Storing Tradeshow Collateral and Displays

Now that you’ve purchased your trade show materials and displays and you’ve used them successfully at your show, the next step is proper care and protection so your investment in these materials can continue to help you succeed at future shows.

Here are a few simple tips for care of your banners and displays

• Always have the appropriate sized cases for each item
• Never pack multiple items into a case where not intended
• Don’t pack your displays into cases not intended for certain products
• Order additional cases and carrying bags when you can and as necessary
• Check each items cleaning/washing instructions and use appropriate products and methods
• Follow instructions for each material for folding/storage instructions
• Always clean before storing
• Always keep a detailed inventory of materials and notes on condition

Beyond storing your displays in their correct cases and proper cleaning, there are many other things to consider and ways to store these products safely and effectively.

Use storage companies for large displays: There are many companies out there that take care of shipping your displays to and from shows as well as handle the storage of those displays. Make sure you get all the details on pricing and services from these companies and what they will do. Most will track shipping and storage as well as document its condition before and after shipping and storage. As stated above, before and after shipping or throughout any storage periods, keep your own inventory and condition notes of all displays. Label all your stored materials accordingly.

Palletizing/Crating: This is a viable option for self-storage if you have the space and acquire the proper pallet/crate size. This is where the proper cases for your materials are necessary.  When crating and palletizing any display materials, label with the contents and keep an inventory sheet of what you have in those pallets or crates.

What should be on your storage checklist?

Temperature: Almost any material that goes from hot to cold and back frequently can cause damage. The change in temperatures can cause certain materials to expand and shrink and that leads to irreversible damage. If you’re storing it yourself, you won’t want to place materials somewhere near a furnace or air conditioner or vents. This could also affect laminates and glues. Temperature controlled storage, whether on your own or using a company or storage facility, is a must.

Dry areas: Obviously, no parts of your displays and banners should be exposed to water any for amount of time. This is why storing in a basement somewhere isn’t always a solution. Check out all storage facilities and display storage companies setup to make sure flooring or being in an area near water isn’t an issue.

Pests: Along with any water or flooding issues, check with storage or display storage facilities for issues regarding mice, termites and other pests that could damage your banners and displays. When selecting a facility to store these investments at you’ll want to cover every possible option that could damage your banners and displays.

Security: If any storage facility has a history of break-ins or has a lack of security, you won’t want to store your displays there. Your investment into trade show displays is often a significant one and you’re likely to use them at multiple trade shows and events. You definitely don’t want to risk damage or theft.

Insurance: You can inquire if any facility has an insurance policy you can purchase along with a storage plan. You might also be able to purchase your own insurance for displays. A lot can happen during shipping and at trade shows and you don’t want to risk losing your investment in these displays and have to purchase additional ones, especially if you have to do it on short notice.

Hardware: Replacement hardware for trade show displays and banner stands can usually be purchased easily and quickly. It’s always good practice to store these separately or in the appropriate case with their appropriate display when possible. Labeling and tracking where hardware is for your displays is important because if you cannot find it once you’re at a trade show ready to set up, finding a way to put your display together may prove difficult.