If you have ever attended a trade show, you know that many companies struggle with designing graphics that represent their company well. Even large, nationally recognized corporations make glaring mistakes in their graphic design that could have easily been prevented with a better understanding of the trade show environment. By collecting information from designers experienced in working with trade show graphics, we have compiled a number of tips that we believe are crucial to a successful graphic design.
1- Less is more in the world of trade show graphics. Many designers seem to think that they are designing a museum exhibit, because the entire display is filled with small text and bullet points. You only have three seconds to grab the attention of attendees and visitors at a trade show, and a large graphic full of tiny text is the last thing you want. We have found that large, boldly colored images that relate directly to the brand identity of your company will not only increase your visibility at the trade show, but increase the return on your investment. If you are designing graphics to promote a company that sells orange juice, you would do much better by using a large image of a fresh orange than by writing bullet points about the advantages of purchasing your brand of orange juice.
2- Do not sacrifice a professional image in order to market a smaller facet of your company. At a trade show, you are marketing your brand, not your products. Unless you offer a cutting edge product, visitors to your booth will not be impressed by what you sell. If you design simple but professional trade show graphics that focus on the feel of your company, you are much more likely to leave a lasting impact on attendees by raising the profile of your company brand. The biggest motivating factor that changes potential customers into loyal clients is the perception that your company is professional and legitimate.
3- Maintain a consistent scheme with all of your marketing material. Your large format trade show graphics should be closely tied in with the literature and giveaways you are handing out, as well as any pre-show mailers you have sent. Your trade show graphics should also work with your company website, letterhead, and business cards. In other words, your trade show marketing campaign needs to be a part of a much larger approach that is well planned and consistent. This will help you to appear legitimate and professional to your potential clients, which will help to earn business for your company. If your trade show graphics are well designed and make a big impact at your show, visitors will be disappointed if they are pointed to a poorly designed, outdated website.
Many companies that sell trade show displays offer graphic design, usually at a cost of roughly $100 per hour. There are a few companies that offer free trade show graphic design with the purchase of a trade show display or banner stand, which can be a great way to save money and time. Companies that sell exhibits usually staff designers that specialize in large format graphic design and printing, which means that they know exactly what types of design works well in a trade show environment. The expertise of a professional can drastically increase the return on your investment without adding too much upfront cost.
A corporate trade show exhibit is your opportunity to shine and show potential clients how you can be of benefit to them. It's a time that you want to stand out from the crowd and you may have only a few seconds to grab their attention. If you fail to do so, you may have simply wasted a lot to time, money, and energy that you have spent in preparing for the event.
If your advertising doesn't convey the proper message, you also run the danger that members may not have confidence in your ability to be of service to their needs. It's important that your trade show exhibit sends the exact message that you intended and hiring a professional company that specializes in designing displays that will help make sure your goals are met.
Start With The Basics
There are many different types of trade show displays. The type you select will depend not only on your budget, but also on the objectives you have defined. If you are attempting to demonstrate a particular theme, you need to be sure that you are consistent with what your company has done in the past. If you are to promote a new product or service, you will also want to tie in with your brand, but at the same time make sure the new product is featured.
Catching Eyes
If you've ever attended a typical exhibition, it can be very crowded. The area between the trade show displays are often limited in space and, if well attended, the aisles soon become a clogged area of people milling around. You need to catch the eye of the attendees as they pass by, as you may only have one chance to do so.
It's important that your booth is designed to attract attention and not blend into the background of the event. Even more important though, the trade show exhibit not only needs to attract attention, but encourage attendees to interact with your employees and request additional information. This is your introduction to their needs and gives you the opportunity to sell your company on a one on one basis.
You May Only Have One Chance
With hundreds of trade show exhibits that often packed side by side, all attempting to achieve basically the same result, it's critical to use a creative design that will make your trade show exhibit stand out. Many times exhibitors will go overboard and, although they may draw attention, their message and ultimately their goal is lost in the process.
It's important that your graphics have a dual purpose of drawing attention and then transferring that attention into action. It will do your company little good if everyone notices your booth but few stop to examine how your services can fill their needs. You need to encourage attendees to take literature, talk with your employees, and give you the chance to show how you can be of service to them.
Get Professional Help
Hiring a professional company to assist with the design may be a smart move. When looking to design a trade show display in Chicago or other major metropolitan areas, you'll want a company that will sit down with you and define your goals and then design a display within your budget, freeing you to concentrate on other business items. You'll want a company that can perform their service in a timely manner and design the display to not only be eye catching, but to promote interaction with your employees. Most importantly, your trade show display needs to support the overall marketing strategy for your business. Your success in doing so will lead to deals in the future for your company.
Both Andy Keeler & Christine Okelly are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Andy Keeler has sinced written about articles on various topics from Internet Marketing, Home Improvement and Marketing. Andy Keeler is the owner of MODdisplays. They specialize in and. Andy Keeler's top article generates over 33100 views. to your Favourites.
Christine Okelly has sinced written about articles on various topics from Disease & illness, Finances and Accident Lawyers. Christine O'Kelly is a writer for Ion Exhibits, a design company specializing in award-winning designs as well as display storage, restoration. Christine Okelly's top article generates over 135000 views. to your Favourites.