Thinking Big? What to Know Before Starting a Large Exhibit Project

Creating a larger, more impactful exhibit is an exciting step for any brand—and it’s also a complex one. Whether you’re launching a new product, elevating your brand presence, or expanding into new markets, your trade show booth is often the centerpiece of your event strategy.

Before diving into design, fabrication, and logistics, there are several factors to consider that will help set your project up for success. At Big 'Ole Bulldog Creative, our Exhibit Design Discovery process helps clients think through the most critical elements early on:

1. Know Your Brand, Know Your Story: Your exhibit should tell a compelling story. To do that, you need to have a solid grasp of:

• Your company’s identity: What sets you apart from your competitors? What are your core values and specialties?
• Your history and highlights: Milestones, achievements, or key industry moments can inspire your booth’s narrative.
• Your audience: Who are you trying to attract, and what do they need to know about you?

2. Understand the Competitive Landscape: Who else will be on the show floor—and how will your presence compare? Ask yourself:

• Who are your major competitors, and how are they positioning themselves?
• Why do customers choose your company over theirs?
• What can you do visually and experientially to stand out?

Knowing your competitive context allows for more strategic design choices and messaging.

3. Set a Budget (and Be Honest About It): Budgeting isn’t just about how much you want to spend—it’s about aligning your goals with reality. Start by thinking about:

• Purchase vs. rental: Do you want to own your booth or lease it per show?
• Installation & dismantle: Will you need professional labor or union support?
• Shipping & logistics: Where’s your event located? Will you need cross-country transport?
• Ongoing management: Do you want a partner who can store and maintain your exhibit assets?

The earlier you define your budget range, the easier it is to make smart design decisions without sacrificing impact.

4. Provide Reference Materials: Design teams thrive when they have visual inspiration and accurate brand assets. Helpful materials include:

• Photos of past exhibits or design styles you like.
• Your logo and brand guidelines.
• Show regulations specific to your space, like height restrictions or rigging limitations.

The more context we have, the better we can design an exhibit that feels like a seamless extension of your brand.

5. Clarify Functional Needs: What do you need the space to do? Think beyond aesthetics. Some key questions:

• Will you be demoing products or running interactive workstations?
• Do you need monitors, counters, or custom display cases?
• Will you have private or semi-private meeting rooms?
• How much storage do you need for samples, swag, or literature?

These functional needs drive the floorplan and layout, so it’s important to think through them from the start.

6. Consider Flexibility: If you plan to exhibit at multiple shows with different booth sizes (e.g., a 20x20 at one show and a 10x20 at another), you’ll want a reconfigurable design. Modular systems can help you get more value out of your investment while staying consistent with your brand look.

7. Think Beyond the Booth: Don't forget about services that happen outside the structure itself:

• Showbook preparation
• AV rentals and coordination
• Asset management between shows

Partnering with a full-service team makes navigating the moving parts much easier and lets you focus on strategy and engagement.

Final Thoughts

Starting a large exhibit project doesn’t need to be overwhelming—it just needs to be well thought out. A collaborative discovery process helps ensure that your exhibit is not only beautiful but purposeful, practical, and aligned with your goals.

If you're planning your next big exhibit, let’s talk. Our team at Big 'Ole Bulldog Creative is here to guide you every step of the way—from brainstorming and budgeting to build and beyond. Schedule a Consultation with us to start your journey to trade show success.

Note: All Trade Show Display images are examples of products we offer.