When you sit down with your exhibit house or even a furniture rental catalogue, how do you rent your show furniture? If you expect clients to stay awhile in your exhibit space then you must select appropriate choices. However if you are doing a presentation area – for a ten minute demonstration – you want people listening and then up and out for your next group – so certainly a row of ottomans, benches, or less cumbersome chairs can be selected.

Private meeting rooms for V.I.P. clients should be tasteful, well lighted, with comfortable chairs. Glass tables on the show floor – bar height or meeting height look great, add to the spaciousness of the exhibit, and have handprints five minutes after opening the show. Take glass surface wiping sheets and hide them at your reception desk for quick smear proofing.

Lounge areas – chairs or sofas. Unless your exhibit has room to spare – lounge-style chairs have become the exhibitor’s choice with glass coffee tables. Again glass is great for roominess– but remember you cannot wait to clean until the show closes each day.

Coordinating your booth furniture by color and style adds to the underlying ambiance of your exhibit. Furnishings are an addition and should not distract from your products, service, or graphics. Simple, comfortable seating and meeting areas invite attendees to spend a little extra time with you, rather than a competitor. Try to add a small refrigerator with one or two cases of water to offer to clients – you are building long term relationships with your thoughtfulness and hospitality.