Table top trade show displays can pack a punch despite their small size. Here's how to create a mini exhibit that does the job of a much larger one

A good graphic message is the answer for powerful mini booths. And on a small exhibit, the key to effective graphics is to keep them brief and simple. They need to accomplish two goals:

1. Catch the attention and interest of likely customers.

2. Tell or enhance the story you're communicating about your product or service.

Working with the mini-size space of table top trade show displays presents an interesting challenge for your graphic message. The best approach is to emphasize one strong point. If you try to cover any more ground than that, you'll need a larger exhibit to express your message.

Plan your entire exhibit and presentation around communicating that one statement, and you'll create a powerful mini-booth for your business.

If possible, use a picture to communicate the message. That may seem challenging, but it's worth spending the effort and time to come up with the most intense visual image possible to convey the point you want to make. Pictures speak louder than words, especially in a crowded exhibit hall with signs everywhere.

Hiring a professional to create this image for you may be a worthwhile investment that will pay for itself many times over.

Don't waste precious space in table top trade show displays with a big image of your company's logo. Your purpose is to convey your one strong point to passersby; your logo can be on other items in your booth - such as your table skirt, literature, business cards, etc.

A table top trade show display can serve several purposes at once.

It can hold literature, attract visitors with signs and product photos, hold your booth's lighting, and more.

Make a list of the things you want your exhibit to accomplish.

Now do some research on booth components that are on the market, and decide which of the available features will address the needs of your table top display.

Portability is one of the features that makes table top displays so popular. They are usually designed to fold or roll up and fit inside a small portfolio, case, or rigid tube. They take little space to store are easy and inexpensive to ship. Many come with their own case that's designed for easy shipping.

Ease of setting up and taking down the display is another feature to consider. Table top exhibits can usually be both set up and packed away quickly by one person, without the use of tools.

Versatility is another advantageous feature. A table top trade show display that can have parts added or removed easily can be used often, and in more ways than one that can't be modified. Parts you may want to add include literature pockets, a sign holder, and presentation panels.

Velcro (R) coverings are also helpful, for easy application of graphics and headers to your exhibit.

The ability to add lights to your table top trade show display is also important. Good lighting makes a good impression, and it sells products.

Angled panels make graphics more visible on table top displays

Be careful to get any lettering in your graphic just the right size. Too-big lettering will take up space and overshadow the graphic image, reducing its impact; too-small lettering won't be read.

Although your exhibit is small, be sure to light it adequately. Without light, exhibits die in an expo hall.

Consider your color scheme carefully. Color can communicate a message as well as pictures and words.

Although table top trade show displays present a challenge because of their mini size, a well-thought-out graphic of a single powerful message can make them as effective as a much larger booth.