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Posts Tagged ‘Exhibit Design’

Finding & Working With a Trade Show Booth Designer

June 24th, 2024 COMMENTS
trade show booth designer

It’s showtime baby! Trade show time that is. Whether you’re planning to purchase a new exhibit or simply upgrade your current booth, you’ll probably work with a trade show booth designer at some point. Trust me on this. You’ll want to work with an exhibit designer. Not only will they save you time and money, but they’ll also assist in refining your messaging and creating an attractive and efficient structure to showcase your brand. 

Find a trade show booth designer to help you navigate the complexities of creating an effective exhibit. Trade show booth designers are creative professionals who specialize in designing the booths that companies use at trade shows. They are essentially the architects of a company’s temporary storefront on the trade show floor. In short, they help companies create a memorable and impactful presence at trade shows, with the goal of generating leads, sales, and brand awareness.

Understanding the Role of a Trade Show Booth Designer

Let’s start with the obvious. Trade show booth designers are not mind-readers. Nor are they experts about your company, your industry, or your competitors. You’re their source for that information. In other words, they know custom exhibit design and exhibition trends, which they’ll gladly transform into a spectacular display based on what you share with them. The more you share, the better the ultimate design. It’s that simple. 

They will ask you a series of questions (see below). Those questions will be the first steps in both narrowing the scope of the project and expanding the design opportunities. For example, the size of the booth, your past trade show experience, your marketing objectives, and your budget. BTW… while increasing sales is a worthwhile objective, it’s not a particularly helpful one to a designer. 

Think of a trade show exhibit as a set of tools. Each tool has a specific purpose. In an exhibit booth, those tools may include meeting rooms, demonstration stations, video monitors or LED tiles, storage, large backlit graphics, furniture, and hanging signs. An exhibit designer then places, transforms, and in some cases, invents new tools to optimize the exhibitor’s success on the trade show floor.   

Their knowledge and talent combined with your information and goals is more often than not remarkably spectacular. It’s mind blowing actually. But it all comes down to sharing, specifics, and intent. 

Benefits of Hiring a Trade Show Designer 

Building a trade show exhibit is unlike building any other structure, primarily because it has to be assembled to be deconstructed, packed in crates, and shipped securely. In addition, a trade show exhibit has to attract visitors in a highly competitive environment, communicate a clear and compelling message in seconds, and serve as a practical sales tool for the booth staff and attendees. 

Trade show booth designers have spent years specializing in booth design. And in most cases, they’ve worked with other companies that have exhibited at the same or similar trade shows. They know what’s worked. And what hasn’t worked for that audience? For example, a food show, like Natural Products Expo West, requires a very different booth than a display at a construction show, like Conexpo

The benefits of working with a professional trade show designer go well beyond their creative skills. Here are more advantages:

Expertise and Creativity: A professional designer has the knowledge and experience to create a booth that is visually appealing, on-brand, and functional. They can translate your company’s message into a compelling design that will grab attention and stand out from the competition.

Save Time and Resources: Designing and building a trade show exhibit can be a time-consuming process. By hiring a designer, you can free up your internal team to focus on other aspects of the trade show, such as sales training and lead generation.

Cost-Effectiveness: While there’s an initial investment in design, it can save you money in the long run. A designer can help you avoid costly mistakes, like choosing the wrong materials or exceeding space limitations. They can also source materials and fabrication services efficiently.

Compliance with Regulations: Trade show venues have specific rules and regulations regarding booth size, materials, and construction. A designer with experience will ensure your booth adheres to all guidelines, preventing last-minute scrambling or even disqualification.

Technology Integration: Many designers are familiar with incorporating interactive elements and digital signage into trade show booths. This can enhance the visitor experience and make your company appear more innovative.

Project Management: Often, a designer will handle the entire project, from the initial concept to the final installation and breakdown. This takes a significant burden off your shoulders and ensures a smooth and stress-free experience.

Overall, hiring a trade show exhibit designer can significantly increase your chances of success at a trade show. Their expertise can help you create a booth that effectively attracts leads, builds brand awareness, and ultimately delivers a positive return on your investment.

Trade show designer

The Process of Working With a Trade Show Exhibit Designer 

You’ve contacted a trade show booth designer and you’re ready to get started. But before diving into the deep end of the design pool, the designer needs you to spend time in the shallow end. Below are 15 questions a designer would ask before designing your project. The basics matter. And those basics will not only provide a foundation for the design, but they will also create a path toward meeting (and exceeding) your expectations.

15 Essential Exhibit Design Questions

1. Does your company have branding guidelines/logo or graphic files/website address? Can you share these files?

2. What size is the exhibit? Do you plan to reconfigure the exhibit for other shows? If so, what sizes?  Knowing this will guide both the design and the choice of materials.

3. What is the budget? This is essential. Still undecided about an exact budget? The next best option is a workable budget range. No exhibitor wants to be surprised with a beautiful booth outside their budget or underwhelmed by a booth designed for a lower budget.

4. Do you want to purchase or rent? Or a combination of both? This assists the designer in choosing materials and designing to a specific budget.

5. What physical properties does the exhibit need to have? For example, workstations, counters, Slatwall, semi-private or private conference areas, monitors, storage, etc. This information allows the designer to create a functional trade show design.

6. What type of display have you used in the past? Are you looking for something similar or different? What did you like or not like about the previous booth?

7. Are there any materials or construction methods you prefer? Are you looking for something similar or different? Many experienced exhibitors have a strong attraction or aversion to specific materials.

8. Are there any unusual dimensional restrictions? Can you provide show regulations? Some shows have unusual restrictions for the height of the booth or setbacks from the aisle.

9. Do you show product(s)? What are the dimensions and specifications? How do you prefer to show the products? Display cases, countertops, shelves, hooks, etc.?

