First impressions count. It is vital that you create the right impression on your prospects.
Your stand tells them a lot about your organisation... whether you are modern, creative, innovative, reliable, exciting, results-focused and so on. It gives your prospect the first indications of how your product will satisfy their needs.
You may have already designed your stand, but it may be worth considering the types of options available to you. Before you choose, it's worth thinking about how many shows you will be attending, the size of stand you need, and whether you require the stand to be used as a standalone for other events.
So what stand do you choose?
There are numerous options available such as:
Panel and Pole
Simple to erect panels with poles that clip onto the side of the panel. A variant of this is the pre hinged folding panel system. These systems offer great versatility and can be added to dependant on the size of your stand space. Graphics are usually fixed to the panel with velcro. A great portable solution when there are only a few panels but can be a transport challenge when the system has numerous additions.
As this type of system was the first on the market there are now literally thousands of companies using them. If you have this system or are contemplating a purchase, your creative / marketing theme needs to be very strong to differentiate you from your competition.
Pop up systems
Consisting of a frame which literally expands up to create a skeleton frame which then holds the graphic or fabric panels in place. Popup displays come in a variety of widths starting from a one cell wide stand up to 5 cells wide. The ends hold graphics panels too, which simply curve around the end to create a "D" end.
There are two main types available: the cross braced and non cross braced. Cross braced pop up stands are more rigid, but have the disadvantage that the exhibit graphic can be hard to align unless the floor is level. The most popular pop-up exhibition display is the non cross braced. Some trade show pop up systems have plastic clips at the rear that hold the popup frame open when erect. The disadvantage is if you forget to unclip them they can break when you take the display frame down.
They are very lightweight and sold with a carry case, making them really easy for an exhibitor, trainer or sales person working alone, to transport these to any event. They are highly portable and very flexible when it comes to adding new graphics. They take up little space and provide an ideal expanding display stand which can be used again and again.
As this system is the preferred solution for many companies it mirrors the popularity of the panel system and therefore your theme needs to be an outstanding one.
When you want to make a big impression, a bespoke exhibition stand is the ultimate solution, limited only by imagination, and maybe the budget!
Custom Modular stands have the benefits of both - a custom design, with the flexibility and value for money of a modular exhibition stand. Using a combination of lightweight aluminium, acrylic, large format graphic panels and 'bolt-on' accessories, you can design a unique exhibition or trade show stand that is modern, visually appealing and reflects a contemporary approach to exhibition design.
But in addition to all this, a Custom Modular exhibition system is versatile and flexible enough to be built in different sizes for different show spaces without losing the bespoke feel, and as this system has a long useful life span, you can spread your investment over at least 2 or 3 years.
Advantages of Custom Modular:
* A fusion of styles and materials to create your bespoke design
* Reconfigurable for multiple use
* Shorter build up times
* Easy to transport
* Reduced storage space required
* Environmentally friendly and recyclable materials
Be Bold
Once you have decided on the type of stand that suits your needs you must create a strong graphic message to communicate your proposition to your prospect. Research has shown you have just three seconds to attract your audience’s attention so your message needs to be strong and bold. Don’t forget to stay focused on the theme of your message. Make sure that your imagery is associated with your prospects' wants, needs and problems.
A lot of stands I see loose the main message by placing it too low on the stand. Make sure your message is above one metre and use bullet points to summarise key benefits. Don’t flood your message with War and Peace copy this only makes it difficult for your prospect to understand your message.
Don’t be afraid of being bold with your key message especially if you have a story to tell. Try introducing sound or maybe special attractions such as themed actors reinforcing your benefits loaded product. These can also be briefed on pre selecting the right prospects for your product.
Keep it bright
Without sufficient lighting even the best stand can look dull. Make sure your lighting is focused on your key message but also bare in mind the rest of your stand. Using different colour effects can create excitement and don’t cost the earth.
High and mighty
If height restrictions allow, make the most of the height available to you. Some organisers allow a maximum height of 6 metres. At 6 metres your stand will tower above lower stands and draw prospects from all around the exhibition hall.