What to Consider When Designing an Exhibition Stand
With exhibition season in full swing, planning another stand is the last thing you want to think about. But, as we all know, an exhibition is an excellent opportunity to showcase your brand and outshine the competitors. To do your brand justice, you need an impactful exhibition display to go with it.
In part two of our expert interview series, we invite Jim, our Business Development Manager, to discuss the main factors when designing an exhibition stand. Jim brings over 30 years of experience working at Leach, having worked in several areas of the business. Find out what he has to share below.
Depending on your budget, your exhibition could be as small as 3x3m or gain huge exposure as an island stand. Either way, “your exhibition space controls every aspect of your design”, adds Jim.
For smaller spaces, Jim recommends starting with the floor plan – “First, think about the space within your exhibiting area, the area around and above it. Tension frames and wall panels can easily invade another exhibitor’s space if not carefully planned.”
At Leach, we’re innovators at heart, so we’ve never let size restrict us. If an exhibitor requires a fabric back wall or free-standing lightbox, we will install a return wall or free-standing feet to provide structure without taking up too much space.
Every business must comply with the rules and regulations set out by the exhibition venue. Jim adds, “Your exhibition should present no fire or safety hazards. If you use a hanging banner (ceiling lightbox), will it block the sprinkler system? Or could your display potentially obstruct a fire exit? These rules are your responsibility and should be factored into a design from the beginning.”
Over the years, we’ve been involved in exhibition projects with significant requirements, which include large military vehicles on display. Our team has to consider everything above and around these large-scale displays to ensure compliance remains a priority. Jim notes, “Thankfully, we’ve worked in exhibitions for years, so we know what to look out for when working with a client or external exhibition contractor.”
Have you ever visited an exhibition and wondered what happens when everything is over? Jim recounts that “for too long, exhibitors followed a ‘burn and build’ approach. Single-use plastic was the standard, and a typical display would only last one event before going to landfill.”
In today’s world, sustainability is more important than ever. Brands are investing in eco alternatives to offset their exhibition’s carbon impact and relying on bespoke builds for long-term use. “Back then, it was down to choice. Off-the-shelf displays were made with the cheapest and easiest-to-source materials. Eco-friendly solutions were far from promising, so we decided to make a change.”
After 12 months of R&D, we developed eco-friendly materials to help exhibitors reduce environmental impact. Our eco screen, a leading fabric graphic made from 100% recycled yarn, is a popular choice. Every square metre contains two recycled bottles, meaning the larger the display, the more carbon you reduce.
To frame your graphics, consider a tension frame system or LED lightbox. Both can be reused and recycled when they reach the end of life.
During an exhibition, prospects will compare your stand to the next. And if your competition sits nearby, this is your chance to win their attention. Jim says,
“We tailor our graphic display solutions around our client’s needs. One day, it may be a modular fit-out; the next, it’s a bespoke display. Our end-to-end service ensures whatever vision they have is brought to life.”
Every element of your space needs to be special. A bespoke exhibition stand will create the biggest impression and offer more branding opportunities. If you’re unsure what direction to go in, Leach can manage every step of the way.
Whether exhibiting at ExCel London or a local trade show, your stand needs to make an impact wherever you go. We’ve come far from a simple roller banner and pop-up stand. Visitors expect more, so you should do more, too.
“There are many ways an exhibitor can elevate their stand. You could incorporate lightboxes, printed wall panels, fret-cut lettering, hanging banners and directional signage.”
Even the simplest components can drive footfall. Neon LED signage, for example, can come in a hanging panel or mounted to a wall stand. These illuminating backdrops are incredibly eye-catching and can draw attention as visitors stroll through rows of stands. A lightbox alongside this will make an incredible presence.
If you’re short on space, look above. A hanging banner (ceiling lightbox) will effectively pinpoint the path to your stand. Head to part two of our discussion with Jim to hear why hanging banners is crucial for exhibitions and events.
Leach’s bespoke exhibition print solutions are trusted worldwide by brands wanting to leave a lasting impression. From ultra-slim lightboxes to HD fabric graphics, we offer a range of solutions to elevate your brand presence. Get in touch with our team to learn how we can transform your next exhibition stand.
Missed part one of our expert interview series? Hear from Mike Willshaw, our Head of Innovation, on how Leach approaches innovation in large-format displays, along with 3 trends changing the future of print.