Show Lights

You'll have a matter of seconds to capture customers' attention at craft shows, and good lighting can help you do that. It can be tempting to avoid purchasing lighting for your booth; the effect of good lighting isn't always as immediately obvious as the impact of other craft show booth display items. However, good lighting really is an important aspect of good craft show booth design. Even the best craft show booth may not be noticed without good lighting.

Things to consider when purchasing trade show lights:

• Ambient lighting is general lighting used to light the overall booth. Don't assume the lighting in the hall where the craft show is held will be adequate. Normally convention hall lighting is far from adequate to light up your booth and show your items to their best advantage.

• Accent lighting is lighting that is directed at a specific object. You can use accent lighting to draw attention to and highlight specific items of interest in your booth.

• Flexible arm lights or clamp lights are good for creating spotlights to highlight specific items and can often be purchased for a reasonable price at department or large home supply stores. Track lighting is also commonly used for craft and trade show lights.

• Avoid using one single, large light to light your booth. Several lights throughout the booth will make a better impression and add dimension to your craft show booth.

• Be very careful about using fancy effects such as motion lights. These effects may be useful in other trade show settings, but it's not typically a good fit for craft shows. Lighting should enhance your product; it should not be the central focus of your booth. Good craft show lights are not really noticed (unless you turn them off and notice something is lacking in your booth). Customers at shows should notice your products, not your lighting.

• Consider using mirrors to enhance your lighting if that look works with the image you're trying to achieve. Mirrors can reflect light and help you to get more impact from your show lights and add sparkle to your items. Do be careful with mirrors at outdoor shows. As the sun moves across the sky, it can reflect in the mirror (when it may not have when you initially set up your booth) and cause an unpleasant glare. If you use mirrors, check your booth at different times of the day to ensure there is no unpleasant glare.

• If you're trying to achieve a high-end luxury feel, consider using a single light for each item. You'll need to consider your budget because this can get expensive, but it can be an effective way to create a high-end gallery look in your booth.

• If you are investing in creating a high end booth for more competitive juried art and craft shows, consider hiring a designer who is experienced in creating this type of booth to help you with your show lights. Again, this can cost a bit of money up front, but it can save you money you might otherwise waste on purchasing lighting that doesn't really work in your booth, and it can pay for itself if your well designed booth increases your sales. If hiring a designer is out of your price range, or doesn't appeal to you, visit a lighting specialty shop (where staff will be very well informed about the effects of different types of lighting) and talk to staff there to get ideas for your show lights.

• Be sure to check with show promoters for guidelines regarding lighting at shows you plan to attend. Normally you'll find this information on the show's website and/or the application form.

• When you have purchased your lighting, set up your booth and approach it from different angles. Consider how the lighting functions. Does it illuminate the whole booth? Are important focal points highlighted? Does the lighting shine in your eyes or create a harsh glare in any places?

• While you have your booth set up, leave it up until the evening, and look at your booth in a darkened room with just your booth lights turned on. Experiment with different placements for your lights. This will help you get a clearer picture of the effect of the lights in your booth without being impacted by other sources of light.

Good show lights are often overlooked by first time sellers at craft shows. They can, however, make a significant impact on customers' reactions to your booth and your products. Good lighting can help sell your crafts, while poor lighting can diminish the appeal of your items.