Design counts
The average trade show visitor spends less than three seconds looking at your expo display so your design must grab their attention quickly. Avoid complex explanations or elaborate descriptions of the company; instead, focus on messages that will prompt visitors to stop at your booth, where you can explain everything they might need to know. Finally, begin the shopping process about two months before the show to allow time to create the proper artwork.

Keep your expo displays in good shape
To ensure longer life for your display, make sure it can be securely packed. Look for expo displays with a case that has separate space for each component. Avoid packing other supplies in the case.

Think about shipping expenses
Consider air freight, ground shipping, and personal car requirements when determining the overall cost of a particular expo display.

Why not rent?
Before you buy a display unit, consider renting one. An estimated 40 percent of first-time exhibitors never return to another show. Keep in mind that some dealers will allow you to apply 50% to 100% of the rental cost toward a later purchase, should you decide it is worth the investment.

Save some money with refurbished expo displays
Buying a refurbished display can be a less expensive alternative to buying a new one, although you may not have any guarantees of reliability or performance. You will still have to spend money on new signs to accompany the booth.

Do a dry run
Be sure to set up your expo display booth at least once before you get to the show. Once you know how to work a given booth, it should be easy to do. You certainly don’t want to be reading about “tab A” and “slot B” while prospective customers are arriving at the show.