How To Capture Attention At Your Next Trade Show

For many businesses, trade shows play a key role in their marketing efforts.  If you’ve been to a trade show, you know that it can be hard for a business to stand out.  Are you planning on being an exhibitor at a trade show this year?  If so, your display is going to be the number one factor in getting people to want to stop and see what you are offering.  Here are tips for creating an effective and eye-catching trade show display:

1.  Know your goals

You are participating in this trade show for a reason.  Ask yourself some questions to validate your purpose.  Do you want brand awareness?  New customers?  Do you want to add customers to your email database?  Do you want to demo your product?  Do you want to get people talking about your products? Knowing your goals will help you to focus your attention on the most important aspects of your display and to make room for what matters most.

2.  Grab their attention quickly

Statistics show that you only have 6 seconds to attract someone’s attention at a trade show before they move on.  To help guide you in attracting attention, think back to billboards, magazine ads and even other trade show displays that have caught your eye.  What was it about them that made you take notice?  Bright colors?  Beautiful imagery?  Funny sayings?  Incorporate these types of elements into your trade show design. 

3.  Simple is usually always better

While it’s important for your booth to give people enough information to get a sense of what you do, you also don’t want to overdo it.  Fewer and powerful words are more likely to draw someone in rather than a long and cluttered bullet list of everything you do.  You can also incorporate marketing materials or technology that people can view to learn more about your company once they’re in front of you, but again, keep it neat.

4.  Work with a professional

Incorporating banners and displays from a professional who knows how to help you get the most out of your display makes a big difference.  A professional company will help you create a display or banner that has a bright background, a slogan and a clear message of what you offer so you can catch your audience’s attention. 

5.  Remember to smile! 

The people working your booth are on display too and serve as your walking marketers!  When attendees see someone at your booth that is smiling and looks approachable, they will be more comfortable and likely want to see what you are offering.