How to create an eye-catching trade stand at your next show

a large corporate marquee at a trade show or exhibition used to showcase a brand

Expert insight into trade stand marquees

Field and Lawn are experts in event marquees, supplying to shows, expos, festivals, corporate gatherings and many more events across the UK. But when it comes to trade shows, we know that you are looking for high-end, quality solutions to promote your brand in the best way, while balancing your event budget. 

Our extensive range of marquees offer complete flexibility so whether you have a clear vision or are still shaping your trade show plans for the year, our team will help you design a marquee solution that will leave a lasting impression on your audience. But, how can you maximise the return on your investment, when it comes to designing the “best in show” trade stand marquee? Let’s explore some options…

a bespoke clearspan marquee designed for attention at a recent trade show
A large custom branded marquee used by a corporate clienet at a trade show

What size trade stand do you need?

Before we get into the detail, you probably need to know what size marquee you need. The size of your marquee is generally governed by how big your pitch is.  One of the most important parts of your trade show marquee provision is making sure you choose a structure with the appropriate capacity for your expected number of guests. At shows, the number of people inside your marquee can vary over the course of the day so it is best practice to allow for some contingency as you don’t want to be turning people away if your space is nearing capacity!

We have a large variety of marquees suitable for events of all sizes and our team will work with you to calculate the space and size of your marquee to meet all your requirements. 

Our marquees are all modular and extendable so we can supply everything from small 3x3m conical marquees and pagodas, up to expansive, “exhibition style” clearspan marquees in any configurations or long rows of trade stands up to 100m+ long! No matter your pitch size, we can configure a marquee to suit it!

how to make your Marquee trade stand catch the eye

a merchandise stand at an outdoor event

Although they are classed as temporary structures, pop-up trade stand marquees offer a unique opportunity to make a lasting brand impression. Done well, they create an inviting space for visitors and a retail-focussed environment that converts browsing into buying and contacts into meaningful conversations.

We are seasoned professionals when it comes to helping brands make impact with their trade stand marquees. Pitches at shows are expensive and can cost upward of £30,000 for prime locations. That’s why it’s important to make sure you specify the best marquee possible and make it work hard for your brand. 

So, let’s get into it! Here is a practical, brand-and-customer focused guide to designing a marquee trade stand that looks premium, feels welcoming, and performs well commercially. Whether you’re adding overflow retail space, launching a product, or running a full experiential activation at a show, here is what you need to know.

 

three ways to make your pop-up marquee stand out and
pull in the crowds

Win from a distance with “high-level” branding:

  • Add a banner rail sign (fascia board, hanging banner or even custom printed PVC) so your brand and offer is readable over the crowd, at a distance.

Create a bold entrance that feels inviting:

  • Create an open entrance with an frame, or branded portal to invite your audience onto your stand. We also offer the option to add high quality doors to your trade-stand marquee to make it look professional and inviting. Alternativley, you can leave the front open to allow for visitors to flow easily into and out of your stand.
  • Put a hero display or live demo right at the threshold to capture attention and help people instantly understand what’s happening.
  • Add clear signage cues such as “Try it here”, “Shop now” or “Watch demo” to reduce hesitation and increase walk-ins. We think this example from the Big Feastival is a great example. It’s not just any trade stand, it’s a…

Use a feature to stop people in their tracks

  • Add one “wow” element such as an oversized product prop, illuminated feature, or photo-ready backdrop that people naturally gather around. Crowds attract crowds!

Why do marquee trade stands work so well

A marquee stand can deliver three things traditional shell-scheme booths often struggle with:

  • Presence: height, shape, and external branding opportunities
  • Control: you can manage lighting, entry points, product zones and the entire specification and internal fit out
  • Experience: you’re able to create a custom experience, in your own dedicated space

That’s why the most successful exhibition pop-ups feel less like stalls and more like miniature brand worlds. If you’re looking to improve the commercial reach of your marquees, our insight on designing a temporary retail space will be helpful.

More options to customise your stand or exhibition space

Our trade show structures are fully customisable with a range of add-ons and finishes that promise to create a high-end, functional space. Choose from a catalogue of interior finishes to design your trade stand marquee from the ground up including ABS, glass or PVC window walling to connect your stand to the outdoors and allow people great views inside and out. If you are going for a premium finish, a wide range of flooring and carpets, linings and partitions, furniture, staging, lighting and illumination can really enhance your space. 

We can also offer a complete range of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and event power solutions, meaning we can provide everything you need to create a welcoming and comfortable environment to meet with clients and prospects.

people networking at a trade show inside a corporate marquee
fully carpeted trade stand used for retail at an outdoor show

How to keep the cost of your trade stand down

Some shows and exhibitions will have a preferred marquee supplier, you may not be obliged to use them though! To keep your marquee hire costs down, our top tip is to find a marquee company that is already providing marquees at the show or event.  This means they will already be transporting equipment to the show and will have build crews on-site.  This will minimise transport costs if loads can be shared. 

Where can you find Field and Lawn this Summer?

Keep an eye on our social media channels to see where you can find us over the coming months! So far, our diary includes events such as Cheshire Show, Southport Flower Show, the Royal Highland Show and the Big Feastival. With many more shows added to our diary, it’s best to contact your local branch to see if we can help you with your show marquee requirements while we are on-site.

WEATHER PROTECTION

I final but important consideration is weather. As shows often stretch over several days, it’s important to consider the weather and some marquee solutions stand up better to adverse weather than others. This article explains the different marquee types and how the perform in different conditions so you can choose the most reliable and suitable option for your outdoor trade stand structure.

In summary, clearspan marquees are one of the most durable and highly rated temporary structures, as they hold a higher wind rating compared to other types of marquees such as traditional pole and rope marquees or stretch tents thanks to their robust aluminium frames, making them ideal for longer-length trade shows or even semi-permanent installations. 

Corporate events, covered

bespoke marquee branding for a trade show marquee

Trade show marquee experts

Field and Lawn are a national marquee supplier with 40 years’ experience in delivering exceptional marquees for a range of events including trade shows, festivals, concerts, and corporate events across the UK. Our expert Project Managers will work with you to design, plan, and deliver the right marquees or temporary structures to support your event, making it safe, professional and seamless.

Plan Your Next TRADE SHOW MARQUEE With an Expert Team

Our expert team are ready and waiting to discuss your event and work with you to design a robust, practical and effective solution. Get in touch to discuss your requirements.