No business can allow themselves to become outdated. There is too much competition out there. Plus, shoppers are really becoming savvy as to “what’s in” when it comes to technology. If a Company doesn’t present themselves as being up to date and on par with their industry this is going to show through sales and conversions. One of the biggest mistakes a Company can make is to allow their tradeshow exhibit to become mundane and out of date.

Here are some red flags that should warn you that your Exhibit is due for a replacement:

1. You are using cardboard boxes draped in materials to display your products.
2. The manufacturer of your booth components went out of business ten years ago.
3. When those who are constructing your booth can’t find the instructions to do so on the internet.
4. Some of the materials that are used in the exhibit components have been taken off the market.
5. You are using silver duct tape to hold some of the legs of your stands together.
6. You have to lean your stand displays up against a wall because they have seen better days.
7. The newspapers that you are using as packing material are turning yellow with age.
8. Your competitors look at your shelving and comment on how their grandfather used to use shelving just like that.
9. You are just completing the setup of your booth when everyone else is in the tear down stage.
10. You have to hire a separate truck just to transport your booth components.

Don’t Short Change Your Presentation

There is nothing wrong with being frugal. Of course everyone wants to do their part and recycle. But, not when it comes to the representation of your business. The tradeshow plays a very important role in building your brand. If you brand appears outdated then the assumption that your products and services are going to be too.

Becoming Complacent is Dangerous

It is easy to become complacent about your exhibit. There are so many things to attend to when it comes to attending a tradeshow that appearances and functionality can get put on the back burner. It is easy to adopt the attitude that “if its not broken then why fix it”? The answer is because an outdated exhibit is broken in the sense that it is not able to serve its many functions. You are creating a visual picture with your booth setup. A picture is worth a thousand words they say, and the image you are creating for your brand is a negative one.

Prove it To Yourself

Next time you are at a tradeshow either as a guest or a participant take a look around at the various booth setups. Then do some comparisons. You will soon be able to identify quickly those that are outdated. Those that are up to date will immediately stand out. They will be recognized by their design, style, and components they are comprised of and the message they are sending. If you are not getting the same message from your exhibit then its time for a new one!