Your Trade Show Survival Kit: What to Bring, Print, and Prep

Trade shows are one of the best ways to showcase your business, connect with leads, and stay on top of industry trends—but they can also be overwhelming if you’re not prepared. Between planning your booth layout and ordering last-minute print materials, it’s easy to forget the essentials that make your event experience smooth, successful, and stress-free.

At Precision Images, we help businesses stand out with high-quality trade show printing and signage—and we’ve picked up plenty of tips along the way. Here’s your go-to guide for what to bring, print, and prep before hitting the show floor.

What to Bring: The Essentials for Your Booth

Your trade show booth is your home base. Make sure it’s well-equipped with both practical supplies and promotional tools:

• Business cards: Still one of the most effective ways to share contact info quickly.
• Giveaways: Branded swag like pens, stickers, or tote bags keeps your brand top of mind.
• Booth tools: Scissors, tape, zip ties, chargers, power strips, and a toolkit can save the day.
• Storage bins: Keep extra brochures, product samples, or backups organized and out of sight.
• Snacks & water: Long days on your feet require fuel!

What to Print: Materials That Make an Impact

Printed materials are often the first impression someone will have of your business. Make it count with professional, high-quality pieces that represent your brand.

• Banner stands & backdrops: Your booth’s visual anchor. We recommend using clean, bold designs that grab attention from a distance.
• Brochures & handouts: Keep them informative but concise, with strong calls to action and easy-to-read layouts.
• Flyers & postcards: Great for promoting specific offers, products, or services.
• Name tags & badges: Personalized for your team to look professional and approachable.
• Floor graphics or directional signage: Guide foot traffic straight to your booth.

Need help designing or printing any of these? We’ve got you covered with fast turnaround and expert advice.

What to Prep: Before, During, and After the Show

Preparation is key to maximizing your investment in a trade show. Here’s what to handle ahead of time:

• Marketing materials: Prep digital files and send them to print early. Need last-minute help? We can handle rush jobs.
• Lead capture tools: Whether it’s a digital scanner or a good old-fashioned signup sheet, plan how you’ll collect and follow up with leads.
• Team briefing: Align on goals, key messaging, and booth roles so everyone’s on the same page.
• Shipping logistics: Know when and where your booth materials need to arrive, and track everything carefully.
• Post-show follow-up: Prep your email templates and CRM so you can follow up quickly while your brand is still fresh in attendees’ minds.

Final Tip: Partner with a Trusted Print Provider

Your trade show presence is only as strong as the materials you bring. At Precision Images, we’ve supported hundreds of businesses with custom signage, large-format prints, and trade show essentials. Whether you need a stunning booth display or a batch of brochures printed last-minute, we’re here to help you show up professionally—and confidently.

Planning for an upcoming trade show?
Contact us today to get started on your custom print materials. We’ll help you create a standout booth experience from start to finish.