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Setup specifications for small trade show displays

Ideal setup specs for 10- and 20-foot spaces. So you’ve decided to conduct a presentation in your 10-foot booth. Now you’re wondering how you’ll fit a stage, sound system and special lighting in a space the size of a large closet (and still have room for the audience)? Here are some practical setup guidelines:

1. Stage. You don’t need (or want) a raised stage in a 10- or 20-foot booth. A raised platform creates an imaginary "distance" between the presenter and the audience. Strive for a more intimate setting - appropriate to your small booth. Of course, you want to create an official "stage area" in the booth. But this can be accomplished by simply using a different color of carpet in the area designated for the presenter to stand. You should still set out chairs - to encourage visitors to "stay awhile." The chairs also signal to passers-by that you have a presentation in your booth.

2. Sound system. In a 10-foot booth, the surrounding noise can be a big distraction. Your presenter must be amplified if you want to hold your audience’s attention. Your sound system should include:

Wired headset microphone. With a headset microphone, the presenter doesn’t have to worry about holding anything. Also, a headset microphone only picks up the presenter’s voice. Avoid using a lapel microphone, which can "lose" sound when the presenter turns his or her head, or a lavaliere microphone (the kind worn around your neck), which literally picks up every movement the presenter makes. A wired headset microphone won’t be affected by other wireless systems on the show floor. Finally, a wired microphone is more affordable than a wireless. Let’s face it, your presenter isn’t going anywhere in a 10-foot booth, so the wire won’t even be noticed.

Speaker/amp combination. If you explain to any good sound company that you want a speaker/amp combination, they’ll know you’re talking about a very basic sound system. The speaker should be as small as possible. Remember, you only need to project to the end of your booth. The cost for this type of sound system will vary, but the rental price should be no more than $350 per week.

3. Lighting. Nothing sets your presentation apart more easily and affordably than lighting. Yet, most small exhibitors forget this critical element. You can install a 500- watt quartz light from the ceiling of your booth for about $100. You can also use a portable truss system to hang smaller, more focused lights.

4. Multimedia. Today’s sophisticated audiences "want their MTV." Graphics panels can be used as a backdrop to help tell a narrated product story. But they will not hold the audience’s attention like a dynamic multimedia presentation. Use a combination of visually compelling graphics (they draw people from a distance and during breaks in the presentation) and multimedia. A 25-inch monitor will do the trick in a 10- or 20- foot booth.

The secret to affordable multimedia is making the most of what you already have. You can "create your own" multimedia presentations on computer - if you have the proper equipment. Collect as many collateral materials as possible (ads, brochures, logos, existing video footage). Integrate them into a computer file that allows you to manipulate and edit the visuals. If you’re not capable of doing this, any video producer can create a computer template for you for under $3,000. (Keep in mind, this is very basic stuff.) Some tips for creating your own multimedia presentations:

• Images should change every two to three seconds.
• Copy should match what the presenter is saying; otherwise you’ll confuse your
• audience.
• Use only the best quality visuals, even if that means using fewer visuals.

Multimedia can be complex. When in self-doubt about your abilities to create a multimedia presentation, you are better off paying a professional to do it.

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