A well-designed trade show booth can make or break the success of your next event and will also determine whether your message will reach the right people. The main challenges of a trade show event are not only to stand out from all the other vendors but also to be seen by the right people: your potential customers.

How Will You Use Your Signage?

The most important questions to consider when choosing trade show signage are related to how you will use your materials:

• Will you be displaying indoors or outdoors?
• How many events will you be doing a year?
• What is the budget, can we build up a booth in pieces or do it all at once?
• Who is the target audience?

Once you’ve determined the way that you will be using you trade show material, there are many different options for banners and signage.

Table Cover or Drape

The most prominent way to display your brand is on the table cover of your tradeshow booth. This serves two functions, to display your logo but also to keep your booth area clean and uncluttered. You can either choose a vinyl banner that can be made at any size to create a hanging sign behind your trade show booth, or else a fabric table throw to create a more professional look. For tabletop displays, there is also the option of a branded table runner.

Vertical Banner

In addition to a table display or sign, vertical stands are a basic important element for any trade show event. When utilized correctly, the vertical banner can catch the eye and draw your target audience from across the room. These vertical banners are retractable and easily store away at a much smaller size. The type of banner you choose will be determined based on the first two questions; will this be an outdoor event where the banner needs to be heavier to withstand winds? Or will it be an indoor event where lightness and ease of use is a priority? The number of events you plan on doing a year will also determine the type of vertical banner based on durability and sturdiness.

Environment Design

In addition to considering how you will use your banner, it’s also important to consider the environment you want to create for your trade show booth. If you’re in the restaurant business then you might want a warm, inviting setting to show off your food or drinks. Lighting and smell will be important to lure people in and it’s likely you could be showing both inside—at trade shows—or outside, at wine and food festivals. Your signage might need to withstand glare from internal fluorescent lighting, or sunlight, plus wind. If it’s all about first impressions on a small budget, then you might consider a table cover or drape that’s weighted to resist wind. We have options for vinyl banners or fabric throws. If you want to hook people in from a distance, and budget allows, then vertical stands, retractable banners, tabletop displays, sandwich boards and full size back drops are other great eye-catching options.

Or if you’re in the business of selling software, or an app, you will probably only be demonstrating inside, on small screens. You will need to create an environment where people can interact with your product, and ensure the lighting is not too bright. Sound and smiles will lure people in. Again, depending on your budget there is a wide range of choice available from a bold, eye-catching table drape, to a hanging canopy, to a full paneled booth. People tend to approach booths and stands at trade shows from all angles so tabletop displays, pop ups, and banners are another consideration.

Deciding what signage will have the most impact, within a fixed budget, can feel confusing. Too many decisions! That’s where Insignia Designs can help. We like to sit down with our clients to understand the long-term plan, and then come up with an effective trade show solution that will grab important attention and stand the test of time.

If you are considering options for trade shows, or any other signage needs then we’d love to talk. Give us a call!