Lots of people ask, “what’s new in trade show displays these days?”  LED panels.  Yes, LEDs continue to dominate the landscape.  The good news is that LED prices continue to drop and video quality improves each year.  If you’re new to LED panels, please read our blog, “LED Video Display Tiles and You” for information on where to begin your search.

At ExhibitorLIVE you will see all shapes and sizes of displays.  Try to view as many as possible and ask yourself these questions: 

1. What attracted you to each display? Cool LED panel animations?  Signage?  Giveaways?  
2. Does the signage (including LED panels) communicate the product or service the business is promoting or are they just bling?
3. Which feature do you like most about each display?

Here are some other thoughts to consider for your next display.

Strategy, Layout and Execution

There are endless design possibilities and logistical considerations when planning a trade show exhibit.  Size, location, electrical power availability, internet connectivity and height/structural restrictions should be your first considerations, before visual or structural design can occur.  However once you are ready to begin the design phase, some Feng Shui principles can be helpful.  Yes, Feng Shui!

Feng Shui Your Exhibit

According to Anjie Cho of TheSpruce.com, “Feng Shui is a practice of arranging the pieces in living spaces to create balance with the natural world.”  It uses a five-element system:  Earth, metal, water, wood, and fire.  Although Feng Shui is traditionally incorporated in the home, some of its principles can be applied to work areas, including trade show displays.

Entry

The entry way, referred to as the “mouth of qi,” (pronounced “chee”) is where energy enters your space. It’s what visitors see from outside your display, and it represents your “face to the world.” This area should be clean and uncluttered, so visitors can easily enter. 

The “Commanding Position”

The idea of this position is that you have a prime view of anyone coming in through the entrance. In trade show terms, it means that you are more aware of potential opportunities that might be coming your way.  This could be a reception desk or another focal point for receiving visitors. 

Work Area

If space permits, your design should include a space to sit down and engage with existing or prospective clients.  Ensure sure you have comfortable seating.  To encourage conversation, face chairs or other furniture towards each other, and avoid having the backs of furniture facing the entry.

Design Accents

Graphics and other visual elements, whether they are printed or displayed electronically, should attract attention to your exhibit and communicate your brand message.  Plan and integrate your visuals around exhibit goals, rather than going all out Clark Griswold with LED coverage. 

Plants

 Plants are a beautiful and inexpensive way to add a finishing touch.  They also welcome “wood energy” (Feng Shui).  They’re thought to cultivate restoration, life, growth, flexibility, kindness, harmony, and new beginnings.