When you create an innovative and effective horticulture trade show exhibit, you can be the talk of the show and generate much new business for your company. Building a horticulture trade show display that attracts attention is a great way to make a name for yourself in the industry, meet directly with potential leads and help you network.

However, a horticulture trade show display can be a costly endeavor. To make sure the investment pays off for you, you need to:

1. Understand the limitations your horticulture trade show booth may have by contacting the horticulture trade show you want to exhibit at.
2. Have a horticulture trade show exhibit that is professional and shows off your product or service to its best advantage.
3. Include details that make your name memorable long after the trade show is over.
   

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

Check into the exhibitor requirements and restrictions for your horticulture trade show display

Before you even begin planning your horticulture trade show design, you'll want to contact the trade show you're attending to find out what your space will be like and what challenges you may face. Contact the show well in advance of the date to make sure your horticulture tradeshow display fits the space perfectly.

I recommend: Get information about exhibiting at major tradeshows like the Mid-America Horticultural Tradeshow, Farwest Show and Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show.

Check out horticulture trade show design that others have used

If you're not sure what approach to take as you design your own horticulture trade show booth, a good starting place is to view what others have done. You can use their ideas to help create an innovative and effective horticulture trade show exhibit that shows your own products off to perfection.

I recommend: Check out Edgy Entrepreneur to view an image of a horticulture trade show booth that replicates an outdoor garden. The Auburn University College of Agriculture presents a more traditional approach that includes planters and effective lighting. For a focal point, consider a water feature, such as the water exhibits marketed by Amherst Greenhouses. Once you have an idea of the approach you want, take it to a company like Trade Show Display Zone, which has experience in horticultural trade show design.

Use local horticulture trade show rentals if your display does not include plants

If your horticulture tradeshow display includes accessories or other products but doesn't include plants, you're not going to attract a lot of attention-even if plants are not what you're showing. To ensure maximum exposure, consider renting plants if you don't bring and show your own.

I recommend: One potential source of horticulture trade show rentals is a prop or set design company, such as Variations, located in Florida. A number of nurseries and greenhouses, such as Peddling Plants, offer horticulture trade show services, so this is another option. You can find a nursery near the trade show through Garden Guides.

Pay attention to details in your horticulture trade show booth

Your horticulture trade show setup should include memorable details so potential clients don't forget you. Of course, your booth design as a whole will give this impression--but you need something to make your booth and your name stand out.

I recommend: Consider adding a table-top design element to your booth, such as the horticulture trade show display case offered by Enviro-Dome. Coming in different shapes and sizes, these cases can show off miniature plants or new sprouts to their advantage. Giveaways make you memorable, too, such as Shadowland Seeds' seed kits--which may give you ideas for your own customized promos.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Realize that some horticulture trade show design ideas might not meet the requirements of the venue. For example, not all venues will allow you to create a garden-themed exhibit that doesn't use planters.