10. Does the display need to be portable or modular? Does it need to ship via FedEx or UPS or are you OK with packing in custom crates? This will guide our use of materials.

11. Who will assemble the display: show labor or your team? We have great solutions for both scenarios.

12. Do you have any images of design elements you like? Even if these “inspiration images” are not trade show related, they are very helpful. For example, architectural elements, finishes, colors, natural elements, retail environments, etc.

13. Design Due Date? Typically, designs are completed within a few business days. However, every project and every client has their own timeline. We do our best to accommodate the requested timelines.

14. Show Opening Date? So very important! Creating the design and building it depends on the time frame. Designers can make material selections which will go a long way toward meeting a three-week vs. a three-month window.

15. Are there any descriptive words you use to describe your company? What do you want visitors to your booth to “feel” about your company? From “opulent” to “bad-ass,” we have heard some interesting descriptors, and this gives the designer the insight to craft a personalized, experiential space.

Trade show exhibit designer

Best Practices to Get the Most Out of Your Partnership 

How do you create a design you love without multiple meetings and revisions?

Get the designer and the decision-maker to talk to one another. It works! It’s why the designers want to be on phone calls with the client. All too often, clients don’t know what they want. The reasons vary: 

  • They’re new to trade shows and have an unclear understanding of how to maximize the potential of trade show marketing
  • They don’t have a well-defined marketing strategy, either in general or for trade shows.  
  • Sales want one thing. Marketing wants something else. Engineering has some ideas, but no one is listening. And Customer Support wasn’t asked for their opinion. 
  • The C-Suite isn’t engaged, which means surprises are guaranteed late in the design process
  • Budget? What budget? Having a budget either narrows or expands the design scope. 

The best outcomes are (not surprisingly) based on clear and timely communication with a well-defined strategy and outcomes. Building an exhibit takes time, especially larger structures. Ideally, you should start working with an exhibit designer at least 6 months before the show. That gives everyone time to ask questions, get answers, ask more questions, and make any changes. 

If your goal is to maximize your trade show budget and your sales, then starting early, rather than rushing to design and build a booth at the last minute, will save you money. Not just in design fees, but also with booth, shipping, and early bird show service charges. 

Here are 5 (ish) Requests Guaranteed to Make a Designer Furious:

  1. BTW – I need the design by tomorrow for a meeting
  2. Hmmm…. I’m not good with details, but I’ll know if I like it when I see it. 
  3. Can you show me 5 different designs? Again, by tomorrow.
  4. If I like the design, I’ll find the money in the budget to buy it
  5. You’re the creative person so design whatever you think is best. 
Trade show booth design companies

Hire a Graphic Designer and a Trade Show Booth Designer 

Here’s a secret. DESIGNING FOR TRADE SHOW DISPLAYS IS COMPLETELY DIFFERENT THAN ANYTHING ELSE! Hiring a graphic designer with trade show design experience is one of the most important decisions. Why? They’ve already made the mistakes that a novice at trade show design would make. 

Here’s another secret. Exhibit design and graphic design are two different skills. Some designers are experts at both… but most are not. The graphics are as important as your physical display, if not more important, and they can make or break your trade show’s success.

If you need help with trade show graphic design, start with your trade show exhibit company. A good partner will either have internal resources or partners with extensive experience in large format, trade show exhibit design.

Tips for Hiring a Graphic Designer or Design Firm

If you are hiring a designer or design firm to create your trade show graphics, consider the following suggestions:

  • Ask for references from your agency of choice for large format, trade show exhibit design clients.
  • Check their website. A bullet item that says they do trade show booths or graphics, doesn’t mean they excel at trade show graphics. Ask them for examples of previous trade show work. 
  • Is most of their work digital marketing, web design, and social media marketing? Find another designer. Your bank account will thank you. Your patience will thank you.
  • Create a library of your marketing assets, logo source files, high-resolution images, etc. 
  • If you don’t speak graphic design, then find someone who does. It’s a highly technical field and knowing the lingo will make everyone’s life easier, more efficient, and save you money.

Ready to Hire a Trade Show Booth Designer? 

Every exhibit project starts with one or more intake meetings where the client shares details about the show, their budget, and most importantly, their marketing vision and objectives. From there, the trade show booth designer will create renderings based on the discovery meetings. Classic Exhibits Distributor Partners are experts at exhibit design, whether you’re looking for a 40 x 60 custom island exhibit or a 10 ft. portable display. They’ll take the time to ensure your exhibit attracts visitors and maximizes your sales potential. 

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.

40 Eye-Catching Trade Show Booth Design Ideas

February 9th, 2024 COMMENTS
trade show booth design

Six Exhibit Design Trends

When it comes to trade show booth design, six trends have dominated for inlines and islands over the past five years. 

  1. Large Tension Fabric Graphics
  2. LED Lightboxes with Backlit Fabric
  3. Curves
  4. Rental Inlines and Islands
  5. Sustainable Materials
  6. Customization  

With the exception of basic portable displays, modern trade show exhibits are bigger, brighter, and curvier than ever. Even traditional square and rectangle booths have gotten more upscale as customization has gotten easier and more affordable. Rentals included. Gone are those basic and battered booths so common from show organizers and general service contractors (GSC). Now, it’s nearly impossible to tell a purchased booth from a rented one from most exhibit houses. In other words, trade show booth design, construction, and ownership are more flexible and beautiful than ever before.

Getting Started with Trade Show Booth Design

Every perfect trade show booth design starts with identifying your audience, marketing goals, and trade show budget. Exhibit designers use this information as the first step, then they’ll ask additional questions to fine-tune the booth to your specific requirements. For example – they’ll identify whether you need storage, meeting areas, overhead signage, and accessories like monitors, literature trays, charging stands, etc. They’ll even determine if you’ll need rental furniture like office chairs, sofas, and end tables and suggest styles to match your graphic design. 

