Booth Brainstorm: Signage
The sign you hang in your tradeshow booth is your “address” for the show. It’s how people find you and it’s up to you to make sure that you’re easy to find!
There are a lot of options when it comes to signage and we encourage you to weigh several considerations when choosing:
How much does it cost?
Is it easy to transport?
Is it easy to install?
Can I reuse it?
Does it match my brand aesthetic?
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular signage options and their pro’s and con’s to help you as you make the best decisions for your business.
Vinyl
Cut vinyl is, by far, the most popular signage option for several reasons. It’s cost-effective, easy to transport and install and it comes in several colors so you can match your branding. Because it’s inexpensive, we recommend ordering a few extra duplicate pieces so you can practice installing it at home and have a back-up at your show.
The downside to vinyl is that it’s one and done. Once you install it, you can’t remove it and reapply it somewhere else. If you’re looking for something you can use for multiple shows, this isn’t the signage for you. But vinyl is a great option for elements that change over time, like your booth number, reps wanted or even the names of your product categories.
Pro Tip: Check your vinyl when it arrives to make sure it’s the right color and style. Don’t wait until the show.
Wood or Acrylic
Wood and acrylic signs look great and can be customized to your brand style and colors. These signs are sturdy when transporting and can be easy to hang. If the sign is large, you’ll want to consider shipping it and factor in more time for installation.
The biggest downside to wood or acrylic signs is the cost. These types of signs are a larger investment, so you’ll want to use it for signage that will have a larger lifespan; your logo, for example. You may not want to use it for things like your booth number, which changes every year.
The best part about wooden or acrylic signs is that you can reuse them at future tradeshows, craft shows or hung in your office, which saves you money in the long run.
Fabric Banner
A mid-level sign, the fabric banner is relatively inexpensive and can also be used multiple times before the wear begs for a new one. Being made of fabric, the banner is lighter than most, travels easily and is quick to display just about anywhere.
The drawback with fabric banners is that fire code requires that it be fireproofed, an extra step you have to go through to be up to standards.
Aisle Signs
While not allowed at every tradeshow (check the guidelines first), an aisle sign is an additional sign placed in the aisle of the show, hanging off your booth wall. It draws more attention to your booth than just the sign at your booth, increasing foot traffic as potential customers and partners wander the show.
Of course, because this would be an additional sign, there’s an added cost involved. Consider going a more conservative route on sign style for this secondary sign.
Your booth signage is just one thing to consider when budgeting for your next tradeshow. Keep your eyes peeled as we help you brainstorm other costs in future Booth Brainstorm posts. And for budgeting help on your booth, grab our budgeting worksheet.
Connect with Katie Hunt
Katie Hunt is a business strategist, podcaster, mentor and mama to four. She helps product based businesses build profitable, sustainable companies through her conferences, courses and coaching programs.
Website: prooftoproduct.com | Instagram: @prooftoproduct
