Eight exhibit killers by Mark Bendickson, Exhibit Design Systems

 

The best way to come up with a killer exhibit is to avoid exhibit killers - practices that keep your exhibit from ever succeeding. Following are eight problems to avoid with your next exhibit.

 

1. Lacking lead time - designing an exhibit is a complex process. Do not leave it until the last minute. Co-ordinating stand construction under time constraints can increase costs 50 - 75%

 

2. Fixed design - dont make a design decision until you know your options. Keep your objectives tight but your options loose until you see what is out there.  An exhibit you hadnt thought of may do the job better than what you are considering.

 

3. Inflexible budgets - dont determine the budget until after you've shopped around. Get an idea of what an exhibit that will meet your needs will cost.

 

4. Flat thinking - remember, an exhibit is going to be a three-dimensional representation of your company. When outsourcing design responsibilities, make sure your supplier understands 3-D design

 

5. Convoluted graphics - the considerations for graphics are numerous. A rule of thumb; less is more. Remember that the stand is just bait - it only exists to get visitors to step on your carpet.

 

6. Overload - you're designing an exhibit, not a catalogue. All you want to do is open a dialogue with visitors about your company's product or service. You don't have to exhibit your company's entire product line.

 

7. Scrimping - remember than an exhibit is an investment. Cutting elements out of an exhibit design proposal so that it will fit into your budget may cost you money in the long run. 

 

8. Gimmicks - at the same time, dont spend money unnecessarily. Don't blow the budget on bells and whistles that won't contribute to your bottom line - the show

 

This article was taken from the huge archive of exhibitor tips and advice at www.exhibitornet.com, the home of Exhibitor Magazine