Designing an exhibition stand
is complex. You have a very small space to use and you need to make an
immediate impact with people who will walk past your exhibition stand. You may
have several different audiences or messages to portray and different products
to display. Your exhibition stand is the most important component in attending
an exhibition or trade show, so you do want to get it right. The following top
ten design tips will help you to design the best exhibition stand for your
company.
Tip 1 – Create a Concept
One of the first things you
should do is to create a concept for your exhibition stand. You can use a theme
that ties in every element together. Your concept should blend nicely with the
current marketing products of your company, although you can create specific
marketing products to match the concept of your exhibition stand.
Tip 2 – Size up the Space
Find out exactly how much space
you have to use for your exhibition stand. There is no point in designing a
brilliant exhibition stand if it won’t fit within your designated exhibition
space. Count every square centimentre in your allocated space.
Tip 3 – Hit the Heights
Many exhibition stands only go as high as head height. Check with the organisers and see how high you can build your stand. You may be able to use high signs and fabric designs to bring people into your exhibition stand by creating a curiosity from across the room.
Tip 4 – Prepare a Plan
Prepare a three-dimensional
plan of your exhibition stand. Design the stand to include all of the elements
you need to include: technology, product displays, brochure displays, lights,
signage, and furniture. Remember that you need space for staff and customers as
well as for the products or displays. You may find that you decide to display
fewer products more effectively rather than cram the space full of pop up
displays or shelving.
Tip 5 – Think about Technology
Technology is part and parcel
of the world today. How are you going to incorporate technology into your
exhibition stand? Would you like potential customers to see your website during
the trade show? Can you show DVDs of your product in action or provide
testimonies on the latest technology, such as a download for ipods?
Tip 6 – Light the Lights
Lighting is
an essential design element in any modern exhibition stand. Designing
additional lighting beyond that supplied by the trade show hall or conference
centre is important. You can use spot lights, down lights, up lights, and
coloured lights to highlight products and displays within your exhibition
stand.
Tip 7 – Fabric the Façade
Fabric is light and can create
a beautiful effect when you use it as a major component of your exhibition
stand façade. Fabric wrapped around a light timber or metal frame can create
unique shapes that combine your concept with the usefulness of the façade. A
“box design” where everything fits into a special fabric shape is more
attractive than the old fashioned “booth” style of exhibition stand.
Tip 8 – Colours Catch Eyes
Use colours to create an
eye-catching exhibition stand. You may like to theme the colours and match the
exhibition stand furniture to your company logo colours. Use coloured lights to
create a unique feel to your exhibition
stand, especially
when compared to the exhibition stands on either side.
Tip 9 – Keep Signage Simple
Signage is
essential, but while it can attract attention, you do need to keep it simple.
If you try to explain your entire message on signs, you’ll find that few people
stop to read the signs. It is better to have three memorable words or a slogan
that people will remember after the event on your signs, rather than lists of
product feature information that few people will pay attention to.
Tip 10 – Atmosphere Attracts Attention
Build a complete atmosphere
within your exhibition stand space using lights, colour, shapes, and even
scents. Stimulate the senses of your potential customers and you will find that
your exhibition stand attracts more attention.
These top ten design tips will help you to create an exhibition stand that sells your message and attracts attention at the trade show. A professional exhibition stand designer can help you to pull all these design features and elements together to build an exhibition you will love.
