The George R. Brown Convention Center hosts over 600 events per year, from the massive Offshore Technology Conference (45,000+ attendees) to specialty shows like the Houston Golf Show and Texas RV Supershow. If your Houston business is exhibiting, your booth display and print materials need to be ready before you think—GRB has specific deadlines and requirements that catch first-time exhibitors off guard.
We've printed trade show displays and materials for hundreds of GRB exhibitors. Here's the timeline and checklist we give every customer.
8-6 Weeks Before the Show
Confirm your booth size and configuration. Standard GRB booths are 10x10 feet, but some shows offer 10x20, corner booths, or island configurations. Your display needs match your space.
Order or update your backdrop. If your current backdrop is older than 3 years, has an outdated logo, or shows wear from previous shows, now is the time to order a new one. Custom backdrops take 2-3 weeks for production and shipping.
Inventory your existing displays. Bring your retractable banners into our shop for inspection. We've seen exhibitors show up at GRB with banners that won't retract properly, torn graphics, or bases that won't lock. Test everything now.
6-4 Weeks Before the Show
Design and order new graphics. This is your sweet spot for production time without rush fees. Items to consider:
- Retractable banner stands (standard sizes: 33" x 81" or 36" x 92")
- Table covers (6ft or 8ft fitted or draped)
- Backwall graphics (8x8 or 10x10 foot displays)
- Feather flags if allowed by your show
- Podium wraps or counter graphics
Order print collateral. GRB shows mean lots of foot traffic. Don't run out of:
- Business cards (minimum 500 for a 3-day show)
- Brochures or capability sheets
- Flyers for lead generation giveaways
- Postcards with QR codes for digital follow-up
4-2 Weeks Before the Show
Finalize giveaway items. Branded pens, stickers, and small promotional items typically ship from distributors in 2-3 weeks. Last-minute orders mean overnight shipping charges.
Review GRB exhibitor requirements. Each show has different rules about:
- Maximum display height (usually 8 feet for inline booths, taller for islands)
- Electricity orders (due 2-3 weeks before most shows)
- Advance shipping deadlines to the GRB warehouse
- Badge registration for booth staff
Order name badges. If your show doesn't provide exhibitor badges with names, professional name badges make your team look polished. We print full-color name badges with magnetic or pin backs.
1 Week Before the Show
Pack and test everything. Set up your complete booth in your office or warehouse. Take photos of the setup from multiple angles—you'll reference these during actual setup.
Create a packing checklist including:
- All display components (frames, graphics, lights, connectors)
- Extension cords and power strips
- Tape, zip ties, scissors
- Business cards and literature
- Giveaway items
- Lead capture tablets or forms
- Hand sanitizer and first aid kit
- Water bottles for your team
Confirm shipping or transport. If you shipped items to GRB's advance warehouse, verify they arrived using your tracking number. If you're driving items in, know which loading dock to use and your unload time window.
GRB-Specific Tips from Experience
After years of printing for GRB exhibitors, here's what we've learned:
The floor is concrete. If your team will be standing for 8+ hours, bring anti-fatigue mats. Some exhibitors order custom printed floor mats from us—they serve double duty as branding and comfort.
Lighting is inconsistent. GRB exhibit halls have overhead lighting, but it's not designed to illuminate your booth specifically. Pack your own LED spotlights or light bars, or order them through the official services contractor.
The freight elevator is a bottleneck. If you're on a higher floor or your booth setup requires timing, build in extra time for move-in. OTC week is particularly chaotic.
Breakout sessions steal traffic. Know your show's schedule. Booth traffic drops dramatically during keynotes and popular sessions. Use those times for team breaks, not your A-team pitch practice.
Why Order From a Cypress Shop?
Here's the advantage of working with a local shop like ours instead of an online trade show vendor:
- Last-minute fixes: Retractable banner mechanism stuck? Bring it to us the day before setup and we'll repair or replace it.
- Same-day business cards: Realized you need more cards? We can print them while you wait.
- Delivery to GRB: For large orders, we'll deliver directly to your booth during setup.
- Post-show storage: Don't have room for an 8x10 backdrop in your office? We store displays for repeat customers.
Exhibiting at an upcoming Houston trade show? Start with trade show displays and call (281) 985-9997 to discuss your booth needs. We'll build a timeline specific to your show dates.