Design Tips to Attract an Audience to Your Trade Show Display

The success of your show display isn't based entirely on how much money is spent, but rather on the layout and design. Whether you are using tabletop displays or 20x20 truss systems, it’s important it is designed to intrigue people to stop by. Here are some layout ideas to help you draw in more people and get more leads.

Make it Interactive

Instead of just having pictures plastered on your exhibit booth, why not keep your audience engaged and entertained during their visit? This could mean using social media, games with prizes, handouts, QR codes, or hands-on demonstrations that will also allow attendees to participate. Not only will your audience stick around your exhibit much longer, but they will remember your company long after the convention.

Create a Relaxing Environment

Many of the attendees are probably going to be overwhelmed with the hundreds of display systems that are trying to get their attention. Create a relaxing environment that will not only make people want to stop by, but will make them want to stay. Use aromatherapy, dim lighting, and soothing colors like green, blue, or lilac.

Keep the Center of the Display Booth Open

You may have the urge to fill every part of your booth space with furniture, products, or display stands, but don’t. The reason being that attendees may feel like they don’t have any space to look at your display system. Keep the space wide open in order to make it seem like your space is much bigger, while also inviting more people to stop by. If you decide to use literature stands, counters, or other pieces of furniture, keep it to the side so that nothing is blocking the center of your trade show display.

Simple Graphics Can Make the Space Look Larger

Use just one or two large photos on your trade show display instead of several small photos because this can help open up your booth space. Also, use very little text on your trade show graphics because attendees will feel overwhelmed by the immense amount of information you are trying to relay on your convention display. Save this information for promotional handouts and brochures.

There’s no need to go into debt in order to have high-impact trade show displays, it just takes the right amount of planning and the perfect design that will draw in a crowd. These tips will work with any display stand.

Trade Show Tips for Small Businesses

Trade shows are catered towards small businesses because it allows these companies to put themselves out there and actually meet their target audiences face-to-face. However, if you don’t have a proper strategy in place, you might see the money you put into trade show displays go to waste. Here are some trade show tips to help you get ahead of the competition at conventions.

Research the Show

So you’ve spent months planning for the big show only to find out that it’s not related to your industry at all! Just because you sign up for a trade show doesn’t mean your target audience will be there. Do your research to find out what events your competition and target demographic will be before making the commitment to exhibit at that convention.

Know Your Exhibit Booth Space

Know exactly how much space you have to work with before shopping for tradeshow exhibits. This will help you decide how large the booth should be. Also, if your booth space is larger than your actual exhibit, make sure you have other items, such as tables and literature stands, in order to keep the space from looking empty.

Have a Focus

Instead of trying to sell every single product or service your company provides, choose either a brand new product or your company’s mission statement to focus on. People will most likely remember your display system if you are focusing on one message versus throwing several products and messages at the attendees.

Look for a Sponsor

To save you some money at trade shows, look for a sponsor that would be willing to invest in your show display. You’ll be able to help each other out by getting exposure and having a stunning trade show booth that would have otherwise been very costly if you didn’t have a partner.

Expos are one of the best ways for both big and small companies to promote their business equally, so make the most of it. With these tips and an attention-grabbing display stand, you are sure to become a hit at your next trade show! 

Digital Marketing Ideas for Your Display Stand

In today’s world of technology, it’s much simpler to spread the word about any big event, promotion, or new product your company has. Trade show displays can also be advertised using these technological outlets and will help get more people to your display stand. Here are some ideas for promoting your presence at the trade show, as well as what you can do during the show to keep your audience interested.

Website Promotions

Advertise your display system on your website weeks before the convention by saying a little something on your homepage or writing a blog about it. Advertise on the trade show’s website also in order to reach out to people who are already planning on going to the show. Include your booth number, location, and time of the event. Also, if you use social media, let all of your followers and fans know about it.

