Even in today’s world of virtual experiences and anonymous online transactions, in-person events like trade shows, conventions and festivals remain among the best opportunities for your business to build brand awareness and meet potential customers face to face. At these large gatherings, an eye-catching, welcoming vendor booth will showcase your company’s professionalism and marketability, all while helping you stand out from the crowd.

While a successful display could open new doors for you, waiting until the last minute to come up with a plan for your vendor booth might end up doing your business more harm than good. What are some best practices for creating a memorable, showstopping vendor booth – and what mistakes should you avoid?

1. Get Ahead of the Game

As soon as you’ve reserved your spot at the event, be sure to gather all the details. Will you have access to electrical outlets and a Wi-Fi connection? Depending on the venue’s policies, you might need to budget a little extra money for internet and electricity, but if you plan to sell anything onsite or use video in your display, these are must-haves.

What are the space’s dimensions? You’ll also want to plot your booth’s configuration to ensure everything fits in the allotted space with nothing wasted. Preparing to meet hundreds, if not thousands, of potential new customers is stressful enough without rushing to assemble a display, only to realize it’s too large or small for your assigned spot.

2. Prominently Display Your Company’s Name and Branding

Regardless of the event, your vendor booth is an investment in promoting your brand identity and getting exposure to a broader audience. Bring signage that clearly distinguishes your company name, logo and tagline, and proudly display it front and center. This tactic can be vital when you’re trying to stand out in a crowded venue.

3. Offer Giveaways or Handouts

People attend events expecting to get freebies. What better way to ensure attendees remember you than by providing items with your logo, company name and tagline? For maximum value, invest in high-quality swag people will use regularly, such as tote bags, mugs, pens, magnets, cellphone accessories or calendars.

4. Promote the Event in Advance

Build excitement among your existing audience by chatting about the event on social media or including mentions of it in your email marketing. Mention the date, time, your booth number and any other relevant details and encourage them to come by and visit you there. Include an incentive to attend, such as entering a raffle to win a prize.

MadeFirst – Your Partner in Vendor Booth Success

As a full-service fabrication company specializing in custom displays for trade shows, awards shows, mobile marketing, festivals, pop-up stores and much more, we put our industry knowledge and experience to work to bring our clients’ visions to life. We will partner with you to understand your goals and budget, and craft a finished product with unparalleled attention to detail. If you are planning a vendor booth, reach out to us today for results that will have everyone talking about your company.