Already in the first three seconds it is decided whether your trade fair stand attracts attention – our brain is lightning fast when it comes to processing impressions. In a world full of visual stimuli, it is essential to stand out with your exhibition stand design. The challenge is to be noticed in the midst of all the visual noise, which ultimately determines whether visitors approach your booth or not. This depends on personal preference and cultural influences. A striking design is crucial for a lasting impression. For this purpose, we have put together 12 valuable tips that will optimize your trade fair stand design and ensure that it stands out positively.
Regardless of the size – be it a 10-square-metre stand or a 100-square-metre exhibition space, whether an eye-catching corner stand or a modest row stand – a well-thought-out concept is crucial for the success of an exhibition stand. This concept should reflect your goals for the trade fair. Therefore, it’s important to clearly define your objectives before you start planning your booth design. These goals should then form the basis for the design and construction of your exhibition stand.
1. Adapt your booth to the goals defined in advance
The design of your trade show booth should be primarily guided by your set goals for the trade show. The goals for trade fair appearances can vary greatly, depending on the specific requirements of the exhibiting companies.
Is it your goal to increase awareness for your products? Then put the presentation of your products at the center of attention. Are you striving to raise awareness of your brand and acquire new customers? In this case, you should design your trade fair stand in such a way that it stands out from a distance, for example by using large-format hanging elements and eye-catching eye-catchers.
2. Follow the maxim “form follows function”
What dimensions should my trade fair stand have? Is a simple row stand sufficient or is it appropriate to plan an island stand? Before you decide on the size, position and design of your exhibition stand, you should be clear about its main function. The needs and requirements for the trade fair appearance vary from exhibitor to exhibitor, which in turn has an impact on the preferences regarding the trade fair stand.
Are you opting for a flexible, mobile trade fair stand? Then numerous aspects play a role in the selection of the perfect exhibition stand design and the suitable system:
- Are you planning to have numerous short conversations, or do you need shielded zones for more in-depth consultations?
- Is it necessary to set aside areas for the demonstration of your products?
- Will your booth be set up in different configurations?
- Do you want to backlight your booth to make it stand out?
- Are multimedia facilities used?
- How extensive is your booth team?
- Does the stand have to fit in a car or do you have a van at your disposal?
- Should the booth system be flexibly expandable to grow with your company?
By taking these and other important questions into account when selecting and designing your trade fair stand, you can protect yourself.
3. Consider your target group when designing your trade fair stand
The orientation of your trade fair stand should above all be tailored to customer needs. The deep knowledge of your target group is crucial for the design of your trade fair stand and should always be in the foreground. Design your stand in such a way that it specifically addresses your target group.
The display of your products – whether physical goods or visual presentations of your services – must directly relate to your potential customers. Customers should be able to see the benefits and benefits of your offerings immediately.
Here are three characteristics of a successful approach to your target group at the trade fair stand:
- Visual appeal: Make sure that your exhibition stand and the exhibits are visually appealing. Professional stand design, high-quality graphics and optimal lighting are essential. Highlight the key points of your offer to focus the attention of your target customers.
- Clear message: Spread your message clearly and customer-centric. The uniqueness of your communication makes it easier for visitors to absorb the information quickly.
- Enable interaction: For complex products and services, an interactive design of your exhibition stand can be very beneficial. Make your products tangible – through live demonstrations, interactive displays or VR experiences.
4. Underline your brand recognition
Think of your trade fair stand as your business card. It is essential to integrate elements of your corporate design such as corporate colors or the font into the design of your trade fair stand. Ideally, the company logo should be positioned in the top center so that it can be quickly noticed by searching customers. Using elements such as tall light columns or hanging objects can increase visibility from a distance.
In addition to the logo, other core messages of your brand can also be incorporated into the stand design. The important thing is that your brand is presented consistently and coherently. With a large number of product groups, a structured presentation at the booth is crucial. Take into account aspects such as the awareness and importance of the products. Use your main products as eye-catchers to attract customers and cleverly direct their interest to other areas of your offering.
5. Use open stand space
An open booth space allows visitors to easily enter your booth and move around freely. It also allows a better view of the walls of the exhibition stand and the information or images presented on it. An open booth can also be better equipped with trade fair equipment such as tables, rollups or chairs.
6. Create storage space
Make sure there is enough storage space and storage space, such as shelves in cubicles to neatly store informational materials, giveaways, drinks and snacks. Because disorder in the away area can have a deterrent effect. Storage space is often scarce at a trade fair stand, but some counter systems offer the possibility of using the interior as additional storage space. Curtains or doors can also be used to create additional storage space behind the exhibition wall.
