Selecting a trade show booth doesn't have to be an ordeal

By Eric Lindmeier

Choosing the portable booth for your company's upcoming trade show can be a real headache but it doesn't have to be. With a few simple suggestions in mind, the selection process gets a lot easier.

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.

Trade show booths come in all shapes and sizes: You can go with a small 10x10-foot booth or a monster 30x100-foot booth that will dwarf all the surrounding displays. You can even splurge on an extravagant 50x50-foot booth. Of course, the booth you select (or design) will ultimately rest on the needs of your business, its overall corporate style and budgetary constraints.

There are nearly as many styles to choose from as there are companies participating in trade shows. You can get a simple booth with a backdrop and maybe wings on either side and perhaps a countertop or two. Or you can go all out and custom design a really elaborate booth with display areas, conference space and a reception foyer.

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.

Portable trade show booths come in an enormous range of styles, sizes - which means they also come in a wide range of prices. You can get a perfectly serviceable trade show booth for well under $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.

Whatever size and style of portable trade show booth you decide on, ensure that it meets your needs and represents your business correctly within your particular industry. Choose wisely and you'll have a trade show booth to be proud of for years to come.

When shopping for your trade show booth, be sure to check out the idea gallery at Expo Marketing (www.expomarketing.com) for inspiration and suggestions. The design pros at Expo Marketing can work with you to design the booth that's just right for you.

About the Author:

ExpoMarketing.com specializes in Trade Show Booths for Expositions. For more information visit their site for Trade Show Exhibits.