Vendors and organizations often encounter stiff competition at fairs and festivals. Regardless of industry, the event at which you are showing is likely full of similar businesses trying to show off their products and services at the same time.
When trying to stand out, your table must be inviting. It’s not as simple as using the provided table and chairs and putting a couple of flyers on top. Get creative and use the following tips to make a unique and memorable table display as a large vendor, small business, or charitable organization.
Create an Inviting Display
Typically, the point of an industry event where you would have a booth is to network and display what your company is all about. If your booth isn’t eye-catching and inviting, you aren’t able to enjoy the full benefits of attending such an event. It’s essentially a competition between your booth and others around you to attract the most attention.
Fewer people will be drawn to interact with your booth above others if it isn’t creative or unique and, thus, there will be fewer networking and business opportunities despite your hard work.
If you’re putting in the effort to make marketing materials for your services, pack up your products, and designate a team to travel to a showcase, it’s important to ensure you are getting the most out of the experience.
You could have the most personable representatives of your brand out there, but you won’t win over as many potential partners and customers without a great display. Whether it’s a trade show or other event, there will likely be some basic elements provided such as plain tables and chairs. It’s up to you to bring the major, eye-catching bits to bring your booth to life. Consider some of the following when making your design plan:
- A tent;
- Backdrops;
- Custom balloons;
- Custom table covers;
- Flooring;
- Interactive exhibits;
- Lighting;
- Signage;
- Storage;
- Tech.
Think about what would make you want to stop by a booth and check out their offerings. Freebies are always great, but there should be more that makes patrons want to stick around. Ensure you have some elements that draw their eye, like bold colors or plush carpeting.
Then, an interactive exhibit that goes along with your brand’s purpose will give people something to do. If there is a keepsake they can take home after, like a printed picture or quick craft, it will make the experience much more memorable. Further, ensure your branding is as clear as possible across the board.
Make Sure Your Event Signage Is Eye-Catching
The first thing that passersby will likely notice is your signage. Spark their curiosity with vibrant, bold, or unique elements, like animal logos or bright colors. These visual stimuli serve as a dynamic means of communication, conveying key messages and event information before you or your reps utter a word.
When crafting customized signs and banners, it’s crucial to consider the target audience and the overall theme of the event, ensuring that the design resonates with attendees.
A striking color contrast, legible font, and concise yet compelling content are essential to maximize the effectiveness of signage, ensuring that it not only draws people in but also leaves a lasting impression. Custom, sleek banners with personalized information can show your company’s attention to detail and the level of care that you put into the event. This will resonate with your audience and, ultimately, bring more people in.
Create a Custom Tent
Customization doesn’t have to stop with signs. Utilize any space available to you, including backdrops or the visible parts of a tent. You can create custom tents for your display that feature your logo and branding, further adding to the professionalism that your booth exudes.
Along with providing shelter from the sun or other elements outdoors, tents can provide separation from other booths when attending an indoor event. Check with the event management to find out the rules regarding bringing your own tent. For many outdoor events, tents are required. It’s simply a smart use of your resources, then, to enhance your tent with custom features. From the front panel to the side walls, you can customize colors, text, and graphics to give attendees a better feel for your brand.
Offer Promotional Merchandise
Once you’ve done the work to draw guests to your table, make certain that your offerings are equally as intriguing. Promotional products simply work, whether you are offering branded koozies, tote bags, pens, mugs, or a sample of your company’s actual products.
As long as the item is useful and enjoyable, it will serve as a reminder of your company when attendees go home. If they continue to use the item, they will be more likely to reciprocate the kindness, purchasing from your company or telling friends and family about it.
Promotional products help your business with a little investment upfront. This shows you care about your customers, and a little care can go a long way. You can plant the seeds of consumer loyalty by putting thought into the promotional gifts you give out. The better the gift, the better the relationships with your potential partners and customers down the line.
Hand Out Event Information
If your organization is complex or run for a cause, consider handing out educational information at your table. Providing well-crafted materials that articulate the organization’s mission, values, and the impact of your work not only enhances guests’ understanding but also establishes a connection on a deeper level.
Clear and compelling narratives, supported by facts and figures, help guests develop a genuine appreciation for the organization’s objectives. Include success stories, testimonials, or visual aids to further personalize your table, fostering emotional engagement.
Keep Your Staff Engaged
A big part of your event table is the people behind it. When team members are engaged, approachable, and attentive to guests, it creates a positive and inviting atmosphere.
Make sure staff know to refrain from appearing disinterested or engrossed in personal conversations or texts. This can, no doubt, detract from the overall guest experience. By fostering a culture of professionalism and genuine hospitality, you ensure that attendees feel valued and respected.
Prepare Your Event Talking Points in Advance
When thinking about tabling, you can’t forget the interactions you’ll have over said table. Prepare for these interactions with succinct, engaging talking points about your organization’s purpose. These should cover key aspects of your brand, such as the unique appeal of your products or services, the overarching goal of a charitable mission, or the tangible impact you have made in the community.
By articulating your key messages, keeping staff happy and engaged, and preparing a stunning event table, you are sure to leave a strong and memorable impression on event guests.