Here are some ideas you might wish to think about for your next exhibition or trade show stand;

1. Pull up banner stands

Pull up banners come in a few different sizes – usually 2100mm high. You can get different quality stands depending on budget and intended use. These can be a great option if you are planning to re-use your stand at different venues, or even if you want to use your banner stand alone after the show, maybe in your reception area of your office. You can also change the graphic without needing to buy a new stand so they can be a good investment.

2. Hanging Banners

Whenever you visit an exhibition hall, you will see banners of all shapes and sizes hanging from the truss. This is an ideal way to advertise your whereabouts in a busy exhibition hall. Also to attract attention before visitors even get close to your stand. Again, because of advancements in technology, these can be produced fairly cheaply. Obviously price will depend on quality of materials used but for a one, two or three day show you may only want something short term anyway.

3. Lightboxes

Lightboxes can be very effective. They can be both informative and attractive. Materials now can produce very good quality, high colour images on backlit film or banner. Custom made lightboxes can be made to any size or shape. They will literally brighten up your stand!

4. 3D Signage

3D logos can be made easily and cheaply. Usually shapes will be router cut from acrylic or similar and then glued to foam. The depth of the foam is up to you. This is a cost effective way of making your logo stand out (literally!) and also gives a very professional finish. Once again, if you wanted to keep your sign, you could always re-use it in your office space after the exhibition or trade show.

5. Vinyl Cut Signage

Vinyl cut is probably the most common way to display your logo. Vinyl is used in most shop front signage. It has a really nice smooth finish and can last for several years if applied correctly. It is also one of the most cost effective options to display your company logo. You will just need to supply your exhibition company or signage company with an electronic file and they will do the rest.

One final tip – shop around. Prices can vary a lot. Also, if you order more signage/printing price will often come down per item.

Firstly, consider the message you want to send to prospective customers. A good three to four word slogan that is memorable will often help customers retain the image of your exhibition booth in their mind. Signage works in three ways: it attracts attention, aids customer’s memory of your stand, and presents a professional image of your company.

Graphics and pictures will help to attract attention to your stand. If you have a graphic of your company logo, ensure it is hanging in a visible location on your exhibition stand. This will enable customers to associate your stand with your company, and the brochure they take with them.

Remember that the customers will likely pass many other exhibition stands in the day, and will collect promotional materials from those stands too. When reviewing the catalogues or brochures, they need to be able to associate the materials with the right stand, and good graphics and signs on the stand help to do this.

Secondly, consider the space you have available. Pop up display stands and banner stands will help to utilise the limited space and show the company’s banners and signs on your exhibition stand. Consider carefully the design of your exhibition booth. If you are using a modular exhibition stand, you need good signage to help your stand differentiate itself from its neighbours.

Once you have decided on what signage and graphics you will need, hire the appropriate banner and display stands and have the signs professionally produced, as hand painted signs look extremely unprofessional at a trade show. Hiring the appropriate exhibition equipment, such as the banner stands, ensures your stand portrays the professional look you want your company to present.

Finally, once the exhibition stand is set up, have a good walk around the exhibition.
Consider these questions:

• At what point can customers start to see your signage?
• Are the signs obstructed by your product displays, brochure stands, or other items, or do customers have a clear view of them?
• Are the signs been placed in such a way to attract attention down the aisles of the exhibition or spaces where people will gather?
• Will the signs encourage passers by to stop at the stand?
• Can you see the signs from all directions the stand can be approached by prospective customers?

Good exhibition stand design, combined with well-planned and displayed graphics and signage will ensure your company attracts attention at the trade show or exhibition. Consider carefully the display design and how to best display the signage which will help attract potential customers to your exhibition stand for the best results on the day.