Trade Show Exhibit Display

Three Seconds to Make an Impact

Your trade show exhibit display serves as a direct 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 exhibit must make a strong first impression and communicate your message and benefits in a matter of seconds.

This small window of time is critical to driving traffic and maximizing sales opportunities, as competitors at nearby locations aggressively work to attract the same potential buyers.

Getting Started

Identify your display needs by answering the following questions.

What do you want to accomplish through event participation and what are your specific objectives that will define success?

How many events will you participate in annually? Do they attract national, regional or local audiences?
Do you need one or more trade show displays to satisfy your exhibiting needs at different events?
What type of image and marketing messages do you need to communicate with your display?
What location type (in-line, corner, end, island) and size of space will you require for your exhibit?
How will you transport your exhibit to each show? Will you require a company that specializes in trade show freight services or will you be shipping and storing the exhibit yourself?
How much is allocated in your trade show budget for your display needs to ensure you can meet your exhibiting requirements? Exhibits can range from a few thousand dollars to more than $50,000+ for a top-end customized display.
What display lighting and booth accessories will you need for your exhibit? Be sure to include them in your planning and trade show budget. Booth accessories may include counters, chairs, literature racks, computer or monitor stands, and more. Also consider soft goods, like rugs and brightly colored table covers with logo and/or graphics, which complement your exhibit's visual appeal.

Types of Exhibit Displays

Whether you decide to have a custom exhibit produced, or adapt a used or rental unit, the type of trade show display 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 exhibition stands and displays.

Truss Displays: Truss exhibits are made of lightweight aluminum and steel tubing for a modern, high-tech look and flexible utilization. Truss can be configured in a variety of shapes and sizes — and can be used to construct entire booths, special exhibit features, display walls, islands, entrance ways, and more.

Tabletop Displays: These displays offer a less-expensive exhibiting option for smaller events and feature a lightweight exhibit that sits on top of a table. Tabletop displays usually have three panels with velcro-attached graphics and headlines that can be easily changed and updated.
Backlit Tade Show Displays: Backlit displays and freestanding lightboxes feature LED lighting that illuminates graphics from behind and helps your display stand out in a crowded exhibit hall. There are a variety of options whether you are exhibiting in an 8', 10' or 20' booth space. Backlit displays can be done with many types of hardware and frame systems, based on your exhibiting requirements.

Pop Up Displays: Easy and quick to set up and take down, pop up displays are highly transportable and feature a light-weight folding frame covered with magnetic-backed fabric, vinyl, or plastic panels. The displays are a good match for small booth areas and can be used to create curved or angled walls for your exhibit.
Retractable Banner Stands: These pull-up banner stands provide a lightweight, easy method to accent your booth with additional graphics and brand messaging. They function like a window shade in reverse and can be placed together or in different booth locations, based on your design needs.
Panel Displays: Panel displays consist of fabric-covered rectangular sections that are connected to make a wall. They are versatile and can be readily adapted to different booth sizes and configurations.

In an exhibition hall, booth areas for displays are created with backdrop drapery, which is typically provided by the venue or event sponsor. However, these pipe and drape systems are quite flexible and many companies use them for other purposes, such as a divider for a large meeting room or attractive background for a speaker.

Selecting a Trade Show Exhibit Display Company

Choosing the right exhibit company to partner with is essential to the success of your trade show strategy. Start by carefully researching companies that create and sell quality trade show displays. Look for suppliers that:

Portray the skills to effectively communicate and service your needs
Have extensive experience designing and producing a wide array of exhibit types and sizes
Commit to meeting your budget requirements
Have a consistent track record of on-time delivery
Guarantee the work in writing

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

Also, to identify trade show exhibit display suppliers, you may want to get referrals from professional organizations, your chamber of commerce, and/or colleagues. Of course, an internet search will uncover the names of display companies around the world, along with images of the displays they have produced.

Once you have a list of possible exhibit booth companies to consider, set up a time to talk and/or meet with a representative from each provider. This will enable you to assess expertise, learn how each firm operates, ask about pricing and budget controls, request photographs of completed projects in your budget category, and secure a list of references to contact.

A number of trade show exhibit companies also rent displays to companies interested in testing different types and sizes of exhibits before moving forward with a purchase. Exhibit rental is also a cost-effective option for organizations that exhibit only once or twice a year. Click here for more about trade show display rentals.

Graphics and Banners

You want your trade show exhibit graphics and banners to grab people’s attention and draw them into your booth. Most suppliers provide graphic services either in-house or on a contracted basis.

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 graphics and banners with your company or product name are 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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Trade Show Exhibit Display

Three Seconds to Make an Impact

Getting Started

Types of Exhibit Displays

Selecting a Trade Show Exhibit Display Company

Graphics and Banners

Related Information - Trade Show Exhibit Display

Booth Rentals

Success Tips and Tools

Plan for Success

Booth Strategy

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