Trade show exhibits take a beating, shipping, installs, tear-downs, storage, repeat handling. If you’re not maintaining your booth between shows, you’re quietly shortening its lifespan and increasing your long-term costs. The good news: a consistent maintenance routine keeps your exhibit looking sharp and performing reliably for years.
Below is exactly what to do (and when to do it).
Start With a Post-Show Inspection
The most important maintenance happens immediately after each event.
What to check right away
- Scratches, dents, or chipped laminate
- Loose hardware or missing fasteners
- Damaged graphics or edge peeling
- Lighting functionality
- Electrical components and wiring
Small issues become expensive problems when they sit in storage for months.
Pro tip: Create a simple post-show checklist your install crew completes before the booth is packed.
Clean Every Component Before Storage
Putting a dirty exhibit into a crate is one of the fastest ways to degrade materials.
Surfaces and panels
Wipe down hard surfaces with non-abrasive cleaners. Dust and show-floor grime can permanently dull finishes if left sitting.
Graphics
Use a microfiber cloth only. Never use harsh chemicals on printed graphics, they can fade colors or damage coatings.
Flooring
Vacuum carpet tiles and fully dry any hard flooring before packing to prevent mold or odor buildup.
Consistent cleaning is one of the most overlooked answers to How do you maintain a trade show exhibit?
Tighten, Replace, and Standardize Hardware
Exhibits loosen over time. Vibration during shipping is the main culprit.
After every 1–2 shows:
- Tighten bolts and connectors
- Replace worn Velcro and magnets
- Check hinge alignment
- Inspect locking mechanisms
Keep a labeled hardware kit with standardized replacements. This prevents last-minute show floor scrambles.
Test Lighting and Electrical Systems
Lighting failures are highly visible and often preventable.
Before each show cycle:
- Power on all fixtures
- Check for flickering or dimming
- Inspect cables for fraying
- Verify transformers and drivers
LED systems last a long time, but connections are common failure points. Catching this early avoids expensive on-site labor.
Protect the Exhibit During Storage
Maintenance doesn’t stop once the booth is clean.
Storage best practices
- Use climate-controlled storage when possible
- Keep crates properly labeled and sealed
- Avoid stacking heavy items on graphic panels
- Store graphics flat or properly rolled
Poor storage conditions quietly warp panels, fade graphics, and degrade adhesives.
Schedule a Quarterly Deep Maintenance Review
If your exhibit travels frequently, build in a deeper review every few months.
This should include:
- Full structural check
- Graphic condition review
- Crate condition inspection
- Inventory of replacement parts
Think of this as preventive maintenance, not repair.
The Bottom Line
Routine exhibit maintenance isn’t complicated, but it must be consistent. Clean after every show, inspect before every install, and fix small issues early. Done right, your exhibit will stay show-ready longer and avoid costly rebuilds.
Ready to extend the life of your exhibit?
If you want a professional maintenance review, refurbishment plan, or storage strategy, our team can help you keep your booth performing like new. Reach out today and let’s protect your exhibit investment before the next show.
