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First-time exhibitor checklist: 90/60/30-day plan

Everything a first-time trade show exhibitor needs — planning milestones at 90, 60, and 30 days before the show opens.

Exhibitor playbook
Sarah Mitchell
By Sarah Mitchell · Editorial Director
First-time exhibitor checklist: 90/60/30-day plan

Short answer: First-time exhibitors should plan on a 90/60/30-day timeline: confirm booth and logistics at 90 days, train staff and finalize demos at 60 days, and run dry runs plus follow-up templates at 30 days before doors open.

90 days before the show

  • Confirm booth space and review show manual
  • Set lead capture process — CRM fields, badge scanner or manual backup
  • Book hotels and travel

60 days before the show

  • Finalize booth layout and demo flow
  • Train staff on qualification questions

30 days before the show

  • Run internal dry run — 15-minute booth pitch per team member
  • Prepare post-show follow-up email templates by lead tier

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