Trade Show Tips: Identifying The Right Booth Size
One of the first questions asked is: What size space do we plan to reserve? Tradeshow display options depend on available space, and you’ll need to specify size when reserving your spot. Today we’re diving into this important query, as an introduction to our upcoming infographic on tradeshow display systems.
Trade Show Booths: How to Select the Right Size As tradeshow design experts, we appreciate the huge impact booth size has on your display choice. For instance, a smaller space may limit you to a tabletop display. On the other end of the spectrum, a large exhibition area can accommodate an island exhibit with multiple floor standing and hanging pieces along with enough space for salespeople to assist customers in on-site sales. Your choice of booth size depends on a number of variables, especially attendance goals and budget. Asking the following questions can help you discover what size will best suit your firm.
- Is this a single-time event, or will you be reserving the same booth size at multiple locations?
- How will you transport the display to the event – carried by company participants or shipped? Display choices are wider if you plan on shipping; however, shipping costs (to and from the event) are an important consideration.
- Do you plan to set up the display (s) yourself or will you use contract labor? Some venues require contract labor; be sure to check with your show coordinator.
- How will you staff the event? Will you have multiple salespeople? Will they require a table or high counter for engaging attendees? Is a private conference area important? Will staffers need power plug-in stations for electronics? Is Wi-Fi available? As a rule of thumb, plan for 50 square feet of space per staffer. Alternatively, you can think about setting aside 30% of your total booth area for staffers.
- Will you have merchandise to display? If so, how much space will be required? Tradeshow experts recommend bringing only best-selling items, to simplify sales pitch strategies.
- Do you want a 3- or 4-sided display space? (We refer to these displays as islands.) You will want to plan for multiple entrances.
- Where will your booth be located? A smaller booth may be effective near the entrance, as every single attendee will walk by. In contrast, a larger booth space may be needed to attract attention in the middle of the tradeshow space.
Staffing size is often determined by the company’s goals in attending the conference. If you’re having a hard time setting sales and booth attendance goals, we recommend researching the tradeshow itself. Conference organizers can provide projected attendance numbers, traffic patterns, and suggestions on booth placement based on nearby amenities. For example, a spot next to the tradeshow café can be ideal, as attendees are better equipped to take in information when they’re well-fed and caffeinated.
Once you’ve settled on a booth size, you’re ready to select a display system. Stay tuned for our infographic on tradeshow display systems as a “next step” in your conference planning process.
