Proper Exhibit Lighting

Trade show lighting should be an important facet ofif you plan to use your trade show lighting system in
any exhibiting strategy, but it is often overlooked byEurope or Asia, you will need to purchase a special
inexperienced exhibitors. If you have ever been to atransformer or a conversion system to make your
trade show, you understand the impact that a welllighting work.
designed lighting system can have on a trade show· How will your lighting fixtures attach to
display. Given the relatively low cost of display lightsyour trade show exhibit? Depending on the type of
compared with other costs associated with exhibiting,lights you purchase, you will need to make sure that
there is no excuse to have a poorly lit trade showyou have all the necessary clamps and connector
exhibit at your next event.pieces to make your lighting system work with your
To get clear on your exhibit lighting needs, youdisplay unit.
should carefully consider the following questions:According to studies done by the Center for
· What kind of atmosphere do I want toExhibition Industry Research (CEIR), trade show
create within my exhibit? If you're looking to createlighting is one of the most effective ways of
a warm and inviting atmosphere, soft ambient lightingincreasing traffic to your trade show exhibit. Even a
that is evenly distributed will provide this type ofpoorly designed exhibit can make a big impact when
environment. If you're looking to create a fast-pacedpaired with high-impact trade show lights, and a well
and high-energy environment, bright spotlights anddesigned display can be uninviting without proper
colored lighting can provide interesting effects.booth lighting. A carefully designed exhibit lighting
· What areas of my exhibit space are mostsystem can create a dramatic atmosphere within
important for me to highlight? If you want to placeyour trade show booth, lending credibility to your
emphasis on a particular product, spotlighting thattrade show marketing efforts and bolstering your
product from above is a great way to create visualcompany's branding images.
interest. If you want to place emphasis on a largeMany companies offer green exhibit lighting. These
back wall graphic, then floodlights or "wall-washers"fixtures use special LED bulbs that are UL approved,
are probably in order.which reduces the energy needed to achieve the
· What types of lighting and electricalexact same effect. Since electrical power is often
restrictions are in place at my trade show? Manyvery limited at a trade show, purchasing energy
exhibit halls prohibit the use of certain types ofefficient bulbs can be a great way to save energy
lighting. The Las Vegas Convention Center isfor other applications. LED lights also burn cool, which
notoriously strict when it comes to exhibit lighting,means you will not have to wait for your lights to
which is a fact that many exhibitors only discovercool down after your event is over before putting
after setting up their exhibit on the show floor. Also,them away in your trade show case.