Trade show events can contribute significantly to accomplishing marketing key performance indicators (KPIs) across many sectors. After a couple of years of event cancellations and so many virtual events, clients and vendors alike are ready to get back to normal face-to-face interactions.

However, taking a haphazard approach to throwing together a fair booth design can negatively impact current and potential clients and consumers.

Your Vision and Mission

Every trade shop event needs a clear vision and mission that align with your company’s goals. Strategic decision-making around the vision and mission statements helps keep the project on track. When everyone understands the function and purpose of each element of the plan, the focus becomes clearer, making successful outcomes more likely.

Plus, after spending some time focusing on a clear vision and mission, it is easier to determine which trade booth design ideas fit your campaign. Work with your trade show booth supplier to align your booth design ideas with your other branding and marketing materials.

Fair Booth Designs for Large and Small Trade Shows

A common question asked of trade show booth suppliers is if the trade show’s size alters the booth’s design. The short answer is, of course, it depends. The size of the event is not the only determining factor in the fair booth designs. Still, some designs tend to work better depending on the number of attendees.

For a Small Trade Show

A small event lends itself to an intimate feel. Add conversation pods with comfy seating, single-user kiosks for product demos, or easy small group discussion areas to lend a cozy feel. Chances are most attendees will pass by your booth, so opt for a client-centered give-away, such as a free trial.

For a Large Trade Show

When the event draws in tens of thousands of attendees, you’ll want to create a more eye-catching and dramatic booth. Get as large a space as you can and focus on an open and airy feel to encourage more people to enter at a time. Consider larger displays like an electronic game or a life-size (or bigger) LED screen.

Decide What KPIs to Measure and How

Many a trade show exhibitor has spent their entire budget on logistics, accommodations, and a booth. Then, when they arrive, the floor team is told to “go get ‘em” and “have a good show.”

It should go without saying, but it is critical that the floor team knows exactly “who” to go get and what a “good show” is.

Target Audience – Go Get ‘Em

Connect with your marketing and sales departments before deciding which trade shows to attend. Make sure you have a clear picture of the persona of your target audience. Are you targeting businesses or individuals? In what industry? Sometimes skipping a trade show altogether is the best idea when your target audience won’t be in attendance.

KPIs – What’s a “Good Show”?

Keep the list short and sweet. Too many KPIs can be worse than too few. Decide which metrics to watch and how you will measure them. Putting numerical goals in place makes it easier for your trade show booth design to fit your purpose. Prioritize the elements that support the KPIs and don’t worry about the rest. Are you looking to generate leads? Launch a new product? Find new long-term partners? What you measure as a “good show” depends on what you are doing there.

One of the first things to do when planning your event strategy is to contact a trade show booth supplier. The expert staff design and build trade show booths every day. Use their experience to ensure you have a profitable show every time.