Trade Show Tips & Best Practices

In many industries, trade shows are the most highly-anticipated events of the year. Exhibitors invest significant time and money building a booth that (they hope) will provide a return on their investment. It’s a solid strategy, as long as you enter the show well-prepared. This post will help you do just that.

Envision within Your Budget

Trade shows are massive, expensive productions. A custom well-crafted booth can cost $15,000 or more. The Diace Designs team has seen numerous clients envision a booth that is the height of technology and extravagance, only to be thwarted and disappointed by their budget constraints. The best way to plan for a trade show is to start with your budget. Have realistic expectations about what you can achieve. Aim for fewer, higher quality pieces instead of sacrificing quality by trying to do it all. If you’ll be exhibiting at multiple shows throughout the year, consider investing in flexible displays. This type of display can be made smaller or larger to fit varying booth sizes, making them extremely cost-effective.

Map It out

Literally mapping out your booth is critical to the planning stage. You’ll need to account for the flow of foot traffic, neighboring booths, and larger elements such as digital displays. Designate a space for impromptu meetings, and determine how you will arrange your literature: on stand-alone racks or a table? Maximize the space you have, and be aware of restrictions imposed by the trade show producers and venue.

Plan for Logistics

Make a list of the essential items you need to have onsite: power cords, cables, lighting elements, toolset, even Wi-Fi hotspots. Consider using a rug to cover hazardous wires running across your booth; soft elements also help dampen the overwhelming noise of the trade show floor. If you have a large booth, it’s worth hiring someone to put it together for you. No matter your booth size, always ship your booth and signage in advance so that you can resolve any last-minute issues (damages in transit, missing pieces, printing errors). It’s also much less expensive to ship slowly in advance than to expedite shipping right before the show!

With the right combination of practicality and creativity, exhibiting at a trade show can generate a significant ROI. The Diace Designs team has the expertise to ensure your booth delivers an extraordinary experience for attendees and maximizes returns for you. Contact us for help with your upcoming trade show or industry event.

About Kara Franco
Kara writes copy that speaks. She has a knack for creating clear, compelling messages without wasting words. She is passionate about digital marketing and believes that copy is the cornerstone of user experience.

Copywriter + Content Strategist
Kara@diacedesigns.com