How To Choose the Best Trade Show Booth Design Features (Without Wasting Resources)

The great thing about trade show exhibit design is that the possibilities are endless! The bad thing is—the possibilities are endless. With so many options available, how can you decide which trade show booth design features to invest in, and which ones to skip? 

Here’s how to determine the best booth design features for your exhibiting needs:

1. Determine Your Goals

Your needs will depend on what you’re hoping to achieve through trade show participation. 

For example, an exhibit focused on drawing attention to product demonstrations will require very different booth design features features from an exhibit focused on encouraging in-depth conversations with potential clients.  

Here are some common trade show objectives:

1. Generate leads

2. Showcase or demonstrate your products or services

3. Build brand awareness and brand loyalty

4. Network with vendors, customers or influencers

If you have more than one key objective, you can look for features that meet both needs at once.

2. Consider your large-scale design needs

Once you’ve solidified your exhibiting goals, it’s time to determine your booth layout. 

Typically, you’ll need one or more of the following features:

• Meeting areas for private discussions: Cut back on noise and visual distractions, and ensure that sensitive conversations will not be overheard.

• Seating for presentations: Incorporate an established area for your audience and ensure that your speaker will be visible. 

• Space for demonstrations: Leave room to efficiently demonstrate the functionalities of your product or services, and consider storage for materials.

• Product displays: You’ll need cases, platforms, or shelves to show off your goods

• Hangout space: Prepare an inviting, functional area for casual networking
  
  

3. Nail Down the Details

• Movement: Movement attracts attention and gives your booth a lively feel. Moving features include things like LED light displays, monitors with video, live demonstrations, or even performances like magic tricks or engaging speakers. Try to incorporate at least one moving feature.
  
  
• Samples: Samples and giveaways can really draw a crowd. If you’re doling out food or beverages, consider accommodations to maintain proper food temperature (like coolers or warming ovens) and consumption (like plates, utensils, napkins, etc).
  Here are some product sampling tips to help you make the best use of your resources.
  
  
• Hospitality: Especially for booths with lounge or meeting space, you’ll want to keep your guests comfortable. Elements like charging stations and free WiFi hotspots make your trade show booth extra welcoming.
  
  
• Lighting: This one is SO important. Booth graphics, demo spaces, presentation areas, meeting rooms, and product displays all have unique and important lighting requirements. You’ll also want to consider lighting needs specific to the exhibit hall and your audience. For example, you’ll need brighter lighting for a dimly-lit exhibit space or an audience prone to visual impairments.

Best of luck choosing the perfect features for your trade show exhibit design. If you could still use some guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to the booth gurus at Exhibit Options. We’re happy to help!