What’s the first thing an attendee will notice in a trade show booth?
Apart from the staff, they’ll probably notice the booth’s visual elements first. For that reason, booth graphics are the single most vital element in any exhibit. The first thing they see will be the company’s logo, slogan, colors, and value offer.
Trade show booth graphics come in a variety of shapes, sizes, materials, and styles. Here’s a list of common displays and materials that graphics are printed on for trade show exhibits:
- Tension fabric pop-up displays
- Silicone-edge graphic (SEG) pop-up displays
- Backlit fabric pop-up displays
- Banner stands
- Panel graphics
These kinds of graphics are found in booths of every size, from humble 10x10s to large 50×50 island exhibits. Of course, you’re only limited by your imagination when it comes to creating visuals that attract your target audience.
5 Ways to create engaging booth graphics
Investing in booth graphics can seem like another cost a business has to eat. However, with a bit of creativity, the visual elements in your graphic displays can do more than communicate product information and the company logo. If done rightly, booth graphics can draw in potential customers and generate leads.
Here are the best engaging booth graphics we’ve seen from walking countless exhibit halls.
Turn your booth graphics into an interactive survey
This example from talkdesk at the National Retail Federation Show gives attendees a fun, meaningful experience while informing them about the company’s services. All an attendee has to do is grab five ping pong balls and answer the question by dropping them in the “yes” or “no” box.
Talkdesk helps organizations improve their customer’s experience with automation software. One of the questions they have on their survey is, “have you ever asked to talk to the manager?” The answer is an overwhelming “yes.”
QR code SWAG
Printing a QR code on booth graphics is another excellent way to engage prospects. There are virtually limitless possibilities for what you can link to with a QR code. It could be anything from a simple informative landing page to a discount or special offer.
ParcelLab gave free Lyft rides to NRF attendees in exchange for their information. This is a simple banner stand turned lead-generating machine. There are many QR code generators online. The QR Code Generator is a good one to use.
Media wall
A media wall filled with the company logo is a simple way to raise brand awareness. We’ve also seen people take pictures in front of these media walls, like celebrities at movie premiers. This could be a potentially great way to generate attention on social media when you include a relevant hashtag.
Dramatic photo opportunities
Setting a scene with a background wall and a photo booth can be a powerful method of generating leads at trade shows. In the example above, Hershey’s is using a photo booth to give attendees a unique experience in exchange for information.
The sky is the limit with this tactic. You can create scenes from popular TV shows like Friends to entice people to participate. The only catch is that you have to know your target audience well enough to know what is going to engage them.
Transform a hanging sign into a symbol
Hanging signs typically comprise of tension fabric wrapped around a metal frame. Their light weight makes them easier to support. As a result, you’re able to get away with a lot of crazy clever designs that will draw prospects to your booth. Norwegian Cruise Lines turned the front of a cruise ship.
There are tons of examples of hanging signs to draw from. We’ve seen backlit, rotating hanging signs; a hanging sign in the ship of a massive kitchen vent; and signs made into the shape of the company logo. The sky is the limit… well, the ceiling is the limit, but you get the idea.
For more hanging sign ideas, read here.
Conclusion
Booth graphics shouldn’t have to feel like a necessary expense or that the ROI can’t be measured. With some off-the-wall thinking, a simple graphic can generate interest and attract buyers and excited attendees. If you need help brainstorming, contact one of our award-winning design consultants below!
The Trade Group is a full-service trade show and event marketing company. We will work with you to create an exhibit or engaging booth graphics that brings in leads and helps you achieve your business goals. Contact us here or give us a call at 972-734-8585.
