How far in advance should I order trade show materials?

For trade show materials, plan to order at least two weeks before your event. That window covers proofing, production, and shipping, and still leaves a small buffer for last-minute changes to your booth graphics or signage.

• Proofing: time to review layouts and approve colors before anything prints.
• Production: the days needed to manufacture banners, displays, and printed collateral.
• Shipping: transit time to reach you well before you travel to the venue.
• Buffer: a few extra days in case you need to tweak or reprint a piece.

If your event is less than a week away, ask your printer about rush or expedited production options, which many offer for time-sensitive trade show orders.