Choosing a trade show booth that reflects your corporate style

Selecting the right trade show booth can be a difficult task. How do you pick one that best showcases your company and corporate image? Follow these simple tips to smooth the way to finding a booth.

That big trade show is coming up fast there’s so much to do: print brochures, finish that PowerPoint presentation and wait - you also need a trade show booth! But what kind of booth should you choose? Do you want to go understated or do you want to make a splash? You want to impress the people attending the trade show - chances are, they’re the important folks in your industry, the decision makers. And you know what they say: You only get one chance to make a good first impression.

But it seems like there are half a bazillion trade show booth options to choose from. You can get a portable trade show booth in just about any size, with nearly any configuration of components - on a budget or over the top. So, with all those choices, how do you pick the one that’s right for you and for your business? First of all, you want to consider size, style and price range.

The range of sizes for trade show booths nowadays is incredible! You can get something from as small as 10×10 feet to as grandiose as a hulking 50×50-foot display. You can even get a 30×100-foot trade show booth that simulates actual office space. The type of booth you choose ultimately depends on your business needs, your style and your budget constraints.

There are nearly as many styles to choose from as there are companies participating in trade shows. You can get a simple booth with a backdrop and maybe wings on either side and perhaps a countertop or two. Or you can go all out and custom design a really elaborate booth with display areas, conference space and a reception foyer.

Whatever style you decide upon, it’s crucial that your trade show booth be approachable. You don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on something that’s so intimidating it’ll keep people away in droves. Be sure the style of your booth reflects well your company culture, products and goals.

Trade show booths come in all shapes and sizes and that means they come with all size price tags. But, just because you may be on a budget, doesn’t mean you can’t design a nice trade show booth in the $400-500 range.

At the other end of the scale, you can spend upwards of a quarter of a million dollars for an elaborate, high-end double-deck trade show booth with all the bells and whistles.

Ah, here’s a nice middle ground! Consider a nicely appointed portable trade show booth that won’t put a permanent dent in your marketing department’s budget. If you’re willing to spend a few thousand dollars (to upwards of $15 or $20,000), you can get a really nice trade show booth that will showcase your company and its corporate image in a positive light.

And whatever size and style you go with, the one thing you want to do is ensure your trade show booth meets your needs and represents your firm well within your particular industry. If you choose wisely, you’ll have a portable trade show booth you can be proud of for years into the future.

The idea gallery at Expo Marketing (www.expomarketing.com) should be your first stop when looking for a trade show booth. Expo Marketing’s design pros will work with you to develop the ideal booth for you and your company.