There are many exhibit houses that claim to build custom trade show exhibits, but in reality, they are little more than different graphics slapped on something cookie-cutter.  How do you know if what you’ve received is really a custom trade show exhibit and not a system or hybrid exhibit?  The following design elements are great indicators of a custom trade show exhibit:

A Custom Trade Show Exhibit Often Features Curves

A strong indicator of a custom trade show exhibit is curves in the design.  Curves aren’t a part of traditional system exhibits, and therefore require different cutting procedures and tools.  This means there has been customization performed that isn’t necessarily part of a standard trade show booth rental just sitting in storage. When there are curves in your design, you can rest assured it’s a custom trade show exhibit.

Unique Lighting is Often Featured in a Custom Trade Show Exhibit

Most of the trade show floor has exhibits with recessed or canned lighting.  However, a custom trade show exhibit often features different lighting features.  This could be the color spectrum used, the opacity, how it’s hung and incorporated into the design, or even the shape of the lights themselves.  Next time, look closely at the lighting on the trade show floor and you’ll be able to pick out a custom trade show exhibit immediately.

trade show display lighting

A Custom Trade Show Exhibit Often Has Props

Props are a strong indicator of customization.  Whether cut into interesting shapes by special machinery or those that involve movement, they are a strong indicator of a custom trade show exhibit.  These require a lot of complex planning to construct and work correctly on the trade show floor.  A lot of design, engineering, and construction work goes into these props to draw people’s attention to the custom trade show exhibit.  These aren’t standard to system or hybrid exhibits.  Props of this nature require a lot more planning and time spent to get it to the show floor in working order.

trade show budget custom exhibit Absolute Exhibits

Your Design Features Advanced Technology

Advanced technology such as touch screens in the shape of an iphone or nested in creative kiosks is a great indicator of a custom trade show exhibit.  This technology isn’t standard to every trade show exhibit design.  Nor are video walls, virtual reality simulators or gamification elements.  These are all custom trade show exhibit features that have been carefully thought out and planned according to the customer’s desired outcome.

branded trade show booth

A custom trade show exhibit is an excellent way to differentiate your brand on the trade show floor.  However, don’t let an exhibit house sell you a bill of goods that isn’t really custom.  Insert yourself into the design process and request elements that will make you stand out on the trade show floor.