The 15 trade show booth design examples below show recent design trends in custom, modular, and portable displays, along with sustainable exhibits and rentals. Don’t be afraid to drill down on what works (and doesn’t work) for your booth design vision. Then share them with the exhibit designer.  

6 Trade Show Booth Ideas & Examples (Islands)

1. GK-5153: Island Exhibit

trade show booth ideas veggie noodle

A well-designed trade show island exhibit should be attractive, inviting, informative, and practical. The GK-5153 does all that… and more.  It combines a casual meeting space with functional counters for product samples. The design includes a reception counter, also with locking storage. Throughout the island, there are large graphic opportunities at multiple angles to attract attendees from every aisle, including a 16 ft. tower.

Many of the flat panels are from the patented Gravitee System, which connects without tools or loose parts, making assembly much easier than traditional panels.  The Large Aero Overhead Hanging Sign pulls it all together with internal and external graphics.  

2. GK-5147: Island Exhibit

It’s the complete package. The GK-5147 island maximizes the available space with double-sided curved panels. The design includes iPad workstations, monitor mounts, and a presentation area. There’s an attractive custom reception counter with a backlit graphic and LED accent lights. In addition, the islands have multiple seating areas all with USB charging ports so your clients can charge their phones and tablets. All the curved panels are from the patented Gravitee System, so individual panels connect without tools and there are no loose parts or pieces.

3. RE-9091: Island Exhibit

trade show booth ideas

An island exhibit doesn’t have to stand tall or be overly complicated. It simply has to fit your tradeshow marketing needs… and get noticed. The RE-9091 rental island has two eye-catching double-sided SuperNova lightboxes. These lightboxes assemble quickly and are always the star attraction in any booth space. The RE-9091 has a large full-size closet along with storage in each reception counter.

In addition, the closets do double duty, serving as lightboxes on the two longer sides and supporting a monitor in the lounge. High above, there’s an Aero Triangle Hanging Sign so you’re sure to attract attention from across the show hall.

4. RE-9139: Rental Island

The RE-9139 Rental Island goes way beyond a pretty picture. We’ve incorporated key features such as large graphics, private and semi-private conference rooms, towers with locking storage access, and workstations and reception counters with secure storage. Not enough? Then add product shelves, large and small monitors for presentations, a variety of light fixtures, and hanging signs for high visibility from anywhere on the show floor. 

5. ECO-4094: Sustainable Island

trade show booth ideas sustainable

Looking for a big bang on a modest budget? Plus a sustainable design? The ECO-4094 doesn’t disappoint with (3) double-sided backlit towers, fabric graphics, ample meeting space, and an amazing reception counter with locking storage. The open format allows for multiple entries into the booth, which can often be a challenge for an island exhibit. The 12 ft. tower can support a large monitor and there is enough space for presentations. All that and built with eco-friendly materials. 

6. ECO-4100: Sustainable Exhibit

trade show booth ideas island

The ECO-4100 Sustainable Exhibit takes a traditional square design and transforms it into a more inviting space with curves. There are two demo stations facing the aisles, a backlit counter with storage, and a cozy lounge in the middle. The large overhead attached sign ensures you’ll be seen from any angle on the show floor. You go to trade shows to be seen… so be seen with the ECO-4100 20 x 20 island booth. 

5 Custom Trade Show Booth Ideas 

1. Travel Portland Custom Booth

Custom Trade Show Booth Ideas

A city known for its vibrant culture, arts, food, bicycling, festivals, and nightlife, Travel Portland wanted to present a multi-sensory experience of the city.​ This island exhibit needed to flex for use at three shows per year in a 20×20 or 20×30 configuration. One requires an informational experience, one focuses on setting meetings with destination planners, and one is focused solely on the attendee’s sensory experience. ​The ability to change out graphics easily for each show was paramount. Travel Portland requested lightweight components to reduce shipping costs and a modular structure that was easy to assemble and easy to reconfigure between 20×20 and 20×30. ​

2. Google’s Custom Booth

Google wanted a fun, creative, almost childlike atmosphere in their island exhibit, similar to the vibe in Google offices around the world. ​Google had a long wish list of functional requirements: multiple seating areas, interactive spaces including a selfie wall, storage for swag, a tall visible structure, a distinctive hanging sign, a prominent reception counter, and strong digital moments.  All of which had to fit in a 20×20 space without feeling cramped.​ Finally, the 20×20 had to be easily reconfigurable into larger booth sizes at future shows.​

3. Custom Booth for Slate

Slate wanted a welcoming, attention-grabbing, and professional atmosphere that incorporated a Seattle theme where the event was held. They needed multiple meeting spaces, product demo workstations, and large-scale eye-catching graphics. They reserved a unique 20×60 space that spanned the windowed atrium between the two show halls. Slate’s nature-themed design in the arched atrium complemented the space and appeared to extend far beyond the 20×60 footprint it occupied. ​

4. Home To Go Custom Exhibit

As a first-time exhibitor in the US market, Home To Go wanted an impressive presence at their industry’s largest event. Throughout the year, they exhibit in 10×30, 10×20, and 10×10 shows, requiring their exhibit structure to be flexible yet visually consistent.​ Home To Go’s strategy for increasing visibility was to “glow.” They chose an expansive 30 ft. back wall lightbox with a surrounding wood frame. The outside of the frame is covered in a dark woodgrain laminate, and the inside is laminated with Home To Go’s signature purple, which further reflects the light from the backlit graphic.​

5. Custom Booth for Odyssey Foods

Odyssey Foods wanted attendees to sample their unique products in an intimate yet approachable experience that mimics an authentic Seattle bistro. An effective chef demo was critical, including seating for buyer conversations and a large menu board to showcase recipes being prepared. This demo area needed easy access to a private prep and storage area. Additionally, the client required real and engaging display areas to showcase the array of Odyssey products. The ongoing menu and product updates required multiple large areas for signage that could be easily changed.​

5 Vendor Booth Ideas & Examples (Inlines)

1. GK-1013: Inline Exhibit

 Vendor Booth Ideas inline

No corporate exhibitor wants a generic exhibit. They want a modern display tailored to their message and tradeshow marketing mission. The GK-1013 is ideal for serious exhibitors who want to show products and big images. The exhibits include shelves, monitor mount, and storage, including both walk-in and counter storage.

