Trade Show TalesBlog

Designing a Booth Banner to Attract Visitors

July 22nd, 2024 COMMENTS
booth banner

Trade show and event banner stands, often called booth banners, are convenient and cost-effective displays. You see them everywhere – retail shops, exhibitions, fairs, conferences, and even in offices. At first glance, you may assume they’re all the same, but there’s a wide variety in sizes, shapes, construction, and quality. Some are meant to last only a few shows. Others are engineered to last years.

When considering trade show booth banner design, perhaps no other display product embodies the “you get what you pay for” concept more than booth banners. A quick search on the Internet will show prices ranging from $99 to over $2000. And while it’s tempting to point, click, and buy a booth banner or banner stand, you should resist that temptation. Take time to chat with the online sales representative about the product or better yet, consult with a local exhibit professional.

Designing a Booth Banner to Attract Visitors

A booth banner is a type of signage that can be used to draw attention to a booth or display table at an event. Booth banners can be used to provide information, invite attendees to visit a booth, or highlight a product or service. They can be displayed in a variety of ways, including on banner stands or as tabletop banners. 

A well-designed banner stand can be a powerful tool to draw attention and engage potential customers. Here are some key elements to consider:

Understanding Your Audience

  • Who are you trying to reach? This will determine the tone, style, and content of your banner.
  • What are their needs and interests? Tailor your message to address their specific concerns.

Key Design Elements

  • Strong Visuals: High-quality images or graphics can instantly grab attention.
  • Clear and Concise Messaging: Keep your text brief and easy to read.
  • Strong Call to Action: Tell people what you want them to do (visit your website, sign up for a newsletter, etc.).
  • Consistent Branding: Ensure the banner reflects your brand identity.
  • High Contrast: Use colors that stand out against the background.
  • Large Fonts: Text should be easily readable from a distance.

Additional Tips

  • Consider the Environment: The banner’s design should complement the surrounding area.
  • Use High-Quality Materials: A durable and professional-looking banner will make a better impression.
  • Test Different Designs: Experiment with different layouts and visuals to see what works best.
  • Leverage Technology: Consider adding QR codes or interactive elements to engage visitors.

Example of Booth Banner Ideas

  • Product Showcase: Highlight your best-selling or newest products with compelling images and descriptions.
  • Problem-Solution: Address a common pain point and offer your product or service as the solution.
  • Testimonial: Share positive feedback from satisfied customers.
  • Limited-Time Offer: Create urgency with a time-sensitive promotion.
  • Interactive Element: Incorporate a game, quiz, or survey to engage visitors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Booth Banner Design

A poorly designed booth banner can be a missed opportunity. Because the upfront cost of a booth banner is relatively low compared to other displays, you may be tempted to skimp on graphic design services. Don’t! A poorly designed banner can do just as much damage to your marketing as a poorly designed island exhibit. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Design Mistakes

  • Overcrowding: Too much information can overwhelm viewers. Focus on one key message.
  • Poor Image Quality: Low-resolution images will look pixelated when enlarged. Use high-resolution images.
  • Inconsistent Branding: Ensure the banner aligns with your brand identity.
  • Poor Color Choice: Colors should be legible and complement each other. Avoid overly bright or clashing colors.
  • Small Text: Text should be easily readable from a distance. Use a clear, legible font.

Content Mistakes

  • No Clear Call to Action: Tell people what you want them to do (visit the website, call, sign up).
  • Generic Message: Tailor your message to your target audience.
  • Lack of Information: Include essential contact information.
  • Typos and Grammatical Errors: Proofread carefully to maintain professionalism.

Technical Mistakes

  • Incorrect File Format: Provide the correct file format (e.g., PDF, high-resolution JPEG) for printing.
  • Incorrect Dimensions: Ensure the design fits the banner stand’s dimensions accurately.
  • Bleed and Safety Margins: Follow the printer’s guidelines for bleed and safety margins.

