Smart Moves for Designing a Scalable Exhibit That Shines at Multiple Shows

I've been in the marketing world for over two decades, helping professionals like you find confidence in their trade show displays. I know how much time, money, and effort go into creating a successful exhibit. For those who attend multiple shows throughout the year, finding ways to make your displays efficient and versatile is key.

One of the best ways to get a custom-looking exhibit for all your shows without breaking the bank is by working with a designer to develop a scalable exhibit.

Today, I want to share some “smart moves” on how to create a scalable exhibit that can adapt to various show sizes and layouts without breaking the bank.

NAIL YOUR EXHIBIT LAYOUT AND ORIENTATION

One thing I've learned is that your booth spaces will likely vary from show to show—sometimes you'll have a large space, and other times you'll be working with something much smaller. The trick to designing a scalable exhibit that works in both scenarios is understanding the different space configurations you might encounter.

When you're in the early stages of design, it's crucial to consider the layout and orientation of your exhibit. Even if you haven't booked all your spaces yet, having a rough idea of the smallest and largest configurations will help guide the design process. Think of it as laying the foundation for a house—you need to know the dimensions before you start building!

Smart Move: When you sit down with your exhibit designer, come prepared with an idea of the size range you need for your exhibit. Also, have a few layout ideas in mind. This will ensure you and your designer are on the same page from the get-go, making the whole process smoother and more efficient.

BUILD A STRONG STRUCTURE THAT LASTS

Now that you've got your layouts sorted, it's time to think about the structural elements of your exhibit. Since you'll be creating multiple displays from the same pool of exhibit pieces, you and your designer need to decide on the key features that will be consistent across all shows—think storage areas, light boxes, counters, AV setups, etc.

Some elements of your exhibit will remain constant no matter the configuration, but others will need to be scalable. For instance, you might want a larger reception counter for a bigger space but a smaller one for a more compact display. Figuring out which elements need to be scalable and which should stay the same size is essential for creating a cost-effective and efficient design.

Smart Move: Make a list of your basic needs and wants for each booth size. These will serve as the starting point for your design and ensure that your exhibit is both functional and versatile.

PLAN AHEAD FOR EASY UPDATES

While your current needs might be clear, it's important to think about how they could change in the future. You don't want to design an exhibit that you'll have to completely overhaul next year. Instead, aim for a design that allows for easy updates and modifications.

Designing with the future in mind means incorporating features that can be added or changed over time, like shelving, graphics, monitors, or other design details. This approach not only extends the lifespan of your exhibit but also adds versatility, allowing you to make small refreshes over time without starting from scratch.

Smart Move: During the design process, ask your designer to point out areas where updates or additions can be made in the future. If there aren't any, see if you can work some in. This will give you greater flexibility and help you avoid costly redesigns down the line.

MIX RENTALS INTO YOUR STRATEGY

Another great way to save on costs while maintaining a versatile exhibit is by renting certain display pieces as needed. This strategy works especially well if your brand typically exhibits in mid-size spaces but has one large show each year. You can design your exhibit to fit the majority of your mid-size spaces and then rent additional elements—like a larger reception counter or interactive area—for the big event.

Smart Move: Don't feel like you have to purchase every single part of your exhibit. If you only need certain elements for one or two shows a year, renting can be a smart and budget-friendly option. Let your designer know that you're open to renting display pieces—it could open up your budget for other design features.

PACK SMART, SHIP EASY

Finally, let's talk about something that often gets overlooked—packing and crating. It's not the most glamorous part of exhibit design, but it's crucial for ensuring that your display pieces arrive in good condition and are easy to set up.

Since you'll be using different parts of your exhibit depending on the show, you'll want to pack each module separately. For example, pack every 10 feet of linear display into its own case to keep things organized and easy to transport. A great design isn't just about how your exhibit looks—it's also about how it assembles, packs, and ships.

Smart Move: Make sure your designer knows that packing and crating are important to you. Work together to find the best way to pack and store your exhibit, and organize each configuration for easy shipping. This will save you headaches later on and ensure that your exhibit is always ready to go.

THE PAYOFF OF SCALABLE EXHIBITS

Designing a scalable exhibit takes some extra planning and strategic thinking, but trust me, it's worth it in the end. By creating a versatile, scalable exhibit, you'll save time and money while ensuring that your brand always looks its best—no matter the show size or layout.

Are you ready to take the plunge and partner with an exhibit house for your next round of shows? Here at Nomadic Display, we're ready to help from start to finish. Whether you need design advice, custom solutions, or just a friendly chat about your options, we've got you covered.

Let's collaborate and create an exhibit that not only meets your current needs but also grows with you in the future. Contact us today to start designing your next show-stopping display!