At a busy trade show, it takes more than a few banners and a bowl of candy to stand out. The good news? With the right setup and a little planning, your booth can turn heads and start real conversations. Whether you’re new to trade shows or just want to make a bigger impact, this guide will help you create a booth that gets noticed and remembered.
Creating a booth that stands out
Let’s get into some initial steps to help your trade show location stand out in a sea of booths.
Pre-show planning & preparation
A successful custom trade show booth starts with solid prep work. Before you think about setup, take time to plan strategically.
- Set clear goals – Define what you want to achieve. Is it lead generation, product launches, brand awareness? Let your objectives guide your booth design and messaging.
- Identify your audience – Understanding your target audience should shape everything from booth layout to promotional materials and giveaways.
- Think about your booth layout – Sketch out a simple floor plan. Think about traffic flow. An inviting booth should feel open and easy to enter. Place key materials where they’ll be seen.
- Order materials (way) ahead of schedule – Customized displays and custom marketing materials take time. Don’t wait until the last minute. Factor in turnaround and shipping time for banners, signs, or table covers.
- Print extras – Running out of business cards, brochures, or giveaways mid-event isn’t a good look. Bring more than you think you’ll need because you can always reuse extras later.
A little planning goes a long way when it comes to setting the stage for a booth that attracts attention and delivers results.
Setting up your trade show booth
Once you’re at the event, your booth has one job: attract attention. The setup should reflect your brand, draw people in, and get them to engage with your representatives.
- Design a booth that gets noticed – First impressions matter. Use your brand colors, fonts, and visuals consistently so everything feels pulled together. A bold trade show backdrop or custom banner can do a lot of heavy lifting in a visually overwhelming trade hall.
- Display your brand, clearly – Think about what people see first: signage with your logo, a clean trade show table cover, and maybe a tagline or product benefit front and center. Keep the design simple, clear, and easy to scan.
- Stock up on engaging print materials and giveaways – Give visitors something they can take and remember. Stock your table with business cards, flyers, and brochures that quickly explain what you do.
If collecting contacts is your goal, a simple QR code and a small incentive (like a giveaway or freebie) can do the trick.
Don’t forget the swag. Think custom pens with your logo, magnets, tote bags, or drinkware.
- Digital elements work – Consider looping videos, product demos, or touchscreen displays. A simple tablet setup can be enough to showcase your offerings and create a more immersive experience.
A great custom trade show booth blends visual appeal with interactive elements. The goal is to be memorable for all the right reasons.
Post-show follow-up
Don’t let the momentum end when the show does. A quick follow-up can turn a booth visit into a real connection and a real opportunity.
- Just want to say “thank you” – Send a short email to everyone who stopped by. Keep it friendly and personal, and include a link to learn more, offer to book a call, or a resource that can help solve their business problem.
- Post game: Review how it went – Take stock of what worked and what didn’t. Which materials got the most attention? Did the QR code pay off? Feedback from your team (and your visitors) can help you fine-tune your approach for next time.
And remember: follow-up isn’t just polite, it’s part of the strategy.
Win your trade show
Pulling off a great trade show booth isn’t just about showing up, it’s about showing up prepared. With the right plan, a standout setup, and a solid follow-up, you’ll be in a better position to turn foot traffic into valuable connections.
Need help with the details? From custom banners to branded pens, Quill has the print materials and giveaways to help your booth look sharp and feel polished. Be sure to reach out to our Custom Print Experts at 1-800-982-3400 to help with your project from start to finish.