Planning A Trade Show Display
It seems every industry has at least one annual trade show. Everyone from dental hygienists to brick layers to large international software conglomerates have a trade show. Cities actively bid on hosting these trade shows on a regular basis, much like the Super Bowl each year. Trade shows make money for everyone ‘ the convention center, the hotels, the companies, and anyone who has anything to do with the show. To secure your success, you need to make sure you have a professional, top notch trade show display.
Your display doesn’t only include your literature, logo and backdrop. It also includes where you are located on the show floor, and how large your booth is. Most organizations that put together these trade shows will allow you to rent what you need and bring and set up what you own. The basics of any booth or display are a banquet sized table, a tablecloth that reaches the floor, and a sign with your company name on it. All these can be made for the show at a small price or rented.
Most large firms employ professionals who do nothing more than manage their annual trade show circuit. The larger the company, the more shows they usually attend. Their on staff managers will make certain that all display materials are shipped to the proper location, they arrange for set up and frequently go to do it themselves, and then they arrange for break down and shipping the display to the next location, or back to storage.
It is vital to secure what is considered prime floor space. Newcomers to a particular trade show find themselves at a disadvantage because the companies who come year after year usually are given the privilege of all prime space if they secure it early enough. Prime space is considered any booth that is located directly inside the front entrance or visible from the front entrance. This is why your trade show display must be top notch.
A typical booth is 10 x 10 feet or 10 x 5 feet depending on the location. It’s basically enough for one table, an overhead sign, your banner with company name, and maybe two chairs. If you have your own display set up, fine. Otherwise you can either rent what you need from the trade center, or in some cases, these items are provided as part of your show fee. Display booth rental fees depends on your location.
Larger companies will always rent what is called a ‘10 booth’ size ‘ usually the largest area available, and these are limited depending on where the show is held. If it’s in a hotel, there is usually only one of these large spaces. In a regular convention hall like McCormick Place in Chicago, management usually allows multiples, depending on the companies.
Whoever ends up with these focal points must be able to prove they have something important to show. For instance, a small accounting firm in Duluth MN might have the finances to afford one of these supersized areas, but is a small accounting firm going to draw customers from all over? No. In a case like this, they may not be given this type of space no matter what.
Show management is looking for super displays, products that everyone will want or at least be able to buy, and a design that draws crowds. Surrounding booths are expected to pay a premium to be near these large areas. Your success depends on your display.
Designing your display is extremely important for your trade shows. We offer design services and well balanced displays, ranging from roll up stand, banner stand, and of course, trade show displays. Check us out!