Exhibiting for the first time can be nerve-racking but really exciting. Since 2013, we’ve been helping first-time exhibitors make a big splash at their first trade show. We know exactly how to design an impactful booth that represents your brand and meets your budget. As your partner, we’ll also help you understand the trade show process and make a booth design plan that works for your event marketing goals. To help you get started on this exciting journey, here is a checklist of all the things you will need to design your first trade show booth.

● Download the “exhibitor packet” from the trade show host. The exhibitor packet contains everything you need to know about exhibiting.

● Reserve your booth and note your booth size, any design rules/limitations, and important dates.

● Determine your total budget for the booth design, including additional features or upgrades. If you’re not sure how much to budget, ask your booth designer.

● Schedule the dates for trade show setup and teardown. Then, define the project start date and the deadline for booth completion with your booth designer.

● Share your brand standards, including your brand colors, fonts, and high-resolution image and logo files. Clarify any brand messaging and taglines.

● Specify floor plan dimensions, such as 10×10, 10×20, or an island booth, and choose a preferred layout, whether open concept, semi-enclosed, or includes private meeting areas. Decide on the number of levels, whether single or double-decker.

● Decide on a visual theme, such as modern, rustic, or futuristic. Provide examples of previous booth designs you like for inspiration and identify preferred materials, such as wood, metal, or fabric.

● Specify the need for walls or partitions, choose the type of flooring, whether carpet, hardwood, or tile, and determine ceiling or overhead structures, like banners or lighting rigs.

● Consider all your technical features, such as display screens and monitors, touchscreen kiosks, and virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) stations. Also, consider whether you want sound system speakers and internet connectivity.

● Plan seating arrangements, whether chairs, sofas, or stools, and include tables and workstations as necessary.

● Determine storage areas, such as cabinets or closets, plan product display areas with shelves or pedestals, and determine lighting requirements, such as spotlights or ambient lighting.

● Make sure you have any needed electrical outlets and power strips. You can order electrical from the trade show hosts.

● Plan for giveaways and promotional items. Have a place for brochures, business cards, and marketing materials.

Our checklist will help you start designing your booth. When you work with our design team, we’ll walk you through everything. Contact Lighthouse Exhibits now to get started to create a trade show booth that works for you!