If you want to increase your customer base and grow your business, it's wise to set up a restaurant trade show display at every event possible. At these events, folks in the restaurant 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 restaurant trade show design is the best it can be.

To attract customers to your exhibit, you have to catch their eye; therefore, your restaurant trade show setup is key. If your exhibit is jumbled and unorganized, with products 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 restaurant trade show exhibit. Standard booth space is approximately 10 feet by 10 feet, but many events offer double booth space.

2. Invest in an exhibit that includes a restaurant 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 restaurant tradeshow display cases to maximize sales.

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

Use workstations in your restaurant trade show exhibit

Kiosks and counters within your exhibit can be used to demonstrate some of your top restaurant products. Have one of your salespeople oversee each workstation and give prospective customers one-on-one attention. You can customize these fixtures with your company's logo or any other images that promote your brand, so these are great for any company, from POS software makers to dining room fixture dealers.

I recommend: Consider buying one (or a few) of the unique counters available from 3D Visual Concepts. Check out the large selection at Displayit. You can see workstations being used for product demonstrations and celebrity appearances at the National Restaurant Association trade show.

Buy a restaurant tradeshow display that's easy to set up

Pop-up displays fold up for easy transportation; then you simply 'pop' them up when you're ready to set up your exhibit. You just lock the pieces into place, attach large format advertisements, and you're ready to go. Every restaurant portable trade show exhibit is customizable, so have your artwork ready. You can include your company's logo on the display as well as provide information about your offerings, whether you're advertising food from your restaurant or restaurant-related products or services.

I recommend: Check out the different types of displays at Impact Displays. You can also find a large selection of quick-assemble displays at San Diego Sign Company. You can use your displays at such events as the International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York.

Showcase your goods by using a restaurant tradeshow display case

A good way to advertise your products or services is to set out samples in display cases. These range from large, glass cases to countertop displays made from lightweight acrylic. All you have to do is arrange your products in the case and let your salespeople get to work. Your products should be on the small side, so linen sets, smallwares and restaurant management software are all fair game for the display case.

I recommend: Browse through the different types of glass cases at The Fixtures Group. If you're displaying food samples, consider using one of the cases from Display Case Showcase. You can set up your cases at the International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show or at any of the trade shows listed at ExpoCentral.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you're having trouble figuring out how to best configure your restaurant trade show exhibit, consider hiring a consultant that specializes in restaurant trade show services including restaurant trade show rentals. 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 while exhibiting at a restaurant trade show. Some shows allow it while others do not.