How to Make Your Exhibit Booth Stand Out in a Crowded Trade Show
Well, howdy y’all! It’s been a hot minute since we last sat down to write a blog post, but we reckon it’s high time we got back on the horse. Since we last wrote, our company has been through some big changes – we up and moved our headquarters from Lafayette, Louisiana, all the way over to the big ol’ state of Texas. Yep, that’s right, we’re now based in the heart of Dallas, but don’t worry, we still bring that warm Cajun charm wherever we go.
We know times have been tough for a lot of folks, what with that pesky little virus making its rounds and causing all sorts of mayhem. But we’re happy to say that we’ve weathered the storm, most recently back from a fantastic CES 2023, and we’re ready to get back to doing what we do best – creating kick-ass custom exhibits that’ll knock your socks off.
So, without further ado, let’s get down to providing a few fresh reminders to help your booth stand out in a crowded trade show.
Laissez les bons plans rouler
It all starts with strategy and a great plan. Assuming you already know your target demo, unearth the insights to trigger the desired behavior they’ll get from our custom or experiential exhibit. Set clear goals, whatever they might be — increase brand awareness, generate leads, create a buzz, or launch a product. Maybe it’s all! Either way, ensure your exhibit design has hooks into the strategy to ensure it pays off on your goals.
And don’t you forget to set a budget or bounce a range off our crew! We know it’s tempting to dream big, but you don’t want to break the bank before you even get to the show. Be realistic about what you can afford; everyone on our steam is excellent at creative problem-solving or sourcing different design solutions to influence production prices.
Oh, and one more thing, make sure you plan ahead of time. Trust me, you don’t want to be scrambling at the last minute trying to figure out what you need. So, take your time and plan it out like a good roux, with patience and precision. We’re here to help!
From Gumbo to Graphics: Crafting a Custom Exhibit That’s Finger-Lickin’ Good
This is where the magic happens, and we can really let our creative juices flow. We leverage a few key design principles front and center when creating custom exhibits to create memorable and engaging interactions. We’ll key in on creative ways our design can help bring customers or patrons into the booth by aiding in the storytelling that could already be set by your agency, if you have one engaged. That’s right, y’all – we’re not just designing a booth; we’re telling a story. And a good story is one that people will remember long after they leave the trade show.
So, how do we incorporate storytelling into our custom exhibit design? At VOXX, our special “étouffée”, if you will, is a tasty mix of technology and design while understanding goals, customers, and the overall message you’d like the exhibit or experience to convey. Maybe you’re a tech company headed to CES looking for a show-stopper, award-winning experience that lights up Twitter, a multi-sensory immersive experience or something tactile with modern color theory to trigger behavioral patterns helping attract and keep your brand more top of mind for visitors who’ve interacted with it.
Creating an immersive experience takes visitors on a journey; it helps attract and keep people at your booth. It certainly helps your exhibit stand out from the sea of other exhibitors. Our team and partners leverage a suite of LED screens with all the “realities” (AR, XR, VR, MR) to engage all of the senses, from sight to sound to smell. Don’t forget about audio – our EarGo client just returned from another successful CES; we’ll be writing that case study soon!
Another design principle to keep in mind is simplicity. Now, that might sound counterintuitive when we’re talking about creating an immersive experience, but hear us out. When we say simplicity, we mean that we want to make sure that the design elements are easy to understand and aren’t overwhelming. We also consider how humans can interact with our design easily; it’s busy, and people are multitasking. A design or immersive idea has got to be clean and simple.
So, there you have it, folks – some design principles to keep in mind when creating a custom exhibit that truly stands out. Remember, it’s all about telling a story, engaging the senses, keeping it simple, and surprising your audience.
Showcasing Your Brand with a Top-Notch Custom Exhibit Installation
Well, hot dang! When it comes to building and installing your custom exhibit, you want a team that knows how to “make groceries,” and our Special Projects Division (SPD) is just that team. Our “fais do-do” approach means we’ll handle everything from shipping to creating an Install and Dismantle schedule to handling any custom or VIP requests your brand might have.
But it’s not just about “lagniappe” services. Our hard-working team of carpenters, electricians, builders, riggers, A/V contractors, and more have a “joie de vivre” for what they do, and it shows in their work. We look to maximize labor efficiency, strategic where we can, and communicate clearly on timelines. Our customers rave about the reliability, trust, and experience they find in working with the SPD team.
So, once your custom exhibit design is locked in, let our team of experts take the “roux” on the installation and dismantling process. We’ll make sure to use every inch of your space wisely and even add some “lagniappe” touches. Trust us, “ça c’est bon!”
Making Noise: How to Attract Attention to Your Exhibit like a Cajun Mardi Gras Parade
Alright now, you’ve put in all that work getting your custom exhibit set up, but the work’s not over yet! It’s time to make some noise and get people talking about your brand like they talk about the best crawfish boil in Louisiana. Here are some modern social media strategies and marketing tactics to attract and engage with customers before, during, and after the show.
- Get Social: Use Social Media to Your Advantage
Let’s start with the obvious one – social media. Use platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to build anticipation before the show. Use hashtags and geotags to create a buzz around your brand and your exhibit. Share sneak peeks of your booth design or any special promotions you’ll be offering. During the show, use social media to share live updates, photos, and videos to keep your followers in the loop.
- Collaborate with Influencers: Get Them Talking
Partner with social media influencers that align with your brand to help promote your exhibit. Reach out to industry leaders and bloggers who have a significant following on social media. Give them an incentive to visit your exhibit and create content about it. This will not only drive traffic to your booth but also give your brand more visibility online.
- Create an Engaging Virtual Experience: Bring the Show to Your Customers
For those customers who can’t make it to the show, bring the show to them! Set up a live stream or virtual tour of your exhibit. Use interactive platforms like Zoom, Skype, or Facebook Live to engage with your customers virtually.
As for marketing strategies, consider these options:
- Email Marketing: Reach Out to Your Customers Directly
Email marketing is still a powerful tool to reach out to your customers directly. Use your email list to let customers know about your exhibit and any promotions you’ll be offering. Share sneak peeks and teasers to build anticipation before the show. After the show, follow up with a thank you email to all who stopped by your exhibit.
- Targeted Ads: Reach Your Ideal Audience
Use targeted ads on social media platforms and search engines to reach your ideal audience. Use keywords and demographics to ensure your ads are seen by the right people. This will drive more traffic to your website and your exhibit.
- Offer Promotions and Giveaways: Get People Talking
Offer special promotions and giveaways to attract more visitors to your exhibit. Offer exclusive discounts, freebies, or swag to those who visit your booth. This will attract more visitors and get people talking about your brand on social media.
Remember, making noise and attracting attention is key to making your exhibit a success. So use these strategies to make your brand stand out like a king cake at a Mardi Gras parade!
The Big Easy: Simple Steps to Concluding Your Trade Show with Style
Ah, we hope y’all enjoyed this little chitchat and picked up some savvy tricks to leave a lasting impression at your next trade show. Don’t forget to let your creativity shine, from show-stopping installations to engaging social media promotions, and creating immersive brand experiences. And hey, if you’re ever in our neck of the woods, come on by our new digs in Dallas and say hello. We’ll greet you with open arms and good ol’ Southern hospitality. So until next time, keep on rockin’ and rollin’ with your custom exhibit, and remember, laissez les bons temps rouler!
