Max Impact, Min Cost: How to Excel on the Aerospace Showfloor for SMBs

TradeShow Tips for Small to Mediums Aerospace Businesses

Trade shows are essential platforms for aerospace and defense (A&D) companies to showcase their capabilities, network with potential clients, and stay ahead of industry trends. However, for smaller organizations with limited resources, the prospect of attending a trade show can be challenging. This guide offers practical advice for maximizing your return on investment (ROI) from smaller exhibit spaces.

Setting Your Goals and Selecting the Right Show

Before diving into logistics, define your trade show objectives. Are you aiming to generate leads, build brand awareness, or launch a new product? Once you have a clear goal, research and select trade shows that align with your target audience. Consider factors such as attendance, exhibitor profile, and the overall show’s reputation when making your decision.

Maximizing Your Small Booth Space: Choosing the Right Exhibit Format

Selecting the appropriate exhibit format is crucial for maximizing your booth’s impact. Two popular options for smaller spaces include:

• Backwall Pop-up Displays: These self-contained units provide a complete backdrop for your exhibit, and can include options for integrated lighting, shelves and A/V displays. They offer a professional and polished look but may be less versatile.
  

• Banner Stands: These individual displays offer greater flexibility and can be configured in various arrangements to suit different smaller booth sizes. They are ideal for those who may not want to incur the costs of shipping as often they come with a travel bag you can pop over your shoulder and check as baggage on your flight.

Pro tip: consider fabric options for Backwall Pop-Up displays as they can be lighter to ship and easier to manipulate. You can also often change out those graphics for less cost than a standard structured exhibit.

Consider your company’s branding, the type of products or services you’re showcasing, and the overall message you want to convey when deciding between these two options.

Top Suppliers for Exhibit Materials

To help you get started, we’ve compiled a quick list of reputable suppliers that we’ve used that are known for their quality products and services:

1. Displays2Go: affordable, and ready-to-ship displays & signage solutions
2. 4imprint: known for their promotional products and various options for signage and displays.

Please note that these are recommendations based on our own experience. We recommend conducting thorough research to find suppliers that best meet your specific needs and budget.

Design Tips for Maximum Impact

To ensure your exhibit stands out and effectively communicates your message, consider the following design tips:

• Maintain Eye Level: Keep your most important visuals and information at eye level to maximize visibility.
• Less is More: Avoid overcrowding your booth with too much text or imagery. Focus on a clear and concise message.
• Capture Attention: Use striking visuals, engaging displays, and interactive elements to draw attendees in.

Remember, less is often more. Focus on a clear and concise message, and use high-quality visuals to capture attention. Need additional guidance, or still feeling unsure and overwhelmed? Call us, or email AERPOWER to plan your next convention.