Additional Tips

  • Consider the Viewing Distance: Design elements should be easily visible from a distance.
  • Test Your Design: Print a small version of the design to see how it looks in person.
  • Get Feedback: Ask others for their opinion on the design.

10 Booth Banner Kits

3D Booth Banners

Booth banners

VK-1860 SEG Banner Stand | A 24” W x 90” H engineered aluminum banner stand with an SEG fabric graphic. Designed for trade shows and retail environments. 

Booth banner ideas

VK-1861 SEG Banner Stand | Identical construction to the VK-1860 but with a 36” width. 

Booth banner design

TF-600 Pillowcase Banner Stand | Aluminum tube construction with a double-sided pillowcase fabric graphic. Easy assembly using push-button connectors. 

vendor booth banner

MOD-1601 LED Lightbox | This double-sided LED lightbox takes banner stands to the next level with backlighting and an aluminum extrusion frame. 

Retractable Booth Banner Stands

banner stand

QuickScreen 3 Banner Stand | Choose from 19.7” or 33” widths. Includes black padded carrying case. 

pronto banner stand

Pronto Banner Stand | A popular, mid-priced banner stand available in three widths:  34”, 40”, and 48”. Silver or black finishes. Includes a padded storage bag. Lights are optional.

double sided banner stand

Pronto2 Double-sided Banner Stand | A two-sided banner stand that’s 34” wide and 90” high. Same excellent quality as the single-side Pronto with the benefit of an additional graphic. 

Other Booth Banners

the wall booth banner

The Wall | A full-size stand in three height and width sizes, ranging from 96” x 96” to 144” x 144”.  Includes a fabric graphic and carrying bag. 

custom booth banners

Sprint Telescopic Banner Stand | An adjustable banner stand in three widths and heights. Includes a dye-sublimated fabric graphic. 

versatile booth banners

Compass X Style | A versatile banner stand that tilts forward and back and rotates 90 degrees. Graphics are printed on MicroKnit fabric with grommets. 

fabric pop up stand

1×3 Fabric Pop Up Display | A collapsible magnet pop-up frame with attached stretch fabric graphics. Easy to setup and simple to replace graphics. 

v tube booth banner

V-Tube Displays | A free-standing pillowcase graphic display with a wide range of sizes. Displays pack in durable cases. 

The Best Booth Banners for Different Events 

Selecting the perfect banner stand can significantly impact your event’s visual appeal and overall success. What may be appropriate for an indoor Chamber of Commerce event may be inappropriate for an outdoor Arts and Crafts Fair. Here are key factors to consider:

1. Event Type and Location:

  • Indoor or Outdoor: Different weather conditions require specific materials and features. Outdoor booth banners are designed for windy and rainy conditions. 
  • Size and Layout: The available space will determine the banner stand’s dimensions. There’s such a thing as a banner stand that’s too big and too small.
  • Foot Traffic: High-traffic areas might need sturdier stands. For example, is it an event specifically for children? A retractable or lightweight banner stand could be a trip hazard if placed too close to the aisle. 

2. Banner Size and Design:

  • Content: Determine the information you want to convey. Be realistic. 
  • Visual Appeal: Consider the design’s impact on the overall look. You’ve got no more than 3 seconds to capture someone’s attention and communicate your message. 
  • Dimensions: Match the banner size to the available space and banner stand.

3. Banner Stand Type:

  • Retractable Banner Stands: Popular for indoor events, easy to set up and transport.
  • Pop-Up Banner Stands: Larger and more eye-catching, suitable for trade shows and exhibitions.
  • Telescopic Banner Stands: Versatile and adjustable, good for various spaces.
  • Outdoor Banner Stands: Weather-resistant and sturdy for outdoor events.
  • Lightbox Banner Stands:  Backlit fabric dominates trade shows. A lightbox may not be the right banner stand choice for every situation. But in the right situation, a lightbox has a visual pop that’s impossible to ignore. 

