The Most Common Trade Show Booth Regulations and Rules

Every business which regularly attends trade shows knows the importance of having a good trade show booth design. It attracts attention and can ensure that you stand out from the rest of the companies and businesses there. There are hundreds, and at times thousands, of other booths so you should invest in a dynamic and attention grabbing design that will draw potential clients into a conversation. In addition to this, a good booth will properly present your product or service while accurately representing your brand. This kind of exhibit marketing will only continue to become more important and it is important that you keep up.

Do Your Research

There are unfortunately a couple issues that can arise in regards to these booths. Over the years people have used a wide variety of creative ways to put their booths ahead of the competition’s, and as a result of this conventions and trade shows have formed regulations to keep it a fair space for everyone. It is important to read the handbook to ensure that your exhibit is in keeping with the rules to have a successful trade show. The consequences can vary from being kicked out to not being allowed to use the booth. Even if you’re not ejected from the event, it would severely impact your experience of the event and harm the sales made. Look into the kinds of booths allowed as well as the size restrictions.

Kinds of Booths

Standard – As its name might suggest, this is the most common type of trade show booth styles. It is also referred to as the linear booth. Its dimensions are 10ft by 10ft, and often shares a wall with this another booth.

Perimeter – This booth type shares many similarities with that of the standard. It has the same layout as well as the same dimensions. The difference is that it backs up against a wall rather than other booths. This allows for more room on the wall to take advantage of. Needless to say, these booths are found along the walls of the space.

Peninsula – This type gets its name because it does not have any walls along the booth. It has a back to display information but does not border any other booths, there are walk paths instead. This clearly has its benefit by eliminating distractions in neighbouring booths. These also are larger than the previous two, measuring at least 20 ft by 20 ft.

Island – This one is similar to the peninsula, but does not have a backing. It is surrounded by aisles on all sides is at minimum 20 ft by 20 ft. Needless to say, this has the same benefit of the peninsula. It is hard to ignore these booths.

Other Things to Keep in Mind

The number one rule of any trade show is to stay in the lines. None of your products, displays, or exhibits should go outside of the area designated to you. This is one of those few cases where it would be better to be under, rather than over. This also means that there should be no other examples of marketing occurring outside of the booth. there should be no “guerrilla marketing” is not allowed and will result in consequences.

Another thing that all vendors should be sensitive to is accessibility. For instance, in the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that all exhibits are equally accessible for everyone. This means that the booths must accommodate any attendees with disabilities. This means that if there is a raised floor a ramp, which falls under the other space regulations, must be available for anyone with a wheelchair. This is just one example of the things that must be taken into account. You can be fined if you do not comply with these rules.

Finally, be careful when using music and other licensed materials. Using copyrighted music will only cause you grief in the long run, even if it seems like a fun idea now. You can license it to get permission, but keep in mind that this can get very expensive and you are unlikely to get a return on the investment. The larger your company is, the more trouble you will get in.