These are the most common types of booths that will be offered by companies or organizations that sell floor space at a trade shows and exhibitions.

Standard Linear Booth
A standard linear booth (also known as an “In-Line” booth) is a typical 10-foot wide x 10- foot deep exhibit booth which will share a common backwall or sidewall (or both) with other similar booths. The “front” of the booth is open to the aisle. Generally, the backwalls of Standard Linear booths are 8 feet in height.

Perimeter Booth
Perimeter booths are standard 10-foot x 10-foot booths which are located against a wall of an exhibit facility. Thus, because the back of the booth is not being shared with another exhibitor’s booth, the backwall can be higher, and backwalls are typically 12-feet high for Perimeter booths.

Peninsula Booth
A Peninsula booth is open on three sides and shares a common wall with two other linear booths. These booths are 20-foot x 20-foot or larger. According to the Golf Industry Show website, Peninsula booths are comprised of a minimum of four standard unit booths, and are placed so that they face towards a cross aisle.

Split Island Booth
A Split Island booth is a Peninsula booth that shares a common back wall with another Peninsula booth. These booths can have a height of 16 feet.

Island Booth
An Island booth is exposed to aisles on all four sides and is sized at 20-foot x 20-foot or larger.

You may also be given options for the exact location of your booth. Consider where the highest traffic areas on the show floor are likely to be in order to maximize your visibility.

The amount of “floor space” you can buy and utilize at a trade show is dependant on your marketing budget, plus the availability of space the organizer chooses to offer to any given exhibitor. The maximum height of your exhibit depends on the type of booth you contract for.

Read More Pipe and Drape Booth Options

Likewise, when you’re responsible for setting up or staffing a booth at a trade show, make sure you take time for preparation and pre-planning. Here are some things to consider in advance of your exhibiting activities.

Know the Show
All tradeshows are different. Do research on your show’s rules and regulations. Find out who the other exhibitors are. Most importantly, learn as much as possible about the show’s audience. How many people have attended the show in the past? Is any demographic information available? Knowing the size and nature of the audience helps you plan the type and amount of sales/marketing materials you will need for your booth.

Booth Size and Location
When you contract for exhibit space, you will know the size and location of your booth well in advance of the show. Again, optimize your booth fixtures and hand-out materials for the size of your space. Learn where electrical outlets are, so that you can inform show management of any possible needs for electrical cords or power.

Your Materials
Plan the physical materials you need for your booth. Make sure you have necessary tables, tablecloths, chairs, lighting, signage, credit card equipment, and electrical cords. Also plan for and bring sufficient promotional materials, including giveaway items, business cards, brochures, newsletters, etc.

Appearance
Plan your booth for maximum attractiveness and visual impact. Make sure your signs and fixtures have a professional look. Make sure important items will be placed in the sight-lines of attendees. Avoid any set up which may be seen as “clutter” by show attendees.

Preparation comes before success – in the dictionary, as well as in the business world. If you take time to do proper research and pre-planning before you exhibit, it will go a long way to ensuring a successful trade show experience.

Read More How to Prepare for a Successful Exhibit

Know Your Product
Be fully prepared to answer any and all questions about your product. A demonstration of expertise will impress potential customers, and they will find your ability to answer their questions reassuring.

Know The Customer
Try to get inside the customer’s head. Think about how your product or service might appeal to that particular customer. Showing empathy and understanding of the customer’s needs can create an emotional attachment between you and the customer. You can also recognize unconscious signals the customer may be sending out. For example, if someone is walking slowly past your booth while continuing to look, it could signal that they are weighing their options regarding your product. This is an ideal time time to approach them to ask if they have any questions.

Employ Persuasion
Your purpose is to sell your product, so use persuasive language to engage your potential customers, and draw them in to a conversation. Be persistent, but not to the point where you will be perceived as a nagging salesperson.

Be Conscious About Your Appearance
Appearance matters. Make sure your wardrobe is neat and clean. Dress as if you are giving a presentation – because that’s exactly what you’re doing. According to Selfesteem.org, clothing is a form of non-verbal communication, and employees who are dressed professionally convey trustworthiness.

Your knowledge, your persuasive skills, and your ability to gain insight into the mindset of the attendees at the tradeshow at which you are exhibiting will be key factors in your success.

Read More Sales Success at your Trade Show Booth

Unique Expo has a variety of fabrics that are 100% black out drapes.  Black out drapes are a non-see through fabric designed to block out light and sound and are ideal for dressing rooms, photo booths, audio visual stations and other spaces which may need limited light or privacy. Use black out drapes to provide a place for customers to try on items of clothing or even a private area for you to discuss business while in a busy area, such as a trade show or conference. Black out drapes provide you and your customers privacy and convenience.

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