4. Portability and Setup:

  • Ease of Transport: Consider how you will transport the banner stand.
  • Assembly Time: Quick setup is essential for busy events.

5. Budget:

  • Cost: Balance your budget with the desired features and quality.

Even the best booth banner stands and graphics will eventually show their age. We’ve all seen those tired stands that should have been retired 12 shows ago. Don’t be that person. The graphics on most banner stands can be replaced with by the end user or by the printer. New graphics are a small investment with a huge upside. 

Booth Banner Conclusion

It’s easy to get lost down a rabbit hole comparing booth stands. The variety is astonishing and the benefits and features aren’t always obvious. Getting the right one shouldn’t be a guessing game. Ask your trade show or exhibit partner for advice. They know not only the nuances of banner stand designs but also which manufacturers to use. Summarize the key points discussed in the article, reinforcing the importance of a well-designed booth banner.

For 30 years, Classic Exhibits has been designing and building creative custom solutions for our Distributor Partners and their clients. As North America’s largest private-label exhibit manufacturer, we have the unmatched capability, capacity, and creativity to create 3D projects ranging from 10 x 10 inline displays to 60 x 80 double-deck islands. Find success on the trade show floor with an exhibit that reflects your marketing message. For more information, see www.classicexhibits.com and explore Exhibit Design Search or request a meeting with a Classic Distributor Partner.

After 30 Years in the Exhibit Industry — Kevin Carty

July 15th, 2024 2 COMMENTS
Kevin Carty, Classic Exhibits Inc.
Kevin Carty, Classic Exhibits Inc.

On July 8, 1994, 30 years ago, I was offered a job by a friend (now my brother-in-law) to work for his father’s new business. At the time, I was working overnight shifts at a supermarket from 11 pm to 7 am. Then I’d head to college until about 3 pm. It was summer break from college, but I jumped at the chance for a normal work schedule and shift to evening classes in the fall.

Aside from the schedule, joining the small (5 people) team at Classic Exhibits was super intriguing to me. I knew it would likely grow and that I could be a part of that growth. What I didn’t know at the time was that the decision to “get off the night shift” would have a meaningful impact on my life, both professionally and personally.

Accepting the offer from Lowell Nickens at Classic was a real tipping point for me. Not only did Lowell become my first professional mentor, to whom I still lean on at times, but he also became my father-in-law in 1999. Accepting this job set off a course of life events that 30 years later includes having met my wife, having an amazing set of 17-year-old twins, and developing many friendships in this industry.

We all often muse about wanting to work with friends in a family environment with like-minded people. I have been truly blessed when it comes to ALL of that! 

I was asked recently by my mother what my favorite part has been. The answer was/is simple — the people. 

  • All of you (you know who you are) who have impacted my life professionally and personally. 
  • All of you who have not been afraid to tell me what I need to hear… even when I don’t want to hear it.
  • All of you who have spoken into my personal life along the way.

Sincerely grateful,

Kevin Carty
kevin@classicexhibits.com


For 30 years, Classic Exhibits has been designing and building creative custom solutions for our Distributor Partners and their clients. As North America’s largest private-label exhibit manufacturer, we have the unmatched capability, capacity, and creativity to create 3D projects ranging from 10 x 10 inline displays to 60 x 80 double-deck islands. 

Find success on the trade show floor with an exhibit that reflects your marketing message. For more information, see www.classicexhibits.com and explore Exhibit Design Search or request a meeting with a Classic Distributor Partner.

Join Us at Connect Marketplace in Milwaukee, WI

July 10th, 2024 COMMENTS

Are you headed to Connect Marketplace 2024 in Milwaukee, WI? We’ll be there too! Look for Classic Exhibits in the show hall. We’ll be featuring a Symphony Portable Display, along with messaging about our private-label services to exhibit and event companies.

To schedule an appointment, contact Mel White, VP of Marketing and Business Development (mel@classicexhibits.com). Or stop by the booth from August 27-29.

