There are many ways to correctly design a good trade show display. In fact, every industry and even every convention will have different requirements for excellence alongside the standard criteria. These quirks are something that will be learned in time, but basic trade show booth design skills don't have to be. By learning what you need to avoid, any designer can prevent the most common pitfalls and enjoy success from the beginning.

Mistake #1: Too Much Text

People do not like to read a wall of text. They want you to communicate with them using images rather than focusing exclusively on words. There is no particular rule of thumb that should be followed, but most designers try to keep 60% of their trade show display space utilized by photos and graphics and no more than 40% as text area. Many will shoot for fewer words and more whitespace.

Mistake #2: The Crammed Trade Show Display

As touched on above, whitespace is a particularly vital element of any exhibit. It doesn't necessarily have to be white (it could be colored, or possibly even have a gradient), but that negative space without text or images is really crucial. When you have empty space, it becomes easier to understand what you're trying to emphasize. There is a break for the eyes of your visitors, rather than a constant stream of images and words. Without whitespace, it's easy for people to become overwhelmed, and they may actually be driven away from your booth.

Mistake #3: Lack Of Literature

Don't try to put all the information you want visitors to see on the actual trade show booth itself. It may seem counterintuitive, but having something to hand out is a benefit. Many designers believe that these handouts simply end up in the trash, with nobody really paying attention to them. The truth couldn't be more different. Many visitors will specifically collect handouts and other information from every unit that they see, putting it together in a folder to review later. Once they return to the hotel or head back to their company, they're able to remember each trade show stand in great detail because of the literature they received.

Mistake #4: Understaffing Your Display

Having the right number of people available to answer questions and pass out literature is vital. While the staff isn't a direct element of the design itself, it's an extension of it, and almost always an obstacle to overcome for first-time exhibitors. The perfect number of staff members will depend on many things, including how much space you have, how many visitors you are expecting, and whether you are expecting to actually sell at the convention or not. The more merchandise that you need to track, the more staff you need. At the same time, the smaller your space, the fewer staff you should employ. It's a balancing act, and thinking it out ahead of time goes a long way toward getting it right.

Mistake #5: Being Overwhelmed By The Task

With preparation and awareness, nobody needs to be overwhelmed by designing a trade show stand. Just remember to think everything out in advance and to avoid the pitfalls mentioned above. If you have any major concerns, don't hesitate to consult with a professional. With effort and experience, you'll soon be an expert as well.