If you want to increase your customer base and grow your business, it's wise to set up a catering trade show exhibit at every event possible. At these events, folks in the catering industry gather to check out the latest products and offerings from vendors like you. Since your competition may very well be set up right next to you, make sure that your catering trade show design is the best it can be.

To attract customers to your catering trade show booth, you have to catch their eye; therefore, your caterer trade show setup is key here. If your exhibit is jumbled and unorganized, with product and information haphazardly strewn about, that will catch the attendees' attention -- but not in the way you want. To get as much business as possible, consider the following:

1. Choose a size for your catering show exhibit. Standard booth space is approximately 10 feet by 10 feet, but many events offer double booth space.

2. Invest in a booth that includes a catering trade show display board. These are customized just for your company, so have a concept in mind.

3. Decide if you want to sell anything while you're there. If so, you'll need a caterer trade show display case to maximize sales.

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

Consider using kiosks within your caterer trade show booth

Workstations within your exhibit can be used for individualized service. Have one of your salespeople oversee each kiosk and give prospective customers one-on-one attention. You can customize these counters with your company's logo or any other images that promote your brand, so these are great tools for any vendor, from bottled spring water suppliers to catering equipment rental companies.

I recommend: Consider buying one of the portable workstations available from ExhibitDeal. Check out the food demo booths from Intercept, which have stainless-steel serving counters. Take a look at the way InnoWare set up its workstations at an industry trade show.

Buy a catering trade show display that's easy to set up

A pop-up display features a 'wall' that contains a large format advertisement. These units fold for easy transportation. You simply pop up the wall, lock it into place, hang your ad and you're ready to go. Alternatively, you can use folding panel displays, which are also simple to set up. Any type of display is customizable, so have your company's artwork ready.

I recommend: Select from 10-foot and 20-foot pop-up displays from Ace Exhibits. You can find a nice selection of fabric displays at Tradeshowdirect, which work well for high-end companies. Check out the regulations set forth by the Asian American Food Expo; you can see what's included in the price of a booth and how much room you'll have to set up.

Showcase your goods by using a catering trade show display case

If you want to sell some of your products while you're at the trade show, make sure you invest in some good display cases. These range from large glass cases to smaller displays that sit on the countertop. Your products should be on the small side, so serving utensils, software and even linens are all fair game for the display case. You can also put food samples on display.

I recommend: Go with a ready-to-assemble open case from Display Warehouse. If you plan on displaying food, check out the cases available from Hubert. You can use your display cases at the catersource Tradeshow or any of the trade shows listed at EventsEye.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you're having trouble figuring out how to best configure your exhibit, consider hiring a consultant that specializes in catering trade show design services. This person can help you design your exhibit so that you attract an optimal number of potential customers.
• •  Check with the trade show coordinator if you're planning to serve alcohol at a trade show you attend. Some shows allow it while others do not.