How to Design A Show-Stopping Exhibition Stand

2. Mix 2D and 3D elements

While graphic banners, backdrops and signs are an important part of your stand, helping to communicate who you are and what you do, don’t forget to include some more tangible elements too.

By featuring furniture and decor you can create more of a ‘space’; a physical place to visit and experience rather than a giant advertising hoarding. Make your stand as welcoming as possible with comfortable seating, attractive displays of your products and shelves for brochures. Include a prominent counter to be manned by staff so it’s clear who’s in charge.

3. Pick a colour scheme

Bold colours can really help your booth stand out, but choose a maximum of three so your design does not become too ‘busy’. Work with your existing branding and incorporate it into the core design features of your stand, such as the flooring/carpeting and modular display elements.

Don’t use too many images either (i.e. lots of product photos) as it will dilute the impact of your design. Instead choose just a few or one really striking image to make an impression in the vital seconds as people pass by.

 

4. Work on clear messaging

Unless you’re a very well known brand, it’s sensible to incorporate some descriptive copy in your stand’s graphic design. This can be a short tagline that lets passersby know what it is you’re offering i.e. “Independent financial advice you can rely on” or “The finest artisan chocolate.”

Including clear messaging helps you qualify booth traffic – if a visitor can clearly see you offer financial advice for example and they still approach you, you can be pretty certain they’re interested in financial advice.

 

5. Use digital screens

It’s a good idea to incorporate at least one digital screen in your exhibition stand design because what you display on them can be so easily changed. Every time you exhibit, the message you want to communicate may be different; perhaps you have a new product to promote or a special offer for that particular audience. A digital screen allows you to do it without investing in new banners.

What’s more, a digital screen with moving images can be a really eye-catching feature. You can show a demo video or pictures of happy customers and testimonials; anything that gets people to pause and watch. It’s easier to engage a visitor who’s stood still than one who’s walking past.

 

6. Incorporate different materials

For your trade show booth to stand out it needs to be visually interesting. A good way to achieve that is by mixing materials and experimenting with pattern and texture. Maybe you decide to place some wood pallet chairs next to an industrial steel table, or kitsch animal print cushions on a sleek leather sofa. Mixing natural and manmade materials and juxtaposing them in unexpected ways will make your stand more intriguing.

Including real plants is another way to bring your stand to life, add colour and make it more welcoming. According to a recent study, those who work close to nature report a 15% higher level of well-being and creativity, so incorporating greenery could make stand visitors feel more positive about your brand.

7. Play with lighting

Clever lighting can turn a run-of-the-mill trade show stand into a stunning one. Using coloured LEDs you can change the entire look and feel of your stand at the touch of a button. Meanwhile, you can attract attention with retro neon signs, strings of festoon lights, or giant light bulb letters.

If you prefer a more low-key effect, think about a centrepiece light fitting, such as a chandelier, or creating a homely feel with standing lamps and picture lamps. Remember you can also highlight key features of your stand with your lighting.

8. Feature something fun

Visitors might be at the trade show for work but that doesn’t mean they don’t want to be entertained. Including a fun, interactive feature can really help draw in the crowds and gives you something to promote in advance of the show. Good examples are a virtual reality experience, old school games like giant Connect Four or Jenga, or something silly like a bed where tired visitors can rest and hear a bedtime story about your brand.

Another quick win would be including an Instagram-friendly photo opportunity. Think branded stand-in cutouts or photo backdrops or a life-sized cow in your company colours. You could even have a photobooth with props, which prints out photo strips with your logo on. As well as giving your visitors something to remember you by, it will also provide you with added promotion on social media.

9. Give something free

Another tried and tested trick to pull in visitors is to have an on-stand giveaway but rather than just handing out freebies, why not incorporate it into the actual design of your stand? You could have a doughnut wall or cylinders of shiny apples, a cocktail bar or coffee station. Just remember to have enough of whatever it might be in reserve so you can top up your display.

Alternatively, go for an interactive giveaway like free massages or manicures and design a special area for these to take place, but don’t ‘hardwire’ it into the stand as you might not want to do it every time. Another great idea is including a charging station for mobile devices, which will encourage visitors to spend time at your booth.

10. Include a meeting area

You attend trade shows with the intention of doing business, so make sure you include somewhere to take meetings in your stand design. Depending on what best suits your business, it can be a formal desk and chairs, or something more informal like lounge seating or a podium table and stools.

You may want to make this area semi-private by enclosing it on two sides. That way you can pre-schedule meetings in advance of the show and know you will have a quiet, reserved space to conduct your talks.

Conclusion

A trade show stand is the perfect opportunity to showcase your brand’s creativity, so don’t just turn up with a few retractable banner stands. Even if budget is an issue, you can make a big impact with colour, lights and a few feature pieces of decor that you might even be able to borrow from home!