Friday, October 24, 2008

Choosing a trade show booth that reflects your corporate style

By Eric Lindmeier

Selecting the right trade show booth can be a difficult task. How do you pick one that best showcases your company and corporate image? Follow these simple tips to smooth the way to finding a booth.

When your company participates in a trade show, your trade show booth says more about your corporate image than you might imagine. How you're represented makes an impact on important people in your industry - the people who make the decisions. It's important to make the best impression you can but how? You need a professionally designed trade show booth that grabs attention - in a positive way.

But it seems like there are half a bazillion trade show booth options to choose from. You can get a portable trade show booth in just about any size, with nearly any configuration of components - on a budget or over the top. So, with all those choices, how do you pick the one that's right for you and for your business? First of all, you want to consider size, style and price range.

Portable trade show booths can range in size anywhere from 10x10 feet to 30x100 feet you can even get a 50x50-foot display if that's what your corporate needs dictate. It's important to remember that the booth you choose will ultimately depend on the needs of your company, its style and budgetary limitations.

The style of your portable trade show booth depends largely on the image you wish to present. Are you looking for a simple backdrop with a few countertops for table-top displays? Or are you in the market for something really elaborate maybe a booth with shelving and partitions and small meeting and display rooms? Overhead banners? Large signage? The style options are practically endless!

Whatever you decide, you have to make sure your trade show booth characterizes your business well - and that it's approachable. Ensure that your booth adequately represents the company culture, its products and overall goals.

One other thing to keep in mind is that trade show booths not only come in all sizes and styles, but in a wide price range. For instance, you can design a basic trade show booth that is fully functional and professional looking for less than $500.

But, if you're looking to go really high end, how about custom designing a portable trade show booth with the potential to eat all the others alive? For about $240,000, you can get a custom-made double-deck booth with every imaginable feature. Okay, so maybe you're not the marketing director for Citigroup or Goldman Sachs. Let's think a little smaller.

Ah, here's a nice middle ground! Consider a nicely appointed portable trade show booth that won't put a permanent dent in your marketing department's budget. If you're willing to spend a few thousand dollars (to upwards of $15 or $20,000), you can get a really nice trade show booth that will showcase your company and its corporate image in a positive light.

Regardless of the size and style of booth you design or select, be sure it appropriately represents your business and your industry. If you choose well, you will have a portable trade show booth you can proudly depend on for many years to come.

The idea gallery at Expo Marketing (www.expomarketing.com) should be your first stop when looking for a trade show booth. Expo Marketing's design pros will work with you to develop the ideal booth for you and your company. - 15634

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