You don’t need a massive footprint to make a memorable impression at a trade show. With smart planning and creative design, even a 10x10 or 20x20 booth can stand out and spark meaningful engagement. In this article, we’ll share practical tips and best practices to help you transform compact spaces into powerful brand experiences that catch the eye and leave a lasting impact.
Let’s explore how to make every square foot count.
Key Factors to Consider When Designing Your Booth
As you begin designing your booth, it's essential to consider several important factors that can make your space more effective and engaging for attendees.
Booth Type & Location
Where your booth is placed—and how many sides are exposed to foot traffic—can significantly affect visibility.
- More exposed sides = more engagement opportunities.
Choose a booth type that aligns with your goals and gives you the best chance to connect with attendees.
Functional Requirements
Think about what you want to do in your booth.
- Product demos?
- One-on-one meetings?
- Interactive experiences or giveaways?
Your layout should support these activities. For example:
- A cozy seating area for conversations
- Shelving for product displays
- A prize wheel or VR station to draw in crowds
Primary Objective
Your booth’s purpose should guide its design.
- Lead generation? Create an inviting space with a reception counter and friendly staff.
- Product launch? Highlight features with demo stations and bold visuals.
- Brand awareness? Use consistent branding, vibrant graphics, and engaging media to leave a lasting impression.
Trade Show Booths: Different Types
| Booth Type |
Description |
| Inline Booth |
One side exposed to traffic. Simple and streamlined—great for focused messaging. |
| Corner Booth |
Two sides exposed. Increased visibility and flow for attendees. |
| Peninsula Booth |
Three sides exposed. Ideal for showcasing multiple products or activities. |
| Island Booth |
All four sides exposed. Maximum visibility and flexibility for layout. |
Once you’ve selected your booth type, it’s time to decide between rental and portable display options.
Rental vs. Portable Exhibit Displays
Rental Displays
Perfect for exhibitors who want a turnkey solution.
- Setup and teardown handled for you
- No shipping or material handling costs
- Ideal for one-off or occasional shows
Portable Displays
Great for exhibitors who attend multiple shows and want full control.
- You own the booth and graphics
- Responsible for shipping, setup, and teardown
- Cost-effective over time if reused frequently
Must-Have Functional Requirements
Here are the essentials to include in your booth setup:
- Reception Counter – Greet visitors, collect leads, and answer questions
- Meeting Area – Tables and chairs for deeper conversations
- Product Displays – Shelves and tables to showcase offerings
- Custom Graphics – Bold visuals that reinforce your brand
- Video Displays – TVs or monitors for demos, testimonials, or storytelling
While all of the above might seem like a lot to consider, designing an attractive and functional booth display doesn't have to be a daunting task. By considering the factors we've discussed in this guide, you'll be well on your way to creating a small booth that attracts eager attention from your customers and maximizes your next trade show opportunity.
Focused on Exhibitor Success
Helping exhibitors succeed is our top priority. Download our Exhibitor Budget Worksheet and continue exploring the Exhibitor Roadmap for more planning tools and expert tips.
If you're exhibiting at a GES show, click here to find your show and explore:
- GES Exhibit Flooring+ – Discount flooring packages
- GES Exhibit Furnishings+ – Discount furniture packages
- Exhibit Systems+ – Turnkey booth rentals with custom fabric graphics