The Gravitee One-Step back wall assembles quickly with modular panels. Graphic choices include tension fabric or direct prints depending on your preference. Best of all, the 10 ft. inline can be expanded to a versatile 20 ft. display. 

2. VK-1354: Modular Exhibit

vendor booth ideas backlit

Striking the right balance between aesthetics and performance is crucial for any trade show display. The VK-1354 blends them two perfectly with bold graphics, backlighting, practical features, and convenient storage. This exhibit offers a large backlit graphic for high impact along with direct print headers. In addition, there are shelves to showcase products and back wall storage with an internal shelf.

The VK-1354 includes the MOD-1702 backlit counter with storage… There’s no question . . . this exhibit will be the star of any trade show.  

3. VK-4030: Backlit Inline

vendor booth ideas backlit

Clean, dynamic, inviting, and practical. The VK-4030 strikes the ideal balance of large backlit graphics, tablet/monitor(s), and casual seating, all in well-defined spaces with appropriate social distancing. The large backlit fabric graphics create a seamless visual presentation whether in the 10 or 20 ft. inline configurations.

The individual sections work as modules, allowing exhibitors to grow or adapt to their changing trade show schedule. In addition, there’s ample locking storage and optional charging stations built into the counters and tables. 

4. VK-2979: Modular Inline

vendor booth ideas 20 ft. inline

Get comfortable with the VK-2979 Series. They feature large, bold graphics, curved structures, and casual seating for 10-12 in the island version and 6 in the 20 ft. inline version. While relaxing your guests can charge their smartphones or tablets with the MOD-1430 coffee table charging stations.

Each charging station can be branded and comes with an attractive LED perimeter glow. You also find ample storage with a full-size closet and a reception counter with a locking door and shelf. Not enough? There are monitor options, downlighting, and uplighting. 

5. SYK-2002: Symphony Portable Display

vendor booth ideas portable

For too long, portable displays have sacrificed elegant design for visual simplicity. Not anymore.  Introducing Symphony, the first portable/modular display to blend easy toolless assembly with elegant design and clever accessories.

With Symphony, there are no compromises and no tradeoffs. Simply a beautiful upscale display at a price that’s thousands less than most custom modular exhibits.

5 Rental Exhibition Booth Designs 

1. RE-1060: Rental Inline Booth

exhibition booth designs modular

You want a distinctive custom design, easy to assemble (without tools), lightweight construction, and modular reconfigurability. Welcome to Gravitee! The RE-1060 Rental Inline Booth features panels that connect without tools or loose parts, SEG or fabric graphics, fully assembled flat or curved panels, and a wide range of accessories, like lights, shelves, and monitor mounts. The entire display packs in a fabric-lined, fully jigged custom crate. Each component is numbered for effortless assembly.

2. RE-2124: Lightbox Exhibit

exhibition booth design eco-friendly

Lights combined with colorful graphics may be the single most important key to attracting attention on the trade show floor. The RE-2124 turns the table on traditional lightbox designs by “stepping” (5) 4 ft. x 8 ft. individual lightboxes. The stepping creates visual depth and interest while allowing an exhibitor to tell a compelling story through a sequenced graphic presentation.

The design includes ample room for a casual meeting space (which can be a challenge in an inline) and the charging table with LED accent lights creates a casual yet business-like setting. The RE-1567 reception counter has attractive backlit graphics and locking storage. Plus, the RE-2124 assembles quickly and packs flat in a wood crate for convenient shipping. 

3. RE-2128: Rental Inline Exhibit

A well-designed inline exhibit maximizes the overall space. The 20 ft. RE-2129 rental does all that and more. It includes multiple counters and workstations, all with locking storage and LED perimeter lights. For additional visual “pop,” there are (3) double-sided SuperNova LED lightboxes with fabric graphics. The back wall has (4) monitor stations for demos. There’s even a small bistro table with wireless charging for casual meetings with potential clients.  

4. RE-9167: Peninsula Rental

Rental Booth

Many exhibitors prefer an island peninsula configuration with three-sided entries into the booth (rather than four in a traditional island) The RE-9165 Peninsula Rental comes with a 12 ft. H x 9 ft. W storage tower with graphics and a 12 ft. archway and graphic header. It includes (4) double-sided SuperNova lightboxes with SEG fabric graphics. There are 5 monitor mounts, one each on the lightboxes and one on the tower. There’s a walk-in closet storage and (4) laminate counters and (1) reception counter all with locking storage. For casual meetings on the show, there are also (3) bistro charging tables with LED accent lights.  

5. RE-9162: Rental Island Exhibition Booth

Occam’s Razor states: “The simplest solution is almost always the best.” The RE-9162 Island manages to be both beautiful and welcoming while maximizing the 20 x 20 floor space. It features multiple large format graphics and an overhead hanging sign to draw attention from across the show hall. There are several open entrances along with a contemporary curved reception counter (with branding). The two counter/kiosks stations are perfect for sales presentations, and the large comfortable lounge and charging table makes it easy and convenient to relax with clients. It’s simple, straightforward, and inviting. 

