How to design an exhibition space

What is an exhibition space?

Simply put, an exhibition space is a designated area within a trade show, convention or business expo that allows a brand to showcase its products and services. When designed well, these spaces can also serve as a platform to promote a brand’s values and provide valuable networking opportunities, allowing a brand to interact face-to-face with delegates that include potential clients, stakeholders and competitors.

Why exhibition space design is important

The importance of exhibition space design should not be understated. A well-designed space not only ensures the aesthetics of an allocated area are appealing but should also contribute to the effectiveness of the message a brand is trying to convey. Indeed, delegates are more likely to engage with your brand if your exhibition space is thoughtfully designed. After all, the design and feel of a brand’s designated area sets the tone, creates a lasting impression, and ensures that the message they are trying to deliver is presented in a captivating and memorable manner.

Designing an exhibition space: top tips

To help you design an exhibition space that ticks all the boxes, check out our top design tips below.

1. Be bold and don’t skimp on your exhibition graphics

The main objective of an exhibition space is to attract delegates to engage. The best way to do this is to be bold and eye-catching. Remember, when you’re in a crowded exhibition centre, you’re competing for attention with every other exhibit. Your area needs to stand out from the crowd in order for your message to be conveyed as effectively as possible.

To do this, think about using vibrant colours and striking graphics to grab the attention of passersby. High-quality, professionally-produced graphics in the form of display boards and banners are also essential for effective communication. For example, large format boards, synthetic foam boards, and frontlit and backlit banners, are all great options for exhibition space design.

2. Think about interactivity and sound

An exhibition cannot succeed on visuals alone. It also needs to deliver in terms of the overall experience it provides. With this in mind, where possible, it’s important to consider both sound quality, lighting and the use of interactive elements. As we explore in our guide to exhibition acoustics, the sound quality of a space you’re trying to present in is essential. For this reason, the use of sound-absorbing elements in your exhibition space can be a good idea. For example, acoustics panels, dividers and partitions can be really effective. As can the use of high-quality sound systems appropriate for the size of the space you’re operating in.

Incorporating interactive elements into an exhibition space can also help attract and engage delegates. For example, if appropriate, you could consider building touchscreens or virtual reality experiences into your area.

3. Focus on brand identity

As well as showcasing a business’ products, services and/or new innovations, an exhibition space should also accurately reflect brand identity. For this reason, try to use your exhibition space as an opportunity to tell the story of your brand using visuals, graphics and interactive elements. To do this, consistency in design elements is key. From colours and logos to taglines and messaging, try to align everything with approved brand guidelines across your entire space. This simple action can work wonders when it comes to reinforcing brand identity and helping to create a memorable and professional first impression.

How Antalis can help

Here at Antalis, we're experts when it comes to exhibition space design.. From eye-catching display boards to acoustic-friendly materials, we can help to provide the foundation for creating visually stunning and impactful exhibition spaces. To find out about how our experts can help you design the perfect exhibition space, get in touch today.