Connect Marketplace 2024

For 30 years, Classic Exhibits has been designing and building creative custom solutions for our Distributor Partners and their clients. As North America’s largest private-label exhibit manufacturer, we have the unmatched capability, capacity, and creativity to create 3D projects ranging from 10 x 10 inline displays to 60 x 80 double-deck islands. 

Find success on the trade show floor with an exhibit that reflects your marketing message. For more information, see www.classicexhibits.com and explore Exhibit Design Search or request a meeting with a Classic Distributor Partner.

The Secrets Behind the Best Trade Show Booths

June 27th, 2024 COMMENTS
best trade show booths

No one starts the exhibit design process with the goal of building an “OK” trade show booth. You want the best trade show booth possible. So, how do you achieve that goal whether you’re in a 10 x 10 inline space or a 40 x 60 island? 

The secret to designing an award-winning custom trade show booth isn’t complicated. A healthy budget helps, which shouldn’t be surprising. But, all too often, complacent exhibitors with large budgets are no more successful at a trade show than energized exhibitors who have a targeted, well-executed strategy. In other words, the exhibit is merely one component, albeit an important one, of a successful trade show marketing program.   

Let’s explore how you can create one of the best trade show booths ever!

What Sets Apart the Best Trade Show Booths? 

According to Matt Kleinrock from Rockway Exhibits, “A well-designed booth guarantees you nothing other than people telling you they like your booth. The booth should tell a story, deliver a message, or make a statement. The “secret sauce” to exhibition success is a well-designed booth rooted in goals, objectives, and a strategy to carry those out through customer engagement.” 

Probably the most basic, yet essential question to ask is, “Why do you want to exhibit at this show?” After all, there are hundreds of ways to spend your marketing dollars. In the process of answering that question, consider the following:  What do you want to achieve at the show? Is it lead generation, brand awareness, product launch, or relationship building? 

At the same time, conduct research on the show. Understand the audience demographics, who attends and who exhibits, and finally, if you have the right product or services for this audience. Once you’ve done your research AND created goals, a strategy, and a budget, then it’s time to consider the trade show booth design.  

Here are some essential elements of the best trade show booths:

Branding:

  • PROMINENT BRANDING: Make sure attendees can easily identify your brand from a distance.
  • CONSISTENT GRAPHIC DESIGN: Maintain a cohesive visual identity that reflects your brand.

Visuals:

  • ATTRACTIVE GRAPHICS: Use high-quality images and graphics to grab attention and showcase your products or services.
  • CLEAR MESSAGING: Keep your text concise and easy to understand.

Functionality:

  • BOOTH SIZE: It should be large enough to accommodate attendees and showcase your offerings, but not so big that it feels empty.
  • SMART USE OF SPACE: Create an easy flow for visitors to navigate your booth.
  • LIGHTING: Strategic use of lighting can highlight key products and create a desired ambiance.

Engagement:

  • INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS: Consider incorporating interactive displays, demos, or contests to engage visitors.
  • PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS: Offer brochures, flyers, or business cards for attendees to take with them.
  • TECHNOLOGY: Use tablets, screens, or other digital tools to showcase your products or services in an interactive way.
  • PROMOS & CONTESTS: Consider including product samples, giveaways, or contests to attract and incentivize visitors.

Essential Elements of the Best Trade Show Displays 

Often, the conversation about trade show design skips one of the most important elements of what differentiates a good display from “the very best trade show booths.” The audience. To truly resonate with an audience at a trade show, a display needs to go beyond just basic elements. Here’s how to craft a display that speaks to them:

Know Your Audience:

  • Research: Before designing, understand the demographics and interests of the typical attendee. What are their pain points? What kind of information are they seeking?
  • Tailor Your Message: Use language and visuals that resonate with their interests.

