So you need a new trade show booth… but how do you get started?
Well, when you first meet with your chosen vendor, they’ll have a few standard questions to help guide the conversation and get the design process started. In order to make your first meeting as productive as possible, be sure to come prepared!
Do some research on the trade show itself. Find out what assets will be available to you, such as a table or access to electricity. It’s also helpful to know the footprint of your booth, and whether any parts of the new booth will need to be shipped. The more details you offer to your vendor, the easier it will be for them to make recommendations for you!
Here are a few more basic questions you should have the answers to when placing your trade show booth order.
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What size booth do you need?
This important question sets the stage for planning your trade show display. Determining the size can help you select the type of displays you want to have. Different shows have different booth footprints, potentially giving you room for more display pieces.
Remember, if you are sponsoring the show, you will want to make a bigger, bolder statement with your booth. You may also have access to a larger booth area or be placed in an location with more foot traffic. This will help you stand out in a good way.
What is your budget?
We know it’s important to get a return on your investment, so before choosing a number, first think about whether you want to purchase one large piece or several smaller, less expensive pieces. If your budget is larger, you have room to accentuate with signage or fun add-ons, like video display. If your budget is smaller, you can make a great presentation with creative design and incorporating eye-catching graphics. The booth’s intended longevity should also be a factor in your budget decision.
Knowing your budget is key to getting the look and feel you want. If you’re unsure about the going rate of certain types of booth, that’s OK. Your vendor will be able to give you recommendations based on the type of layout and features you’re interested in.
When is the trade show?
When planning for your booth, it is a good idea to plan well in advance of the trade show so that you have everything in time for your presentation. The more notice your vendor has, the better to plan and order your materials.
Remember that designs often go through several rounds of revisions, so if you would like custom graphics designed by your vendor’s creative team, you will need to have ample time for those to be completed.
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Are you completely replacing your booth?
Sometimes parts of your booth can be repurposed. If you are reusing parts of your booth, such as the stand, then you may only need newly printed fabric graphics, which brings the cost down. Before meeting with your vendor, take a close look at your current booth assets and decide if there is anything worth salvaging before replacing them entirely.
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How many times will the booth be used?
All booths can be reused a number of times because they are made from fairly durable materials. However, you may want to update your graphics periodically to have a bold professional look with crisp, clear imagery. Maybe you even want to change out the graphics based on every show.
Keep in mind that if this booth is going to get a lot of use out of it, you may want to raise the budget for a really sturdy, high-quality piece that will last a long time.
Do you have reference photos with scale?
If you have photos of booths you have liked at other trade shows or a photo of your current booth, the design team can have a better idea of the look and feel you want for your new booth. Knowing the style and scale of the booth you like is helpful in selecting the type of displays you want and the look you need to promote your business.
Choosing the right trade show booth
When presenting your business at a trade show, it’s important to look professional. Having the right trade show booth materials for your business can really set you apart from other businesses. Whether you choose to go with large graphic images, multiple displays or a unique layout, you can make a big impression on your customers. If you’re not quite sure where to start, contact the trade show experts here at Ironmark to help set yourself apart from the rest.