How to Choose the Right Trade Show Display Size

How to choose the right trade show display size

Trade show display size decisions affect everything from visibility to storage to how many conversations you can support at once. The best size is not always the biggest size. It is the one that fits your goals, your show schedule, and your team’s ability to set up confidently.

Use the guide below to compare common footprints and choose a layout that works.

Start with your goal for the event

1.      Lead generation with quick conversations.

2.      Product demos that need space, screens, or shelving.

3.      Meetings that require semi private areas.

4.      Brand awareness that benefits from height and lighting.

5.      Hiring or partner outreach with a more lounge style flow.

10 ft booths

A 10 ft booth is ideal for brands that need a compact footprint, fast setup, and a clear message that reads instantly. It works well for first time exhibitors, regional shows, and packed schedules where portability matters.

6.      Best for: one primary message, simple lead capture, minimal product display.

7.      Recommended elements: a clean backwall, a small counter, and strong lighting.

8.      Watch outs: limited storage and less room for demos.

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20 ft inline booths

A 20 ft inline booth gives you room to tell a fuller story. You can separate messaging zones, add a monitor, include storage, or build a small demo area while keeping traffic flow clear.

9.      Best for: product lines, stronger brand presence, multiple staff working at once.

10.   Recommended elements: segmented backwall, counter with storage, optional monitor mount.

11.   Watch outs: more parts to manage, more time for setup and teardown.

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Island booths

An island layout is built for visibility and engagement from every direction. This is where towers, overhead elements, and lighting can make a major difference because attendees see you from multiple aisles.

12.   Best for: high traffic shows, major product launches, multi zone demos and meetings.

13.   Recommended elements: four sided branding, clear entry points, hidden storage, lighting.

14.   Watch outs: higher labor and logistics, greater need for a detailed plan.

Questions that decide the right size fast

15.   How many staff will work the booth at peak hours?

16.   Do you need space for a demo, or just conversations?

17.   Will you ship freight, or can you rely on portable cases?

18.   How many shows will reuse the same hardware and graphics?

19.   Do you need storage inside the footprint?

Layout tips that work at any size

20.   Put your main message at eye level where it is readable from the aisle.

21.   Keep the front third open so people can step in without feeling trapped.

22.   Use one clear call to action, like a demo, scan, or quick consult.

23.   Hide clutter behind a counter or inside a closet when possible.

24.   Light your message evenly so colors stay accurate under venue lighting.

Choose a display that grows with you

If you expect to scale up, consider modular systems that can reconfigure between footprints. A kit that adapts can help you keep hardware consistent while refreshing graphics for each event.

Explore the collection above to compare display sizes and layouts, then choose the option that matches your goals for the next show.