Trade shows and exhibitions are a must for cannabis companies looking to make connections and elevate their brand. Planning for a trade show or conference requires a lot of time and thought.
While there are many ways to exhibit your brand, every company needs a display booth to draw in attendees and start the conversation off the right way. Luckily, there are turnkey booths that take the guesswork out of setting up a booth while ensuring your presence at the show is impactful and memorable.
What is a turnkey booth?
A turnkey booth is one that is already set up and ready to go right when you arrive at the trade show. Turnkey booths generally include all the basics you need for a successful exhibit, including tables and chairs, lighting, cabinets, and a back wall. While some exhibitors prefer full physical and creative control over their display booth, many others opt for turnkey booths as a way to eliminate the upfront work of designing and building their booths, ensuring their display is set up and ready to go on arrival.
Considerations of a Turnkey Booth
Whether you are an experienced or first-time exhibitor, you may be wondering if a turnkey booth is right for your brand. Here are a few of the considerations regarding turnkey booths to help you decide whether one is right for you.
- Less work: Most exhibitors opt for turnkey booths to eliminate the hassle of planning and setting up everything from scratch. Turnkey booths are set up on the show floor before exhibitors arrive and are ready for action so you can show up and start networking and interacting with attendees.
- Professional setup: A well-designed and appointed turnkey booth can help company’s success at any exhibiting event. Opting for a turnkey booth for any exhibition is a great way to ensure you have a clean, professional setup that’s built to accommodate attendees when they arrive at your booth.
- Easy to customize and break down after the expo: Turnkey booths make it especially easy to customize and highlight your company’s brand identity and presence. There is always the option for you to hand-carried items into or have other items shipped to the expo to display in the turnkey booth. Adding your own company logo, special signage and any promotional materials you may have brought to the expo give you an opportunity to enhance the turnkey booth and maximize interaction with attendees.
What to look for in a turnkey booth
If you’re planning on opting for the turnkey booth option, ask your sales rep for a complete account of what a turnkey booth includes. Some key factors to consider when looking for a turnkey booth include the following.
Furniture
It’s important to know that you have enough furniture and table space for your team to properly convey your brand. When considering a turnkey booth, ask how many tables and chairs are included, and whether that table comes with a skirt or tablecloth.
You’ll want to make sure that your seating and tables are set up in a way that is comfortable for your team and also welcoming to guests. This will enhance the likelihood that attendees feel comfortable approaching your booth to have a conversation with you and your team. You’ll also want to make sure that the table is big enough to space out your giveaways and any marketing material you plan to bring.
Lighting
Lighting can make or break an advertising opportunity. While some brands may be able to exhibit successfully using whatever lighting is provided by the event space, other companies require specific lighting to properly display their products. And in the cannabis industry, some companies’ products are the lighting!
For some exhibitors, the venue’s overhead lighting is sufficient, but you may be able to add on extra lights. Companies exhibiting products and merchandise generally require additional lighting to make their offerings stand out. In addition to spotlights and ambiance, lighting possibilities for turnkey booths include everything from neon signs to ring lights for selfie opportunities. It’s always a good idea to check with the exhibition to find out what kind of lighting is available for turnkey booth exhibitors.
Storage
Keeping your exhibit booth clean of clutter demonstrates to attendees and industry professionals that you care about making them feel comfortable and that you want to do business. Always double-check that the turnkey option provides enough storage for your company’s needs. In addition to space for your team members to store their belongings, you’ll always want to confirm there is somewhere to store any overflow of freebies or marketing material that is safe and out of the way. For some exhibitors, the space underneath the provided table (covered by a table skirt) is sufficient.
Branding options
Some turnkey booths include the creation of signage that displays your company name. What this looks like can vary, but you can expect to have your name hanging from the top of the turnkey booth or from the table.
Decor
Prioritizing cohesive decor is absolutely essential when planning an exhibitor booth. Keep in mind that guests and exhibitors will likely be drawn toward displays that are professional, organized, and uniform. Because many turnkey booths include rugs or back walls (sometimes pipe-and-drape covering the wall or booth behind), finding out the color scheme in advance will make it easier to plan your branding accordingly.
How much does a turnkey booth cost?
The costs of turnkey booths vary depending on the trade show or convention you’re attending.
CWCBExpo offers an affordable turnkey booth option. Visit our website to sign up as an exhibitor, or contact our team for more information on turnkey booths for the June 2023 event.
Preparing for success
Planning ahead is the best way to ensure success at any cannabis exposition. Designing or ordering your display up as far out as possible will ensure you are prepared with everything you need, and provide time for any changes before the event comes around. Exhibitor passes and turnkey booths for the June 1 – 3, 2023 CWCBExpo are currently on available for a discounted rate until Nov. 1, 2022.