Inclusive events consider the diverse needs, backgrounds, and experiences of all attendees. Success as a trade show exhibitor comes from making meaningful connections with those in attendance. That means your exhibit must make each visitor feel seen and heard so they will be receptive to your message. By making your display accessible, welcoming, and representative for everyone, it sets the stage for authentic connections.
Read on for eight suggestions to help you capture the spirit of inclusive events.
1. Prioritize ease of access.
Ensure that your exhibit is accessible to individuals with disabilities. Consider wheelchair accessibility, provide ramps if needed, and make sure your booth layout allows for easy navigation. Use large, readable fonts on all signage. If you have multimedia content, provide captions, transcripts, or sign language interpreters for those with hearing impairments.
2. Depict diversity.
Represent an array of cultures, ethnicities, and genders in your graphics and marketing materials. Avoid stereotypes and strive for diverse and inclusive representation.
3. Extend your communications.
If the event is expected to have international attendees, consider providing multilingual materials or interpreters. Make sure your staff is trained to communicate effectively and respectfully with people from different cultural backgrounds.
4. Display sensory sensitivity.
Individuals with autism, anxiety, dementia, PTSD, or other similar conditions may face sensory sensitivities or experience challenges with sensory regulation. Trade show environments are often a web of loud noises and bright lights, which can be overwhelming. Provide quiet areas where people can take a break if needed. Consider the use of ambient lighting and sound to create a comfortable atmosphere for everyone.
5. Encourage interaction in a variety of ways.
Remember that everyone learns differently and is seeking different information. Engage a wide range of individuals by offering an array of interactive features. Consider different learning styles and incorporate activities that appeal to visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners. Make sure your staff is friendly and approachable to encourage visitor participation.
6. Embrace inclusivity in your communications.
Develop marketing materials that resonate with diverse audiences. For instance, consider using inclusive imagery, language, and stories that reflect a range of perspectives. Tailor your messaging to avoid any potentially offensive or exclusionary content.
7. Invest in diversity training.
While at the trade show, your staff members are your company’s ambassadors. Go beyond the basics like sales skills and product knowledge. Make sure everyone manning your booth is trained on diversity and inclusion, cultural sensitivity, and customer service skills.
8. Ask for and implement feedback.
The best way to continuously improve your trade show exhibit’s inclusivity is by seeking feedback from attendees and taking their suggestions to heart. Consider using surveys or comment cards to gather recommendations for enhancing accessibility and inclusiveness. Creating an inclusive trade show environment is not just a one-time undertaking. Rather, it is an ongoing process that takes time and effort, but it’s a worthwhile investment.
Your exhibit is there to provide a welcoming and delightful experience for visitors, so take a step back and consider what you can do to make sure everyone walks away feeling happy and included. Take into account the complete range of diversity, which extends far beyond race and ethnicity to include gender, language, class, sexual orientation, ability, religion, and more. Then make the necessary adjustments to craft more welcoming, inclusive events and exhibitions going forward.
Adler Display possesses more than 85 years of experience in the design and fabrication of exhibits that are as welcoming as they are beautiful. Rely on our experts to produce a unique trade show display that conveys your message and supports your commitment to inclusivity. To learn more, please contact our helpful team today.
About Adler Display: For over 85 years, Adler Display has been one of the best-kept secrets behind so many businesses looking their best. Designing and producing a wide variety of high-quality recognition displays, trade show displays, signage and exhibits, lobby and corporate interiors, and historical timelines, Adler’s expert team includes consultants, designers, project managers, and fabricators. Working from a 17,000-square-foot facility in Baltimore that includes a precision woodworking shop, Adler Display handles all printing, construction, and finishing on site. Learn how to achieve your imaging goals and make your business look amazing at: www.AdlerDisplay.com.