A trade show exhibit needs to serve as a direct reflection of the quality, image and service your company and its products offer. To be effective, the visual impact of your panel display must be very powerful, make a strong first impression and communicate your message in a matter of seconds to attract prospects to stop at your booth and learn more about your business.

Research shows that a potential client's attention must be grabbed in between two and threes seconds. Because of this, it is essential that your display is colorful, bright, has large print and doesn’t have too much information. A panel display opens up a wide range of possibilities in trying to get your business’s point across.

When choosing your trade show booth panels, you must:

1. Determine what message you want to portray with your trade show display panels.
2. Consider the size and location of your display panel.
3. Think about transporting your display panel.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose a display panel design company that specializes in working with small businesses

Companies that cater to larger businesses and corporations can not give you the specialized service you need. Because you are a small business, you probably mean small business for them; don't get lost in the shuffle. Find a company that provides the service you deserve.

I recommend: Show Sites Inc. is a small business working for small businesses. So is Linear Creative.

Get double sided exhibit display panels

Double sided graphics exhibit display panels allow for greater versatility. Have different color and design style on the other side of the flat panel display to cater to different audiences.

I recommend: Find double sided panel displays at Art City. Impact Displays offers a banner stand that can be used as a single or double sided panel trade show display.

Choose a model with changeable graphics

There are some flat panel display models that allow for interchangeable graphic displays that attach with Velcro or by snapping objects onto a frame. Roll up the graphics posters or fabric pieces for easy traveling.

I recommend: Try an Xpressions panel display or a changeable banner stand by Nomadic Display.

Buy folding panel displays for easy set up, take down and travel

Fold up portable panel displays come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They vary in price range and graphic detail. Some are rectangular in shape; some are rounded and flexible for custom design. Some are as small as two panels, while some have up to 15 panels.

I recommend: Look at Star Power Displays for a simple, small Marquis-style display or a larger model with more panels. Star Power Displays also has versatile, flexible models for custom set-up.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Do not skimp on costs; after paying for displays, shipping, traveling and trade show fees, it is not wise to skimp on the part that will attract potential customers.
• •  Peruse trade shows, and analyze other trade show panel displays to see what works well and what doesn't.