Summer can feel quiet in the world of trade shows. Fewer events are on the calendar, your team might be stretched thin with vacations, and it’s tempting to wait until fall to start thinking about your next booth.
But here’s the thing: the exhibitors who get the most out of fall trade shows are the ones using the trade show off-season to prepare.
Whether you’ve got a full show schedule coming up or just one big event later in the year, this slower period is your opportunity to reset, refresh, and get ready.
1. Refresh Your Trade Show Display
Take a good look at your current booth. Does it still reflect your brand? Are the graphics outdated? Is anything damaged, missing, or difficult to set up?
Now is the perfect time to:
- Reprint worn graphics
- Upgrade to a modern backwall or banner stand
- Add portable accessories like a branded table cover or monitor stand
Pro Tip: Portable displays have shorter lead times so you don’t need to wait months to make an impact. Explore our portable displays to see what’s new.
2. Revisit Your Show Strategy
Before fall hits, revisit the why behind your booth. What do you want attendees to do when they visit?
Use the off-season to:
- Clarify your event goals (brand awareness, leads, product demos, etc.)
- Create or refine your booth messaging
- Map out how you’ll measure success after the show
This is your time to sharpen your strategy during the trade show planning season, when you're not tied up in show-week logistics.
3. Prep Your Booth Team
If your sales or marketing team staffs your booth, the summer trade show off-season is a great time to prepare them for fall.
Consider:
- Hosting a short training on how to engage attendees
- Creating a quick FAQ sheet about your booth’s key messaging
- Rehearsing demo flows or lead capture processes
Even a few minutes of prep can make your team feel more confident — and more effective — on the show floor.
4. Stock Up on Giveaways and Printed Materials
Nothing kills your booth buzz like running out of promo items. Use this quieter season to:
- Order branded giveaways (pens, water bottles, stickers, etc.)
- Print updated brochures or postcards
- Create scannable QR codes that link to digital content
This kind of prep work is what separates last-minute exhibitors from those who own the room. It’s one of the smartest uses of your trade show downtime.
5. Review Your Trade Show Calendar
Which shows are coming up in Q3 and Q4? Are your spaces booked? Are your booth assets ready for those layouts?
If you exhibit at multiple events, summer is a great time to:
- Create a checklist for each show
- Organize your display inventory
- Note any changes to booth sizes or requirements
This planning window is your edge and often overlooked during the fall crunch.
6. Optimize Your Logistics
Shipping, storage, and setup logistics are often afterthoughts until something goes wrong.
Use the off-season for trade shows to:
- Verify where your displays are stored
- Check shipping timelines for upcoming shows
- Prep instructions for booth setup (especially helpful if your team rotates)
Need a display that’s easy to ship and set up yourself? Browse our portable trade show solutions - most ship fast and are designed for one-person assembly.
7. Try Something New (While You Have Time)
The trade show off-season is the ideal time to test a new look or layout without the pressure of a looming show deadline.
You could:
- Test out a new booth configuration in your office or showroom
- Order a custom backdrop or hanging sign you’ve been considering
- Try an interactive element like a product demo station or tablet stand
Sometimes a small change can make a huge impact on your booth’s visibility. For inspiration, check out the TSNN (Trade Show News Network) to see what’s trending this fall.
The Takeaway: Slow Season = Smart Planning
The quieter summer months are the perfect time to set yourself up for success without the stress. By making small upgrades now, you’ll avoid the fall rush and show up at your next event confident, prepared, and ready to stand out.
Ready to Refresh Your Booth?
Explore our selection of portable displays, branded backwalls, and quick-ship accessories to get ahead of the fall season.
Most items ship in just a few business days so you can start prepping today.