Ten Steps to Stand Success

Thinking about exhibiting but don't know where to start? With more than a decade's hard won experience, we know that it's not rocket science. It just takes plenty of thought, a little information and lots of enthusiasm. So here are our ten steps to exhibition stand success:

1. ecide what you want to achieve from your stand. This may sound simple, but you really do need to think further. Will you be promoting a new product? Generating more sales? Increasing traffic? Raising brand awareness? Each one of those will make your stand design slightly different, so it's vital to know this upfront.
2. Make sure you allow enough time. While it is possible to design and build a stand in two weeks, being so rushed will often result in comprise on both sides. It's best to get your ideas together two to three months before the exhibition to allow enough time for designs to be created, changes to be made, staff to be trained, merchandise and marketing materials produced.
3. Do some stand research. Have a look online or take some photos at shows you visit. Just having a few pictures of stands you like the look and feel of will help you and the designer get your design just right.

1. Find out what sort of stand space you actually have at the show. Is it a shell scheme or space only? Where and what size is it? How high can we build? How many sides are open? Which way does the traffic flow? Make sure you contact the Show Organisers to check the details.
2. You'll also need to have an idea of your budget. We know this is often a tricky subject, but this is vital to know from the start, as it will indicate to the designer and everyone else on the team what they need to be working with.
3. Now you should think of the things you need on your stand. Perhaps a large screen to run your corporate presentation, somewhere for product demonstrations, discreet secure storage or even formal meeting areas.
4. Finishing touches such as a coffee machine or chilled drinks fridge can make your stand more inviting. However think sensibly around what you need rather than what you want as having too much can look cluttered rather than comfortable.
5. Write a brief using all the information you've gathered. It doesn't have to be War & Peace just clear and concise. At Symbiosis we have a simple form for you to fill in to give our designer an idea of what you're looking for plus a few basic stand details and useful things like colour and brand guidelines.
6. Once you've received your design proposal, you need to be honest about whether you like it or not. Tell the designer what changes you'd like made, if any, and don't feel pressured into signing off the designs until you're 100% happy.
7. And finally, remember, you're not on your own. Your dedicated Project Manager is always available to answer any questions or queries, no matter how silly or trivial you think they are.