A captivating graphic is an essential part of any successful trade show booth. The more appealing and intriguing the graphic, the more likely attendees will approach your display looking for more information about your company. Communicating and discerning your trade show booth design strategy with your exhibit builder is the best way to ensure you get a look that helps meet your event objectives.
Most companies are aware that graphics are important, but the changing design environment can cause confusion around the production of images to display. Here are some recent best practices to consider for a successful presentation.
Friendly Formatting
Booth designers accept an array of formats, but submitting an unfamiliar file type can result in a faulty conversion or an inaccessible graphic. In most cases, design files should be submitted in one of the following formats: Adobe Illustrator CC, Adobe Photoshop CC, Adobe InDesign CC, high-resolution PDF, EPS, PSD, TIFF, JPG or EPS. But before submission, it is always best to check with your exhibit house to make sure you are supplying what they need.
In addition to the display graphics, , you need to be sure to include any high-resolution logos, photos, fonts, or artwork that you want in your custom booth design. All logos must be submitted as vector files (AI or EPS). Following these guidelines will help you avoid miscommunication or frustration with your design partner.
Size Matters
Have you ever seen someone try to use a small photo as their computer background or profile picture? The image gets stretched out, fuzzy and pixelated, resulting in a less-than-desirable photo. A trade show graphic is no different. Be sure the graphic you submit will be appropriate for the area of the booth you want to highlight.
All bitmap, raster or photographic images should be 100 PPI (pixel per inch) at full size. For example, if you have a display that is 75” tall, you would need an image that for 7500 pixels tall. The same rule applies to the width of the image. An inappropriately sized submission will result in a sub-par graphic.
Eye-Catching Style
Now that you know how to communicate your design needs with your design partner, it is important to consider what styles are most effective at trade shows. A simple rule of thumb is that “less is more”.
This approach doesn’t mean you want an over-simplified black text on white backdrop graphic, but use your creativity in a way that clearly communicates your brand. Cluttered graphics, like murals, may display a plethora of products or services your company is proud of, but it’s overwhelming from a distance.
A modern graphic that sends one clear message will reel in visitors who will then be willing to listen to a more detailed description of your company. Stand out for your greatness, not for having the craziest graphic on the floor.
Start increasing the success of your trade show presentations by clearly communicating with your booth designer so that your exhibit will be noticed. At Exhibitus, we try to walk a path every day that will end in your success. Plus, we’re the only design house that has a Results Division, letting you prove your exhibit ROI. For your next event, contact Exhibitus to get a custom quote today!