If you are planning to promote your business or organization at a trade show, you do not want to waste your time with a faulty display that does not “get the job done”. There is much to consider, such as the design of the display, the target audience, and the content of your message. There are a few thing you want to avoid as well. Here are some common mistakes that you certainly do not want to make at a trade show.
You Fail to Read the Manual
Every trade show should have a manual or a package of information. It will have all the rules of the show, and any detail you might need to know, such as how to rent equipment, what kind of technology can be supported, and if you have certain things like a power outlet. You may end up missing aspects of your display if you had planned to have those elements in place. Taking the time to read the manual will prevent unwanted surprises.
You Fail to Plan Ahead
An interesting and engaging trade show display should not be built the day before the event. It should take weeks to plan and build. A common rule of thumb is to allow 4 to 6 months to plan, design, and construct your exhibit. Planning ahead will prevent you from missing important deadlines, like renting equipment or having promotional products delivered.
Your Display is the Wrong Size
It may seem like a small thing, but a trade show display should be the right size. If you book a booth of a certain size, and your display is too big, then your display will not cut it. Conversely, the size of the display might not be enough to contain all the information you want to convey. Small displays can give a feeling of being cramped and crowded. Visitors might not want to stop if it seems overfull. In addition, your display may look small and insignificant compared to other larger and more elaborate displays.
You Focus Too Much on Cost
Going cheap will only make your display look cheap. Do what you can to spend money to make your display look professional and engaging. Cutting costs off the bat may cost you down the road, as cheap materials tend to wear down faster and need replacing.
Trade show success is in your grasp, just make sure to avoid these common mistakes. If you need additional assistance, it is recommended that you reach out to a professional trade show design company to have your questions answered.
