Exhibition stands are crowded spaces where every second counts in capturing visitor attention. Small, strategically placed printed displays can make a significant difference, guiding foot traffic, highlighting key products, and giving the stand a more organised, professional appearance. Thoughtful design ensures messages are communicated quickly and clearly, helping visitors understand offers, promotions, or important information at a glance. Beyond simply providing information, printed strut card displays encourage interaction at demo tables or counters, subtly drawing visitors in and creating a more engaging, memorable experience. They are an essential tool for any busy exhibition stand.
The Power of Micro-Displays
Why Small Visual Prompts Work
Printed micro-displays may be compact, but they are far from insignificant. Visitors tend to scan exhibition stands quickly, absorbing information in seconds. By placing small, visually striking displays at strategic points, you can create multiple touchpoints that reinforce your key messages throughout the stand.
Enhancing Visitor Interaction
Micro-displays like counter card encourage engagement at counters, demonstration tables, or reception areas. They act as conversation starters, guide visitors toward featured products, and provide critical information without needing staff to explain every detail.
What Are Printed Strut Card Displays?
Features and Build
A strut card is a freestanding display, crafted from lightweight yet durable card or board, featuring a rear support to keep it upright. Its compact, portable design makes it ideal for placement on counters, tables, or small display areas. They are simple to update, allowing messages or promotions to change quickly, making them highly versatile for exhibitions or events.
Ideal Applications
How Strut Cards Influence Visitor Behaviour
Capture Attention Instantly
Printed strut cards are designed to grab attention with bold graphics, strong colour contrasts, and clear messaging. A well-placed display can stop a visitor mid-walk, giving you an opportunity to engage them. Research indicates that visuals at eye level can increase attention retention by up to 80% in busy environments.
Guide Visitors Through the Stand
Strategically placed cards can subtly direct foot traffic. For example, a card placed at the entrance can highlight the main attraction, while cards near product demos or brochure stations encourage exploration of different areas.
Reinforce Key Messages
Even when staff are busy, counter cards passively communicate brand identity, highlight offers, and provide essential instructions. This repeated exposure builds familiarity and trust, making visitors more likely to engage with products or services.
Disclaimer: The attention-retention figure is based on general industry insights and may vary depending on setting, audience, and display conditions.
Strategic Placement Tips
To make the most of your strut card displays, consider:
- Reception or greeting areas: The first impression counts. Placing it where visitors arrive ensures they immediately notice key messages, special offers, or event highlights.
- Product sample or demonstration zones: Cards draw attention to products being showcased, helping visitors understand features or benefits without needing constant explanation.
- Counters showcasing featured items: Position cards next to priority items to subtly encourage purchases or interest, guiding attention where you want it most.
- Brochure or giveaway stations: Cards here can communicate instructions, highlight exclusive deals, or prompt visitors to pick up promotional materials.
- High-traffic corners near main walkways: Strategic placement in areas of heavy movement ensures visibility to the widest audience, even if visitors are passing quickly.
Design Principles That Maximise Impact
Colour Psychology
Colour selection is essential for capturing attention and influencing visitor behaviour. Bright, contrasting colours naturally draw the eye, while warm tones such as reds, oranges, and yellows can encourage approach and engagement. Using consistent branding colours not only enhances recognition but also builds credibility, making your stand appear professional and cohesive. Thoughtful colour combinations can guide visitors toward key messages or products without overwhelming the display.
Message Clarity
They are most effective with concise, benefit-driven messaging. Headlines should be short, clear, and action-oriented, highlighting the value or experience visitors will gain. Avoid overcrowding the card with excessive text to maintain focus.
Layout & Readability
- Use a clear font hierarchy to prioritise information.
- Ensure sufficient spacing to prevent visual clutter.
- Follow natural reading patterns like the Z or F-pattern to guide the visitor’s eye smoothly across the message.
Leveraging POS printing ensures your colour choices and typography are rendered accurately, producing sharp visuals that attract and hold visitor attention.
Maximising Engagement with Interactive Elements
Interactive elements can make them even more effective at exhibitions. Adding QR codes, scratch-off promotions, or small call-to-action prompts encourages visitors to engage immediately. For example:
- QR codes linking to product demos, videos, or online catalogues.
- Scratch-off offers to add a gamification element that draws interest.
- Mini feedback prompts to collect visitor insights quickly.
These small interactive touches turn passive displays into engaging experiences, increasing dwell time at your stand and making your messaging more memorable. Combining counter cards with these features ensures visitors don’t just glance, they participate.
Integrated with advanced pos printing, these strut cards can feature durable, high-resolution graphics that complement interactive elements seamlessly.
FAQ
How big should a strut card be?
Sizes typically range from A5 to A4, depending on available table space and viewing distance. A5 works well for close-up messaging on counters, while A4 can reach further across small demonstration zones.
Can messaging be updated frequently?
Yes. Strut cards are perfect for rotating promotions or multi-day exhibitions. Simply swap the printed insert or card to update messaging, keeping content fresh and relevant for returning visitors.
Where is the best place to position them?
Place strut cards in high-traffic areas where visitors naturally pause, such as reception desks, demonstration tables, or giveaway stations. Corner locations and near eye-level sightlines maximise visibility and encourage interaction.
Conclusion
Printed strut card displays offer a cost-effective, impactful solution to attract, guide, and engage exhibition visitors. With striking graphics, concise messaging, and strategic positioning, they capture attention, encourage interaction, and reinforce brand identity effortlessly. When paired with professional POS printing, they create a polished, organised stand that stands out in crowded exhibition halls. They can highlight key promotions, direct visitor flow, and make messaging instantly clear. Foamex Printing Company delivers customised solutions that enhance stand visibility, improve visitor engagement, and ensure a lasting, professional impression at every event, helping exhibitors maximise their impact.
