Exhibitions and trade shows offer a powerful platform to showcase your brand, products or services and the centrepiece of your presence at these events is your exhibition stand. A well-designed custom exhibition display stand can attract visitors, create brand awareness, and even generate leads.
However, choosing the right exhibition display stand supplier is key to making your vision a reality. Selecting a supplier is not just about getting a stand built—it’s also about finding a partner who understands your brand and your goals.
Additionally, having the right exhibition stand supplier can spell the difference between a successful event and a missed opportunity. With so many options available, it is essential to know what to look for and what to avoid.
In this blog, let us dive deep into the essential do’s and don’ts of hiring exhibition stand suppliers to help you make an informed decision and ensure your stand is both impactful and aligned with your business objectives.
Do Research Multiple Suppliers
When it comes to exhibition stand builders, there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution. Start by researching several suppliers and do not just focus on the first one you come across. Look at their experience, portfolio, and the types of clients they have worked with. Experienced exhibition stand designers play a crucial role in ensuring the success of your display. A diverse portfolio that includes brands from your industry is a good sign that the supplier understands the unique challenges and requirements you might face.
Check client reviews and testimonials, too. Dig into client feedback to see how satisfied other businesses have been with their services. It is helpful to know whether the supplier delivers on time, stays within budget, and offers high quality builds. Independent reviews on third-party websites often provide the most unbiased insights.
In addition, you must also evaluate their industry expertise. Suppliers who specialise in certain industries might better understand the design language, messaging, and functionality that resonate with your audience. A supplier who has experience with competitors or companies in a similar field will likely know what works best for you.
Don’t Rely Solely on Cost as the Deciding Factor
While it can really be tempting to choose a supplier based purely on price, this can often lead to problems down the line. Suppliers who offer the cheapest options may be cutting corners on materials, craftsmanship or services. Keep in mind that quality and reliability come at a cost. Investing in a custom exhibition stand ensures that your stand is tailored to your specifications, incorporating branding elements such as logos and company colors to enhance visibility and engagement during trade shows. The stand is a significant part of your exhibition success, so it is worth investing in.
A cheap stand can be detrimental to your brand if it looks unprofessional, is not durable or does not meet your design expectations. Remember that your stand represents your brand so it is crucial to invest wisely.
You must also be aware of hidden costs. A seemingly low quote may not include essential services such as installation, dismantling, transport or post-show storage. Always ask for a comprehensive breakdown of the costs to avoid surprises later on.
Do Prioritise Custom Designs Tailored to Your Brand
Your exhibition stand should be a physical manifestation of your brand’s identity, and a custom exhibition stand design is crucial in making sure your booth stands out and attracts the right kind of attention. A bespoke design will help communicate your brand values, products, and services in a way that resonates with your target audience.
Ask about design capabilities. Choose a supplier who has in-house designers capable of creating a stand that reflects your brand’s uniqueness. The design should be functional, aesthetically pleasing, and aligned with your overall marketing strategy.
Also, integrate your marketing goals. A good stand does not just look good—it should also serve your marketing goals. Whether you are launching a product, gathering leads or building brand awareness, the design should facilitate these activities.
Don’t Settle for Generic Designs for Your Exhibition Stands
Opting for custom exhibition stands over generic or pre-designed ones could significantly enhance your ability to differentiate yourself from your competitors. Off-the-shelf designs often lack the flexibility to showcase your products effectively or align with your branding.
A one-size-fits-all stand might look appealing at first due to convenience, but they rarely offer the customisation needed for a memorable exhibition presence. Pre-made stands often fail to provide enough space for personalised elements, displays or engagement zones.
Branding-wise, your stand also needs to create a lasting impression that tells your brand’s story. A generic stand that lacks personal touches could dilute your messaging and fail to engage your target audience.
Do Set Clear Objectives and Communicate Them Early
Before engaging with a supplier, clearly define your objectives for the event and consider the benefits of a custom stand. Are you focusing on lead generation, brand visibility or product demonstrations? Defining your goals will help you and your supplier design a stand that meets your needs.
First, identify your key messages and functionalities. Make sure you communicate what you want your stand to achieve. If it is a product launch, ensure the supplier creates space for demonstrations or product displays. If the goal is lead generation, discuss ways to include visitor engagement tools like interactive displays or lead capture technology.
More importantly, collaborate on the design process. Work closely with your supplier during the design phase to ensure they understand your brand’s key messages. Be open to their ideas but ensure the final design aligns with your goals.
Don’t Assume the Supplier Understands Your Brand Without Guidance
Even if the supplier has the experience in your industry, they won’t automatically know your specific needs unless you clearly communicate them. Do not assume they’ll know your vision without a detailed input from your team.
Avoid being vague because if you don’t provide clear guidelines, you risk receiving a stand that does not align with your goals. Be explicit about what you want to achieve and the image you want to project.
In addition, do not underestimate the details. Even minor elements such as lighting, furniture, and signage placement can significantly impact your stand’s effectiveness. Ensure these aspects are discussed early in the design process.
Do Ensure the Supplier Offers a Full Range of Services
An exhibition stand supplier should do more than just design and build the stand. Graphic designers play a crucial role in creating custom stands by collaborating with exhibition stand designers to deliver innovative and visually appealing displays for clients. Look for suppliers who offer a full suite of services, including logistics, setup, dismantling, and even post-show storage. This ensures a smoother process, from the moment the stand is delivered to the moment it’s packed away.
Ask about the installation and dismantling process. A good supplier will take care of both installation and dismantling, allowing your team to focus on other aspects of exhibition. They should also handle technical issues that may arise during the setup.
You might also want to check for any international experience. If you plan to exhibit abroad, choose a supplier with experience in international events. They should be familiar with shipping logistics, customs regulations, and local exhibition stands.
Don’t Ignore What Happens After the Event
Once the exhibition ends, the last thing you want is to deal with dismantling and logistics yourself. Ensure your supplier offers post-show services like dismantling, transport, and storage. These services can save you a lot of time and effort. Pop up displays are a versatile option that can be easily managed alongside other display types like banner stands and custom booths.
At all costs, avoid do-it-yourself dismantling and storage. It might seem cost-effective but this can lead to damage and logistical headaches. A professional supplier has the expertise to ensure your stand is safely packed and stored for future use.
Especially if you want to reuse your stand, ask about maintenance services. Regular maintenance will ensure your stand remains in good condition for multiple events.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Supplier for Your Exhibition Display Stands
Hiring the right exhibition stand supplier for your trade show displays is a critical decision that can make or break your trade show success. By thoroughly researching suppliers, prioritising custom designs, communicating your goals clearly, and ensuring all costs are transparent, you can avoid common pitfalls and ensure a smooth process.
By partnering with renowned exhibition companies like Expo Centric, you will gain not only a beautiful exhibition stand but also the benefit of our deep understanding of the expo industry. Our comprehensive services, from design to installation and post-event support, will help ensure a smooth, stress-free experience that allows you to focus on what matters most: connecting with your audience and achieving your exhibition goals. Contact us now!