Display flooring is often an overlooked piece of trade show and event marketing. If you’re standing on a comfortable surface you may not think about it, but you’ll sure notice if you aren’t. After a few days, your booth workers will lose energy and be very uncomfortable on a concrete surface.

At a trade show, flooring options are endless. You can spend a little money to rent a padded floor or more money to customize the floor with your logo or mission statement. Traditional event flooring includes everything from plush carpet to rubber, so your business is bound to find something worthy of your display theme.

Add trade show flooring to your next event to:

1. Save your workers’ feet. Give them something comfortable to stand on while showing off your product or service.

2. Make a statement. Add your logo or company colors to exhibit flooring.

3. Divide the space as needed with furniture, literature display and even a kids’ play area.

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

Choose the right event floors for your tradeshow

While colorful rubber floors would be perfect for a children's event, they might not work as well for a business event. Choose the display floors that best coordinate with your booth and information. Decide what your budget allows and stick with a floor type that adheres to that budget.

I recommend: Get the most from your flooring choice. Look at wooden dance floors for events that might benefit from a designated area for standing. For a less expensive wooden look, choose softwood, an anti-fatigue foam flooring with a hardwood print.

Decide whether to rent or buy tradeshow flooring

If your business runs or participates in events on a regular basis, consider buying exhibit flooring that you will use often. If you can't afford to buy or lack the storage space for permanent objects, you can rent floors. Rental companies will deliver the floors to your trade show booth and remove them after the show closes.

I recommend: Rent conference flooring that you know you won’t use again—special events require special one-time options. For example, rent a colorful ABC, 123 interlocking puzzle floor for your next children’s fundraiser. This way you aren’t stuck with it when the event is over.

Measure the area to order the correct size trade show flooring

Save money by ordering just the right size display flooring for your event. Measure your entire booth area to decide how much flooring you will need and purchase accordingly. If you buy extra and don't use it, ask the company about the return policy on unused product. Consider storage cases for your product to save space in your basement or warehouse.

I recommend: Use a mat-sizing calculator to get the dimensions just right. Portable flooring often comes in dimensions of 10x10 feet, 10x12 feet or 20x20 feet or in interlocking blocks of 2x2 feet. Search for foam mats in a large size or puzzle floor foam to roll up or stack to save space when storing. Cases also make easier to transport the tile floor to and from each event.

Personalize your event flooring

Add your company logo, colors, favorite photo or mascot to the foam mat. By customizing trade show and event flooring, you ensure you get exactly what you want, with flooring that won't be like everyone else's. Personalize your booth, your exhibit and tables to coordinate with your flooring to make your area project a professional image, while drawing a crowd in to admire your unusual flooring.

I recommend: Look at different options besides foam puzzle pieces for your expo flooring. Consider roll-out pre-padded Berber flooring in a neutral color or stand out with various colors of rubber tiles. Digital carpeting will cost you more but gives you the most options for customization—blow up your marketing photos and print them with your logo for a one-of-a-kind piece.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Rent anything you aren't sure you want to use again. If you want to try anti-fatigue foam for your next trade show and don't want to commit to buying it, just rent this time and buy it for future shows.
• •  Work with the company to make sure you get what you want. You can order tradeshow flooring online and never speak to anyone directly, or you can call and let someone talk you through the order. Most companies offer both services so you can decide which works best with your schedule