Get your booth to the show floor on time.

Most shows offer two options. Advance warehouse shipping sends freight to the general service contractor's warehouse days or weeks before the show, where it is stored and delivered to your booth before move-in. Direct-to-show shipping delivers to the convention center's marshaling yard during a specific move-in window.

Advance warehouse shipping is usually less stressful because it removes the risk of tight move-in times. Direct shipping must arrive within the published target window or may be refused or charged extra.

Every piece should carry the show label from the exhibitor kit, listing the show name, exhibitor company, booth number, and the service contractor's address. The bill of lading should reference the same information. Trade show deliveries are commonly billed as limited-access or convention-center deliveries.

Plan the return shipment before the show ends. Arrange the outbound carrier, prepare a new bill of lading, and complete the material handling forms with the show contractor. Freight left without instructions may be forced to a contractor-selected carrier at higher cost.