Focus on Needs, not Features:

  • Benefit-driven Messaging: Don’t just list features of your product or service. Explain how it solves their problems and improves their lives.

Appeal to the Senses:

  • Visuals: Use high-quality images, videos, or product demonstrations to grab attention and showcase your offerings in action.
  • Interactive Elements: Incorporate touchscreens, demos, or games to engage visitors and make the experience memorable.

Create a Welcoming Environment:

  • Open and Inviting Layout: Design a booth that’s easy to navigate and encourages people to come in.
  • Friendly and Knowledgeable: Have enthusiastic staff members who can answer questions and make visitors feel comfortable.

Showcasing 2024’s Best Trade Show Booth Designs

The 10 x 20 inline was designed for the Black Hat USA trade show. The exhibitor wanted a memorable and welcoming exhibit that invited conversation, not product pitches. The mid-century approach with modern touches included teak slat accents set against LED lightbox graphics.  

best trade show displays

Even a modest 10 x 10 design can shine. This booth was designed for the RMA Securities Finance and Collateral Management – Risk Management Association Show. The company’s premium brand was projected through the use of highly textured materials including a raised tile floor, wood-grain laminated, 3D signage, and a reception counter with accent lighting. 

best trade show booth designs

Designed for the American Organization for Nursing Leadership Conference, this 10 x 20 exhibit simulates an environmental ecosystem using living walls and lightboxes. The natural theme extends to the curved wood grain panels and graphics with leaf venation patterns. To facilitate presentations, the display includes 50 in. monitors.

award winning trade show booths

This larger 30 x 60 island occupied the largest exhibit space at the Compost Conference trade show. Positioned near the exhibit hall entrance, the booth attracted attention not only from attendees entering the show hall, but the large hanging signs ensured maximum visibility throughout the venue. The exhibitor demonstrated their services via interactive screens, a video wall, and an onsite composting machine.  

best trade show booth examples

Having a presence at a trade show is often a combination of size, graphics, and the right accessories. This 30 x 30 island, which debuted at the International Council of Shopping Centers, featured a large video wall, monitors, backlit graphics, and 3D logos, to showcase the high-energy nature of this brand.  

best trade show displays

The Association of College and Research Libraries Show was the site for this 20 x 20 island exhibit. The company wanted a clean, modern aesthetic reminiscent of a library interior. The light wood tones, white textured furniture, blue backlit graphics, and pendant lights were a perfect match for the intended audience. 

best trade show booth designs and tips

This 20 x 20 design debuted at the American Society of Association Executives. The exhibitor wanted to present a multi-sensory experience of Portland showcasing its vibrant culture, arts, food, bicycling, festivals, and nightlife. Replica, iconic signs gave the design an iconic Portland vibe. 

award winning trade show booths

At Cisco LIVE, the exhibitor’s primary objective was to engage with current clients in a 20 x 30 booth with clean lines and clear branding. The design emphasized their extensive product range using multiple interactive screens, which also served to demo their software and as digital signage. 

award winning booths

Practical Lessons from a Designer and Builder of Trade Show Booths

For over 30 years, Classic Exhibits has been designing and building trade show exhibits. Our customers are custom houses, portable/modular distributors, event companies, and marketing agencies. They work directly with clients on both the design of the exhibit and their trade show marketing strategy. We serve as a private-label manufacturer for our customers. 

As you can imagine, we’ve handled a wide range of projects, clients, timelines, and expectations. We’ve seen flawless projects from start to finish. We’ve also experienced projects with some unexpected bumps along the way. How can you avoid those bumps? Here are some practical lessons we’ve learned over the years as a designer and builder of trade show exhibits.

