Trade fair tent checklist Above & Beyond

6 tips to make your exhibition stand stand out

An exhibition stand that truly stands out

Taking part in a trade fair requires time, energy and budget. Of course, you want to make sure that your stand attracts attention and invites visitors to step inside. Yet, it often happens that companies invest heavily in their participation, but their stand still disappears among all the other exhibitors. What a waste!

With the following checklist of 6 tips, you can turn your exhibition stand into a real eye-catcher. Whether you are attending an indoor exhibition or presenting outside with a trade fair tent: these tips will help you stand out and ensure your investment pays off.

1. Create a striking exhibition stand with a folding tent or inflatable tent

For those taking part in an indoor trade fair it may sound unusual, but consider using a gazebo or inflatable tent as your exhibition stand. These tents can be fully customised to match your branding: with the right colours, logos and visuals you’ll make an impression from afar.

You can also add sidewalls with images of your products, services or even your team. This gives your stand a recognisable and professional appearance. The advantage of these trade fair tents is that they are compact, lightweight and easy to transport. Within just a few minutes, two people can set them up.

At an outdoor exhibition you immediately cover multiple needs at once: your stand is visible, recognisable and provides visitors with a dry, shaded and UV-protected space. In this way you combine branding with comfort — something visitors will truly appreciate.

2. Create an experience in and around your stand

An exhibition stand that only consists of a table with brochures and someone waiting passively rarely attracts visitors. If you want to stand out, you need to create an experience.

Ask yourself: What resonates with my audience? What fits with the culture of the exhibition venue? By tapping into this, you create recognition and relevance. This can already be achieved with small adjustments:

• Let visitors take part in a game where they can win high-quality merchandise.
• Set up a popcorn machine, barista corner or mini shop so people can literally taste or experience your products.
• Use interactive demos or virtual reality to make your offer tangible.

With these kinds of activities you create movement, atmosphere and curiosity — and that automatically draws more visitors to your stand.

3. Form a smart partnership

Have you ever considered partnering with another company? When your products or services complement each other, this can bring many benefits.

You can set up a shared exhibition stand and finance a larger space with the same budget.

You can leverage each other’s network, attracting new visitors who might not have stopped by otherwise.

You can combine marketing efforts and present a stronger joint communication in the run-up to the trade fair.

For example: a furniture company and an interior designer building an inspiring stand together. The result? A complete experience that immediately captures the imagination and that visitors won’t simply pass by.

5. Communicate beforehand and ensure clear branding

A striking exhibition stand actually starts before the trade fair itself. Many companies forget that their presence is not self-evident to visitors. So make sure you communicate clearly in advance:

• Send an email to your customers and prospects with your stand number and what they can discover at your booth.
• Use social media to announce your participation. A sneak peek of your trade fair tent or a special promotion works perfectly.
• Create eye-catching visuals that immediately reflect your brand and are consistently applied to banners, tent fabric, giveaways and clothing.

During the trade fair it is crucial that your branding is consistent and recognisable. Visitors should understand at a glance who you are and what you do. Think of clear slogans, striking visuals and a logical positioning of your products or services within the stand.

6. Choose the right location and layout

The location of your exhibition stand has a huge impact on visibility. Where possible, try to reserve a corner stand or a spot near entrances, catering areas or busy walkways. These are the places where visitors naturally pass by.

In addition, the layout of your stand also plays a major role. Make sure to include:

• An open and inviting setup: no high walls that shut visitors out.
• Good lighting that highlights your products.
• A smart layout with enough walking space and clear areas for conversations or demos.

An exhibition stand that feels inviting and is logically arranged makes it easier for visitors to step inside and stay longer.