5 Graphic Elements You Must Include In Your Trade Show Display

A trade show is a unique event. It’s organized to allow businesses to “showcase and demonstrate their latest products and services, meet with industry partners and customers, study activities of rivals, and examine recent market trends and opportunities.” Graphics are key components of your trade show display. Start planning well ahead of the date of your trade show to work with your graphic designer. From a purely marketing point of view, the purpose of a trade show is fourfold:

• It allows you to see what’s trending in your industry
• It allows you to home in on your target market
• It puts you squarely in the midst of your target market
• It allows you to spotlight your current and future products and services

Because of the unique and competitive nature of these industry events, your trade show display absolutely must stand out from the crowd. Your graphic designer will help you design a trade show display that includes these five important elements:

1. Whether your booth is small, mid-size, or large, you’ll want to make sure it’s eye-catching and easy to navigate. If attendees will be allowed to walk through your exhibit, make sure they have clear pathways and appropriate directional signage. If they’ll be walking around your booth, make sure it has appropriate branding on every angle. Make who you are and what you offer plain and clear from every viewpoint.
2. B2B industry events like trade shows are ideal events for strong, solid, clutter-free graphics that speak for themselves. Less is definitely more. An eye-catching, attention-grabbing display is one that respects the principles of graphic design and minimalism. Choose a graphic design that contains everything you need but doesn’t throw in the entire kitchen sink. Clear compelling graphics are much more likely to elicit a response than cluttered graphic designs that are hard to understand.
3. Unless your business does something unique that depends on black and white coloration, be sure to use color – especially pops of color – in your tradeshow display. Color sets the mood and tone of your graphics and of your display. It immediately tells visitors whether your products are playful or professional. Aim for colors that complement, not challenge, your existing branding and brand message. Also, don’t choose glaring colors that might make your audience uncomfortable spending a prolonged period of time in your booth.
4. Because trade shows are usually repeated events that move from location to location, durability is important. Opt for materials that are long-lasting and flexible. Posters and signage that can do double duty are good graphic design options. If your space is large enough, a brand-wrapped vehicle is a surprisingly affordable option. It sets your trade show display apart from your competitors in a huge way. It also works as a client attraction magnet before and after the show.
5. Demonstrations are a given at trade shows – they’re practically a rule of thumb. Another smart rule of thumb is to never let a prospect leave your trade show display emptyhanded. Make sure your booth is stocked with branded giveaways that lead prospects back to your website or storefront after the trade show ends.

Part of making a trade show successful is understanding its purpose. Some shows might be geared toward direct sales. Others might be geared toward introducing new products and services. Others might be geared toward building profitable future relationships. Whatever your trade show goals are, the graphic design team at DPRINT can help you achieve them. Contact us today to get the car wraps, decals, and other great elements you need to stand out in your industry and make your trade show experience a success.