A great exhibit doesn't start with a sketch. It starts with a schedule. But often projects begin too late, forcing design compromises, inflated production costs, and missed opportunities. So to help exhibitors establish realistic timelines that will result in the best possible solutions for their exhibit- and event-marketing needs, we've outlined the "ideal" timeline. While not every project will have the luxury of nine to 12 months' lead time, this provides a framework for when you're considering a new build or a major exhibit overhaul.
Can we work faster? Yes. We often do. And we're experts at giving clients the best solutions possible within the given time constraints. If you've seen what we've pulled off in the past (often under extremely daunting deadlines), you might think time is a luxury versus a prerequisite. But if we can do that on a drastically truncated timeline, just imagine what we can do when given the time for adequate research, concepting, estimating, and engineering.
Starting early gives you freedom: the freedom to explore more ideas, lock in rates, and deliver an exhibit that doesn't just meet expectations — it exceeds them. Remember: You can't buy more time. But you can plan for it.
This guide will walk you through:
- The ideal timeline for developing a new exhibit (from RFI to debut show)
- Why each milestone matters, and what's happening behind the scenes during each phase
- The risks of rushing — including hidden costs, reduced creativity, and avoidable stress