How to Choose the Right Trade Show Display for Your Next Exhibit

After you decide on the trade show that you plan to attend and pick your team to organize and exhibit at the event, it’s time to choose the right display vehicles that will distinguish your company from everyone else. First impressions are lasting impressions (considering humans, on average, make a first impression in just 8-seconds). Therefore, you want your visuals to perfectly encapsulate what it is that you are trying to sell.

So, how do you choose the right trade show display?

Let’s go through a few different options:

1. Pop-Up Displays

These are generally the traditional displays when we think of a trade show booth. These pop-ups come with collapsible frames and photo-quality graphic panels that attach with magnetic strips. This is a great way to present visual explanations without breaking the bank in the process. They are portable and easy to move around depending on the size of your booth.

2. Banner Stand

Similar to a pop-up display, a banner stand is a single large graphic that is supported by a standing frame. It can be retractable, motorized scrolling, and telescoping for both indoor and outdoor shows.

3. Table Tops

These are foldable frames that display graphics attached to the frame with metal fasteners, magnets, or Velcro. They can be 2 to 3 feet tall, which means when placed on top of a table, they can reach heights of 5 feet or higher. These are very easy to set up.

4. Table Covers

Table covers are customized graphics that drape over a table, designed to industry-standard table sizes.

Now that you know some types of displays, how do you pick one that is right for you?

Industry

First, analyze your industry and the visual nature of the industry. For example, if you are in the technology space, you may need more technology-oriented visuals than if you are a construction company.

Budget

Displays can get expensive, quickly. If you are on a tight budget, you might want to consider some of the more traditional options, like pop-up displays.

Ease of Transportation

If you don’t have anyone at the exhibit hall to help you lift things, then you need a light display that is also portable in nature.

Type of Trade Show

Are you going to a local or international trade show? Depending upon the size, you want a display that is going to stand out no matter where you go. Generally, the bigger the trade show, the bigger your display should be.

Visuals make a lasting impression, which is why your trade show display is one of the most critical parts of your entire trade show presentation. Spend time on envisioning your trade show display so you are able to wow your customers.

7 Tips for Driving More Traffic to Your Trade Show Booth

After you determine the right trade shows to attend for your business, it’s time to hone in on the actual trade show booth and how you plan to stand out against the crowd. The competition can get stiff at the exhibit hall, especially in bigger trade shows with thousands of other exhibitors. So, let’s focus on how you can keep a steady stream of attendees coming your way.

Here are 7 tips for driving more traffic to your trade show booth:

Visuals and Illustrations

Humans are biologically visual creatures, which means: colors, moving graphics, and overall beautiful imagery will get people excited about your booth. Even if your industry is not visual in nature, find a way to make it visual at the trade show.

Charging Station

Everyone loves a good charging station for their mobile device. If you include a complementary charging station as part of your booth, it’s an easy way to get attendees to come by and see your service or product while they pause to recharge their phones.

Giveaways

Who doesn’t love free things? If you host a raffle or a giveaway contest periodically throughout the show, you’re basically guaranteed to have steady leads coming your way all day long.

Photo Booth

Thanks to the popularity of Instagram, everyone wants to take photos today. Having a photo booth at your exhibition space will get attendees to come over and take a fun photo. Afterward, they will be more inclined to inquire about your product or service offering.

Demos

People would rather watch a product in action than read 5-pages about it. So, have constant demos occurring at your space, making them as lavish as you possibly can. “Put on a show” to get attendees excited about what you are offering.

Social Interaction

Create some kind of contest where you give attendees a prize if they “check-in” to your booth or leave a review on social media. You’ll be getting something in return, and the attendees will be getting something for free.

Mascot

No one is above a good mascot. If your company has a mascot, like Geico’s gecko, have someone there dressed up and cheering everyone else on. Consider playing some fun music that makes the entire booth feel welcoming and happy!

There’s no way to sugarcoat it — the competition can be stiff at trade shows. If you want to ensure you stand out against the crowd, no matter how many other flashy booths are out there, then follow these 7 creative ideas, go the extra mile, and make a lasting impression.