Standing out is a requirement if a brand wishes to make an impact with their trade show appearance. While attending a trade show, brands may be there alongside dozens or hundreds of other brands. Some of these brands will be in similar industries, and some will be considered “competition”. In such a large pool, how does a brand plan to stand out against the crowd and make a meaningful impact on attendees? It’s all about the unique and engaging elements you bring into the attendee experience. 4 ideas to help you stand out at your next trade show are:

1. Focus on a versatile and unique exhibit – Size, shape, and color – what do you want to grab the attention of attendees walking by? Before thinking about interactive elements or bits of swag, consider the “curb appeal” of your exhibit first. A full-service exhibit design company comes in handy here. Professionals help brands to create an exhibit that is equal parts eye-catching and impactful toward overall trade show goals.

2. Engage with interactive activities – Attendees want an experience, and the best thing brands can do is to give them one. It’s something they’ll remember and something that will naturally stand out from other interactions. Hosting a game, getting audience members involved in demonstrations, and creating a celebratory atmosphere creates an experience attendees will leave with a positive frame of mind.

3. Use tech to your advantage – Tech has many advantages in trade show exhibits. Great tech is imaginative, it’s completely customizable to suit your desired experience, it’s eco-friendly, and it’s interactive in a fun and personal way. Brands can use interactive tech like VR or QR codes to bring attendees into their exhibit experience, as well as digital downloads for a sustainable alternative to traditional brochures or pamphlets.

4. Stand-out swag – The swag your brand distributes is a lasting memento; a token that ensures a trade show experience is not forgotten. Swag is also often a big contributor to trade show landfill waste. When selecting swag items to hand out to attendees, make sure you’re choosing useful items that (while inexpensive) don’t come off as “cheap”. Choose swag that ties into your brand but that serves a general purpose that’ll have recipients reaching for their gifts again and again. An outdoors brand with recycled branded water bottles, for instance, is an example of a relevant useful product handed out by a relevant brand.

For more on standing out at even the busiest trade shows, contact Lighthouse Exhibits.