  1. Define Your Goals and Strategy:  Trade shows are expensive, really expensive. Successful exhibitors know precisely what they want to achieve and have a game plan for meeting or exceeding those objectives. Without goals and a strategy, you’re basically throwing darts at a dartboard while wearing a blindfold. 
  2. Create a Timeline: Designing and building an exhibit, including designing and printing graphics takes time. Think weeks and months. Not days. Rush decisions invariably lead to mistakes, compromises, and added (and avoidable) expenses. 
  3. Ensure Internal Cooperation and Buy-in: Often, companies assign their trade show project to one person or one department, which is smart since someone or some department should be in charge of the project. However, other departments shouldn’t have input and buy-in. We’ve seen smooth projects go off the tracks when Sales, Engineering, or even Senior Management gets involved late in the process, even as late as the staging of the exhibit. 
  4. Partner with an Exhibit Professional: Yes, you can purchase a trade show display online:  point, click, and pay. Trade show marketing, however, is more than the display, and trade show professionals can guide you through the exhibition industry maze. More importantly, they’ll shorten your learning curve and save you money both in the short- and long-term.
  5. Avoid the Breadcrumb Approach: Designing and building an exhibit requires hundreds of details, like laminate colors, crating requirements, lighting specifications, graphic designs, etc. Sharing that information in breadcrumbs, rather than in a loaf of bread (to complete the metaphor) makes it challenging to document and track. As a result, details may fall through the cracks and mistakes may happen.
  6. Ask Questions and Expect Answers: You’re the client. You have a right to ask questions about your project and expect clear and timely answers. In fact, the project can’t be successful unless you are curious and engaged. 
  7. Deciding Between a Purchase vs. Rental Exhibit: Both have pros and cons. Your exhibit professional can explain why one might be a better choice over the other for your unique situation or for a particular show. But, it doesn’t have to be an either/or decision. Many exhibitors are doing both and there’s a growing trend to mix and match purchases with rental components. 
  8. Learn from Your Mistakes:  There’s no perfect strategy or perfect trade show exhibit. You’re going to make a mistake or two, no matter how many times you’ve planned and participated in a trade show. What you learn is important, but how you use that knowledge in the future will make you an invaluable resource to your company.  

Classic Exhibits: Building the Best Trade Show Booths Since 1993

Trade show marketing takes time to learn, including how to design the best trade show booth. That’s why having an expert available to your team is so important. 

For 30 years, Classic Exhibits has been designing and building creative custom solutions for our Distributor Partners and their clients. As North America’s largest private-label exhibit manufacturer, we have the unmatched capability, capacity, and creativity to create 3D projects ranging from 10 x 10 inline displays to 60 x 80 double-deck islands. Find success on the trade show floor with an exhibit that reflects your marketing message. For more information, see www.classicexhibits.com and explore Exhibit Design Search or request a meeting with a Classic Distributor Partner.

The Symphony Portable Display Tour

June 24th, 2024 COMMENTS

For years, you asked us to create a Symphony Portable Display Demo… and we resisted. Here’s why:

  • How do we show you the simple tool-less connections?
  • The 8 frame shapes?
  • The 20+ accessories, including 8 portable counters?
  • The reusable packaging, numbered components, and detailed instructions?
  • The SEG engineered aluminum structure?

We can’t. Yet, despite our stubbornness, Symphony has become the most successful new product in Classic’s 30-year history.

You win. We designed a Traveling Symphony Display. Actually two, which are available by request from Gina Porcaro or Harold Mintz. These show how Symphony assembles, how accessories connect, and how the floating graphic attaches. The single and double-sided version packs in one roto-molded case.

Discover why Symphony isn’t just another portable display. It’s The Professional Portable!

Symphony Portable Display Tour

For 30 years, Classic Exhibits has been designing and building creative custom solutions for our Distributor Partners and their clients. As North America’s largest private-label exhibit manufacturer, we have the unmatched capability, capacity, and creativity to create 3D projects ranging from 10 x 10 inline displays to 60 x 80 double-deck islands. 

Find success on the trade show floor with an exhibit that reflects your marketing message. For more information, see www.classicexhibits.com and explore Exhibit Design Search or request a meeting with a Classic Distributor Partner.