Ben Camerota
Ben Camerota is the President of MVP Visuals, suppliers of custom branded displays for trade shows, retail promotion and corporate events
How to Create a Big Bang With a Small Booth
September 12, 2015
When it comes to trade show booths, size isn’t everything. Though a large and intricate booth space can be enticing, small booths can still make a big impact. With a little preparation, you can do a lot with the small space you’ve paid for to grab the attention of those passing by and get them to stop by your exhibit.
Below are some ways to make a big bang with a small booth space at your next trade show:
It’s All in the Lighting
Much like it does for an actress or model, proper lighting makes a big difference for small trade show booths. Without adequate lighting, your brand will fade into the background of the exhibit space. Accent lighting and lighted displays are a great way to grab the audience’s attention as they pass by your booth.
If you want an exhibit that pops, position your lights to illuminate the entire back wall, instead of just lighting up your header. For a dramatic effective, you can also light up your eye-catching display(s) from below by pointing a floor light upward.
Draw Them In
You don’t need a large space to attract your perfect customer. Try a giveaway that your ideal customer will actually use, such as a free webinar, white paper or guide. Where you can be creative is with the way you or your representatives attract them in. You don’t have to block the entrance to your booth with a table just because your neighbors do. Create an inviting environment that welcomes conversations and makes prospects feel comfortable.
Create a Stunning Display
Of course, this is easier said than done, but there are a few general rules for designing a small display that makes a big impact at trade shows. Here are a few tips for creating an eye-catching booth display:
- Don’t overload the viewer. Too much information can look cramped in a small booth space. Avoid using too many words or images. Instead, settle on a tagline and single image that communicates your message while still making a statement.
- Keep it simple. Make your display easy for people to read and understand. Avoid hard-to-read fonts and make your graphic large enough for visitors to see when passing by. Focus on your benefits.
- Choose your colors and images carefully. Your display should draw the viewer in without being too busy. You want tradeshow visitors to be interested in what you have to say, not distracted by your visuals.
Print Quality Matters
Not all branded displays are created equal, and there are many options when it comes to custom visuals. The last thing that you want to do is design a beautiful display only to have it fall apart after a few shows. That is why it is essential to choose a professional printer that uses quality materials. Choose a company that is experienced with producing high-quality, custom displays so that your booth makes the right impression.
Ultimately, you will only have moments to make an impression at a tradeshow, so you want to make sure that your tradeshow booth sends the right message. Even with a small space, it is still possible to create a big impact and catch attention from across the room. The best way to attract people to your booth is to create an attractive custom display that shows you mean business.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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