What gets tracked at intake
Every crate, graphic panel, and structural component returning from a show is logged individually at intake, with condition notes recorded before anything goes onto a storage rack. That record is what makes it possible to answer a client's question about a specific piece without pulling every crate in the bay.
Damage from the previous show, whether a scuffed panel or a cracked crate corner, gets flagged at intake rather than discovered the next time the booth ships, which gives enough lead time to repair or reorder before the next date.
Storage conditions
Graphics and electronic components are stored away from direct exposure to the swings in temperature and humidity that a Raleigh warehouse can see across a full year, with sensitive items kept separate from raw structural stock.
Seasonal reuse for a recurring Raleigh event, like a booth cycling back for NC State Fair season programming or an annual RTP industry conference, means the asset sits in the same tracked spot rather than getting mixed into general storage between dates.
Pulling assets for the next show
When a show date is confirmed, stored assets are pulled against the intake inventory, checked again before they ship, and staged with fresh crating tape and labels so nothing looks like it's been sitting for months, even when it has.
A pull request submitted a week ahead of the ship date gives enough buffer to source a replacement part for anything that didn't survive storage in usable condition.
Long-term versus seasonal storage
Some clients store a full booth program year-round between an annual show cycle; others need short-term storage between a multi-city run through the Triangle. Rates and handling differ between the two, and the arrangement gets set up front rather than negotiated after the fact.
Warehouse district access and logistics
Storage is based out of Raleigh's warehouse district, close enough to I-40 and the downtown Convention Center corridor that a pull for a same-week show doesn't require the multi-day lead time an out-of-market facility would need.
That proximity also matters for last-minute repairs, since a cracked crate corner or a broken caster found during a pull can be fixed same-day rather than pushing the whole shipment back a week to find a replacement part out of state.
Reporting on stored inventory
Clients with a full booth program in storage can request a standing inventory report showing what's on hand, its last inspection date, and any flagged condition issues, so budgeting for repairs or replacements ahead of the next show season doesn't depend on a warehouse visit.
That same report becomes useful at the end of a multi-show season, when deciding whether an aging structural component gets repaired again or retired in favor of a refresh.
Frequently asked questions
How is stored inventory tracked?
Each crate or component is logged individually at intake with condition notes, so a client can ask about a specific piece and get an answer without a physical warehouse search.
Is storage climate-controlled?
Sensitive items like graphics panels and electronic components are stored away from direct humidity and temperature swings; raw structural stock like aluminum extrusion doesn't need the same level of protection.
How much notice is needed to pull stored assets for a show?
A week's notice covers a standard pull and condition check. Less notice is possible but skips the buffer for sourcing a replacement part if something didn't hold up in storage.
Can storage be arranged for a single season instead of year-round?
Yes, short-term storage between a defined run of shows is available and priced differently than a year-round arrangement, so the term gets set based on the actual show calendar.
Can I get a report on what's currently in storage without visiting the warehouse?
Yes, a standing inventory report covering condition and last inspection date is available on request, which is useful for budgeting repairs ahead of the next show season.
What happens to storage fees if a show gets postponed?
Assets stay in place under the existing storage arrangement and the pull date simply moves to match the new show date, with no need to re-intake or reinspect unless the postponement runs long enough to warrant a fresh condition check.