Ten Tips For Designing Trade Show Graphics

1. Pictures, Pictures, Pictures
Use images rather than text to capture the eye of show visitors. People rarely spend time reading elaborate text, but will approach your booth if your images are intriguing. The latest graphic trend is to use photographs of people rather than product to make a personal connection with exhibit attendees.

2. Remember Your Goals
Consider how to convey your message using imagery. Are you interested in developing awareness of your company? You may want to emphasize your company branding. If you are promoting a new product graphic images should evoke emotion.

For example a photo of a content businessman using a laptop among other frustrated businessmen without one is far more powerful than a photo of the laptop itself.

3. Focus on Your Company Persona
Remember to keep all images and text in line with your company image. Generally, selecting flowery text for a hi-tech company would not be appropriate. Nor would contemporary, trendy imagery be suitable for a hospice program.

4. Consider Your Target Audience
Design images to attract the prospects you want to service. Focus on the benefits of your products and services and how they relate to your targeted audience.

5. Think Outside the Box
There are occasions when a non-traditional approach will gain attention. Consider what makes you different from your competition when designing your graphics.

6. Integrate Several Media to Add Depth and Polish to Your Display
Remember that there are several excellent options available for graphics-and don’t limit yourself to just one. Fabrics like satin, polyester and sheers are the latest style to hit the industry.

7. Size matters
You have 3.8 seconds to attract the attention of show attendees. Your graphics should be viewed clearly at a distance of 15 feet or more. Life size or larger is a good rule of thumb. Did you know ½ inch high text can be read at a distance of 25’ and 1 inch text can be read at 50 feet by an average trade show visitor.

8. Lighting and Special Effects
Don’t forget the power of lighting in your booth! You can highlight your message and draw the eye of visitors using a combination of flood and spot lighting. Remember to use light boxes for more impact and LED signage to add movement and up awareness of your message. Lighting will also attract up to 30% more visitors to your display!

9. Color
The use of color is powerful tool in evoking emotion, attracting attention and increasing awareness of your booth. Avoid using black and white images without a specific purpose. Too much red can be hard on the eye. Be sure that your colors are complementary. Also invest in a table throw rather than relying on those provided at shows to avoid clashing colors in your booth and take advantage of the additional branding opportunity.

10. Take Advantage of Designers
Using professional designers with a proven track record ensures high-quality images and graphics.