Standing out at a trade show begins with designing the ultimate booth to set you apart from the competition. Let’s face it, you’re there to drive traffic to your booth and attract new customers, so bringing in the experts at the ground floor is the smartest way to get the job done. Whether you’re a first-time exhibitor or are very seasoned at trade shows, the key to achieving a rock-star booth design is by keeping an open mind.

Working closely with your trade show partners booth design team is the first step in laying the groundwork for conceptualizing the best booth design for your company. Here are some tips from the experts on designing a stand-out booth at your next trade show:

Choose your colors

As simplistic as it may sound, less is more when it comes to choosing colors. Experts agree to use no more than three colors, since using too many different colors can distort the booth and take away from the focus of relaying a clear and simple message. And keep the colors bright. It’s a fun way to draw attention to your booth.

Keep copy clear and simple

Displaying eye-catching copy is a must to relay what your booth is all about, so it’s important to create a tagline that is honest, straightforward and can be read quickly. The rule on this is to write a tagline that is no more than six words, and which can be interpreted within three seconds. As far as text is concerned, it is suggested to use sans-serif fonts (like Helvetica) which are easy to read, and to limit the number of different fonts to no more than three in your messaging. Not sure about the point size? Experts suggest adding one inch of height to the font for every foot away the viewers will stand. For example, if a viewer is 810 feet away, add 10 inches to the font size.

Determine a main message

Trade show attendees are bombarded with information, so it’s important to keep your booth’s messaging focused on one main takeaway. Whether you’re launching a new product or have an exciting solution which customers can’t live without, having a clearly defined message will help your visitors remember you and your product.

Convey your message

Think of your booth as prime real estate at the show. Conveying your message is the number one priority, so use the back wall as the focal point for small-to-medium-sized booths. If you have a large booth, you’ll have the luxury of using two back walls, so use this space to your advantage to convey the one main message you want your visitors to remember about you. Aside from the use of the back wall(s), keep about 40 percent of your graphic space empty. The takeaway here is to clear the clutter and let your message speak for itself.

Consider different layouts

Keep in mind that you’re not the only booth at the show, so switching things up may be in your company’s best interest. Keep an open mind when brainstorming different layout designs. Spending a little more for a well-designed booth can steer you away from a cookie-cutter design and ultimately bring you a bigger return on your investment by setting yourself apart from the competition.

Create a warm welcome

So, you’ve decided on colors, graphics and messaging, but how about a place to make things happen? Having a cozy meeting area within your booth is a great way to welcome your visitors to learn more about your product. Think of it as your living room, where they’ll feel comfortable and at home. Consider installing a smartphone charging station, or offering a “fuel up” coffee and snack section as a bonus. And if possible, try using wood furniture in your meeting area as it creates a warm, welcoming feel to your booth.

Shed some light

You’ve come this far, so now it’s time to shed some light on your hard work. LED lights, for example, can be strategically placed on unique parts of your booth’s structure or graphics to draw attention without interfering with your overall presentation.

Conclusion

Working closely with a trade show partner for booth design can ensure your next trade show exhibit will be designed to your company’s needs using state-of-the-art, top-quality displays that will set you apart from the competition.

If you have any questions, or are ready to plan the design of your trade show exhibit, contact us today!