Tips for Designing a Great Table Top Display

Great table top displays don’t just fall into place. They are creatively planned and well executed. Think of your table tops not just as utilitarian surfaces for holding necessary items but as a vehicle for an effective and interesting display. Here are a few tips to help you design trade show table displays that get noticed.

Be Clear.

Your tabletop displays (and the tables themselves) should be clean and clear. You need to grab the attendee’s attention with a short, simple message. It’s almost like a billboard. The attendee walking past is like a motorist on the road. He isn’t going to stop and pull over to read a long line of text. Let your staff do lots of talking but keep your display messages clear and concise.

Fonts need to be clear and readable, too. Leave the fancy curlicues behind and use fonts that can be seen and read at a long distance. You want people to be able to read your tag line across the crowded hall full of competing displays.

The tables should also be clear of clutter and unnecessary items. A custom-printed skirt can hide anything you don’t want to be seen. Tuck literature refills and your water bottle under the table where they won’t detract from your display.

Be Coordinated

A clash of colors or materials looks disorganized and unprofessional. Make sure your display items match. It’s a simple thing that seems like commonsense but you’d be surprised at how many trade show participants miss this point.

Take a look around at your next show and see how many exhibitors are using the venue-provided table covers. It’s easy to miss in planning but very obvious once the all the trade show table top displays are set up next to each other. Custom-printed, coordinating table covers, table skirts, pop-up displays, and retractable banners make a big difference in the look of your display.

Be Current.

Get up-to-date by using the current technology, even if you aren’t in a tech field. Tablets loaded with videos and specs are excellent tools for your staff to deliver tons of information to attendees. There’s nothing better for gathering email addresses and contact information, too. Use technology to show professional videos of your product or service in action. Bluetooth speakers can make sure your presentation can be heard over the ambient noise. Using current technology will make your company look cutting-edge.

Be Creative.

Think outside the box — or booth in this case. You don’t have to set up a square booth fronted by a table just like everyone else. Rearrange a little. Come up with a new floor plan that feels inviting and accessible. Use your display items in a creative way to make your booth more interesting for attendees.

Tabletop displays can become something truly special if you put in the effort to plan them well.