The appearance of your arts trade show setup is the key to directing foot traffic toward your booth to hear about your products and services. Whether you’re marketing craft items like scrapbooking supplies, sewing notions, paints or woodworking tools, a booth that conveys your company’s message and personality is an effective selling tool.

To create an arts trade show design that attracts potential clients and answers their questions, combine eye-catching signage with a crafts trade show display case that holds enticing sample projects. Ensure you get the most of your show budget by securing the proper equipment the first time out and:

1. Work with a consulting firm to design a custom arts trade show booth that suits the tone of your products and your company’s vision.

2. Secure a crafts trade show display board to keep sample products and projects visible and safe.

3. Use arts trade show rentals for cost-effective displays if you don’t attend industry conventions regularly.

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

Hire a consultant to help you design an arts trade show exhibit that conveys your company message

Work with the design firm to create an arts trade show booth that not only attracts attention, but that instantly relates the type of product you're selling and the hallmarks of your brand. If you manufacture whimsical scrapbook paper, for example, ensure the banners and booth set up reflects the fun and casual feel.

I recommend: The Godfrey Group will work with you to design a crafts tradeshow display that includes everything from a gallery of ideas, tabletop boards, banners and pedestals to demonstrate new arts and crafts tools. Design a custom modular exhibit that can increase foot traffic and promote your brand through Nimlok Display and Exhibit Solutions, a company with local partners around the country.

Set up an arts trade show display board so potential clients can easily view your new products

Give potential retail store buyers a way to touch your new product line and view sample projects created with them. Affix samples securely to each crafts trade show display board, however, to prevent show attendees from removing or taking them. Also, set up tabletop systems or kiosks where employees can conduct 'make and takes' to give customers a hands-on demonstration.

I recommend: MODdisplays offers floor displays and pop-up or panel tabletop display boards to showcase product samples, finished craft projects or photos. The company also stocks a variety of arts trade show display case models to transport them safely. Get display choices including graphic murals, pop-ups and a variety of presentation boards from Displays2Go.

Consider crafts trade show rentals to save money and set up time so you can concentrate on the show

If you're testing the waters with the trade show circuit or would rather not invest in a company booth until you're more established, arts trade show rentals are ideal. Since most companies that provide rental booths and displays also offer shipping, set up and tear down services, you'll be able to focus on the product displays, sample boards and demonstrations instead.

I recommend: Rent an arts and crafts trade show exhibit through Absolute Exhibits. The company provides a selection of booths to suit different space requirements and display designs. Professional Exhibits and Graphics rents trade show booths and displays in a variety of configurations. Click on the rental numbers on the left to view the product, and then click the company logo to request pricing details.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider hiring experienced crafters who know and use your products to demonstrate the latest techniques in your crafts trade show booth. Retailers will be more eager to stock their shelves with your products once they see how versatile your new materials or tools really are.