Posted by Jessi Evans-Marcius
on June 02, 2025
If you’ve ever walked through a trade show, you know how much competition there is to grab attention. Everyone’s trying to stand out, so how do you make sure your trade show fit out doesn’t just blend in?
We’ve helped plenty of businesses create killer exhibition booths, and today we’re sharing our top tips to help you attract more visitors, generate more leads, and make the most of your trade show investment.
Let’s get into it.
1. Make The Best First Impression
You’ve only got a few seconds to stop people in their tracks—literally. Studies show it takes just 1/10 of a second to form an impression. So make it count!
Big, bold branding, tidy presentation, and a clean layout go a long way. Use your Trade Show backdrop or wall decals to showcase your logo, products, or hero message clearly. If your booth looks confusing or cluttered, people will walk straight past.
2. Location is Key!
Just like in real estate, your spot on the floor can make or break your trade show success. Near the entrance, beside popular brands, or close to food and amenities - these are prime spots that get lots of foot traffic.
If you’re new to exhibiting, ask the event organiser for a floor map and get in early to book the best possible location.
3. Make Your Booth Look Friendly & Approachable
No one wants to walk into a dark, gloomy booth where the team looks bored. Smile! Be welcoming. Keep the layout open and uncluttered.
Bonus tip: offer a freebie like phone charging or treats to get people stepping in, or add comfy props or display plinths to make your space feel professional but inviting.
4. Stand Out With Colours
Trade shows are busy and full of visual noise. Using bold, brand-aligned colours will help your exhibition booth pop from across the room.
Our Trade Show backdrops and wall wraps come in a range of colours and textures - use them to tie your booth together and give your space that scroll-stopping look.
5. Explain Your USP in 3 Seconds
Can people tell what you offer without stopping to read? If not, rethink your signage.
Avoid paragraphs—stick to short, punchy text. Highlight your unique selling points (USP) using bold headings, icons, or a big statement banner.
Try this test: Can someone walking past your booth understand what you do in under 3 seconds?
6. Light It Up
Lighting can make your booth go from “meh” to “amazing.” A dark booth feels uninviting. Use overhead lights, spotlights, and even LED signage to create a warm and professional atmosphere.
Shine a light on new products, promotional materials, or your logo to draw the eye where you want it.
7. Materials Change Everything
Using different materials and finishes makes all the difference to your booth. You want the prints to be matte finish to avoid extra shine or glare. It is also important to consider what the walls are made of, this can be a big deciding factor in what product you can attach to the walls and what wont give you the professional look needed.
Our Trade Show Booth wall materials and high-quality vinyl prints are durable, smooth, and look sharp in photos and real life—ideal for any type of business.
8. Use High-Quality Imagery
Blurry, low-res photos are a quick way to lose credibility. If your booth includes product shots, lifestyle images, or banners with photography, make sure every image is high resolution and sharp.
Clear, professional images help people instantly understand what you offer and reflect the quality of your brand. Even if you're on a budget, using vinyl photography backdrops can help you shoot crisp, consistent content at home—without needing a pro photographer.
👉 At Backdrop Collective, we won’t print anything that doesn’t meet our quality standards. If your artwork isn’t high enough resolution, we’ll get in touch first—because your brand deserves to look its best.
9. Have a Meeting Area
If your product or service takes a bit of explaining, create a small sit-down area. A simple table and two chairs will do the trick.
It gives you space to chat properly, show samples, or go through details without blocking your booth entrance. It also helps people feel like they’re not being sold to on the fly.
Summary
Creating a standout trade show booth doesn’t have to be stressful. Keep these 9 tips in mind:
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Make a strong first impression
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Pick a high-traffic location
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Be warm and approachable
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Use colours that pop
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Share your UVP in 3 seconds
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Add great lighting
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Choose materials that suit your brand
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Include space to meet and chat
- High quality imagery is key
Our Range of Exhibition Displays
At Backdrop Collective, we offer everything you need to create a polished, standout booth:
- Floor Decals
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Fast shipping and local pickup in Melbourne
Whether you’re a first-time exhibitor or a trade show regular, we’ll help you bring your booth to life with affordable, professional print solutions.
