Posted in Trade Show Booths
Your trade show booth has three seconds or less to grab attention and pull people in to your booth. Then you have only a matter of a few more seconds to retain the attention of those visitors. Proper planning means the difference between successful results, and failure to realize a return on your show investment. Whether your show exhibit is competing with fifty other displays, or even hundreds, you need to stand out from the crowd. You need to be original and unique in some important ways.
Regardless of your industry, or your products, and services, there are times when consulting an experienced professional is best. This is one of those times. Trade show booths are a highly specialized marketing campaign; yes, trade show displays are not like most other forms of advertising and promotions. Seek the guidance of a professional who works in the trade show display industry. There are a few, select trade show display providers – like Smash Hit Displays – that are more concerned with your goals and objectives, than they are with making a big sale. Such companies invest in the continued education of their personnel, so they each know the very latest trends in the industry, as well as what will work best for your particular needs. With that being said, here are some tips and items to consider.
It’s all about the presentation! As mentioned, a display has only seconds to seize attention, so the presentation must stand out, above the crowd of other exhibits. Let’s consider a clever billboard alongside a busy freeway. Very often such billboards feature one large image, and only a few words…the direct message behind the ad is the goal. This is close to the goal of a trade show display in that the message is the key, and the display must convey your message in one or two seconds. Further, consider a plate of food in a quality restaurant: strong effort is put into the presentation of the food on the plate, as opposed to just slapping food on the plate or mixing it all together. The human eye must be immediately pleased with the graphics of your trade show display, and the configuration of the exhibit. Also, the trade show graphics must relay the intended, targeted message in a split second. Yes, presentation is everything in your display.
Unique design and features are also essential in a results-oriented display. Visit a few trade shows well in advance of creating your own exhibit. Study each booth carefully and consider the detail. Write down those designs and features that stand out in your mind. What technology is being used, including electronics and high resolution graphics? Is the lighting fantastic? Is there nice flooring? Do the pieces of the display – such as banners, counters, kiosks, etc. – compliment (or add to) the theme of the display? Again, a trade show display professional will suggest the optimal design and features for your booth.
An original trade show display needs to be memorable after the show is over. A raffle or drawing for one or two large prizes is a competitive feature for your display. A big prize – like an HDTV, an iPod, a laptop, a sweet vacation for two – works better than many smaller prizes. Your company will be perceived as generous and interesting. Another sure way to remain memorable is with useful, lasting giveaways. Logo pens, logo coffee mugs, or custom calendars, are all excellent, memorable giveaways that people will keep and use.
In closing, remember the 3-second rule about getting attention to your display. Your trade show booth exhibit can maximize potential by concentrating on presentation and message. This means awesome graphics, unique design and impressive features, a highly desirable big prize, and lasting giveaways, just for starters. It is always best to do your research by visiting a few shows, followed by making a formal plan, and finally consulting a caring trade show display professional.
