✦ Design → Build → Show Floor
Our Trade Show Booth Process
From “We have a show coming up” to “Wow — we’re ready.” One connected team takes your exhibit from an empty booth space to a completely show-ready brand experience.
Since 2015
Helping brands own the show floor
10,000+
Booths built across booth sizes, industries & convention cities
One Purple Pro
Dedicated Purple Pro who stays connected to your entire project
Nationwide
Full-service process — design, fabrication, graphics & logistics together
The Purple Process at a Glance
Step 01
Discover & Define
First, we listen. Before we draw a wall or add a screen, we need to understand why you’re exhibiting — launching a product, entering a new market, or preparing for the most important event on your calendar. The booth is designed around your goals, not a generic package.
- Company background, brand personality & show-floor goals
- Booth number, dimensions, target attendees & objectives
- What didn't work in past exhibits — and why
01
What Purple reviews in parallel
Step 02
Design the Experience
This is where an empty floor starts becoming your brand. We plan a floor layout that supports how the booth needs to work — entrances, product zones, meeting rooms and storage — then build the visual experience: architectural shapes, dimensional logos, lighting and LED features.
- Space planning around real visitor flow
- Creative concept built around your brand
- Collaborative revisions until it feels right
02
3D renderings show you
Step 03
Plan, Price & Approve
The creative idea becomes a clear project plan. We connect the visual concept to the actual scope, materials, services and investment — and clearly separate Purple’s services from venue, contractor or union charges.
- A clear scope of work you can actually read
- Value engineering that protects the best ideas
- Final sign-off before production begins
Step 04
Produce & Coordinate
Now the rendering starts becoming real. Approved drawings, materials, graphics and technology transform into physical booth components, while behind the scenes we coordinate everything the venue requires.
- Custom fabrication, millwork & signage
- Careful graphic production — accuracy matters at scale
- Show-service coordination happening quietly behind it
Step 05
Stage, Test & Ship
Before show-floor pressure begins, we look for avoidable problems. Whenever practical, key components are assembled and reviewed before shipping — the walls stand, the graphics install, the lights turn on.
- Structural fit, alignment & finishing checked
- Labeled, wrapped & packed by installation sequence
- Shipped to warehouse, venue or storage — on schedule
Step 06
Install, Show Up & Wrap Up
The crates arrive. The crew begins. Inside a busy, deadline-driven show floor, the installation team works from approved plans — and before doors open, graphics, lighting, furniture and presentation get one final walkthrough.
- Full installation & final show-floor inspection
- Careful dismantle, repacking & return shipping after
- Storage, refurbishment or reuse for the next show
Planning window
How long does it take?
The earlier we begin, the more options you have. The time needed to design, build and deliver a trade show exhibit depends on a number of factors — a smaller rental exhibit may require less preparation than a large custom island booth with extensive fabrication, technology and overhead elements.
Booth Size
Design Complexity
Custom Fabrication
Graphic Requirements
Materials
Engineering
LED and AV
Venue Approvals
Client Approval Timing
Show-Service Deadlines
Shipping Distance
Production Availability
What You Handle vs. What Purple Handles
A smooth process works best when everyone understands their part. You know your brand. We know how to get it onto the show floor.
The Brand & The Decisions
- Company info, brand guidelines & logo files
- Graphic artwork and show/booth details
- Staff and meeting requirements
- Timely feedback and design approval
The Moving Pieces
- Strategy, space planning & 3D renderings
- Engineering, fabrication & graphics
- Freight, installation & dismantle
- Return shipping, storage & reconfiguration
The Purple Process at a Glance
Clear
You understand where the project stands and what happens next.
Connected
Design, production, logistics and installation work toward the same result.
Personal
One Purple Pro remains connected to your project.
Creative
The exhibit is developed around your brand, audience and goals.
Practical
Creative decisions are considered alongside budget, production and venue realities.
Proactive
We look for important questions before they become urgent problems.
Flexible
The process adjusts to your booth size, schedule, city and required services.
Purple
Big ideas. Calm execution. People who care.
From empty space to show-ready.
Discover
Understand it.
Design
Create it.
Plan
Scope it.
Produce
Build it.
Prepare
Pack it.
Deliver
Show it.
Have a Purple Moment.
The installation is complete. The graphics are smooth, the lights are on, and the screens are playing. The floor is clean, the furniture is exactly where it belongs, and your team is ready to step into the booth. The show floor is about to open, and for the first time in weeks, there is no last-minute setup to worry about.
We’ll take care of the rest. 💜
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the trade show booth design and build process?
The trade show booth design and build process generally includes discovery, exhibit design, budgeting, approvals, fabrication, graphic production, show-service coordination, pre-show
quality control, shipping, installation, dismantle and storage. Purple connects these stages
through one dedicated project team.
How do I start a booth project with Purple Exhibits?
Begin by sharing your company name, website, show name, event dates, city, booth size, budget range and goals. Brand guidelines, floor plans, previous booth photos and design
inspiration are also helpful.
How long does it take to design and build a trade show booth?
Timing depends on the booth size, creative complexity, fabrication, graphics, technology, venue
requirements and approval schedule. Starting early provides more options and additional time for careful production and logistics planning.
Does Purple Exhibits provide 3D booth renderings?
Yes. Depending on the project, Purple creates 3D trade show booth renderings that help clients
review the layout, branding, materials, features, furniture, lighting and overall experience before production.
Can I request revisions to the booth design?
Yes. Purple works collaboratively with clients to refine the booth based on brand requirements,
functionality, budget and show-floor goals. Revision terms may depend on the agreed project
scope.
Does Purple help review trade show rules?
Yes. Purple can review relevant booth rules and exhibitor information, including height restrictions, setbacks, hanging signs, freight dates and other requirements that may affect the
project.
Does Purple help with show forms and venue services?
Depending on the approved scope, Purple may help track deadlines and coordinate services such as electrical, internet, rigging, labor, freight and other venue requirements.
Does Purple build custom trade show booths?
Yes. Purple designs and produces custom trade show exhibits based on the company’s brand, goals, booth size, venue rules, timeline and budget.
Does Purple offer trade show booth rentals?
Yes. Purple offers customizable rental exhibits for companies that need flexibility, different booth sizes or an efficient solution for specific trade shows.
Does Purple produce trade show graphics?
Yes. Purple can coordinate exhibit graphics such as SEG fabric graphics, wall panels, light-box
graphics, signage, dimensional logos and other branded elements included in the project.
Does Purple provide LED walls and trade show AV?
Yes. Depending on the project, Purple can integrate LED walls, monitors, lighting, sound and
other AV technology into the booth design and installation plan.
Does Purple handle trade show shipping?
Yes. Purple can coordinate exhibit transportation to an advance warehouse, convention center,
local warehouse, storage location or another event based on the schedule and approved scope.
What is an advance warehouse?
An advance warehouse is a receiving facility that accepts exhibit freight before the official event
move-in. The show contractor later transports the shipment from the warehouse to the booth
space.
What is trade show drayage?
Drayage, also called material handling, generally covers moving exhibit freight from the
receiving location to the booth, storing empty crates during the event and returning the packed
shipment after dismantle.
Does Purple provide trade show installation and dismantle?
Yes. Purple’s own crews install and dismantle your exhibit nationwide, working within each venue’s labor rules and with its official service providers.