Trade shows are one of the most effective ways in which businesses can promote themselves, their products and their services, just as fairs and expositions have done since time out of mind. It should be noted, too, that there are many different types of trade booths, each of which can be used for a different purpose, and with so many of them to choose from the decision can be a confounding one indeed. With a few guidelines in mind, however, you should be able to arrive at the right choice easily. This article will give you some tips for choosing which type of trade show booth will best suit your business.
It should be within your budget
The first and foremost question that you will need to answer is: Can I afford to pay for this particular type of booth and still be able to pay the basic expenses – utilities, wages, depreciation etc. – involved in running my business? If the answer is no, then you should either rule it out completely or plan far enough in advance that you can accumulate the money to pay for the booth you want.
Location, location, location…
The location of your booth plays a big part in its success as an advertising tool. Choose a prime traffic area, such as close to the entrance. You will have to register early to increase your chances of getting such a spot.
It should suit the needs of your particular business
Trade show booths can be grouped into several categories. There are those that are called “traditional” in the sense that they have been in use for many ages; these consist of little more than a platform on which the goods are displayed, surrounded by a few rods implanted into the ground. Some, like banners, pop-up and tabletop displays, can be folded up, stored in cases and carried around. The main focus of such displays is the graphics that you transport to and from the show.
Other, “modular” booths are much more sophisticated, consisting of a large number of parts that, when assembled in the correct fashion, give a “tailored” appearance. The main advantage that they have over the simpler types of booths is that it comes in multiple configurations, enabling you to choose the one that most suits your economic goals. There are also “customizable” booths that you can have customized any way that suits you, and hybrid booths that have tension fabrics, lamination and many other elements.
You really want to consider carefully whether it is worth it to have such a complex stand or whether it would be better to go for the simplest type possible. Certainly you do not want to get an elaborate modular trade show stand for yourself just to swell up the appearance of your business and make yourself look fancy.
The benefits should outweigh any and all costs
The law of “benefits over costs” is one of the most fundamental in the business world. In the case of trade show booths, the benefits include the sales revenue brought in by customers who visit your display, who would not otherwise have thought about buying what you have to offer. If as a result of your trade show project you can make enough within the first three months after the show to cover the expense of the show at least four times over, then you can be sure that you have made a wise investment.
It should stand out from booths of similar companies at the fair
The distinctive quality of your booth is an important factor in determining whether you choose it. Remember: Other companies in the same line will be at the trade show too, and they will be competing with yours. Therefore, the more your booth “stands out from the crowd,” the more potential customers will be drawn to it instead of any of the others. Lighting is one way in which you can accomplish this task; after all, people are not drawn to what they cannot easily see.
Mike Weimar is the CEO of portable displays for trade shows from IconicDisplays.com. Mike is enthusiastic about trade show displays and booths for small and large businesses. Contact Mike to learn what Ionic Displays can do for you!
