In short
A reusable stand only stays reusable if it's stored properly. Keep it dry, in labelled cases, with an inventory that says what's in each one and what condition it was in. Check everything as it returns, not the week before the next show. Fabric should be clean and dry, and panels should stand on edge, protected. If storage and repairs cost more than the stand is worth, it's time to dispose of it.
Key points
- Check and repair on return, not before the next show.
- Keep an inventory, with photographs.
- Dry, stable storage protects timber and fabric.
- Count storage in the hire-or-buy sum.
How to store each part
| Part | Storage |
|---|---|
| Aluminium frames | In marked cases or racks |
| Fabric graphics | Clean and dry, rolled or loosely folded |
| Painted panels | On edge, with protection between faces |
| Counters | Wrapped, and never stacked on finished tops |
| Screens and electronics | In original or padded cases, in a dry place |
| Timber battens | Flat, supported, in stable conditions |
When it comes back
- 1Unpack and check it against the inventory.
- 2Photograph any damage.
- 3Clean and dry fabric.
- 4Order repairs now.
- 5Replace failed lamps and connectors.
- 6Update the inventory.
When is it worth it?
Storage is a running cost, and it's a key part of the hire or buy sum. If a kit hasn't been used for a year, ask whether it's worth keeping. Some of it can be sold, donated or recycled. See reusable stands.
Who stores it
Many builders offer storage, and that keeps the stand near the workshop for repairs. Others use a self-storage unit, which can be cheaper but leaves the checking and transport to you. Ask what's insured, and how quickly the stand can be collected.
- Check access hours and notice periods.
- Ask about stock checks.
- Agree who pays for damage in storage.
Keeping a useful inventory
For each case, record its number, what it holds, its weight and dimensions, and the last time it was checked. Add a photograph of how it's packed, so that the next crew can repeat it. Note which parts belong to which stand layout. Weights and dimensions also speed up freight quotes for the next show.
At the end of a stand's life
When a stand is retired, separate what can be reused. Frames, lights, screens and furniture often have value. Fabric, timber and metal may be recycled, if they're sorted. Ask your builder what they can take back, and keep the logos off anything you donate or resell. Record what you did, because sustainability questionnaires increasingly ask.
Frequently asked questions
01Where should I store my exhibition stand?
With your builder or in a dry unit, in labelled cases.
02How should I store fabric graphics?
Clean and dry, rolled or loosely folded, away from damp.
03How long does a stored stand last?
Frames last for years if looked after. Graphics age faster.
04Should I pay for storage or rebuild?
Compare a year's storage, plus repairs and transport, with a new build or a hire.
Put it into practice
From a client brief to a 3D stand concept in minutes
An editable 3D exhibition stand concept from a written brief and the brand's website, at your exact size.
Guidance here reflects common practice. Venues, organisers and countries set their own rules: always check the exhibitor manual and work with a qualified stand builder and engineer for structures.
