Have you noticed that many trade shows feel like a sea of same?
Blocky booths stand in rigid lines: square space, square space, rectangle space. Most trade show displays have a flat 8-foot to 9-foot top line, backed by pipe and drape.
There’s a reason for this monotony. Remember how, before the economy — and marketing budgets — tanked in 2008, companies invested in expensive, custom trade show displays? These varied more dramatically in appearance — but they were huge and heavy. They shipped in crates weighing thousands of pounds, which often cost thousands to ship, and required a team of people hours to assemble.
Since then, most companies have downshifted to 10×20 and 10×10 pop-up displays. There’s a lot to love about these portable displays: They’re lightweight, they’re simple to set up, and they’re inexpensive. But now arises a big question: How do you differentiate your display from the rest?
Here’s one way: Think curves. Adding curvy elements to your booth can break up the line of boxes and attract booth traffic in a subtle way. Adding curves is an easy way to upgrade a pop-up display without breaking the bank. Here are a few ways to do it.
- Curved backwalls: Instead of a standard square or rectangle backwall, consider a display that bends. We like the options from Perfect 10 Portable Hybrid Displays, which include S-curve, convex and concave configurations.
Curved overhangs: A simple way to jump up above the crowd is to add a panel display that rises just a little bit higher than the rest. We recently crafted a display for a client with a panel that curves up and over booth visitors’ heads, creating an inviting, sheltering effect. We’ve also created custom elements. One client’s logo features jagged mountain peaks, so we added them to the top of the booth.
- Canopies: A curved canopy adds height and commands attention. Puck lights within the canopy shine light on graphics or shelves.
- Counters and kiosks: If you opt for a curvaceous display, echo those exciting lines in your booth furnishings: counters, kiosks and shelves.
Remember that you can use these standout elements even if you’re saving money by renting a display. At your next show, remember to snap a few pictures of displays that catch your eye. Bring them to us and we’ll integrate your favorite elements in your next booth display!