Getting Your Booth Experience Just Right

April 5, 2014

Lisa Apolinski

Lisa Apolinski is a professional speaker, blogger, and digital strategist. With her company, 3DogWrite.com, she works with event managers to get their message to attendees, particularly through digital channels, on and off the show floor.

I attended a show recently in Las Vegas, and I was amazed with the exhibits on the show floor. Some, however, were just a little off. Take heed of these common trip-ups around your next booth experience.

A design that is too feminine or masculine. This is a delicate balancing act. You want a booth design that appeals to both, so you want to work with elements that add both into the mix. Think about the colors you choose and the types of materials that are in the booth, including furniture choices. And having both feminine and masculine elements in your design will give a great balance and uniqueness to your booth.

A demo that is too easy or too complicated. This too is about balance, but more of a balance of time. The use of your demo is to engage and excite your attendee. If your demo is too easy, they could easily skip the demo or be done and out of the booth before you know it. A demo that is too complicated, on the other hand, can cause confusion or even frustration and leave the attendee with a bad experience from your booth. Have just enough elements in your demo so that there is a bit of thinking required and some good engagement for your attendee.

Staff that are too laid back or too eager. I saw both of these scenarios at the show. On one side, you may have staff who are sitting, looking at their cell phones and looking completely bored. On the other side, you may have staff who are almost on top of attendees as they pass by the booth, trying to get them in. You need to have staff be aware and alert, looking for opportunities for engagement, but without overpowering the attendee. This is about being aware of the attendee and the body language, versus either waiting for the attendee to ask for assistance or trying to get everyone in the booth. This is also where strong sales skills come into play, and why staff choices are so critical for the success of the booth.

Take these tips to get your booth experience just right.

Add new comment

Partner Voices

MANDALAY BAY: HERE, CONFERENCES ARE INVITING AND INNOVATIVE

One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here. New Wave Experiences Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024. Enhanced Technology Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space. Refreshing New Design & Fine Art The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights. Sustainable Spectacles Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles. The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.

Learn More