QR Codes

During the trade show, having QR codes placed on your exhibit booth and marketing materials will make it easy for attendees to get all of the necessary information about your products or services, even if you are busy. If you are not familiar with these codes, they can be scanned with smart phones and will take them to any website page, video, or article you want to show them.

Mobile-Friendly Website

If you are planning on using QR codes, then make sure to have a mobile-friendly format of your website to make it simple for attendees to view it and possibly make purchases.

Blog Throughout Your Show Experience

Keep your readers updated on every little aspect of your trade show exhibit. Before the event, you can blog about the special giveaway items you’ll have, how your display stand will be different from others, or discounts that will only be available at the booth exhibit. While you are on the convention floor, write a blog about all of the activities you have going on at your trade show display, including any special presentations or demonstrations. After the show, give a recap for anyone who wasn’t able to come.

Using these technological tools can help you reach a larger audience and increase awareness of your convention booth. There is always new technology coming out to help promote your business and display booth, so stay tuned for the latest marketing ideas for display stands from Smash Hit Displays. 

Design Tips for Trade Show Displays

Trade shows are a great way to get the exposure you need for your business to succeed. Keep in mind that there will be hundreds of other trade show displays that will be competing for attention, some of which will be your competitors. So, what can you do to make sure all eyes are on you at the event? These tips will help you effectively design display stands and get the traffic you want.

Let Everyone Know What Your Company is All About

Have you ever noticed show displays that make you question what exactly the company does? In more cases than not, exhibitors try so hard to have a flashy display system with all the bells and whistles, they seem to forget the most important part of their booth design – letting their audience know who they are and what products or services are offered. You can easily relay this information by creating a bullet point list directly on the convention booth that either lists the benefits of your products/services or lists what your company has to offer to its customers. Don’t leave attendees asking the question “Who are you?” because they are less inclined to do business with companies they are unsure of.

Your Graphics Should Be Seen Clearly From the Aisles

If you are using furniture, literature stands, or banner stands, they should be moved so they do not stand in the way of your display system. Large items such as these could make it difficult for attendees to view your entire booth exhibit clearly if they are directly in front. Use these trade show accessories to the side of your trade show display in order to make your booth the center of attention.

Have a Sitting Area

Trade shows require long hours for both exhibitors and attendees, which could be painful being on your feet that long. If enough space is available in your show booth, include some chairs in order to let everyone sit down and relax for a bit. Truss systems give you enough open space to provide seating areas comfortably.

Place Your Logo on the Display Stand and on All Marketing Materials

The more customers see your logo, the more it will be remembered. Imprint it in clear view on your display booth, as well as any brochures, promotional products, business cards, and any other materials that will be handed out.

Whether you are using table top displays or 20x30 custom displays, the right design will attract the crowd you want at conventions and trade fairs.  

Trade Show Displays: Spend Smarter, Not More

Having a plan of action prior to investing in trade show displays is critical in order for you to spend wisely instead of throwing money down the drain. When it comes to trade shows and conventions, you should spend smarter, not more. Here are a few ideas on how to save money while still having effective trade show displays.

Select Booth Space Early
Don’t wait until the last minute to reserve your booth exhibit spot. Look for discounts on “early-bird” specials. Not to mention you will have a much wider selection, allowing you to choose a spot in a high-traffic area of the event.

Research Display Systems
As you do this, take into consideration the size of the event and the competitors that will also be there promoting their products or services. Custom displays may be more effective and worth the cost for larger events, whereas table top trade show displays may have the same effect at local and small trade shows. Another thing to take into consideration is whether or not you will be traveling. Some convention booths, such as pop up displays, are lightweight and easy to transport. If you will be traveling, look at the weight of the display booths because the heavier it is, the more expensive it will be to ship.

Already Have An Exhibit Booth? Update the Graphics! 
If you already have a trade show exhibit on hand, you can easily and affordably change the entire look of the booth just by changing the trade show graphics. This will allow you to promote different products or services from one show to the next and create a fresh look for your trade show display.

