwind of events (or collected some dust in storage), now’s the time to freshen it up. A little maintenance can go a long way to ensure your booth looks sharp, functions flawlessly, and most importantly, attracts all the right attention on the show floor.
Before you roll up to your next event, here is our official Trade Show Exhibit Spring Cleaning Checklist to keep your brand looking its best.
Check Graphics & Messaging
Your booth’s graphics are your first impression—if they’re dull, damaged, or outdated, your brand’s impact takes a hit. Time for a check-up:
- Fading, discoloration, or washed-out prints
- Scratches, creases, or peeling edges
- Messaging that’s older than your last business card order.
If your visuals are looking tired, swap in fresh banners, update key messages, or add eye-catching elements to keep things engaging. And while you’re at it, make sure your branding reflects your latest colors, fonts, and offerings. Are your key services and taglines still relevant? Are you using QR codes or interactive elements to engage attendees? A quick refresh ensures your booth speaks to today’s audience.
Check out our previous blog on all things graphics.
Test Lighting & Tech
Nothing kills the vibe faster than flickering lights or a screen that refuses to power up. Before your next showtime, check:
- Overhead and accent lighting – are all the bulbs shining bright?
- Screens and digital displays – any dead pixels or ghosting?
- Charging station and interactive tech – everything powering up and glitch-free?
A well-lit booth is an inviting booth. Don’t let a simple tech fail dim your shine!
Give It a Deep Clean
Let’s be real – your exhibit has seen a lot. Between sticky fingers, spilled coffee (or cocktails – no judgement) and foot traffic galore, it needs a refresh. Time to:
- Wipe down counters, walls and display surfaces (yes even those corners you pretend no one sees!)
- Spot clean fabrics and replace anything that’s looking worse for the wear
- Polish metal finishes and sanitize high-touch areas
A clean booth = a welcoming booth. If it looks (or smells) like it’s been through one too many shows, attendees will notice.
Restock and Reorganize Supplies
Running out of promo materials mid-show? Rookie mistake. Avoid the scramble by:
- Checking inventories on brochures, business cards, and giveaways
- Restocking pens, notepads and other booth essentials
- Organizing storage areas so everything is within easy reach
A stocked and organized booth means no last-minute panic, and no awkward “sorry we ran out” moments.
Freshen Up & Stand Out
If after all the dusting and decluttering, your booth just feels… meh, it might be time for an upgrade! Ask yourself:
- Is our exhibit still stopping people in their tracks?
- Are competitors’ booths looking way more exciting than ours?
- Would new design elements, tech, or layout improvements boost engagement?
A refresh doesn’t have to mean a total rebuild—sometimes, strategic updates are all you need to make your booth feel brand new. If you’re looking for some inspo on when to refurbish and when to redesign, give this blog a read.
If you’re ready to take your exhibit from meh to marvelous, we’ve got you covered. Whether it’s to help store, manage, or upgrade your booth between shows, our crew knows how to make your brand stand out.
Let’s talk! The next show will be here before you know it, so let’s make sure your booth is ready to steal the spotlight.
