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  • May 21, 2023
  • Write by Author Name
  • May 21, 2023

Top 12 Trade Show FAQs

Trade show exhibits are a great way to generate leads, boost brand awareness, and network with industry professionals. However, many people have questions about how to get started or what they need to know before they book a booth. 

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and concerns from potential exhibitors:

1. Are Trade Shows Effective?

Research shows that over 70% of businesses participating in trade shows achieve their marketing and sales goals, such as generating new leads and improving brand awareness. Additionally, trade shows are an excellent way to make connections, launch products, and gain feedback from customers and industry professionals.

2. Should I Rent a Trade Show Booth or Build My Own?

Both options have their pros and cons. Generally, it depends on your goals. For example, building your own booth may make more sense if you plan to attend many trade shows in a year. On the other hand, renting a booth may be a better option if you only plan on attending one show. 

The level of customization you need for your event booth design is another factor, such that if you have a unique concept, you might need to buy a new booth. However, some booth design companies offer great flexibility, even for rental booths.

3. What is the Best Way to Promote My Trade Show Booth?

Playbox NEO-side
Playbox NEO at NAB

There are many ways to promote your trade show booth and get attendees interested in learning more about your products and services. Promotional tactics include pre-show mailers, email marketing campaigns, social media outreach, online advertising, and press releases. Additionally, it’s essential to have a way to capture leads during the show — such as using overhead signages and ensuring your booth design is eye-catching.

4. How Do I Make My Trade Show Booth Stand Out?

Creating an eye-catching booth design is key to making your booth stand out. You can use vibrant signage, branded displays, interactive elements like touchscreens or VR experiences, and creative marketing materials. Additionally, having plenty of staff to engage with attendees can make a big difference in how many people visit your booth.

5. How Do I Pick the Right Booth Size and Location?

Booth spaces are costly, so you’ll want to maximize the booth space you get. You don’t always have to get the biggest booth space available, as the right size often depends on what kind of display you want to create and how much room you need for staff, promotional materials, and other items. Focus on your budget, and pick the best booth size and space available. Generally, the following locations receive the most traffic:

  • Booths near the entrance
  • Booths at intersections and corners
  • Booths near restrooms, cafes, and main attractions (stage, displays, etc.)

6. What Interactive Activities Should I  Have in My Trade Show Booth?

Interactive activities are a great way to engage with attendees and make your booth stand out. Some popular interactive activities include product demos, pop quizzes, VR experiences, giveaways, and games. Ensure the activities “work hard” to promote your brand while allowing the attendees to enjoy the experience.

Tractor Supply at ASM

7. How Do I Train My Trade Show Booth Staff?

You can form a team from your office or hire a booth staffing agency. Whichever you choose, the staff should have an in-depth knowledge of your products and services, be able to answer questions from attendees, and have outstanding customer service skills. Additionally, ensure all staff members have practiced the sales pitch beforehand so they can deliver it engagingly.

8. How Many Trade Shows Should I Attend Per Year?

It depends on your budget, industry, and goals. Attending at least 1-2 trade shows per year can be a good idea if you’re just starting out. As you gain more experience, you can start attending more exhibitions. Some of our clients attend over ten shows each year!

9. How Long Does Trade Show Planning Take?

Depending on your booth design’s complexity, planning and preparing everything generally takes 6 to 12 months. If you’re new to exhibiting at trade shows, it’s best to plan at least a year in advance, as this will give you plenty of time to address any issues you may encounter.

10. How Much Does a Booth Cost?

Rates vary depending on the booth size and design, but booth design and production typically cost around $10k to $50k on average. Booth rental costs less, but you might still have to pay for design and customization to ensure your booth stands out.

11. Can I Reuse My Booth?

You can reuse your booth and design with every event, provided you have the right storage solutions. However, if you’re attending many trade shows, it might be worth investing in new design elements to keep things fresh. At Metro Exhibits, we offer storage, warehousing, and transport solutions to ensure our clients are always ready to attend the next trade show!

12. Why Do I Need a Booth Design Company?

A booth design company is a professional service provider that helps exhibitors create an effective exhibit display at trade shows, conferences, and other events. They can provide custom-designed booths, rental exhibits, graphic design services, and more to help your business stand out. Even if you have an in-house designer, hiring a booth design company will help you create a specifically designed and optimized booth for trade shows. 

Metro Exhibits: Your Single-source Exhibition Solution

Attending a trade show and exhibiting at one are two very different things. You want to pick the right exhibit provider to help you create your perfect display and work with you through the design and setup process. 

Look for providers who have experience in your industry, have references, and offer a wide range of services, including design assistance, fabrication, graphics printing, installation/dismantling, storage, project management, and more. 

At Metro Exhibits, we provide end-to-end solutions, ensuring that you can focus on what you do best. We can handle everything you need, from design conceptualization to fabrication, project management, storage, and shipping. We’ve served thousands of clients across the U.S. and internationally — but we assure you we’ll never give you a boring, generic booth design. Get in touch with us today to learn more about how you can stand out at your next trade show!

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