When you’re gearing up for a trade show, your mind likely first jumps to the design and setup of your booth. You think about the back walls, the graphics, and how to make your space stand out in the crowd of exhibitors. It’s a natural starting point, given these elements are crucial for drawing in the crowd. However, there’s another aspect of your booth design that, while often overlooked at first, plays a significant role in enhancing the overall appeal and comfort of your exhibit: the flooring.
Yes, the surface beneath your feet holds more importance than you might initially think. When organizers finally turn their attention to trade show flooring, they’re met with a plethora of choices, each with its own set of advantages and challenges. This diversity in options isn’t without reason; it’s indicative of the varying needs and preferences that different exhibitors have. In this article, we’ll guide you through the maze of exhibit flooring choices available for trade shows. From evaluating the pros and cons of each type to highlighting their key features and benefits, our aim is to arm you with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision.
But first, before getting into the main topic let’s discover the types of trade show flooring and which one of these is a good choice in terms of durability.
Types of Trade Show Flooring:
So the trade show flooring comes in various types and materials but here we are discussing some of the common types of flooring that are used in trade shows.
Foam Flooring:
Lightweight and easy to transport.
Provides cushion and slip resistance.
Made of closed-cell EVA foam, free of allergens, latex, and phthalates.
Rubber Flooring:
Known for durability and toughness.
Resistant to damage from high heels and sharp objects.
Heavier compared to foam but offers long-lasting qualities.
Plastic/PVC Floor Tiles:
Versatile, low-maintenance option.
Durable, resistant to moisture and chemicals.
Easy to clean with various textures and colors available.
Faux Wood Tiles:
Lightweight and cost-effective option.
Provides a professional temporary flooring solution. Easy to install and disassemble, suitable for trade show booths.
So, we have discussed the durability of trade show flooring and now we will go through each of them to see which is the best choice for you.
Interlocking Vinyl Tiles:
Interlocking vinyl tiles can give you a winning combination of features when it comes to durability and affordability.
Durability: These flooring options are tough and can handle lots of people walking on them. You can use them again and again for different events.
Ease of Use: You can put them together easily because of their interlocking system. It’s so simple that even if you’re alone, you can set them up or take them down quickly.
Versatility: You can choose from many colours, patterns, and textures to match the look of your booth. This way, we can find something that fits just right for our event.
Relative Affordability: They’re a good deal compared to other choices like raised flooring. So, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, it has the potential to be a better choice for you.
Carpet Flooring:
When it comes to creating a classic, high-end exhibit space, opting for a quality trade show carpet can truly elevate the ambiance. You can’t deny the sophisticated, luxurious look that carpet provides, which can be challenging to replicate with other flooring options.
Though slightly less ubiquitous than vinyl tiles, carpet remains a popular option for several reasons:
Comfort: Carpet provides a softer and more comfortable surface for you and your booth staff standing for extended periods.
Professional Appearance: Carpet can elevate the overall look and feel of your booth, especially with plusher options, making a great impression on attendees.
Branding Potential: With carpet, we can customize it with logos or brand colors, further enhancing your brand visibility and leaving a lasting impression on visitors.
Raised Flooring:
Raised flooring, particularly concrete raised floor systems, provides a versatile solution for various environments, including data centers, office spaces, and industrial settings. Here are key points about raised flooring systems.
Flooring Finishing: Concrete raised flooring systems offer different finish options including high-pressure laminate (HPL), vinyl, and bare steel painted finishes suitable for carpet or rubber installations.
Airflow Management: Perforated panels in raised concrete floor systems allow for airflow ranging from 22% to 66%, crucial for cooling electronics in data centers and maintaining climate control in high-traffic areas.
Aesthetics: These systems provide a sturdy and high-quality flooring solution that enhances the overall look of international trade show displays.
Rubber Flooring:
Rubber flooring is an excellent option for your trade show booth due to its durability and toughness, making it ideal for withstanding the wear and tear of trade show events. While it can be heavy, rubber flooring offers long-lasting qualities and can withstand high heels and sharp objects better than foam flooring, ensuring we provide a durable and safe surface for your exhibit.
Highly Durable: Made from resilient rubber compounds, this flooring can withstand heavy foot traffic, drops, and spills without showing significant wear and tear, ensuring it remains in top condition for your needs.
Slip-Resistant: Its textured surface provides exceptional traction, minimizing the risk of slips and falls, especially beneficial in high-traffic areas, making it safer for you and your visitors.
Easy to Clean: Thanks to rubber’s non-porous nature, cleaning is effortless with water and mild detergent, allowing you to maintain a pristine appearance with minimal effort.
Variety of Options: With various colors, thicknesses, and interlocking tile designs available, you can choose the perfect style to match your aesthetic preferences, ensuring your space looks exactly how you envision it.
Noise Reduction: Unlike hard surfaces like concrete, rubber flooring helps absorb sound, creating a quieter booth environment for us, making it easier to communicate and enjoy the space.
Choosing the Right Trade Show Flooring
When selecting trade show flooring, it’s important to consider the level of fatigue relief each option provides. This factor is vital not only for you and your team, who will be managing the exhibit but also for enhancing the comfort of your visitors. With a variety of flooring choices available, tailored to meet specific needs, the decision-making process can seem overwhelming. We suggest that you base your decision on several critical factors.
These include your budget, the size of your transport vehicle, and the visual impact you aim to achieve. These elements play a significant role in determining the most suitable flooring option for your trade show booth. It’s essential for you to weigh your flooring options against your overall trade show strategy. Opt for a solution that is not only cost-effective but also complements your booth’s design and effectively conveys the image you wish to present to potential customers.