An auto trade show booth is an ideal place to gain loyal customers and make good contacts in your field. The key to getting the most out of the trade show is to draw a large number of qualified people to your booth. A nice looking booth and a fun, yet professional, atmosphere are necessary to attract visitors.

When you design your auto trade show exhibit, there are certain elements that must consider. Keep the following in mind when you are making decisions about your booth:

1. Make setting up your car trade show exhibit as easy as possible.

2. Add depth to your auto trade show booth by using display tools.

3. Use auto theme promotional items to leave a lasting impression on everyone who visits your booth.

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

Consider renting a display or using a portable auto trade show booth display

A portable auto trade show booth exhibit is fairly light and can move quickly and easily. These are a good option if you attend many auto trade shows every year. Most portable trade show booth kits include the backdrop, tablecloth, lighting and hardware. If you attend a few automotive trade shows every year, renting may be your best option.

I recommend: Exibe' Portable specializes in making portable trade show displays. This company offers custom printing so, you can showcase your company logo or favorite car. They ship car portable trade show exhibit packages for free within the Continental United States. The Rental Advantage has a varied selection of auto trade show rentals. This company has rental offices in various locations around the nation.

Use car trade show display tools to help convey your message

Once your basic booth is set up, you need additional visual aides to help potential customers see the value in your product. That is where car trade show booth display tools come into play. These items, such as literature racks and banner holders, help to set your booth apart from the other vendor booths.

I recommend: Camelback Displays offers auto trade show display tools, such as banner holders, easels and demonstrator mirrors. This company offers budget options on some of its products. Exhibit Deal sells numerous types of auto trade show display board models, including tabletop displays and literature racks.

Distribute auto theme promotional items from your auto trade show booth

Promotional items are a good way to attract traffic to your auto trade show booth. The key to using these products effectively is to start small and work your way up. For example, if you have a visitor seemingly uninterested in your product, spend a couple of seconds with that person, give them a small item, like a key chain or bumper sticker, and move on to the next person. However, if you have someone who is truly interested in your product, he needs a more substantial give away, such a license plate frame or emergency car kit. Keep in mind that you need storage space in your booth for these items.

I recommend: Artina Promotional Products has a varied selection of auto theme promotional items, including a disposable emergency gas can, cross country highway kit and sun shades. Quality Logo Products offers over 200 auto theme trade show giveaway items, including travel mugs and license plate frames. This company offers quantity discounts on many of the items it sells.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you attend a lot of trade shows throughout the year, consider having an auto trade show setup company take care of your exhibit. These companies transport, set up and dismantle your display for you, so you can focus on promoting your company instead of dealing with technical issues.