Trade show booths start with walls, frames, and graphics, but the additional accessories bring the whole experience to life – guiding visitors, creating interaction, and making your space feel intentional and complete. In Part 1 of this series, I covered the larger attention and engagement drivers like counters, kiosks, canopies and lighting. These elements help shape the environment itself.
Now, in Part 2, we’re zooming in on the smaller details – the finishing touches that add clarity, polish, and extra utility to your booth. These are the elements that help visitors understand who you are, what you offer, and where to focus their attention, all within sections. They may be subtle, but they carry a surprising amount of influence when it comes to visitor engagement and overall booth professionalism.
1. Shelving: Showcase your products with style and function
Shelving does more than hold products; it structures your story. The right shelves help you present your offerings in a way that feels organized, thoughtful, and easy for attendees to browse. Good shelving creates visual hierarchy, drawing people to your most important items while keeping the rest neatly arranged. Whether you’re featuring products, samples, giveaways, or shelving can turn a simple display into a curated experience.
Types of shelving
- Floating shelves – Clean, modern, and great for lightweight or premium products you want to spotlight individually.
- Freestanding racks – Highly flexible and easy to reposition based on traffic flow or product availability.
- Integrated wall shelving – Offers a built-in, retail-style experience that feels polished and intentional, especially in larger booths.
Pro tips for shelving
- Mix open and enclosed shelving. Too much of either can feel visually flat.
- Adjust shelves to fit your product line. A few inches can make the whole display feel intentional.
- Place key products at eye level. People naturally gravitate to what’s right in front of them.
2. Placards: Guide and inform with clarity
Your wall graphics and hanging signs do the heavy work of catching attention. Placards take over from there. They help people understand what they’re looking at and what they should do next. Think of placards as the helpful “whispers” in your booth: “This is our best-seller,” “Here’s today’s show promotion,” or “Scan this QR code to learn more.” Short, simple, and strategically placed, placards make your booth easier to navigate and dramatically improve message clarity without overwhelming your visual design.
Types of placards
- Tabletop placards – Great for product explanations, pricing, or QR codes.
- Wall placards – Perfect for reinforcing key claims or supporting product zones.
- Backwall/header placards – Ideal for category labels or directional cues.
- Custom format options – Placards come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and card sets, and can be mounted at different angles depending on viewing distance and traffic flow. Materials range from standard vinyl on PVC to premium frosted plex or dimensional options.
Pro tips for placards
- Keep the copy short. Attendees skim. Don’t make them work for it.
- Use consistent branding. Fonts, colors, spacing, and tone should match your booth’s overall design.
- Place them strategically. Follow natural sightlines and the flow of your booth.
- Use placards as a budget-friendly customization tool. Keep your main backdrop focused on your core brand and use interchangeable placards to tailor messaging for specific verticals, product launches, or show audiences. They’re more cost-effective to update than reprinting an entire wall graphic.
3. Literature holders: Keeping materials organized and accessible
Printed materials are still incredibly valuable, especially when someone wants something they can take back to their team. But stacks of brochures on a counter? Not ideal.
Literature holders keep everything clean, professional, and easy to find.
Types of literature holders
- Freestanding racks – Great for 10x10s or high-traffic booths.
- Wall-mounted pockets – Save floor space and keep the booth looking tidy.
- Kiosk-mounted holders – Combine digital engagement with print. It’s a smart pairing.
Pro tips for literature holders
- Place holders near the exit. Let visitors grab materials on their way out.
- Keep them full. Sparse racks can make materials look outdated or unwanted.
- Add QR codes. Give visitors a digital backup option and reduce overprinting.
Conclusion: Small details, big impact
Accessories like placards, literature holders, and canopies don’t shout for attention—but they quietly elevate the entire experience. They help attendees navigate your space, understand your offering, and feel the level of care you put into your presentation.
If you’re weighing which accessories make the most sense for your booth and budget, our team at Featherlite is always happy to help you build a plan that fits both.
And if you missed the first part of this series, you can read Part 1 here to explore the foundational accessories that set the tone for your exhibit.
