5 Tips for Buying a Trade Show Booth for Your Business

If you’re planning to exhibit your business at a trade show or expo, one of the most important investments you’ll make is in a trade show booth. A well-designed expo booth can draw potential customers to your business and leave a lasting impression. However, with so many options available in the market, there is a lot to think about when buying a trade show booth.

To choose the right trade show booth for your business, you need to be sure to consider factors such as booth size, materials, and graphics. Additionally, understanding how to incorporate Pantone Matching System (PMS) colors into your booth design to make it more eye-catching and memorable is key. Whether you’re a seasoned exhibitor or a first-timer, it’s important to make an informed decision when it comes to buying a trade show booth.

1. Choose Materials for Printing Signage Wisely

There are a variety of materials that can be used in printing signage for a custom trade show booth to choose from. Here are some of the most common materials:

Vinyl. Vinyl is a popular material used in printing signage due to its durability, flexibility, and affordability. Vinyl is often used for outdoor signage, such as banners, posters, and billboards, as it can withstand harsh weather conditions, including rain, wind, and sunlight. It is also commonly used for indoor displays, such as trade show booths, POP displays, and window graphics.
Fabric. Another popular option, fabric materials such as polyester or nylon can be used for backdrops, tablecloths, and other decorative elements.
Foam board. Lightweight and affordable, foam board can be used for temporary signs and displays. Foam board is often used for indoor displays, such as trade show graphics, retail signage, and event posters.
Acrylic. A more upscale material that can be used for high-quality signs and displays. It is often used for custom-made signs and lettering. Acrylic signage can be printed in a variety of ways, including direct printing, vinyl overlay, and engraving.

Choosing materials for printing signage requires careful consideration to ensure the final product is not only aesthetically pleasing but also durable and functional.

2. Consider What Colors You Will Use for Your Signage

Color plays a crucial role in the design of signage as it helps to communicate the intended message and can create a specific mood or emotion. Here are some colors to consider for printing:

CMYK. This is the standard color model used in printing. It uses four colors (cyan, magenta, yellow, and key/black) to create a wide range of colors.
PMS Color Chart. The PMS color chart, or Pantone Matching System color chart, is a standardized system for identifying and matching specific colors. Pantone colors are often used in branding to ensure consistency across all materials.
RGB. This is the color model used for digital displays, such as computer screens or projectors. It uses three colors (red, green, and blue) to create all other colors.
Spot colors. This refers to a specific color that is printed using its own ink instead of being created through a combination of CMYK colors. Spot colors are often used in printing signage to create custom brand colors or to ensure accurate color reproduction of logos and graphics. They can be used in a variety of printing methods, including offset printing, screen printing, and digital printing.

To optimize your custom trade show booth, it is critical to have the right colors that match the goals and purpose of your business for your printing signage.

3. Keep Design and Proofing in Mind

Designing and proofing a custom trade show booth requires careful planning and attention to detail. Before you begin designing your booth, it’s important to have a clear understanding of your goals. Knowing your goals will help you create a booth that effectively communicates your message and attracts the right audience.

Your booth design should also take into account your target audience, including what they value and what their interests and needs are. This information should be reflected in the design of your booth and the messaging you use. Additionally, designing and fabricating a custom trade show booth requires specialized skills and knowledge. Work with experienced professionals who can help you bring your vision to life.

Start the designing and proofing process early to allow ample time for design and fabrication. Rushing the process can lead to mistakes and additional costs. Be sure to allow for anywhere from a few days to a week for this process, depending on the number of revisions required.

4. Stay Proactive During Printing and Production

Once the design is approved, the vendor will start printing and producing the materials. This process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the type of printing and the quantity.

Before your booth goes into production, make sure you review proofs and samples to ensure everything looks the way you want it to. Don’t be afraid to request changes or adjustments if necessary. Also, keep in touch with your printer throughout the printing and production process. Regular communication can help you stay up to date on the progress of your booth and quickly address any issues that arise.

5. Allow Time for Shipping and Delivery

Once the printing is complete, the vendor will ship the materials to the client. Shipping times can vary depending on the location and shipping method chosen.

It’s important to plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to get custom printing done. It’s recommended to start the process at least four to six weeks before the materials are needed to ensure enough time for design, printing, and delivery.

Stand Out at Your Next Event or Trade Show

If you’re looking for a reliable and experienced partner to help you create a custom trade show booth for your business, look no further than Instent. Our team of experts can help you design, print, and produce a booth that will help you stand out from the competition and make a lasting impression on potential customers.

Whether you need a small pop-up display or a large, custom-built booth, we have the skills and resources to bring your vision to life. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you make the most of your next trade show or expo.