Attending a trade show is a big investment, both in time and money, for any company. Before you begin to design a trade show booth, it is important to understand what you want and need in order to achieve your goals. Regardless if you’re a seasoned trade show exhibitor or may be new to presenting, you should consider the following tips before you create your next exhibit.
Take Time to Do Your Research
Choosing a trade show partner is a decision that needs to be taken seriously. Rather than bidding out the job to five or six companies and choosing the one that’s cheapest, take some time to research your options, check out company websites, and read past client reviews. Set up phone calls so you can talk to exhibit professionals in real-time, asking them important questions and making sure you have all the information necessary to make an informed decision.
Consider Your Project Timeline(s)
Make sure the company you choose is able to work with your specific timeline and needs. Ideally, you should start the process of designing your exhibit with a professional anywhere from four to six months in advance to ensure there’s plenty of time to complete the project.
Determine Your Ideal Budget
It’s a good idea to have at least a general range of what you’re looking to spend when you begin contacting trade show booth builders. Any reputable company should be able to work with your budget, so take some time to consider your previous years’ spending and upcoming goals to figure out a comfortable budget for your project.
Ask Plenty of Questions
Before meeting with a builder for the first time, come up with a list of questions and concerns. For example, if you worked with a different company in the past, consider vocalizing both what you enjoyed about the experience and what you wish would have gone more smoothly. This list of frequently asked questions can help with answering more general questions related to the exhibit process.
Look at a Company’s Past Work
Any reputable company should have a gallery or portfolio of past work that they are happy to share with you. Always ask to see completed work, actual show photos, and other examples of what the company can do for you.
Maintain an Open Mind
Finally, while you should have at least a general idea of the direction you’d like your design to take and the goals you want it to achieve, remember that these are professionals who have years of experience. By keeping an open mind throughout the process and allowing your designers to take some creative liberties of their own, you may be pleasantly surprised at the outcome.
Looking for a trade show booth builder for your next event? At Rockway Exhibits, we have countless resources and years of experience to create and accommodate any request. We aim to make the exhibiting experience as seamless as possible for our clients and offer a number of services to ensure each display is taken care of from concept all the way to the day of the event.
Ready to get started? Contact us today to discuss your next project.