Here's how you can inspire trade show exhibitors to think outside the box.

Consume Innovative content, then create it! Compile a collection of award-winning or innovative trade show booths. Share them with exhibitors through email blasts, social media, or even a dedicated "Inspiration Gallery" on your website. Seeing successful examples sparks ideas and demonstrates the possibilities.

Adopting a theme can significantly elevate a trade show booth by creating a memorable and immersive experience that aligns with the brand's identity. This approach not only captures attendees' attention but also allows for a cohesive narrative that can be seamlessly integrated into product displays and presentations. A well-executed theme fosters deeper engagement, making the booth more inviting and interactive, ultimately enhancing the overall impact of the exhibitor's message.

Show examples to each of your suggestions - seeing a good booth perform well will be the best motivation. Themes are good but need to be fully aligned with the message of the exhibiting company.

Focus on the big goals, i.e. serious, qualified, actionable leads from product demonstrations AND drawing coverage by media that reaches your customers. Results over sheer activity like hundreds of worthless "leads" from people filling out contest entries or wanting free items. Make it about your product's performance differences for customer problems (rather than features your internal staff guessed might be desirable or cool.) Avoid the classic theme of hungover, exhausted, and ill-prepared/untrained junior people (or temporary local hires) working the booth in a shallow and desultory way with no real responsibility for results from the show.

To inspire trade show exhibitors to think outside the box, encourage them to embrace creativity and innovation in their booth designs and engagement strategies. Suggest interactive elements like virtual reality demos, live demonstrations, and hands-on activities that captivate attendees. Promote the use of unique themes, storytelling, and immersive experiences to make their exhibits stand out. Highlight success stories of unconventional approaches that have yielded positive results. By fostering a culture of experimentation and bold ideas, exhibitors can create memorable and impactful trade show experiences.

Movement to draw the eye is key, most booths are too static, so videos and better yet live, interactive demonstrations are key. Sound is a challenge with the difficult acoustics of a booth in a big exhibit hall and ambient noise from thousands of attendees and other booths. You can add comfort by doubling up the padding and carpeting in the booth, reducing pressure on the feet from the hard floors is surprisingly powerful.

Incorporating multisensory elements into your trade show booth can significantly enhance brand recall and attendee engagement. By integrating promotional products that appeal to various senses—such as scented giveaways, textured materials, and branded music playlists—you create a memorable experience that resonates on multiple levels. This holistic approach not only captures attention but also fosters a deeper emotional connection with your brand, making your booth a standout attraction.

Creating a memorable tradeshow booth is all about thinking outside the box. Be unique and embrace your vision to stand out. Boldness doesn’t just mean large imagery; minimalist designs with bright backgrounds and clean text can be just as effective. Take cues from nature—use vibrant colours and eye-catching designs like animals that stand out, not blend in. Capture attention quickly; you have about three seconds. Keep it simple—your booth attracts, and your staff informs. Remember, the goal is to capture eyeballs instantly and make a lasting impression.