The Truth About Trade Show Production Timelines
The Truth About Trade Show Production Timelines: What Others Won’t Tell You
When planning for a trade show, your display is one of the most critical elements of your success. You need it to arrive on time, in perfect condition, and ready to make an impact. But if you’ve ever shopped for trade show displays online, you’ve probably seen vendors advertising things like “2-Day Production!” or “Ships in 24 Hours!” Sounds great, right? Unfortunately, these claims can be misleading. Let us show you how real trade show production timelines work.
At APG Exhibits, we believe in total transparency when it comes to production and shipping times. Let’s break down the real story behind these timelines, why they matter, and how to plan effectively for your next event.
What’s Really Included in a Trade Show Display Production Timeline?
Many companies advertise fast production times, but what they fail to mention is what’s actually included. Here’s a look at what goes into creating and delivering your trade show display:
- Artwork Proofing & Approval (1-2 Days)
- Before production even begins, your artwork must be checked for quality and properly formatted.
- If revisions are needed, this process can take additional time.
- Production & Printing (2-5 Days)
- Most high-quality trade show displays require at least 2-3 business days to print, assemble, and prepare for shipping.
- During peak trade show season these times could be longer so plan for additional time during busy seasons.
- Shipping & Transit (Up to 5 Days)
- Even if production is completed in 2 days, cross-country transit can take up to 5 business days.
- Faster shipping is available but often comes at a much higher cost. Sometimes as much or more than the display itself.
Why Some Companies Advertise Unrealistic Timelines
Other vendors often advertise “2-Day Production” to make their service seem faster. But here’s what they don’t tell you:
- They might exclude proofing time. If your artwork isn’t approved in time, your project could be delayed.
- Shipping time is almost always not included. A display that is “produced” in 2 days could still take another 1-5 days to arrive.
- Rush orders may cost significantly more. You might pay extra for priority processing and overnight shipping.
APG Exhibits: Honest Turnaround Times You Can Trust
At APG Exhibits, we believe in setting realistic expectations for our customers. Our standard turnaround time is two weeks, which includes:
- Artwork proofing and approvals (room for adjustments and edits)
- Production and quality checks
- Shipping transit time (based on 5 days transit so 90% of the time your display will arrive before your due date)
You will see a “Date-Needed” Field on every product page on our website. It will show you your first available delivery date based on order and artwork submitted that day and ground shipping at checkout.
We don’t advertise misleading production times just to get your order. Instead, we work with you to ensure you get your display on time, every time without surprises or extra fees.
How to Plan for Your Trade Show Display Order
To avoid last-minute stress, here are some planning tips:
- Order Early: Place your order at least 3-4 weeks before your event to allow for production and shipping.
- Approve Artwork Quickly: The faster you review and approve your proof, the sooner we can start production.
- Consider Expedited Shipping: If you’re in a time crunch, we offer rush production and shipping options.
Need Your Trade Show Display Fast? We got you covered!
We always offer rush production and expedited shipping. And most times our rush trade show production service can save you money vs. expedited shipping as we can’t control the rates that shipping carriers charge, which could be more than the display itself. We understand that sometimes deadlines are tight. If you need a display quickly, our team can help you find the best solution without sacrificing quality or transparency.
📞 Call us today to discuss your needs, or browse our latest Brightline Displays for stunning, high-impact trade show exhibits!
At APG Exhibits, we don’t play games with your deadlines. We deliver on time, every time—no gimmicks, just great service.