5 Sustainable Trade Show Booth Ideas

1. ECO-1127: Sustainable Exhibit

exhibition booth design with shelves

The ECO-1127 Sustainable Exhibit offers exhibitors an upscale presence on the show floor with a booth built with eco-friendly materials. This includes a lightweight aluminum frame, green printing materials, LED lights, and FSC wood construction. Features include a large monitor mount, shelves, a curved canopy, a reception counter, and locking storage.

The individual components are numbered for easy assembly and the booth ships in a jigged crate with numbered components. All that and a contemporary modular design that can be expanded to a 10 x 20 display. 

2. ECO-2060: Modern EcoSmart Exhibit

 exhibition booth design sustainable

Does your company have a green sustainability initiative? Consider a modern ecoSmart trade show exhibit. The ECO-2060 is built with an aluminum frame and green fabric options. It includes (3) monitor mounts for demos and presentations, cabinets with locking storage, LED lights, and frosted ECO-Glass accents.

The step design provides both stability and privacy. Plus the open floor plan is ideal for meeting space with rental tables and chairs.  

3. ECO-2054: EcoSmart Inline Display

The ecoSmart Inline Displays are design-driven, reconfigurable, and user-friendly. Using the most sustainable materials on the market, these displays prove that you don’t need to look green to be green, and you don’t need to spend more either. You’ll always get the best of both with an ecoSmart. The ECO-2054 features large backlit LED light boxes and fabric graphics with a curved header. Accessories include literature holders and (2) modern counters with locking storage. 

4. ECO-4094: Sustainable EcoSmart Exhibit

Looking for a big bang on a modest budget? Plus a sustainable design? The ECO-4094 doesn’t disappoint with (3) double-sided backlit towers, fabric graphics, ample meeting space, and an amazing reception counter with locking storage. The open format allows for multiple entries into the booth, which can often be a challenge for an island exhibit. The 12 ft. tower can support a large monitor, and there is enough space for presentations. All that and built with eco-friendly materials.

5. ECO-4100: EcoSmart Island Exhibit

The ecoSmart Island Exhibits are design-driven, reconfigurable, and high-impact. The ECO-4100 Sustainable Exhibit takes a traditional square design and transforms it into a more inviting space with curves. There are two demo stations facing the aisles, a backlit counter with storage, and a cozy lounge in the middle. The large overhead attached sign ensures you’ll be seen from any angle on the show floor. You go to trade shows to be seen… so be seen with the ECO-4100 20 x 20 island booth.

5 Portable Trade Show Booth Ideas 

1. SYK-1045: Symphony Portable System

For too long, portable displays have been both perfectly functional and perfectly boring. Not with the Symphony Portable System. Choose from 8 SEG frame shapes and 17 distinctive accessories to create an elegant portable display that assembles without tools. Best of all, the modular designs lets you reimagine your trade show marketing from show to show. Personalize your Symphony Display with attractive counters, workstations, floating graphics, iPad clamshells, and monitor mounts. Add floating graphics for additional visual layering and branding.  

2. VK-1228: Sacagawea Portable Hybrid Design

The affordable Sacagawea Portable Hybrid is a contemporary display designed with lightweight engineered aluminum and vibrant tension fabric graphics. Using knob-assisted assembly, the Sacagawea sets up quickly, typically in less than 40 minutes for a 10 ft. display. All components are individually numbered and packed in durable roto-molded cases with custom die-cut foam packaging. Options include workstations, pedestals, fabric canopies, headers, iPad accessories, and monitors.

3. VK-1960: SuperNova Lightbox Design

Not all lightboxes are the same. SuperNova Lightboxes are brighter, bolder, and more durable. When combined with our HD fabric graphics, no lightbox is more vibrant or attracts more attention. The VK-1960 is an attractive, practical, and portable lightbox display designed for the serious exhibitor. It includes SEG fabric and direct print graphics, shelves, and a monitor mount.

4. SYK-2028: Symphony Booth Design

Symphony is the first portable/modular display to blend easy toolless assembly with elegant design and clever accessories. With Symphony, there are no compromises and no tradeoffs. Simply a beautiful upscale display at a price that’s thousands less than most custom modular exhibits. Unleash the designer within you. Create the perfect 10, 20, or 30 ft. display by selecting from stylish back wall shapes and distinctive counters and workstations. The mix-and-match flexibility encourages unlimited design possibilities. 

5. VK-2311: SEGUE Sunrise with Fabric Graphics

Considering a lightweight portable display, then consider the toolless SEGUE Sunrise with fabric graphics. The Sunrise offers all the advantages of a portable display — affordability, ease of set-up, and a large graphic – with the benefits of a large format tension fabric graphic, durable aluminum frame, and no-tools assembly. Assembly takes less than 20 minutes for most kits. Best of all, the 7 ½ x 7 ½ silicone edge graphic guarantees a perfect fit every time, and the fabric graphics mean worry-free performance from show to show. You can even wash them. Made in the USA. Lifetime warranty on workmanship. 

5 Small Trade Show Booth Ideas 

1. VK-1959: SuperNova™ LED Inline

small trade show booth ideas

The innovative SuperNova™ LED Inline lightboxes combine exceptionally bright LED lights, modular engineering, an aluminum frame, and silicone edge fabric graphics into a brilliant eye-catching display. The SuperNova LED lights are attached to the frame which makes assembly easy and packaging a snap. 

2. MOD-1617D: SEGUE Lightboxes

small trade show booth ideas

SEGUE Lightboxes take a familiar concept, lightboxes, and transform them into a two-sided billboard using lightweight aluminum and tension fabric graphics. Better yet, these are not ordinary graphics. They are silicone edge graphics or SEG. The shelves make this truly versatile at trade shows, events, and even retail spaces.  

