Exhibiting at trade shows and expos is an opportunity to showcase your business to a highly targeted audience. However, it takes more than just showing up with a stand.
The key to making an impact in 2025 is preparation. Early planning, the right exhibition displays and a cohesive design make all the difference.
Here’s how to prepare your exhibition displays for the upcoming events season.
Early planning is essential
The sooner you plan, the more time you’ll have to refine your design, ensure everything is ready and avoid last-minute stress. Many businesses overlook this step and rush into it only weeks before the event. But waiting too long inevitably leads to poor choices and rushed execution.
For 2025 events, we suggest finalising your display design and ordering your materials six to eight weeks before your first show. This allows plenty of time for any adjustments or unforeseen delays. We recommend partnering with a trusted sign production company (like City Signs) to ensure a more reliable timeline and the confidence that your displays will arrive on time.
Understanding your display options
Want to stand out at any exhibition?
Choose the right display materials to match the industry, theme and occasion.
At City Signs, we provide various exhibition display options to suit different budgets and event objectives:
- Portable banners and pop-ups are your all-rounders. They’re easy to set up, cost-effective and great for businesses that need flexibility. The vibrant graphics and sturdy frames work well in almost any scenario.
- Bespoke exhibition stands bring more space to the table. As a result, they have a more polished final look. They’re a fantastic option if you’re aiming for a more significant impact. These displays work well for large events. You can also configure them to suit different booth sizes.
- Stretched fabric displays allow you to design a display tailored to your brand and target audience. They’re brilliant for businesses with specific branding needs or those seeking something unique.
Creating a cohesive look
Maintain a cohesive look if you use multiple display elements, such as banners, posters and stands. Your brand’s colours, logo and messaging should be consistent across all display materials. Working with a professional design team is the best way to ensure your display elements work together to communicate your brand’s story through visuals.
Think about how different elements will interact in your exhibition space.
For example, if you’re using both a banner and a large stand, they should complement each other. If you aren’t careful, you’ll find that they compete against each other for attention.
Design considerations and timing
The graphic design should capture attention immediately and communicate your business values without overwhelming your audience. High-quality graphics play a huge role in creating a strong first impression, so budget for quality design work, especially for larger prints.
When considering your graphics, think about sizing. A display that’s too small is likely to get lost in the sea of other exhibitors, while one that’s too large may overwhelm the space. Our design team at City Signs is here to ensure everything is appropriately sized and placed for maximum impact.
When budgeting, account for your design, production and delivery costs. Some of these costs might not seem obvious, but, for example, shipping costs add up, especially if the event location is far away. Take the time to plan all this so you have a good idea of the event’s financial impact and potential ROI.
Lead times are also important. For basic banners and pop-ups, allow two or three weeks for production. For custom displays, you may need four to six weeks to finalise everything. That’s why early planning (mentioned above) is so critical.
Storing and maintaining your display
After your exhibition, don’t just pack everything away and forget about it. This risks damage from general wear and tear and neglect. Your display materials need proper care to remain in top condition for future events. Here are a few tips for storing and maintaining your displays:
- Keep materials clean and dry – store your displays in a cool, dry place to avoid wear and tear. Moisture and dirt could cause fading or damage over time.
- Use protective covers – use covers to keep pop-up stands or components safe during transport and storage.
- Regular checks – before each event, check that your displays are in working order – and clean. This includes all frames, banners, and graphics.
We understand how tempting it might be to relax after the event finishes and throw your exhibition displays into the storage cupboard. But, by keeping your display in good condition, you’ll save money on replacements and retain that polished look every time you exhibit.
Create your 2025 exhibition with City Signs
Exhibition displays are part of your brand’s experience at every event. Planning early, choosing the right materials, budgeting for quality graphics and maintaining your displays are just a few simple steps to help your business stand out in 2025.
If you’re ready to start preparing for the upcoming event season, get in touch with City Signs today. With over 60 years of experience and a team dedicated to making your exhibition a success, we’re here to help you create the perfect display. Reach out to one of our friendly experts to get your project started now.