It’s no secret that trade shows are a great way to invest your marketing dollars since you will get the exposure your company needs to thrive. With proper planning, researching the trade show to make sure it is right for your company, and the right trade show displays, you are sure to get the results you are aiming for.

Why You Should Invest in Trade Show Displays in a Down Economy

When the economy is down and sales aren't as frequent as you would like, it might make sense for you to make some budget cuts. One area you shouldn't make these cuts in is trade show displays because if there is one thing that can save your company, it is the exposure you will receive from trade shows and conventions. Here are a few reasons you should keep on exhibiting.

Reach Your Targeted Demographics

With all of the different social networking tools online, you’ll have the opportunity of meeting a variety of people across the globe. The only problem with relying solely on social media is the lack of face-to-face interaction. It is hard to show your audience who you are and what your business can do through a computer screen. The most effective way of letting everyone know why they should do business with you is by talking to potentially interested buyers.

Investigate Your Competitors

Trade shows give you the chance to find out what your competitors have been up to, whether they have new products, have special promotions. Also the design of their show displays will give you an idea of what works or what doesn’t. Do they have special promotion products that are bringing traffic to their trade show exhibit? What do you like about their display system and what don’t you like? Checking out your competition will give you an idea of what you should do with your convention exhibit at the next event.

Costs are lower than Other Marketing Mediums

The cost of investing in portable displays can be lower than the cost of printing an advertisement in your local newspaper or a 30 second TV commercial. Also, trade show exhibits can be used for years to come, whereas print and TV ads will cost you for only a specified amount of time, depending on how much you paid for the advertisement spots.

Well, there you have it. Trade shows are an effective marketing tool that can’t be replaced with the Internet, print ads, or commercials. For more tips on how to be a hit at trade shows, please see Smash Hit Displays blog.  

Cost-Saving Strategies for Trade Show Displays

As effective as trade shows can be at increasing company awareness and gaining new customers, it can be costly. Here are a few tips on how to keep your costs low while still making an impact at the event.

Know Your Budget

Before you can begin shopping for trade show displays, know your budget in order to identify just how much you are able to spend. Luckily, there are plenty of trade show booths out there that will fit almost any budget. For example, banner stands cost as little as $150 while truss displays can go as high as $20,000. Once you know your budget, finding the right display system will be easy.

Think Lightweight

Shipping and drayage costs can be a huge expense, especially with bulky, heavy exhibit booths. Lightweight trade show exhibits will save a bundle in transportation costs. One example of a lightweight display booth that can be packed up in a single shipping case would be pop up displays.

Spend a Little More for a Quality Product

Just because a trade show booth supplier may advertise lower prices, doesn’t necessarily mean they have quality products that will last for years to come. Call the display suppliers that you are interested in, such as Smash Hit Displays, and ask them a variety of questions in regards to their portable displays.  A reputable company would be able to answer any questions you may have and help you choose the right trade show exhibit for your needs and budget.

Consider Renting

Exhibit rentals are ideal if you do not plan on being a long-term exhibitor. If your goal is to participate in one or two shows, the most cost cost-efficient option would be to rent one. There are a variety of high-quality convention booths available for much less than a brand new one. However, if you want to go to one or more shows a year, buying one would be a better solution.

Hopefully these tips will help you find the display booth for trade shows that works best for you and your company without spending beyond your means. 

The Importance of Trade Show Display Colors

One investment your company should never skip is your trade show displays because they allow you to promote your products or services at trade shows and events in front of your target audience. However, it isn’t only the impressive size of your trade show booth that will draw in a crowd, but also the colors used. Think carefully about the colors you are going to use because each one may relay certain messages to your audience and some may be more eye-catching than others. Here are some colors you should consider incorporating into your display booth:

