How to Plan a Convention Display

Often, the best way to get noticed, get exposure and get readers is to actually put yourself in the path of those who are looking for your brand of entertainment. Applying for a table at the next comics convention and showing up with a few books and fliers isn't enough. In order to catch a convention-goer's eye you need an attractive display that will help you stand out from all the other tables in the room. These basics will work no matter what size your booth or the type of product you are selling.

Instructions

1

Know how much space you have to work with. A table is different from a booth, but only in how you arrange your elements. The important things to know are how big your table (or part of one) will be and whether you have additional floor space for traffic flow or just enough for your chair.

2

Identify yourself with eye-catching signs and banners. Order at least two banners: one to hang from the front of your table and one to hang or stand behind you. Whether it hangs from posts above your head at the back of the booth or has its own stand, just make sure it's at or just above eye-level. If money is tight, but skill and time are available, consider painting your own banners directly onto a piece of canvas.

3

Drape the table in a colorful cloth. As most cons are held in hotels or convention centers it's usual to have each table covered and skirted to provide a professional, if uniform look. In order to attract a buyer's eye you must stand out from the crowd, and a simple cloth, plain or patterned, will help do that as well as theme your few square feet of space. A separate cloth also gives you the chance to pre-install the hanging hardware for your table banner.

4

Set out plenty of merchandise. Scarcity actually works against you when trying to sell books, prints or anything else; an abundance of product will invite guests to browse. Stack your books high and use some sort of stand to set at least one book upright. Prints or portfolios can be propped up on a stand to encourage browsers to flip through without having to bend over your table.

5

Encourage interaction by having something for the attendees to do at your booth. A game or drawing, trivia contests or a do-it-yourself project are all good ideas for this. Even if you just work on your craft during slower times, stay near the action and look up frequently to engage any curious onlookers. Consider posting a sign that says: "feel free to ask questions" or narrate your process as you work when people arrive.