Hiring an exhibition stand is one of the smartest ways to boost your visibility at trade shows, expos, and industry events – but it’s not without its risks. Even with the best intentions, businesses often fall into the same avoidable traps that can impact their success on the day.
At Parkes Print and Design, we’ve helped countless brands make a great first impression. Here are the most common pitfalls we see – and how you can avoid them.
Not booking early enough
One of the most frequent (and most costly) mistakes is leaving your stand hire to the last minute. Popular events get booked up quickly, and the best stand locations, designs, and support services go fast.
Tip: Plan your event strategy months in advance and get your stand hire confirmed early. This gives you time to collaborate on design, branding, and logistics – without last-minute stress.
Ignoring venue restrictions
Every event venue has its own rules – from height limits to power usage to material restrictions. Failing to check these in advance can lead to unexpected changes, fines, or even a stand that’s not allowed to be installed.
Tip: Work with an experienced provider who knows how to liaise with venues and ensure your stand design is compliant from the outset.
Overcomplicating the design
It’s tempting to go big and bold with your exhibition stand – but sometimes less is more. Crowded visuals, confusing layouts, or excessive messaging can overwhelm visitors rather than attract them.
Tip: Focus on clear, simple messaging, open space, and impactful visuals that support a quick understanding of who you are and what you offer.
Forgetting about visitor experience
A visually impressive stand is only half the story. How people move through the space, what they see first, and how they interact with your team or displays all affect how memorable your brand is.
Tip: Think like a visitor. Is your stand welcoming? Is there space to stop and talk? Are there touchpoints, demos or experiences that draw people in?
Skipping your brand guidelines
An exhibition stand is a major brand moment – yet many businesses fail to match the stand to their wider brand identity. The result? A confusing or inconsistent experience that weakens your impact.
Tip: Always design your stand using your brand colours, fonts, tone of voice, and visual elements. Our in-house design team can help you keep everything consistent and on-brand.
Set yourself up for success
Avoiding these common mistakes makes the difference between an exhibition stand that just exists – and one that delivers real results. At Parkes Print and Design, we specialise in exhibition stand hire that’s hassle-free, beautifully branded, and designed with your audience in mind.
If you would like to learn more about our exhibition stand hire or for a free stand visual, call us on 01767 603930 or fill out an enquiry form. Let’s make your next event your best yet.