3. VK-1852: SEGUE Table Top Design

trade show booth ideas for small budgets

Any good table top display should be lightweight, attractive, and easy to assemble. SEGUE table top designs do all that and more. The SEGUE-engineered aluminum frame is durable and assembles without tools. The vibrant silicone edge fabric graphics fit into a simple groove, making the set-up error-free every time.

4. MOD-1458: Wireless Charging Bistro Table

small trade show wireless tables

Cell Phones have not only become indispensable to our lives, but they have also become indispensable to trade shows, events, retail environments, and meetings. Charging them can be a challenge. Charging Stations attract attention and are a popular convenience for potential and existing clients. 

5. MOD-1489: Coffee Charging Table

booth design with charging table

When choosing the right charging station, consider how you will use it on the show floor, event, or in a retail setting. Is it for a permanent installation or a temporary meeting? Do the graphics need to change from event to event? All these options and more are available. 

4 Trade Show Booth Ideas for Small Budgets

1. VK-1904: SEGUE Sunrise

booth ideas for small budgets

If you are considering a lightweight portable display, then consider the tool-less SEGUE Sunrise with fabric graphics. The Sunrise offers all the advantages of a portable display – affordability, ease of set-up, and a large graphic – with the benefits of a large format tension fabric graphic, durable aluminum frame, and no-tools assembly. Assembly takes less than 20 minutes for most kits. 

2. VK-1218: Sacagawea Portable Hybrid

trade show booth ideas

The affordable Sacagawea Portable Hybrid is a contemporary display designed with lightweight engineered aluminum and vibrant tension fabric graphics. Using knob-assisted assembly, the Sacagawea sets up quickly, typically in less than 40 minutes for a 10 ft. display. All components are individually numbered and packed in durable roto-molded cases with custom die-cut foam packaging. 

3. RE-1089: Symphony Portable Display

small budget trade show

Inexpensive and upscale… that’s the beauty of a Symphony Portable Display. The Symphony’s engineered aluminum frame is designed to last years of trade show service and the SEG fabric graphics are lightweight, vibrant, and elegant. The display packs in a durable roto-molded case with wheels and includes die-cut foam packaging for secure shipping.   

4. RE-1074: Symphony Portable Display

small budget exhibit ideas

Budget doesn’t mean basic with a Symphony Portable Display. The RE-1074 is an exceptional rental display with gentle curves, LED lights, and a monitor mount. It even includes a backwall workstation with wireless charging pads for your phone.

Trade Show Booth Design with Classic Exhibits

Many new exhibitors don’t know where to start with exhibition booth design. Fortunately, Classic Exhibits has a vast library of past projects and contemporary exhibit designs to jumpstart the process. Sometimes the ideal booth has already been designed and built and only needs a few tweaks to match your vision. Other times, exhibitors will select ideas from multiple exhibits to create their perfect display. Either way, we’re ready to lend a hand and turn your vision into a reality. 

Classic Exhibits has been designing and building solutions since 1993. We’ve been honored as an Exhibitor Magazine Find-It Top 40 Exhibit Producers and an Event Marketer Fab 50 Exhibit Builders multiple times. Along with numerous Portable Modular Awards. 

“I’ll Know It When I See It” | Every Designer’s Nightmare

January 4th, 2023 COMMENTS

nightmare

For the Classic Designers, delivering a design that meets all the client’s needs — functionally, aesthetically, and fiscally — is the ultimate goal.  Collectively, our designers have over 30 years of industry experience designing trade show exhibits and graphics. We understand that most clients are not immersed in exhibit or graphic design, so the process can be challenging. But it doesn’t have to be. We are here to help!

5-ish Design Red Flags

Occasionally, we get an ambiguous request that requires Mind Reading. Which is understandable. We all come from different levels of experience. Thankfully, we are pretty good at addressing these requests before they become frustrating for everyone. But… that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few “Design Red Flags.”  Here are some we’ve identified over the years.

#1. I Need This by Tomorrow 

Good design takes time. Great design takes even more time. Think back to college. Did cramming for that psychology test result in an A? Probably not. There’s a process. Not to mention there are other design deadlines already in the queue. It’s not that we can’t do it if our schedules allow. And we want to, but we want to do it right.

high_five#2. My Client Wants Five Completely Different Options 

Clients like to see options, and this can be achieved by showing them portfolio images, discussing their objectives, and defining a budget. In the end, the client is only going to buy one booth, one that matches their marketing goals and budget. One spectacular design is better than five OK designs, if it is on point and includes revisions. Choose a designer who can delve into the project and deliver exactly what the client needs.

#3. If I Like It I’ll Find the Money to Buy It, So Design with an Unlimited Budget! 

No client has a truly unlimited budget. They might have lots of resources, but there will be a limit. Our advice, throw out an exhibit budget number and gauge their reaction: $50,000 for a 10×10? Either they’ll nod and say “Go for it!,” or they’ll take a big gulp and reveal their actual budget — $8K, $15K, $25K. Perfect, now the designer can give the client the best 10×10 they’ve ever seen within their budget.

#4. I’ll Know It When I See It — a.k.a., IKIWISI (pronouced icky wishy)

Design is not a poker game where revealing your hand is a disadvantage. Most clients have an idea of what they want, or at least what they want to achieve. At a minimum, they know their product/service and how it should be presented. Every designer loves the opportunity to be creative, but a guessing game is the exact opposite of creative. Whether you are paying for design or not, there is a cost. The cost can be as simple as frustration, revisions, and unmet expectations.

#4b. You’re the Creative One. Whatever You Think is Best.

