If you're just starting out on the convention circuit, you are probably looking to be frugal in your investments. It's perfectly understandable to start out with one relatively conservative trade show installation that has no trendy elements that would make it obsolete later on. However, generic trade show displays won't be the most effective way to attract attention at a show. If your booth has good structural design, you can take a few extra minutes to spice up other visual aspects and see a big impact at the exhibition.

Step 1: Identify What Will Stand Out In your Industry

Every sector of the economy has different features, and almost every sector has a convention of some kind. Identifying the features that will most likely differentiate your booth from all the others is therefore as simple as determining what everyone else will do, what will get a favorable reaction, and then picking something favorable yet uncommon. Trade show displays are meant to stand out; your competition will be doing the exact same calculations. You need to be more creative than your neighbor to attract more visitors.

Step 2: It Doesn't Have To Be Functional To Be Eye Catching

It is easy to get caught up in a functionalist logic rather than considering the awe value of a particular design choice. Giving up a big piece of real estate on your display for a large and majestic photo of your latest manufacturing triumph may seem unwise, but consider what will turn more heads. Who stops to look at a bunch of small text? No visitor will be drawn in by that. Big images are what drive traffic. They see the trade show installation and are inspired to look more closely. Then your staff can help them get more insight into what you provide.

Step 3: Never Underestimate The Value Of Moving Parts

Humans are hardwired to pay attention to sudden movements. You can take advantage of that instinct by placing some kind of motion element above the head of the crowd. This could be as simple as a flat-screen TV projecting images of your product or a silent commercial. If your item lends itself to being held aloft, you could also have a working scale model suspended above the other installations. The key here is to be creative.

Step 4: Small Updates Make Big Changes To Trade Show Displays

When you have a structure with good 'bones,' you can do an almost unlimited number of edits to make that structure exactly as you want it. For example, you can add cosmetic changes as you see fit and remove them whenever you like. Don't let your imagination be limited - adding to your display is a harmless process, provided that you never cut into the actual structure.

Step 5: Evaluate Your Trade Show Installation As A Whole

Making a change is easy. Making a cohesive and excellent trade show installation is a bit more difficult. To raise your chances of success, ensure that you are always looking at the project with fresh eyes. Enlist the opinion of others in your field. With the right advice and some creativity, you'll end up with a highly personalized look and feel that attracts visitors straight to your trade show installation.