Ten tips for having a better booth experience without spending a ton of money.

Money saving tip #1: Do not scrimp on graphics. Use professionally designed signage and promotional pieces. This is an area where cutting costs can actually cost you money.

Money saving tip #2: Put your best salespeople in your booth. It is a waste of money to do otherwise.

Money saving tip #3: If you do not have branded shirts, have your employees dress similarly. Black shirts and khaki pants, for example. This way they will look like a team without incurring the cost of printing shirts.

Money saving tip #4: Don't pay extra money for 'gimmicky' themes. Keep your booth theme simple. Remember, it's a reflection of you and your business.

Money saving tip #5: Everything looks better with light. You do not need large powerful overhead lights. Smaller spotlights can show off specific items of importance. Light also gives your booth a warm, welcoming feeling that invites people in. Additional lighting can increase awareness of your exhibit by 30-50%. www.exhibitoronline.com

Money saving tip #6: Use fabric to create your environment. Wrap lightweight structures with material, drape tables and pedestals and/or use fabric for a backdrop. This is an inexpensive way to add color and texture to your booth.

Money saving tip #7: Partner with another business to provide the elements you need for your booth. Use their furniture, carpet, plants or a flat-screen TV and offer them signage in your booth in return.

Money saving tip #8: Don't fill your booth with papers that are just going to get tossed out later. Limit literature and give-a-ways to potential customers that are sincerely interested in your business. Have a sign-up list of interested people then follow up and/or send something to them at a later date.

Money saving tip #9: Use recycled materials. Update your past displays by adding on to them, covering them with a different material or creating a different way to use them. Also, look into recycled carpet, paneling and other materials to create a one-of-a-kind look. Make use of existing marketing materials such as television or radio spots. Play them in the background for interest and reinforcement of your product/service. Look for a used trade show display instead of buying new. A good place to start looking is www.findstuff.com.

Money saving tip #10: Recycle ideas and materials. Think ahead when ordering display items for your booth. Will you be able to use them later in your office or showroom?

Lili Vianello is President of Visionworks, a Columbia-based full-service marketing and communications firm offering Web design and maintenance. Contributions to this article were made by Visionworks staff members.