This is a version of #4. Yes, we are the creative ones. We are designers and we take pride in that. HOWEVER, everybody is different, we all have our likes and dislikes. While we want to use our creativity to reflect your likes and dislikes, we can’t if we don’t know you or what you want.

#5. The Client Wants a Rental, But I’d Like to Show Them a Purchase Option

re-9017-1We understand the motivation. A purchase is more expensive than a rental. But it’s not a very good sales strategy. It’s another way of saying, “I don’t really know what my client wants so I’ll give them multiple options.” See Red Flag #2 above. Designers like to design, but what often gets forgotten is that designers want their designs to sell. We want our work to mean something, to come to fruition. When our designs sell, it validates our talent and our efforts.

So what’s the exact opposite? Clear communication and specific goals. At Classic Exhibits, we want you to succeed. We know you don’t live in exhibit design every day, so the process can frustrating. We also know that your best path is to work with industry professionals and to tap into Exhibit Design Search for ideas. Exhibit Design Search is a terrific place to see ideas and price points.

Over the years, we’ve learned there are three keys to a winning design and a happy customer.

  1. Understand Your Trade Show Goals and Have a Budget in Mind.
  2. Work with a Trade Show Professional Who Can Guide You.
  3. Whenever Possible, Communicate Directly with the Designer.

Best of all, no nightmares . . . for you or for your very favorite designer. Have questions about exhibit design, give us a call or send us an email.

The Classic Exhibits Design Department

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Based in Portland, Oregon, Classic Exhibits Inc. designs and manufacturers portable, modular, and custom exhibit solutions. Classic Exhibits products are represented by an extensive distributor network in North America and in select International markets. For more information, contact us at 866-652-2100 or www.classicexhibits.com.

 

Trade Show Design Support: Your Design Staff Will Thank You!

March 28th, 2022 COMMENTS

Trade show design

Trade Show Exhibit Design isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s a specialized craft learned over years of training and projects. Some designers transition into 3D exhibit design after starting as graphic designers. Others begin in industrial design. Still others simply love the trade show industry and are naturally creative. They become successful exhibit designers by working with other industry professionals. 

For others, studying exhibition design starts by attending a college or university. Both  Bemidji State University in Minnesota and the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC offer either undergraduate or graduate degrees in Experience and Exhibition Design.   

Trade Show Design Requests

Trade Show Design requests come to us in a multitude of ways. Sometimes they’re simple napkin sketches. Other times they’re 3D CAD drawings complete with measurements, material specifications, and building recommendations. All are welcome… but the more details and directions a client or distributor provides, the more likely we’re able to hit a bulls-eye on the first pass. 

However, hitting the bulls-eye can be elusive when clients are unfamiliar with trade shows, don’t have well-defined goals, and are unsure of or unwilling to share their budget. The exhibit designer might as well be blindfolded, holding a plastic bat, and trying to crack open a pinata. When a designer has to guess, it almost always means multiple iterations. Iterations equals more time and more times adds to the cost. 

exhibition booth design

15 Important Exhibit Design Questions

Every designer wants happy clients who enjoy the process and are excited about the final product. That requires gathering information before any design starts. And while every project is unique and every designer different, there are questions common to any exhibit design project. The 15 Questions listed below may not be fit to every situation, but they’re an excellent tool to start the process. 

Design Questions 1-5

1.  Does your company have branding guidelines/logo or graphic files/website address?

2.  What size is the exhibit? Do you plan to reconfigure the exhibit for other shows? If so, what sizes?  

3.  What is the budget?  Still undecided about an exact budget? The next best option is a workable budget range. No exhibitor wants to be surprised with a beautiful booth outside their budget or underwhelmed by a booth designed for a lower budget.

4.  Purchase or rent? Or a combination of both? This assists the designer in choosing materials and designing to a specific budget.

5.  What physical properties does the exhibit need to have? For example, workstations, counters, slatwall, semi-private or private conference area, monitors, storage, etc? 

Design Questions 6-10

6.  What type of display has the client used in the past? What did they like or not like about the previous booth?

7.  Are there any materials or construction methods you prefer? Many experienced exhibitors have a strong attraction or aversion to specific materials.

8.  Are there any unusual dimensional restrictions? Some trade shows or events have unusual restrictions for the height of the booth or setbacks from the aisle. 

9.  Do you show product(s)? What are the dimensions and specifications? Will they require display cases, counters, shelves, hooks, etc.?

10.  Do you want a  portable, modular, or custom trade show booth? Or some combination. This will guide the use of materials, and casing  options.

Design Questions 11-15

11.  Who will assemble the display: show labor or your own team? 

12.  Do you have any images of design elements you like? Even if these “inspiration images” are not trade show related, they are very helpful. For example, architectural elements, finishes, colors, natural elements, retail environments, etc.

13.  Design due date? Typically, designs are completed within a week. However, every project and every client has their own timeline. 

14.  Show opening date? Creating the design and then building it depends on the time frame. Designers can make material selections which will go a long way toward meeting a three-week vs. a three-month window.

15.  Are there any descriptive words you use to describe your company? What do you want visitors to your booth to “feel” about your company? From “opulent” to “bad-ass,” we have heard some interesting descriptors, and this gives the designer the insight to craft a personalized, experiential space.

vendor booth display ideas

Are You Looking for Vendor Booth Display Ideas? We Can Help!

For any Exhibit Design Department, the busy season can be chaotic and stressful because good design takes time. But if you are a Classic Distributor, we have helpful solutions that will save you time and close your sales faster.

Exhibit Design Search (EDS). With over 1500 designs, Exhibit Design Search is the most comprehensive display site in the world. There are 32 galleries ranging from Islands to Inlines and Counters to Charging Tables. It contains purchase and rental solutions along with green/sustainable designs, hanging signs, tablet stands, hand sanitizer solutions, and so much more. 

