Be Seen from Across the Room: Five Ways to Grow Your Trade Show Display Vertically

Visibility is a key part of a successful trade show exhibit, and whether you have a single booth or a quad, you need to go vertical if you want your booth seen from across the room. There are a number of ways to grow your trade show display vertically, and the method you select ultimately depends on what appeals to you, your budget and the rules at the trade show facility.

To get you inspired, here are five ideas to consider

1. Balloons

Perhaps, the easiest and cheapest way to grow your display vertically is with helium-filled balloons. Balloons—whether they are monochromatic, solid-colored or stamped with your logo—can float high above your booth to help attract people to it.

If the show you are doing has kids attending it, consider giving balloons away. Kids love balloons, and they will drag their parents (and their wallets) to your booth for a balloon. Check with the trade show producer first though. Sadly, some venues have bans on balloons as runaway balloons can be cumbersome to retrieve from high ceilings.

If you can't do helium balloons, consider balloon arches or other relatively high balloon displays.

2. Double Decker Displays

If you've got time or money to invest, consider purchasing a double decker display. You can buy professional displays that are essentially two-storeys tall, or you can even build your own. For example, at a home show, a decking company may consider building a two story deck that simultaneously shows off its product and takes up valuable vertical space.

The thing to consider with double decker displays is the cost of moving and setting it up. For some companies, these costs are well worth the return offered by the trade show, but for other companies, it's easier to work with more portable vertical options.

3. Retractable Banner Stands

If you want to be able to create height without having a large trade show display, look into retractable banner stands. These stands come in a range of heights, and they can be set up with the banner of your choice.

For easy transport, they roll conveniently into a small bundle, but when you get to the show, they unroll to a range of different heights. Retractable banner stands are a great way to create height without creating the need for a large transportation and set-up budget.

4. Ceiling Banners

Alternatively, forget the retractable stand and see if you can hang your banners from the ceiling. Many trade show venues, especially large arenas, have beams hanging from the ceiling that can easily accommodate hanging banners.

Ideally, you want to use a fabric banner as those are easier to photograph. In some cases, you also need to ensure that the banner you select has a fire retardant certificate. To be on the safe side, ask the show producer if you will need to produce that document for the fire marshall – if you need it, you don't want to be caught without it.

5. Standing Up

Finally, when thinking about ways to make your display stand out vertically, keep it safe and simple and just stand up. If you are sitting behind a table in your booth, your booth, unfortunately, isn't as inviting as it could be.

The table may be blocking the entrance of the booth or otherwise impeding the flow of traffic into your space, and you don't seem as visible or as engaged when you are sitting. Additionally, it is much easier to approach people as they pass if you are already standing.

If you want to make standing even more effective, hire a stilt walker. Depending on the rules at the trade show, the stilt walker could walk around the show, hand people your cards and direct them to your booth. Alternatively, he or she could stand in front of your booth helping to draw attention to it from across the room.  

Learn more about your options by consulting resources like http://tradeshowcasting.com.