After years of pop up displays, banner stands, and light box walls, your company has finally decided to pull the trigger on a unique custom booth for your next trade show! However, the cost makes it hard to justify the purchase to the finance department. With careful and strategic planning, it is possible to get strong ROI much quicker than you think! The best way to achieve this is to make your display multipurpose so it works in a variety of environments. Working with a great design time like Creative Imaging Displays, we can help you achieve all of your visual communications goals! If you are curious about How to Maximize ROI with Custom Booths, check out the rest of this post for some great tips!
One Booth, Many Uses
The first, and most important aspect of a booth design is to create multiple functions for each component of the booth. This means setting up the booth design so it will break down into a smaller booth space. The “one booth, multiple spaces” mentality will help spread costs out between shows to increase ROI on your initial purchase. Additionally, many of the booth components work well for other marketing purposes and for retails spaces. Things like monitor mounts, counters, light boxes, and tables can be utilized in a variety of ways. Use these parts of the booth instead of purchasing multiple components. This will reduce upfront costs, while increasing the return on your initial booth purchase.
As an example, check out the ecoSmart 6084 30×30 custom booth. This large booth offers a variety of components that will work for a variety of uses. There are 3 independent kiosk stations that work independently. So when the booth is not in use or in transit, these items work great in your retail space! Additionally, you can utilize these kiosks in malls, museums, or exhibit halls to create an un-manned advertising space. The reception desk is perfect for a variety of uses including greeting your clients in a reception area. By using these components in multiple ways you can spread out your costs!
Planning Ahead to Reduce Fixed Costs
Most exhibitors focus on the design, functionality, and overall cost of the booth when considering a budget and how to achieve a return. However, one crucial aspect that is often overlooked is looking at all costs of exhibiting and how the booth plays a role in these costs. Things like shipping, storage, installation, and replacement graphics all play a role in the long term cost of the booth. For example, there is a frame system called “gravitee” that is more expensive initially, but is much easier to assemble on the show floor. This reduces your show labor costs significantly in some circumstances. Not only does this pay for itself, it can increase the ROI per show as your fixed show costs start to go down.
Storage and shipping also play a huge role in ongoing event costs. If you take our advice on finding ways to use the booth beyond trade shows, you can reduce your storage costs. Shipping and crating are important aspects as well. A well organized crate reduces the cost for show labor. In this great article from Mel White, “All About Trade Show Crates and Shipping“, you can go in depth on all the psychology and planning that goes into an effective crate design.
Additionally, purchasing a quality portable floor is a great way to reduce rental costs at the show. Our post on 5 unique portable flooring solutions covers a few of the best options for 2024!
Design Graphics Effectively
Effective use of graphic design makes it possible to reduce the need to replace graphics frequently. By designing a generic overall design with one or two specific panels, you can reuse the graphics almost indefinitely. Some companies like to design fresh, relevant graphics with specific information on them that is quickly outdated. It is possible to achieve this without replacing all the graphics! Additionally, effective graphic design will take into account the multiple uses of the displays. Planning ahead will allow your designer to ensure the graphics from the larger booth will translate to the smaller booth configuration.
Now that we discussed the actual cost saving of effective graphics design, lets chat about the money they bring in! Graphics are the medium in which you visually communicate your brand to attendees. Effective graphic design involves communicating your brand and messaging in a way that is recognized in 3 seconds or less, like a billboard. Here are a few guidelines that help in your design process:
- Less is More – Keep it Simple!
- Contrasting Colors are Essential
- Develop a Color Scheme that Matches All Elements of the Space
There are products that help bring a great design to life! Trade Show Light Box Displays are the perfect solution to get your design to jump out of your booth. Just like a TV screen, our brains are wired to light boxes which makes them very effective at trade shows!
Do Your Research!
Our free resources are just the tip of the iceberg! Continue to research and contact us to get more information on custom booths and visual communication solutions. Its important to figure out How to Maximize ROI with Custom Booths, while also staying within budget. Creative Imaging Displays specializes in staying within budget while providing stunning visuals that will get your brand recognized at events and trade shows!