Trade Show Exhibit Display:
3 Seconds to Make an Impact

Your trade show exhibit display serves as a direct, powerful reflection of your company image and portrays the level of product quality and service customers can expect to receive.

To be effective, the visual impact of your display must make a strong first impression and communicate your message in a matter of seconds. This small window of time is critical to attracting prospects to your booth and maximizing your sales opportunities.

Getting Started

As you begin considering the type, size, design, and configuration of your trade show display. answer these questions:

• What do you want to accomplish through trade show participation?

• How do you plan to use your exhibit to meet your objectives?

• How large are the events in which you plan to participate? Do they attract national, regional or local audiences?.

• What location type (in-line, corner, end, island) and size of trade show exhibit display space will you reserve?

• How many events will you participate in annually?

• How will you likely transport your display to each show?

• How much money are you willing to invest in your exhibit? Your booth, lighting, and accessories can range from under $1,000 to more than $50,000+ for a top-end customized display.

Types of Trade Show Exhibit Displays

Whether you decide to have a custom display produced, or adapt a used or rental unit, the type of booth you need will be based on the nature of shows you attend and what you want to accomplish at each one. Here are some standard types of trade show displays:

• Pop-up Display: Consists of light-weight folding frames covered with magnetic-backed fabric, vinyl, or plastic panels that create curved or angled walls.
  

• Panel Display: A flexible option that consist of fabric-covered rectangular sections that are connected to make a wall. They can be readily adapted to different booth sizes and configurations.
  

• Table-Top Display: Inexpensive, lightweight displays that sit on the top of a table and are typically used for smaller events. These displays usually have three panels with velcro-attached graphics and headlines that can be easily changed and updated.
  

• Pull-up Display: Lightweight, easy method to accent your booth. These function like a window shade in reverse and can be placed together or in different booth locations based on your design needs.
  

You need to carefully research companies that sell quality trade show displays and select an exhibit firm that has the expertise you want, can effectively communicate and service your needs, will deliver your booth on time, meet your budget requirements, and guarantee the work.

Therefore, the best place to start sourcing a supplier is to visit a trade show and talk with exhibitors in non-competing who have the type of exhibit booth and display banners you like.

You may want to get referrals from professional organizations, your chamber of commerce, and/or colleagues. Of course, the internet is another valuable resource for finding trade show display companies worldwide.

Once you have a list of possible suppliers of tradeshow display booths and banner stands, set up a time to talk with a representative or two from each company. This will enable you to assess expertise, learn how each firm operates, ask about pricing and budget controls, request photographs of completed projects, and secure a list of references to contact.

Graphics and Signage

You want your trade show exhibit display graphics and signage to grab people’s attention and draw them into your booth.

Check out the work they have done for others. If you don’t like what you see, hire your own graphic designer to help produce artwork for your booth.

Be sure signage with your company and/or product name is highly visible, well-lit, and features large easy-to-read type. You may want to have multiple signs in different areas of your booth. Keep your message succinct and direct.

After all, you only have about three seconds to make an impression and turn a prospect into a viable lead.

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