Moving Your Exhibit Up Instead of Out

Trade show floor space is the real estate market of the exhibitor space. Like the actual real estate and housing market, expanding outward is often the more costly option. But when you still need to go bigger, the only way is up!

Two-story exhibits or double deck designs, not only carry a strong wow factor at a trade show, but they can also offer a private area for negotiations and networking that could set you apart from the competition.

Cost Considerations

Every exhibit is initially designed with a specific amount of cubic content. This accounts for the space from the ground to the top of the display and the distance between each side. Once your space is set, there's no opportunity for outward expansion.

You should plan to take advantage of your showroom floor real estate by using as many square inches of your design as possible. Some local restrictions may prohibit a second story exhibit so make sure you investigate their specifications before completing your design.

The Numbers

To expand outward, the average cost is roughly $150 to $225 per square foot. While going up often will cost the same or close for a custom-designed unit, the difference is you always have the choice.

The opportunity to expand your exhibit footprint dries up as the event fills and vendors claim their spaces. But building up your exhibit up should still be possible. Another choice is to rent a deck and create your custom displays to suit the existing platform, which could save some of your budgets.

Trade Show Floor Impact

Making a significant impact with your booth is always the goal when designing your exhibit. You want to create a visual impression and create a memorable experience. Tall booths that exceed the thirty-foot mark achieve a certain level of prestige with hanging signage and techy displays.

But suspending signs can take a huge dent out of your budget with rigging and labor costs. There's no question that you need people to spot and recognize your booth from a distance and for that, there's a better way!

Double-decker booths enhance this impact and multiply it by ten! You can arrange for added seating, tables, and refreshments, as well as a boost in square feet for signage and displays. These exhibits advance a sense of security and exclusivity and give a commanding presence to any trade show floor by creating a beacon that attracts prospects to your space.

Private VIP Access

Speaking of exclusivity, just picture this. You've been warming up an existing lead and you've made arrangements to meet up at the trade show. They finally arrive and you welcome them to your exclusive, VIP, private area where you have their full attention with no distractions.

What kind of impression do you think this would make?

Put together a small session for a handful of people and grant access only to qualifying leads. There could be refreshments, comfortable seating, digital presentations, or your own coffee cart upstairs. This is all about making a strong and memorable impression.

Two Experiences in One Booth

A staircase will allow you to monitor and restrict access, creating an entirely different feel on the upper level. Use the added space to separate pricey or adult-oriented content from mass exposure.

Are you launching a new product? Keep your prototypes and demonstrations sequestered away upstairs and away from prying eyes.

Double deck displays can focus on creating a more extensive customer experience. It's much easier to sell your product when you've already sold them on yourself and how you treat your clients.

Other Double Deck Considerations

When tallying the overall cost, as with any booth design, there may be a spike in shipping and handling for the added materials involved. Expect higher installation fees as well as power requirements for the second level.

The design itself will also require a more strategic approach to account for where the power lines will run to ensure they can be hidden away. The good news is, with a second floor, you may have the opportunity to add storage.

You cannot approach a double deck configuration without taking into consideration what the Americans with Disabilities Act requires. The same general information offered upstairs must also be accessible to anyone downstairs. Thoroughly review ADA guidelines before finishing your design.

It may be more cost-effective to rent a modular or kit-style double deck exhibit, rather than building a custom design. Standard configurations should still accommodate how you want to use your second story but will not offer the same flexibility a custom exhibit offers.

Unsure About Moving Your Exhibit Up Instead of Out?

Not to worry! The Exhib-It team has years of experience in designing exactly what our trade show clients need. From pre-engineered kits to exciting out-of-the-box solutions, let's design what works for you!