Mar 3
How to Plan a Successful Trade Show or Event
Maximise your Alberta trade show and event impact with expert tips on displays, event signage, branded apparel, giveaways and vehicle graphics.
Trade shows and business events offer Alberta companies a huge opportunity to connect with potential customers, showcase their products, and build brand recognition. But with hundreds of booths competing for attention, blending into the background isn’t an option.
Having the right trade show displays and event signage can make all the difference in drawing people to your booth, keeping them engaged, and leaving them with a strong impression of your brand. Whether you’re preparing for a major expo in Calgary, a business networking event in Edmonton, or a regional trade show in smaller communities like Lacombe or Ponoka, your booth setup plays a key role in making sure you stand out for all the right reasons.
Here’s how Alberta businesses can use custom trade show displays, event signage, and supporting elements to create a booth that attracts visitors and gets results.
Not all trade shows are the same, and the right display depends on where you’re exhibiting, the space available, and how you want to present your brand.
If you’re working with a smaller trade show space or attending a local business event, modular or portable displays offer a flexible, budget-friendly option.
Example: When participating in a trade show in a smaller community like Ponoka, Alberta, many businesses opt for tabletop displays and pull-up banners to create a professional setup without requiring a full booth. These compact solutions allow exhibitors to make an impact while maximizing limited space.
Pro Tip: If you exhibit at multiple events per year, investing in versatile trade show displays that can be
reconfigured for different spaces is a smart move.
For bigger industry expos and corporate trade shows, having a full-scale booth setup can make a stronger impact.
Example: When attending a larger trade show in a city like Edmonton or Calgary, businesses often use large custom trade show backdrops and overhead hanging displays to ensure visibility across the venue. With multiple booths competing for attention, these elevated elements help capture foot traffic and draw attendees in.
Pro Tip: Alberta weather can be unpredictable. If you’re setting up an outdoor event tent, make sure to invest in durable materials that can handle sudden wind and rain.
Even the best booth setup won’t get much attention if attendees don’t notice you. That’s where event signage comes in. The right signs help guide people to your booth and reinforce your branding before they even get there.
Many exhibitors overlook the importance of wayfinding signage at trade shows. Directional signs can:
Example: If exhibiting at a trade show in Lacombe, Alberta, using floor decals or portable directional signs can
help visitors navigate the venue and find your booth easily. In smaller venues, strategic placement of signage ensures your exhibit
doesn’t get overlooked.
Your booth should instantly communicate who you are and what you do. Well-placed banners, backdrops, and other custom signs help reinforce your brand and make your space more inviting.
Example: At a business expo in a mid-sized Alberta city like Red Deer, exhibitors often use branded trade show
backdrops and pull-up banners to create a uniform and professional display. These elements help keep branding consistent and ensure
visitors immediately recognize what each company offers.
Pro Tip: High-contrast colors and simple fonts make signage easier to read from across the room. Avoid overcrowding signs with too much text—stick to the essentials.
Just having good signage and a well-designed booth isn’t enough—you need a strategy to make sure people stop, engage, and remember your business.
From banners and backdrops to brochures and business cards, make sure everything in your booth follows a consistent brand theme.
Example: At a regional business trade show in southern Alberta, companies that use matching branding across all booth elements—backdrops, signage, and printed materials—tend to attract more engaged visitors. A cohesive look builds credibility and helps reinforce brand recognition.
Trade shows are valuable marketing opportunities, but they require the right setup and signage to be effective. Whether you're attending a large industry expo or a local business event, investing in high-quality trade show displays and event signage will make a lasting impression.
If you’re looking for custom trade show booths, event signage, banners, or portable signs, Strand360 is your trusted Alberta sign shop with the solutions to help your business stand out at any Alberta event.
Contact us today to discuss your signage and display needs!