As you set up your trade show exhibit, we want to be available to facilitate the process however we can. One of the most universally ambiguous issues users encounter when setting up a trade show exhibit is when they should use fire-retardant drapery. Industry standards aren’t widely known amongst users, and we want to help make it more evident for you what fire-retardant drapery is, and when it should be used.

               Fire-retardant (aka flame-retardant) drapery is defined by the National Fire Protection Association as fabric that been topically treated in an immersion process with a chemical fire retardant after the fabric has been woven. All cottons and other natural fibers certified as flame retardant are flame-retardant (FR) topically treated. Some synthetic fabrics are also topically treated. Because the treatment is topical, it will wear out in time, and repeated cleanings will cause the flame retardancy to dissolve sooner. Most flameproofing chemicals are water soluble and will also dissipate through dry cleaning. Draperies made from FR fabrics should be re-tested periodically for flame retardancy, as retreatment may be required. For this reason, “FR” flame retardancy is certified for only one year.

               Although there is a nationwide definition, there is, unfortunately, less widespread regulation enforcing what materials are fire retardant and which are not. There are, however, individual ways that users can ensure that the drapery they purchase is, indeed, flame-retardant. The best technique is to work closely with our team as you make your purchase. We will gladly help guide you in terms of whether or not we adhere to NFPA standards and our general flame-retardancy process. Another important tip is to consider where your trade show will take place, i.e. where you’ll be setting up the drapery. If the show is at a school, the district may have more information about fire-redardancy regulations. If the show is at a public venue, the venue might have more information about their specific regulations. The best tip for determining whether or not your drapery meets the flame-retardancy standards of your trade show circuit is to allow yourself plenty of time for research and correspondence with us as your provider and the venues.

Black and Blue Single Booth.

If you are going to be exhibiting at a tradeshow or craft show, you will need to make a decision about the size and type of a booth you will buy. Companies that are organizing or hosting an exhibition will offer you the option to buy various types of pipe and drape booths. Depending on your budget, the nature of your display, and your marketing goals, you may choose to a small standard booth, or a larger, more elaborate display space.

These are the most common types of booths that will be offered by companies or organizations that sell floor space at a trade shows and exhibitions.

Standard Linear Booth
A standard linear booth (also known as an “In-Line” booth) is a typical 10-foot wide x 10- foot deep exhibit pipe and drape booth which will share a common back wall or sidewall (or both) with other similar booths. The “front” of the booth is open to the aisle. Generally, the back walls of Standard Linear booths are 8 feet in height.

Perimeter Booth
Perimeter booths are standard 10-foot x 10-foot booths which are located against a wall of an exhibit facility. Thus, because the back of the booth is not being shared with another exhibitor’s booth, the back wall can be higher, and back walls are typically 12-feet high for Perimeter booths.

Peninsula Booth
A Peninsula booth is open on three sides and shares a common wall with two other linear booths. These booths are 20-foot x 20-foot or larger. According to the Golf Industry Show website, Peninsula booths are comprised of a minimum of four standard unit booths, and are placed so that they face towards a cross aisle.

Split Island Booth
A Split Island booth is a Peninsula booth that shares a common back wall with another Peninsula booth. These booths can have a height of 16 feet.

Island Booth
An Island booth is exposed to aisles on all four sides and is sized at 20-foot x 20-foot or larger.

You may also be given options for the exact location of your booth. Consider where the highest traffic areas on the show floor are likely to be in order to maximize your visibility.

The amount of “floor space” you can buy and utilize at a trade show is dependent on your marketing budget, plus the availability of space the organizer chooses to offer to any given exhibitor. The maximum height of your exhibit depends on the type of booth you contract for.

Whether you are cooking, choosing what to wear, or studying for an exam, preparation is a key element for success.

Likewise, when you’re responsible for setting up or staffing a booth at a trade show, make sure you take time for preparation and pre-planning. Here are some things to consider in advance of your exhibiting activities.

Know the Show
All tradeshows are different. Do research on your show’s rules and regulations. Find out who the other exhibitors are. Most importantly, learn as much as possible about the show’s audience. How many people have attended the show in the past? Is any demographic information available? Knowing the size and nature of the audience helps you plan the type and amount of sales/marketing materials you will need for your booth.

Booth Size and Location
When you contract for exhibit space, you will know the size and location of your booth well in advance of the show. Again, optimize your booth fixtures and hand-out materials for the size of your space. Learn where electrical outlets are, so that you can inform show management of any possible needs for electrical cords or power.

Your Materials
Plan the physical materials you need for your booth. Make sure you have necessary tables, tablecloths, chairs, lighting, signage, credit card equipment, and electrical cords. Also plan for and bring sufficient promotional materials, including giveaway items, business cards, brochures, newsletters, etc.

Appearance
Plan your booth for maximum attractiveness and visual impact. Make sure your signs and fixtures have a professional look. Make sure important items will be placed in the sight-lines of attendees. Avoid any set up which may be seen as “clutter” by show attendees.

Preparation comes before success – in the dictionary, as well as in the business world. If you take time to do proper research and pre-planning before you exhibit, it will go a long way to ensuring a successful trade show experience.

The tradeshow is about to open and you’ll soon come face-to-face with potential customers. Here are some techniques for successfully selling your products, or presenting a positive impression of your company, at tradeshows.

Know Your Product
Be fully prepared to answer any and all questions about your product. A demonstration of expertise will impress potential customers, and they will find your ability to answer their questions reassuring.

Know The Customer
Try to get inside the customer’s head. Think about how your product or service might appeal to that particular customer. Showing empathy and understanding of the customer’s needs can create an emotional attachment between you and the customer. You can also recognize unconscious signals the customer may be sending out. For example, if someone is walking slowly past your booth while continuing to look, it could signal that they are weighing their options regarding your product. This is an ideal time time to approach them to ask if they have any questions.

Employ Persuasion
Your purpose is to sell your product, so use persuasive language to engage your potential customers, and draw them in to a conversation. Be persistent, but not to the point where you will be perceived as a nagging salesperson.

Be Conscious About Your Appearance
Appearance matters. Make sure your wardrobe is neat and clean. Dress as if you are giving a presentation – because that’s exactly what you’re doing. According to Selfesteem.org, clothing is a form of non-verbal communication, and employees who are dressed professionally convey trustworthiness.

Your knowledge, your persuasive skills, and your ability to gain insight into the mindset of the attendees at the tradeshow at which you are exhibiting will be key factors in your success.