Top 10 tips for exhibitors
Planning your stand, and your display, at an event is critical to making the impact and getting the results you are looking for.
BBC Gardeners’ World Events’ Horticultural Director, Bob Sweet, has been in the Garden and Flower Show industry for over 25 years. Having seen thousands and thousands of stands over the years, there’s no-one better to ask for some top tips to help make your stand, stand out at the BBC Gardeners’ World Events this year!
1. Be inspired, and plan in advance
When going to other events, take pictures of the stands you like.
Don’t be afraid to take inspiration from the ones that make an impact on you.
Take photos of specific elements that you might try on your own stand e.g. shelving or storage that you particularly like.
2. Greening your stand
For those not exhibiting plants, your design will probably benefit from the addition of floral elements to bring some of that beauty to your stand.
If your product is garden-related, you might even create a small display area that hints at your product in a garden setting.
3. Let’s consider lighting
Clever lighting can turn a run-of-the-mill stand into a memorable one.
With both battery and solar lights (for outdoor stands) being relatively cheap and easy to purchase, why not consider using coloured LEDs to change the entire look and feel of your stand at the touch of a button.
You can really attract attention with retro neon signs, strings of festoon lights, or giant light bulb letters.
Look into rechargeable batteries or power packs for more lights that require more power.
4. Props
Your stand should be visually interesting.
Achieve this by mixing materials and experimenting with patterns and textures. How about using baskets or wooden containers for some display items, parterre shelving or a rustic sales table.
If you’d like to have conversations on your stand, maybe a nice sofa with soft cushions.
Mixing natural and manmade materials and juxtaposing them unexpectedly will make your stand more intriguing.
5. Graphics with impact
You have, on average, 7 seconds of opportunity to engage with a visitor.
Your stand needs to command that initial attention. Well thought and planned simplicity should be seen as a virtue.
Really think about the walls that surround your stand – know the size of the panels, so you can design or create graphics to fit. Ensure you have the right fixings to hold everything up for the duration of the show.
Think about colour, and how you represent your brand. Make the most of custom graphics, roller banners, and wall art, keeping it as professional as possible.
6. Clear messaging
A simple stand design can be enhanced with graphics and text to help visitors immediately understand what you’re offering.
Try using a strapline on your graphics. But be short, simple and snappy.
Your leaflets/brochures can tell the full story, your stand needs to grab attention immediately.
7. Hideaway personal items
Nothing makes a table or desk area look messier than personal items like keys, phones, and notebooks on the table.
Hide away all of your personal items in a back area or secure storage that you can integrate into your stand, to keep things tidy and professional.
8. Incentives
Ensure your visitors convert on the day instead of heading off home to “think about it”.
What incentives can you offer for on-the-day sign ups or sales? Any special offers or discounts?
9. Be social
Don’t forget your social media when you’re at the Show!
Remember to tag us, and other exhibitors where relevant.
Amplify your stand by adding an element that will encourage social sharing.
Consider sharing a show-only competition of giveaway, advance notice of a special guest appearance or an Instagram-able feature within your stand that visitors will want to discover.
10. Tell people all about it
You’ve made a brilliant decision in booking at stand at the BBC Gardeners’ World Events.
Now it’s time to tell your customers and followers so you can meet them face to face.
Touch-in with the events Marketing team who’ll help you with customer discounts and giveaway tickets too.
Contact the Marketing and PR Team via: [email protected]
BBC Gardeners’ World Events 2024:
- BBC Gardeners’ World Live, 13-16 June at Birmingham’s NEC
- BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair, 3-5 May, Beaulieu Hampshire
- BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair, 30 Aug-1 Sept, Audley End House & Garden
