Tips for Planning your Exhibition Space

Everybody wants to make their best impression when it comes to exhibition stands. You’re up against all kinds of big names at industry events and whether you stand out from the crowd or not, can simply come down to how well thought out your stand is. 

In this blog we will outline a few top tips to help you best plan and implement your exhibition stand.

Have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and who your audience is
Whether you are launching a new product, attempting to find new clients, trying to spread the word or sell, sell, sell. Having a clear idea of what you want to achieve at the exhibition and what your overall message is going to be will make all the difference. Conveying your company’s values clearly will put you in a much better position when it comes to sales or leads. If you know your target audience you can focus on a concept that will communicate the most effective message and attract the right kind of potentially lucrative prospects. Keep your goals and audience in mind throughout the process and not only will you end up with a great looking stand but one that does the talking. 
    
Make the most of the space you have
Before you start planning your exhibition read your exhibitor pack carefully, confirming dimensions and any features of your allocated space. Your design and build team should aim to utilise the space fully ensuring visitors flow through the stand without being restricted. Minimise physical obstructions at points of entry and position meeting areas towards the back.

Consider different materials and lighting
Lighting can make the biggest difference on a stand. It can set the mood, create atmosphere and show products off at their best. Don’t just make do with standard venue lighting, add extra lighting, you could even mix it up with colours. Experimenting with materials and textures like high gloss surfaces, wood, glass and metal effects can help attract visitors and to emphasise your image. A combination of lighting, materials and colour can help to create an ambience that will make you stand out from the competition.
  
The taller the better
As well as making the most of your floor space you should take advantage of the vertical space. Although some events will have limitations on the height of stands it is worth checking the rules for yours. Larger venues with high ceilings will allow suspended banners and high signage, which will maximise your stands visibility and attract people to your stand from far-flung corners of the exhibition hall. Note: There is normally an extra cost for rigging needed and you may need to do an additional risk assessment.

Graphic impact - short but sweet
Keep text short and sweet on your printed graphics. Long sentences won’t provide any impact and will mostly likely be left unread. Make the text memorable and stick to key statements. A catchy tagline is a great way to grab attention and it gives visitors something to remember you by after the event. Stick to nice, easy to read fonts and position your text in the top half of your exhibition panels so that visitors, staff or furniture on the stand do not block it.

A picture is worth a thousand words
This is probably the most important of all. Your stand graphics will make the biggest impact and if you get it right, strong imagery will say more about your business than any amount of text. When it comes to impressions, the bigger the better too, but make sure the images you use are high resolution. Pixelated images will have the opposite effect and impact the overall feel. You can commission lifestyle photography if your company is product based or use suitable stock imagery.


Although there is a lot to think about when planning a stand it doesn’t have to be complicated. Think through the process. Who are you aiming to attract, what you are trying to say and what you want your stand to convey. Use impactful imagery, snappy text and make the most of the space you have.

The New Fat team can help you through every stage of the planning, design and build of your professional exhibition.

If you would like help with your next industry event or marketing material then get in touch with The New Fat.

Why not read are our case study or check out our latest offer.

My Useful Guide: Understanding Large Format

When is comes to making a BIG impression large format graphics are a great way of drawing attention to your brand. Available in so many different guises, big really is beautiful!

Pop-ups, pull-ups, poster and signage, modular stands or bespoke exhibitions. What is the difference and what should you be considering when planning an exhibition?

Pull-ups
Not to be confused with pop-ups, pull-ups are affordable and portable banners, most commonly 800mm wide x 2000mm high in size. Often printed onto a vinyl like material. These are the perfect choice for exhibitions, trade shows and smaller events. 

Pop-ups
These are mid-sized portable display systems where graphic panels attach to a “pop up” frame. Often spanning 3 or more metres wide, these are ideal for creating a backdrop to your exhibition. Easy to set-up these come in a wheeled drum that converts easily into a freestanding counter. Pop-up stands are professional and great for bringing impact for a mid-size exhibition space.

Modular exhibition stands
Modular stands are made up of components that lock together creating a high impact stand but without the need of stand builders and power tools. This type of stand can be reconfigured to fit different exhibition spaces, giving you maximum flexibility. Graphic panels are attached with Velcro or magnets, tension fabric options are also available. Packing up is a two-man job and depending on the size of your configuration you can transport them in a car or small van.

Full custom stand build
Built to any specification or size, with unique design, technical elements such as audio and visual inputs, lighting and touch points, custom builds are by far the most professional looking and impressive type of stand available. Graphics will be made to measure and can be printed onto a range of materials such as, glass, fabric, Foamex, PVC and adhesive vinyl. A stand like this will require a professional stand builder to construct and dismantle. Standing out in a sea of stands within an exhibition is important. 

Creating a unique stand with eye-catching promotions, graphic elements and useful information can prove very worthwhile. Although expensive to install the results can prove to be incredibly beneficial. 

Why exhibit?
Exhibitions are a brilliant chance to showcase your business, your products, skills and services. Attended by people pursuing services within your industry, exhibitions and tradeshows are the perfect place to achieve face-to-face leads. Being able to demonstrate your products and services to a vast amount of people first hand has huge potential, allowing customers to involve themselves with your product, to see, hear and feel.

When it comes to preparing for an exhibition or tradeshow it is important to plan your stand with plenty of time. Read your exhibitor pack carefully early on, as it may include important deadlines especially for larger exhibits. Get a graphic designer/exhibition designer involved in the early stages and they will be able to help you with design and production of the stand.

Understand the size of your stand and the budget you have for the whole event. You don’t want to turn up with a couple of pull-up banners if you have the space for a high impact stand.

Have a clear idea of what you want to achieve at your tradeshow or exhibition:
• What message are you trying to get across about your company?
• Do you have a new product to launch?
• Who do you want to meet/attract to your stand?
• How are you going to capture and follow up those important leads?

Preparing for an exhibition doesn’t have to be complicated but it is important to think it through. With lots of experience in stand design and construction our professional team at The New Fat can help you through every stage of the planning and design of a professional exhibition. Have a look at our online portfolio or contact us for more information.