While there are many strategies you and your exhibit company can employ to make your custom exhibits stand out, one of the most important is the type of lighting you use. Even a great design may not stand out by itself among the many other designs bombarding attendees.
Storified by SteveBailey · Mon, Dec 14 2015 08:49:48
Create a welcoming atmosphere with your lighting.
Regardless of the type of lighting you use, the key is to create a welcoming atmosphere inside your booth. Usually, this means that you should choose warm, gentle lighting over harsher tones. By doing so, you cast your booth (and your products) in an inviting light. Attendees will want to enter your booth, because it will make them feel comfortable and allow them to relax as they learn about your business.
Another way to create a welcoming atmosphere with your lighting is to choose an option that is flattering for booth visitors. For instance, certain colored lights can make booth visitors look unattractive. If they feel awkward trying to discuss your products and services because of your lighting, they will be less likely to commit to a sale. You should also avoid placing lights where they might get into visitors' eyes or reflect off surfaces to create an unpleasant glare. The goal is to create an atmosphere that allows booth visitors to focus on your business, not on the lighting.
Another way to create a welcoming atmosphere with your lighting is to choose an option that is flattering for booth visitors. For instance, certain colored lights can make booth visitors look unattractive. If they feel awkward trying to discuss your products and services because of your lighting, they will be less likely to commit to a sale. You should also avoid placing lights where they might get into visitors' eyes or reflect off surfaces to create an unpleasant glare. The goal is to create an atmosphere that allows booth visitors to focus on your business, not on the lighting.
Set the mood that appeals to your target audience.
One of the primary uses of booth lighting is to set the mood for your display. It allows attendees to understand something about your business at a single glance. As a result, you should strive to create a mood with your lighting that appeals to your target audience. For instance, say that you are a high-end jewelry store. In order to appeal to your target audience, you should probably opt for elegant, luxurious lighting that highlights the beauty and quality of your products. On the other hand, if you are a software company that is targeting a younger and more casual audience, you may choose slightly bolder and less traditional lighting.
By using lighting that appeals to your target audience, you immediately make your booth attractive to the kinds of people who might be interested in your business. With one look, trade show attendees can decide whether or not your business has what they are looking for. As a result, you are more likely to succeed at making sales, and are more likely to stir up genuine interest within your target audience. Once you know who your target audience is, your exhibit company may be able to help you determine which lighting options will best set the right mood for your particular trade show exhibit.
By using lighting that appeals to your target audience, you immediately make your booth attractive to the kinds of people who might be interested in your business. With one look, trade show attendees can decide whether or not your business has what they are looking for. As a result, you are more likely to succeed at making sales, and are more likely to stir up genuine interest within your target audience. Once you know who your target audience is, your exhibit company may be able to help you determine which lighting options will best set the right mood for your particular trade show exhibit.
Consider using accent lighting to highlight booth elements.
Lighting options such as track lighting can help to illuminate your entire booth. However, to add touches of interest to your display, you should also consider using accent lighting. Accent lighting is valuable primarily because of its ability to highlight particular elements within the booth. This type of lighting works best if you are showcasing certain products. For instance, if you are rolling out a new line of jewelry, accent lighting arranged over these new products can draw attention to them (and accentuate their beauty). You can also use accent lighting to draw attention to other elements in the trade show exhibit, such as information tables.
When using accent lighting, consider using just one light to illuminate each item. You can do so by using clamp lights or arm lights that place the light directly over the object you are highlighting. While this type of lighting might cost a little more because it requires you to use more lights, it produces an elegant look that draws attention to each individual object. Once you have your accent lighting in place, booth visitors will naturally be drawn to the products and other booth elements that you want them to see.
When using accent lighting, consider using just one light to illuminate each item. You can do so by using clamp lights or arm lights that place the light directly over the object you are highlighting. While this type of lighting might cost a little more because it requires you to use more lights, it produces an elegant look that draws attention to each individual object. Once you have your accent lighting in place, booth visitors will naturally be drawn to the products and other booth elements that you want them to see.
Opt for cooler lighting solutions.
The one downside to the most common lighting options is the fact that they become very hot. As a result, they must be carefully situated out of the way of booth visitors in order to avoid accidental injury. While these lights are still a popular choice, there are also other, cooler lighting options. These options, because they do not give off as much heat, are safer than and sometimes preferable to more traditional options.
For instance, one of the more common options for cool lighting is LED lighting. This type of lighting provides a bright and appealing look without the heat. In addition, it can create unique looks, especially against fabric backdrops. As a result, it is a good choice if you are looking for an outstanding look and a cooler lighting option for your trade show exhibit. Other cooler lighting options include halogen bulbs in a protective casing and ceiling lighting, both of which keep the hot bulbs safely away from your booth visitors.
Creating effective lighting in your trade show exhibit is an important step in developing the look you need to attract visitors. Your exhibit company's design services should be able to help you decide which lighting choices will work best for you. However, by creating a welcoming atmosphere, setting the mood, using accent lighting, and opting for cooler lighting solutions, you can create the kind of attractive and successful trade show display you need.
For instance, one of the more common options for cool lighting is LED lighting. This type of lighting provides a bright and appealing look without the heat. In addition, it can create unique looks, especially against fabric backdrops. As a result, it is a good choice if you are looking for an outstanding look and a cooler lighting option for your trade show exhibit. Other cooler lighting options include halogen bulbs in a protective casing and ceiling lighting, both of which keep the hot bulbs safely away from your booth visitors.
Creating effective lighting in your trade show exhibit is an important step in developing the look you need to attract visitors. Your exhibit company's design services should be able to help you decide which lighting choices will work best for you. However, by creating a welcoming atmosphere, setting the mood, using accent lighting, and opting for cooler lighting solutions, you can create the kind of attractive and successful trade show display you need.