• Orange will create an energetic and lively feel, but because it is such a bold color, should be used cautiously. Using too much orange may become too flamboyant and cause attendees to walk away from your convention booth instead of to it.
• Yellow is a very cheery color that may brighten up the day of your audience, but as I mentioned with orange, it should be used with caution. 
• White is a very clean and pure color; however it shouldn’t be used as your primary trade show exhibit color since it can create a dull look that won’t stand out to your audience.
• Red is another bold color like orange and yellow that can bring feelings of excitement and enthusiasm. 
• Green has a relaxing mood associated with it, which is a great feeling if you want to make your audience feel calm and comfortable. 
• Purple is not a popular choice for show booths, but can create a royalty feel.
• Blue is a color that can create a negative impression among your visitors since it is a dark, gloomy color. 
• Black is another color I would use sparingly since it creates a negative feeling if used too much in your display system.

The right exhibit display colors can make the difference between a memorable booth exhibit and one that will quickly be forgotten. For more tips, feel free to call Smash Hit Displays or check out the website at www.smashhitdisplays.com.

Simple Tips to Upgrade Graphics for Trade Show Booths

Whether you are using table top displays or 20 x 20 truss systems, the look of your trade show graphics can make the difference between trade show displays that are memorable and displays that are forgettable. If you are looking for a few ideas on how to design the perfect graphics for your display system, keep reading.

Minimal Pictures and Text

Attendees want to be able to walk down the aisles and easily tell what a company does and what products or services they provide by simply glancing at the trade show exhibits. To do this, you need to use one or two large photos of the product/service you are promoting. Also, don’t write paragraphs of information because you will quickly lose the attendees interest. Keep it short and use bullet points to easily point out the benefits of your company are.

Use Bold Colors

Would you notice a show display that has a white background or one with a green background? I’m guessing the green background will probably jump out at you first. Use bright, eye-pleasing colors that will draw attention to your trade show booth. However, be careful not to mix too many bright colors together on your display board because this may repel people from stopping by.

Graphics Should Have a Marketing Theme

The more people see the same message, the more memorable it will be. Design your trade show graphics to contain the same message and theme as your marketing materials (brochures, pamphlets, etc.) For example, if you have a beach background on your brochures, it should also be on your portable display.

Hire a Designer

Graphic designers are specially trained to design graphics that are visually appealing and will relay your message in an eye-catching way. There is a small fee, but it will be well worth it when you see all of the traffic your display booth will get. Smash Hit Displays has an experienced and creative team of designers that will be more than happy to create them for you.

You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars updating your trade show booths. Instead, use these tips to effectively create graphic panels that will help you get results at the event. 

Timeline for Trade Show Booths

Successful trade show booths that draw in a crowd at events cannot be created over night. It takes months of careful planning to create the perfect display system. Here is a basic timeline to help you plan the perfect booth on time, starting with 12 months before the big convention. 

12 Months

• Set your goal
• Know Your Budget
• Pick your location on the trade show floor. All of the good, high-traffic spots will get taken first, so you need to move quickly to reserve the perfect spot.
• Send in the application and payment

6 Months

• Let the Advertisements for your trade show display begin – social media, blogs, paid ads, and your website are all great places to promote your display.
• Research convention displays to find the one that’s right for you based on size, price, and reliability of the supplier.
• Decide what will make your booth stand out from the rest – giveaways, ceiling-mounted banners, inflatable arches, etc.

4 Months

• Choose the staff you want to bring with you to the event. The more enthusiastic, product-knowledgeable, and upbeat they are the more likely attendees will want to stop at your trade show exhibits.
• Make hotel and transportation arrangements
• Decide what and how many products you will be putting on display at the event. Keep in mind how much space your portable display will have.
• Communicate with the trade show booth suppliers to make them aware of when and where your trade show display needs to be.
• If you decide to, choose promotional products to hand out
• Get estimated costs

3 Months

• Carefully review contracts
• Communicate your show plan to your staff
• If you haven’t done so, make the final decision of what booth supplier you will be using

2 Months

• Decide if you are going to bring brochures or other literature
• Confirm hotel and transportation arrangements
• Create and order lead forms
• Order badges for your staff
• Make sure your promotional items will be shipped and delivered on time
• If you want to make any minor changes to your display booth, now is the time to do it

Days before the Show

• Make a list of all items you will need at the trade show and make sure they are all packed – including credit cards, passports (if traveling abroad), literature, lead forms, receipts and order forms for everything that was ordered for the show.
• A list of phone numbers for all suppliers and staff members
• Fire certificate, if needed
• An emergency kit, with items such as mints, wipes, markers, pens, a sewing kit, etc.