7. Design your stand space
Consider best practices in the visual and graphic design of your booth. Research has shown that trade fair visitors mainly pay attention to the products on display, followed by graphics and images, while texts and advertising slogans are perceived last.
The overall perception of your trade fair stand is shaped by the successful combination of brand, product, colour, graphics and text. Here are some important aspects of these elements:
- Products should be presented in a clever and eye-catching way, as trade fair visitors come primarily to get to know them. A successful product presentation can make your stand a center of attraction.
- Graphics are essential to visually convey product information and increase awareness. They should be clear and appealing and fit the overall message of the booth.
- Colors have a strong emotional impact and can influence mood. The colour design of the trade fair stand should therefore be well considered and match the desired atmosphere.
Texts should be short, concise and easy to understand in order to be quickly grasped and understood. The use of keywords and clear structures can help with this.
- A well-designed trade fair stand automatically attracts the attention of visitors and arouses their interest in your offers. Let us advise you to design the perfect trade fair stand.
8. Exhibition stand design: Less is more
Sometimes less is more, even at your trade fair stand. Many companies tend to display everything they have to offer and write long texts on the walls. However, a rule of thumb says: Avoid anything that is not easily readable or recognizable at a distance of 3 to 5 meters.
The legibility of texts on a trade fair wall depends on various factors, such as the font size, the font and the contrast between text and background. High contrast, such as dark text on a light background or vice versa, makes it easier to read even from a greater distance.
Lighting also plays an important role. Make sure the main exhibits, graphics, and text are adequately lit to ensure clear visibility.
Visitors are primarily interested in product and service information, especially innovative solutions. Therefore, limit yourself to a small selection of exhibits that represent your product portfolio.
9. Use lighting effectively
Use lighting to set specific accents and draw your visitors’ attention to different elements such as your exhibits or graphics. Make sure that your booth is professionally lit – neither too dark nor too bright to avoid glare.
We would be happy to advise you on our various LED systems for maximum radiance at any event. From invitingly radiant counters to LED trade fair walls backlit on one or both sides to the light art of an entire trade fair stand, Clip offers a wide range of solutions.
10. Maximize attention with your booth design
It is a challenge to gain the desired attention at a trade fair, as many other exhibitors compete with your company for the favor of the visitors.
In addition to the eye-catching stand design, you can grab the attention of visitors with creative brochures and promotional gifts, for example. However, it’s important to consider whether all visitors are potential audiences or whether the giveaways might just attract hunter-gatherers.
It is better if interesting activities take place at your booth. Through relevant topics, you can get your target audience to visit your booth and engage with your company.
The use of screens or LED screens with videos and product films is well suited to provide trade fair visitors with brief information. Other ways to attract more attention include:
- Live demonstrations and lectures
- Interactive product demonstrations (live or on touchscreens)
- Video, holograms, interactive screens
- Use of Virtual Reality
- Competitions, wheel of fortune or a magician
Our tip: Start planning your trade fair participation early. Think about what best suits your company and your products and present yourself creatively and innovatively at your trade fair stand.
11. Build a hospitable atmosphere
The stand staff should always be competent, friendly and knowledgeable. Thorough preparation of the trade fair staff is essential and contributes significantly to the success of the trade fair appearance. Individually tailored training courses tailored to the respective trade fair have a positive effect on the outcome of the event.
Make an effort to make the stay as pleasant as possible for booth visitors and potential customers. Offer comfortable seating and refreshing drinks – especially on warm summer days. The visitors have also had exhausting days at the fair. By offering them a little refreshment and giving them the opportunity to rest, you create a pleasant atmosphere that invites good conversation and will be remembered even after the fair.
12. Keep it simple and be creative
A clear and simple design without cluttering can be more effective than a crowded booth. Focus on the most important elements and let your creativity run wild. A unique design will make your stand stand stand out and make a lasting impression. With these tips, you can design a trade fair stand that attracts attention and puts your brand in the best light. After all, a well-designed stand is crucial for a successful trade fair appearance.
Result
A well-thought-out trade show booth design can make a big difference when it comes to attracting attention and showcasing your brand at a trade show. With the right booth ideas and careful planning, you can create a booth that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, and that will help put your business in the best light. Designing a good exhibition stand design takes time, effort and a good dose of creativity, but the effort is definitely worth it.
For further information and support in the design of your trade fair stand, we at EMS Messeservice will be happy to assist you. With our many years of experience in trade fair construction and our creativity, we help you to create a trade fair stand that leaves a lasting impression. Contact us and let’s plan your next trade fair appearance together.