EDS is a great place to start gathering ideas about features, capabilities and prices. Since every design can be customized, it offers the added benefit of mixing and matching designs.. Do you like the shelving from one design, the workstation from another, and the backlighting from a third? No problem. We’re happy to assist you with creating the perfect exhibit to meet the client’s trade show objectives. 

Photo Galleries: There are four photo galleries in Exhibit Design Search


These galleries are an outstanding place to see photos of actual design builds. The Past Five Days gallery is linked to kits in Exhibit Design Search making it easy to compare the rendering to the build.  

Exhibition Booth Design Support

At Classic Exhibits, we support Distributor Partners with design requests in several ways. 

  • Use us as your design staff if you don’t have in-house designers.
  • Use us as your overflow design staff when your internal designers are beyond their capacity.
  • Have us on phone calls with your clients. We are happy to be introduced as YOUR designer. Hearing what the client wants first-hand ensures the best design quickly.
  • All those nice-looking designs in Exhibit Design Search are available to you as 3D files. At no charge.


So the next time you need to create a 20×20/10×20/10×10 design in one day, don’t stress. We can easily show you ten different Classic designs with that capability. We’ve done the legwork, and these kits are ready to sell.

trade show graphics

Support with High-Quality Trade Show Graphics

Most Classic Distributor Partners have in-house or contract graphic designers. Here’s how we assist them with printing, file prep, and quality control.  

1. When it comes to choosing the right printers, we’re pretty picky. And we have multiple options. For most tension fabric graphics (SEG or Velcro), we process them in-house using our dye-sublimation printers. We do, however, use other suppliers with a long history of quality and reliability. For direct print graphics, we print both in-house and (mostly) at local printers in the Greater Portland area. 

2. Before your graphics go to the printer, they are pre-flighted by Classic Exhibits. This minimizes any mistakes and allows us to identify issues quickly and return them to you for corrections. 

3. Nothing leaves our facility without being staged and photographed. That means we see and inspect every graphic and ensure that the graphic fits perfectly. Whether it’s a purchase or a rental, EVERYTHING is STAGED. We’re happy (in fact eager) to share the photos with you once they’re available. Keep in mind however, these are staging photos in our shop and not show photos, which means the lighting isn’t ideal and the backgrounds may be messy or cluttered with other projects. 

Classic Exhibits and Trade Show Design

Classic Exhibits has been designing and building solutions since 1993. We’ve been honored as an Exhibitor Magazine Find-It Top 40 Exhibit Producers and an Event Marketer Fab 50 Exhibit Builders multiple times. Along with numerous Portable Modular Awards. 

With over 200 Distributor Partners throughout North America, there’s a Classic representative close by. Contact us today whether you need a durable hand sanitizer stand built to last, a rental display guaranteed to attract trade show attendees, or a custom 30 x 40 exhibit with all the bells and whistles. We’re not just different. We’re better.

Why This Exhibit Design Works!

February 28th, 2022 COMMENTS
Why This Exhibit Design Works

Like you, we see thousands of exhibit designs each year. And because we’re human, we have opinions about each and every one. For example, we may like a particular fabric graphic or a custom counter or the clever way a bridge connects to a backwall.

What Makes an Exhibit Design Effective?

What if someone asked you to describe “Why a Particular Design Works?” We accepted that challenge. Below are 4 Symphony Portable 10 x 20 designs, each organized into three categories:

  • Structure Design
  • Branding Opportunities
  • Function

We ignored the existing graphics because graphic designers can get pretty mean. And no one wants that. 😉 We assumed the basics about Symphony, like tool-less assembly, SEG graphics, and portable shipping so those aren’t listed in the descriptions.

SYK-2018 Symphony Portable

Imagine the backwall without the counters along the aisle. Everything is balanced. The frames, the workstations, the iPad mounts, the monitor, and even the graphics. The SYK-2018 is a sophisticated design with satisfying shapes and practical accessories. It’s comfortable and compelling without appearing portable. Now add the counters and the package is complete.

Symphony Portable Display SYK-2018 Exhibit Design

SYK-2004 Symphony Portable

If it’s hip to be square, how about a rectangle? Of course! The SYK-2004 takes three rectangles and shifts them into unfamiliar places. The large frame is left aligned, and the smaller frames are shifted right and staggered. Yet, the off-center monitor provides visual balance while creating two overlapping zones.

Symphony Portable Display SYK-2004 Exhibit Design

SYK-2023 Symphony Portable

If you crave symmetry, then SYK-2023 may make you uncomfortable… at least at first glance. However, the curves complement one another, and the stair-step footprint gives the inline complexity not found in a typical flat portable display. Lots of branding opportunities and practical accessories.

Symphony Portable Display SYK-2023 Exhibit Design

SYK-2025 Symphony Portable

As a design element, peaks are peaking right now. The SYK-2025 offers portable clients a non-portable look with some serious branding opportunities: (2) backwall graphics, (2) workstations, a counter, and a charging table. The mix and match approach isn’t for everyone which is why peaks can be paired with curves in Symphony.

Symphony Portable Display SYK-2025 Exhibit Design

Classic Exhibits has been designing and building solutions since 1993. We’ve been honored as an Exhibitor Magazine Find-It Top 40 Exhibit Producers and an Event Marketer Fab 50 Exhibit Builders multiple times. Along with numerous Portable Modular Awards. 

With over 200 Distributor Partners throughout North America, there’s a Classic representative closer by. Contact us today whether you need a durable hand sanitizer stand built to last, a rental display guaranteed to attract trade show attendees, or a custom 30 x 40 exhibit with all the bells and whistles. We’re not just different. We’re better.