Exhibition Stand Design: What You Need To Know To Get It Right
Exhibition stand design is all about being distinctive enough to stand out from the crowd and make a real impression, and it isn’t simple. Your space is restricted, and you have a lot of competition, so your visual impact can be limited if you don’t get it right. It’s important that your exhibition stands channel a genuine ‘wow factor’. First impressions are all important when trying to attract exhibition traffic, and people will never learn about your superb products or services if they never arrive at your stand.
Here are some exhibition stand design factors that can make or break your success:
Setting Event Goals
This should always be the very first step. Think about what you hope to achieve and the message you wish to communicate. Your stand could look great, but if it fails to communicate your company values or express your capabilities adequately then it will not be a success. Work with a stand designer who will be able to translate your goals into a space designed around enabling you to achieve them.
Maximising The Space
Booth sizes tend to be quite restrictive so it’s important to make the best use of the space you have. Be sure to confirm dimensions with organisers to ensure you know exactly what you’re working with. You can improve the flow of your display by minimising physical obstructions upon entering, and keep meeting areas to the back.
Using Vertical Space
Many exhibition stands include a maximum head height, but some venues have a very high floor-to-ceiling. Check if there’s a height limit for stands; if not, then use your vertical space fully. High signage can maximise visibility, as can hanging structures with eye-catching designs that effectively increase the size of your stand without taking up extra floor space.
Stand Text & Signage
When it comes to text, less is more. It’s tempting to want to display all the benefits your product or service can offer clients, but you need to be concise, so avoid using long sentences where single words could convey the right message. No-one wants to stop to read lots of copy, and a simple slogan can be both eye-catching and memorable for the passer by. Be sure to use clear fonts that can be seen from far away, and keep the text high so it isn’t blocked by people in the display area. A good designer will be able to help you and know what works and what doesn’t when it comes to getting the right message across in a clear and concise way.
Exhibition Stand Graphics
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. The modern consumer has a very short attention span, and images are more important than ever before to convey a message. With the visual noise and distractions in an exhibition hall, strong graphical elements can help to attract attention and make sure you stand can be seen from a distance.
Lighting Your Stand
Many people overlook the importance of lighting in exhibition stand design. Lights enhance your aesthetic appeal and can create an ambience that matches your desired outcome. Don’t rely on the lighting the venue supplies – spotlights, up lights and coloured lighting can help enhance your stand and draw the eye to certain areas. They can be used to focus attention on parts of your stand that you want people to see and segment your space into different areas. Don’t forget you can also light up your graphics with modular LED light boxes.
Use Of Materials On Your Stand
It’s good to experiment with different materials to help reinforce your image. If you’re a tech company, a modern design with sleek chrome detailing or brushed aluminium panelling could give a real contemporary design feel. Smooth plastic mouldings are also great for a modern, clean appearance, which is great for pharmaceutical or medical companies, for example, while textured surfaces and natural materials help to add interest and add a touch of warmth and personality to the space.
Exhibition Stand Flooring
Flooring is an often overlooked element when it comes to exhibition stands. But the right flooring can have a big impact on the look and feel of your stand, and can completely change the perception visitors have of your brand. There are some fantastic options when it comes to flooring for exhibition stands including carpets, bold graphics, designs that integrate with other stand elements and even wood or grass effect surfaces.
Incorporate Technology
Technology is important in modern life, so your exhibition stands can benefit from it too. Product demos play an important role in trade shows because they show your target market what you can do. Live prototype demonstrations can be a really effective tool, particularly for tech companies. You could also try VR demonstrations, touch-screens and interactive walls to really immerse people in your exhibition. LED Screens with video are also fantastic at grabbing attention and drawing people towards your stand.
Create A Great Atmosphere
You want to construct a complete atmosphere with your exhibition stands. Combine lights, textures, colours, layouts and even aromas. By making your display a sensory experience, you will attract more attention and stand out from the crowd. Once you’ve caught people’s attention, a stand that makes them curious enough to visit and interested, engaged and comfortable enough to stay will be a big help in enabling you to achieve your goals.
Know Your Audience
You know your target audience, and they should be at the front of your mind throughout the design process. If you know the recipient of your communications, you can focus on a more targeted concept. This will create a base for the most effective way to communicate everything you have to say. An aesthetically-pleasing stand may look the part, but if the target audience isn’t considered then it’s all style and no substance.
A Stand Designed For You
Take these design factors into consideration when specifying your exhibition stand and you should maximise your chances of a successful trade show. Here at Expo our team has a wealth of experience in designing and building exhibition stands in a wide range of industries that deliver great results for our clients. Our range of exhibition stand packages has been specifically developed to provide maximum effectiveness whatever your budget.
If you’re planning to exhibit at an event or trade show we can help. From fully bespoke stand design to great value exhibition stand packages, our professional team of designers and builders are experienced in delivering solutions that really work for our clients.
Call us on +44 (0)1707 390122
Or get in touch with your exhibition stand requirements or any queries you may have.