At the Show

• Walk around and observe competitors to find out what works and what doesn’t for them
• Hold daily meetings with your staff to discuss the events that took place during the trade show
• Ship lead forms back to the office daily for processing

After the Show

• Don’t forget to follow up
• Have another meeting with your staff to get feedback and what they liked and what they didn’t about the trade show exhibit

Whether you are using banner stands, pop up displays, or anything in between, this timeline from SmashHit Displays should make it run much smoother. Have fun!

How to Design Valuable Trade Show Booths

Effective trade show displays can make or break your experience at the event. As you are beginning to design your display systems, the following tips will help your create an appealing booth that your target audience will be drawn to.  

Keep the Headline Short

Attendees should have an idea of what your company has to offer them just by looking at the show display. It should be short, yet catchy enough to intrigue people to stop by. If it is too long, too much space will be taken up on your convention booth. The wording should be large enough to see from the aisles.  

Choose Your Trade Show Graphics Wisely

As you are deciding what images to include on your trade show booth, choose the ones that will clearly explain to your audience what products or services you are selling. It’s okay if you want to promote just one product because most graphics can be interchanged on portable displays. For example, pop up displays use magnetic channel bars to attach the graphic panels and can be easily changed from one show to the next.  

The Description Should be Easy to Read

Printing paragraphs of information on your convention display will cause attendees to be bored and eager to move on to other booth displays. Keep the description short and use bullet points to highlight the benefits of your company.

Although you may have thoroughly trained your staff, printed hundreds of brochures, and have a stash of promotional items to hand out, it is the trade show exhibits that will entice people to come to you. These tips should help draw in a larger crowd and make a big impact at the convention.

Why Social Media Will Boost Traffic to Trade Show Displays

For decades, print advertisements and direct mail pieces have been the chosen method to increase awareness of companies and products. Even at trade shows, many exhibitors mail out postcards and invitations with incentives to let their audience know why they should visit their trade show displays. However, with the use of social media and the Internet, are print advertisements still as effective? Here are a few reasons why exhibitors are turning to the Web to reach their target demographic and increase traffic to their portable displays.

Cost Effective

Traditional print ads can be extremely expensive for a small section in a newspaper or magazine. It costs little to no money to post announcements through social media, and can reach a more targeted audience than print ads alone. 

Reaches a Larger Audience

As I mentioned before, you will reach a more targeted audience through social networking that you wouldn’t get from newspaper and television ads. 

Can Post Pictures and Videos

Sometimes people need to see your portable trade showdisplays in order to convince them they must stop by. Post pictures and videos of your display system, as well as any activities that are taking place (such as demos, seminars, and games) on YouTube, Facebook, or your blog to gain more attention. 

Today, everyone is turning to digital media in both their personal and professional lives. It is an inexpensive way to advertise and increase traffic to trade show exhibits. If you are in need of any other tradeshow tips, check out the blog of Smash Hit Displays: http://www.smashhitdisplays.com/blog.

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Smash Hit Displays Features the Linear Hybrid Display for Trade Shows

Trade show booths are much more cutting-edge and innovative compared to what they were a few years ago. With only 3 seconds to grab the attention of attendees as they walk on by, exhibitors are choosing display booths that have these innovative designs in order to stand out from the rest. One type of convention display that has a custom look without the custom price is the Linear Hybrid Display Systems.

What makes these trade show exhibits so unique is the attractive wings and headers that are included in these display packages. They add an eye-catching shape that is much different than traditional box-shaped display booths for trade shows.

