With so many considerations going into the design and execution of exhibition stands, we want to support you create something truly special whilst ensuring a stress-free experience! Here are 10 quick-fire tips on how to plan for your next exhibition stand!
How to design your exhibition stand 📐
1. Define your objectives
Start by clearly defining your goals and objectives for the exhibition stand. Determine what you want to achieve, whether it’s brand awareness, lead generation, product showcasing, or networking. Answering this will help you understand the assets required on your stand. For example, if networking is important to you, consider an area on your stand where you can sit down with clients and offer coffee and a chat.
2. Plan the layout
Determine the layout of your exhibition stand, considering factors such as traffic flow, accessibility, and the placement of key elements like product displays, interactive areas, and meeting spaces. This will be largely dictated by the size of the stand you’ve booked, and your objectives as discussed above. Utilising the experience and know-how of stand designers such as Graphic Mill can help. Here’s a handy guide on stand layouts.
3. Set a budget
Decide on your budget for the design, build and installation of your exhibition stand. This will help you make informed decisions regarding the design elements, materials, and additional features you can incorporate. Whilst individual agencies can perform the design, build and installation of your stand, you’ll find a better price and hassle-free experience with companies like Graphic Mill that can do it all. Here’s a useful guide to setting your budget for your next stand.
4. Understand your target audience
This is likely something you’re acutely aware of, but research around the demographics specific to the show you’re exhibiting at will help you tailor the design and messaging of your stand to better engage with them.
5. Incorporate branding elements
Ensure that your exhibition stand reflects your brand identity through the use of consistent colours, logos, fonts, and messaging. If your existing branding uses dark and moody colours, remember that exhibition halls are inherently gloomy and benefit from bright pops of colour, or additional lighting and illuminations to help your brand stand out. This will help create a cohesive and memorable brand experience for visitors.
6. Engage with interactive elements
Look to introduce interactive elements such as touchscreens, product demonstrations and gamification to engage visitors and create an immersive experience. Anything that encourages clients to spend time on your stand and kick-start a conversation will boost your success at the show.
7. Consider lighting
Pay attention to your lighting design to create an inviting and visually appealing atmosphere. Use strategic lighting to highlight key areas and products within your exhibition stand. As mentioned before, exhibition halls are never the best-lit spaces, so speak to your stand designer about how additional lighting and illuminations such as back-lit logos, under-counter lighting or even artistic installations can elevate your space.
8. Select appropriate materials
Choose materials that align with your design concept, brand, budget, and durability requirements. Also, consider factors such as sustainability and reusability if you plan to participate in multiple exhibitions.
9. Plan a walkthrough
Whether you’re going DIY or using a professional stand builder, ensure a pre-build is conducted before the show. From our experience, this is essential as it will reveal any design flaws before it’s too late to correct them. It also helps you to better understand how users will interact with the space.
10. Measure success
After the exhibition, evaluate the success of your exhibition stand by analysing metrics such as visitor engagement, lead generation, and return on investment. Use this data to inform future design decisions and your future exhibiting schedule.
These steps provide a general framework for designing an exhibition stand. The specific requirements and considerations may vary depending on your industry, target audience, and exhibiting goals.
Get in touch to find out how Graphic Mill can guide you through the process of designing, building and installing your next exhibition stand!
Related posts: How To Design Exhibition Stand Layouts ✏️ / Our Exhibition Stand Design Process ☑️ / Shell Scheme vs Space Only 🔍
