Companies exhibit for several reasons including making direct sales, networking and raising their brand profile.  Whatever the motive behind exhibiting, it’s imperative that companies set out clear metrics of success and plot a strategy to achieve a return on their investment.

The success of an exhibition plan hinges on attracting attention which is leveraged by impactful exhibition stand design.  Exhibition halls and venues are busy and vibrant; the competition for visitors and delegates time and attention is fierce and uncompromising.  To hit targets and meet objectives at an exhibition it’s vital that a business gets their exhibition stand right.

Consider how you need the stand to work for it to communicate your message or achieve your goals.  An exhibition stand requires the right balance between practicalities and aesthetic benefit.   There are a few very easy steps a company can take to ensure they have the look and layout to achieve their goals.

Choose a design that includes elements that draw the eye and overcome threshold barriers.  Lighting effects, captivating audio visuals and large format, panoramic graphics are well proven attention grabbers.

The biggest talking point in 2024 has been photographic floors.  This innovation was developed by Quadrant2Design, a UK based exhibition stand design contractor that services Europe and the US.  The playful, intricate designs of these Photo-floors create an immersive space that is unmatched in terms of captivating a crowd.

Reliable

When an exhibition or trade show only lasts a couple of days it is essential to choose a contractor that delivers exactly what was promised – on time.  Do your homework; check reviews and run a credit report before appointing a contractor.

Never choose an exhibition stand provider that does not comprehensively pre-build the stand prior to the event and give you the opportunity to preview and inspect it.

An exhibition stand project has several moving parts and it’s important your contractor maintains complete control over all of them.  There is only one way they can achieve this, and this is if they are a full-service firm.  Ensure your exhibition stand partner designs, prints, produces, transports, builds and stores your stand and that an experienced Project Manager will oversee the entire process.

Future-proof

Select an exhibition stand designer who uses an advanced, custom-modular solution.  Modular exhibition stand systems are usually reusable and experienced firms will design with reconfigurability in mind.  This allows exhibitors to rearrange the stand to fit into new spaces and layouts at future events.  This approach is budget friendly and the consistent look aids brand recognition.

Custom-modular is a step above regular pop-up or standard modular stands.  Custom refers to the ability such stands must be fully bespoke.  These stands host a full suite of dynamic features, interactive assets and integrated showcases.  Features and graphics can be swapped in or out as future exhibition plans demand.

Sustainable

There is only one truly sustainable way to exhibit and that is with a modular reusable stand.  Fully custom stands have historically gone straight from an exhibition hall to landfill.

Exhibition stand design and build contractor Quadrant2Design only works with their Prestige Events System.  The system is highly sustainable by virtue of its reusability and reconfigurability but beyond that it also allows them to offer a unique Free-hire plan.  Here, valuable raw materials are saved by Quadrant2Design offering clients the use of a library of hardware to form the infrastructure of their stand without charge.  The client then invests in a panoramic graphic display that entirely envelops their stand.  The 100% graphic look means none of the hardware is on display.  This plan is budget-friendly and highly sustainable.

Practical

It’s easy to get carried away with flashy displays, race car simulators and LED walls but the exhibition stand needs to be practical.  Consider storage requirements, even for personal belongings.  A great graphic display will never fully detract from a stand cluttered with coats and counters dominated by sandwich wrappers.

If you plan on running demonstrations or hosting private meetings, ensure there is a space dedicated to this purpose, and you are not talking figures or striking deals in the gangways.  Finally, think about how that stand space will be staffed.  There is no point opting for an island style stand with four open sides when you only have two team members attending the show – you risk losing leads on unmanned sides.

In conclusion

There is a lot to think about, consider and plan when organizing an exhibition stand.  The above points are just the basics and the ultimate rule that should really precede all of them is to seek professional advice.  Experienced exhibition stand designers will have a knowledge of the show and venues and after a brief call with a client should understand how to best help them achieve their targets.  They will ask a series of questions and pose a few scenarios to drill down into what is required.  Lastly, a reputable designer will accurately visualize the stand design in life-like renders so you can work on the design together and get a proper understanding of what to expect.