The Linear Table Top Display has lights included which illuminate your entire booth drawing attention to your display and increasing foot traffic. Smash Hit Displays offers a wide variety of Linear Display Booths which are quick and easy to assemble. Contact us today for a unique twist on the traditional trade show booth.

Fun and Creative Ways to Use QR Codes on Trade Show Displays

A few years ago, it was typical for trade show booth exhibitors to hand out massive amounts of brochures and literature on how wonderful their products or services are. The only problem with this method is that most of this literature was thrown away before even leaving the convention. This resulted in a huge waste of money on something that really never increased business as exhibitors were hoping. 

Today, there is a much more cost effective and memorable way to inform attendees at display booths for trade shows, known as QR Codes. If you are not familiar with these codes, they are printed directly on the convention display and, when a picture is taken from a cell phone, will be taken to the company’s website, a video, article, or just about anything you want your audience to know. 

Here are a few ways to intrigue attendees to visit your portable display with QR codes. 

Make it a Game

First of all, contact the trade show organizers to obtain a list of registered attendees for the event. Once you have this list in hand, send out direct mail pieces with QR codes that will take them to a video to help promote your trade show booth. Since everyone loves to get free gifts, include a password in the video that the attendee will need to use at your show display to receive the free item. This will definitely give them a motive to stop by your convention booth in a fun way! 

Use Them on Everything

From banner stands to trade show flooring to promotional products, include a QR code on it all! For every different item with a code, link it to different videos, articles, or website pages. Attendees will want to search for these codes if they are different. 

Follow up With a Code

Instead of the regular thank-you cards that were traditionally sent to leads after the event, why not include QR codes? These codes can take them to a thank you video from the president of the company or, even better, the person they had spoken to at the trade show. Trust me, this is definitely a way to stand out and be remembered. 

Although this is a new technology that has just begun to be implemented into booth displays, it is quickly catching on by exhibitors. Hope you enjoyed these tips from Smash Hit Displays. Happy exhibiting!

Banner Stands: The Ultimate Portable Display

No matter what your budget is, trade show displays are an investment that will help expand your business and increase awareness of your company as long as you go to the right trade shows. One type of portable display that continues to be an exhibitor favorite both on and off the show floor is banner stands. Not only do they make excellent visual aides at exhibits, but they can also be used in your place of business as an advertising tool. The graphic cartridges are easy to change, allowing you to create as many new look as you would like.

If you are familiar with these display systems, you are probably aware that they take up much less space than traditional show displays. Although they take up very little space length-wise, the height of some trade show banners can be adjusted to be as tall as 10 feet for a look that will still get noticed at the event. There are several different types of trade show signs that will help you make a lasting impression at your next convention.

Outdoor Banner Stands

If the event is taking place outside, then you’ll definitely want a display booth that is able to withstand the most adverse weather conditions, including rain, snow, wind, and sun. Outdoor banner stands will do just that because the graphics are printed on a heavy-duty material that will not get damaged through the different weather conditions, as well as a special ink that won’t fade from too much sun, wind, rain, or snow. The bases can also be filled with water or sand to prevent them from being tipped over.

Hanging Banners

If the trade show is large and will have hundreds of other competing exhibitors, having trade show booths that will stand out is extremely important. Hanging banners are mounted directly above your booth display and comes in a variety sizes and shapes for a look that will draw in a large crowd. This is a great way to easily promote your business from across the trade show floor.

Retractable Banner Stands

These banner stands are the most popular line of banner displays on the market because the graphics are held in the base for easy storage, taking seconds to assembly by simply pulling it out of the base and attaching to the pole.

Banner Stand Walls

If you want a convention display that is as large as traditional booths, such as pop up displays, but don’t have the budget, banner stand walls can be created. It consists of placing several retractable banner stands together to create a trade show booth wall that costs a fraction of what traditional display systems cost.

These trade show booths are an excellent way to increase brand awareness without spending beyond your allotted budget. Good luck at your next trade show!