How much does trade show booth design cost?

Design and graphics for a standard in-line booth typically run $5,000 to $20,000; custom builds with interactive content cost more. Floor space and shipping are usually the larger line items.

What actually draws traffic to a booth?

Motion and interaction. A working demo or interactive experience consistently outperforms static graphics, because it gives passers-by a low-commitment reason to stop.

When should booth design start?

Eight to twelve weeks before the show. Graphics production, shipping deadlines and interactive content development all need lead time.

Trade Show Booth Design | Master Flo OTC Case Study

The client

Master Flo is the leading producer of choke valves for the oil and gas industry.The company partnered with LA NPDT to create trade show exhibit designs to display its products.The setting of this exhibit was the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC).

To meet Master Flo’s needs, LA NPDT created the overall layout of the custom trade show exhibits.We were also responsible for the graphics, videos, and games which were featured there.

Several different projects have fallen under the umbrella of the booth’s overall design.A few examples included the video and games we created for the same conference.But the trade show design itself was another significant component of Master Flo’s presentation at the OTC.

Trade show design, Trade show exhibit design, Custom trade show exhibits, LA NPDT

The challenge

Our challenge was to create an inviting and engaging place that would attract visitors attending the conference.

This meant creating a trade show design that would fill the space well.The idea was that people would feel welcome and inclined to spend some time there.

At the same time, the design had to allow someone merely passing by the booth to quickly and easily gain an understanding of who Master Flo is and what it does.

Additionally, it was necessary for this trade show exhibit design to be unique and memorable.The desired result was that it would stand out among the many others that would be at the conference.

Our solution

To accomplish Master Flo’s goals, we started by creating a basic layout. To convey the first version of the layout we created a professional sketch. After that, we built a 3D CAD model of the future custom trade show exhibit before making the final materials that would be used in the booth. Once the design was approved we started to work on the production.

We accomplished Master Flo’s two-fold needs using their blue and yellow color scheme. We created distinct areas within the booth. The blue spaces were designated for welcoming visitors. In the yellow spaces, meanwhile, visitors could actively engage with educational materials watching a promo video or playing a selection of the video games we developed.

The result

Ultimately, the custom trade show design we created gave Master Flo a space to interact with their potential customers. In this space, it could also showcase the values that set them apart from their competitors.

Additionally, we provided an aesthetically appealing and attractive space that gave visitors an idea of the company the booth represented.

Finally, LA NPDT representatives attended the conference in person to help set up the booth. Additionally, we made sure that Master Flo maintained a positive presence throughout the event.

To discuss how our trade show booth design services could benefit your business schedule a free appointment here or just give our experts a call at 318-243-5789.

Trade show booth design at a glance

Scope	Booth concept, graphics, product displays, interactive content
Event	Offshore Technology Conference, large-format exhibit space
Deliverables	Layout renderings, print-ready graphics, screen content, on-site support
Typical timeline	10-16 weeks before the show

Booths lose because of the aisle, not the design

Attendees decide in a few steps whether to enter. Booths fail when the headline is unreadable at twenty feet, when there is nothing happening inside, or when staff have no reason to start a conversation. Layout and content have to solve those three problems before anything is printed.

What we designed for Master Flo

We planned traffic flow so visitors could enter without committing, placed hardware where it could be touched, and built interactive screen content that gave staff an opening line. Graphics were designed for long-distance legibility, and the same visual system carried into video, print and giveaways so the booth read as one message.

Frequently asked questions

Do you work with our exhibit builder?

Yes. We design the concept and graphics and supply print-ready files to whichever builder fabricates the structure.

Can you produce interactive content?

Yes — animations, product configurators and booth games are all in scope.

How early should booth design start?

Three to four months out, so graphics and interactive content clear production deadlines comfortably.

Footage of the Master Flo trade show booth and interactive experience in use.

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How a booth earns its floor cost

1. Design for the aisle, not the booth
Attendees see your booth at an angle, walking, from thirty feet. The headline must be legible from there. Detailed content belongs inside, where someone who stopped can absorb it.
2. Give people a reason to stop
Interactive content out-performs a printed banner in every hall. For Master Flo we built interactive experiences that gave staff a natural opening line instead of a cold approach.
3. Plan the traffic flow
Open corners pull people in; a table across the front is a wall. Layout decides how many conversations per hour the booth can physically support.
4. Build assets that outlive the show
Renderings, animation and interactive content produced for a booth should carry into the website and sales decks. A show budget that only produces show materials is spent once.

Booth engagement tactics

Tactic	Stops traffic	Reusable after show
Printed graphics	Some	No
Product demo	Strong	Yes
Interactive game or app	Strong	Yes
3D animation loop	Medium	Yes

New product marketing 3D animation and rendering

Master Flo OTC 2019: Trade Show Booth Design

Project at a glance

Trade show booth design at a glance

Booths lose because of the aisle, not the design

What we designed for Master Flo

Frequently asked questions

Do you work with our exhibit builder?

Can you produce interactive content?

How early should booth design start?

Capabilities used on this project

Concept design

How a booth earns its floor cost

1. Design for the aisle, not the booth

2. Give people a reason to stop

3. Plan the traffic flow

4. Build assets that outlive the show

Questions about this project

Master Flo Educational Video for OTC 2019

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