WWM event marketing blog

Public trade fair vs. trade fair: Designing the right exhibition stand

Written by Stella Schaffrath | Friday, 14. November 2025

Trade fairs are more than just a date in the calendar; they are your stage, your opportunity to become visible, make new contacts, and bring your brand to life. But not every trade fair is the same, and the type of visitors has a major influence on how you should design your trade fair stand. 

At WWM GmbH & Co. KG, we have been advising companies on the planning and implementation of trade fair appearances for many years. Whether it's a trade fair or a public exhibition, we know what it takes to make your appearance a success. In this article, we would like to give you practical tips on how to tailor your trade fair stand to your audience while presenting your brand professionally.

 

Trade fair or public fair: what is the difference?

Before you start planning, you should ask yourself the question: is it a trade fair (B2B) or a public fair (B2C)?

Trade fairs are primarily aimed at industry professionals. Visitors usually have a basic knowledge of your products or services and are specifically looking for solutions, partners, or innovations for their companies. Your trade show booth should exude professionalism and offer space for in-depth consultations. 

Public or end-customer trade fairs appeal to a broad audience, often without any special prior knowledge. Here, the main focus is on generating attention, arousing emotions, and presenting products or services in an attractive way. Your message must be clear and catchy, and your booth should invite visitors to linger and participate.

 

Trade fair in focus: WindEnergy Hamburg 2024

One example of a trade fair is WindEnergy Hamburg 2024, which is considered the central industry platform for international wind energy. Experts, manufacturers, and service providers meet here to present innovations and cultivate business contacts. We were commissioned to design a custom trade fair stand for RE Technologies GmbH that was tailored precisely to this discerning trade audience. Large LED panels showed image films, a movable wind turbine model impressively visualized the company's technological expertise, and an interactive multi-touch table enabled visitors to explore products and solutions in a targeted manner. The result was an exhibition stand that perfectly combined professionalism, specialist information, and brand identity, positioning RE Technologies as an innovative partner in the industry.

 

Focus on public trade fairs: Göttingen Construction Fair with 1KOMMA5

A successful example of a public trade fair is the Göttingen Construction Fair, which is aimed at private homeowners and those interested in building. The focus here is not on technical discussions, but on direct advice, emotional appeal, and experience-oriented presentations. For 1KOMMA5°, we were asked to design a modern and eye-catching exhibition stand that was tailored precisely to this target group. Striking LED walls, the distinctive color aubergine, and an open seating area invited visitors to find out about sustainable energy solutions and experience the products up close. Interactive elements created a lively trade fair experience that fostered curiosity, enthusiasm, and brand loyalty, impressively positioning 1KOMMA5° in the B2C environment.

 

Trade fair stand design: Informative, professional, targeted

When exhibiting at a trade fair, the focus is on conveying information and holding technical discussions. Visitors expect a professional atmosphere that conveys competence and trust.

Tips for a successful trade fair stand: 

  1. Create consultation areas: Bar tables, seating, or small lounges provide space for personal discussions. A separate area for confidential discussions can be particularly valuable.
  2. Clear, informative presentation: Use displays, roll-ups, or LED walls to present your products or services in detail. Make sure that the presentation is tailored to trade visitors, as superfluous advertising messages are only distracting. 
  3. Integrate your brand identity: Your brand should also be recognizable at trade fairs. Color schemes, materials, or individual design elements can give your booth a professional yet distinctive look. 
  4. High-quality giveaways: Small, useful gifts such as writing cases, coffee mugs, or technical gadgets leave a positive impression and remind trade contacts of your company.  

Our team will help you develop a trade fair stand concept that is tailored precisely to your industry and target group, from the initial layout to the final implementation.

 

Trade fair stand design for public exhibitions: attract attention, inspire, interact

At public or end customer exhibitions, the focus is on entertainment. The challenge: lots of visitors, little prior knowledge, and short attention spans. A trade fair stand must therefore be eye-catching and interactive. 

Tips for a successful public exhibition stand:

  1. Create an experience: Offer your visitors experiences that arouse their curiosity. Live demonstrations, interactive games, or photo booths attract attention and invite visitors to participate.
  2. Showcase your products: Your products should be clearly in focus. Present them in such a way that their advantages are immediately apparent and visitors can try them out right away. 
  3. Create space: Sufficient space is crucial, especially at busy public trade fairs. Your visitors should be able to move around freely without feeling cramped. 
  4. Use giveaways strategically: Practical little items such as notebooks, cotton bags, or lighters ensure that visitors don't forget your company and that your brand remains visible beyond the trade fair. 

With our experience, we at WWM know how to appeal to trade fair visitors from the very first second and at the same time convey the brand message in a lasting way. 

 

The right exhibition stand for every format: modular or customized?    

Whether it's a trade fair or a public exhibition, choosing the right type of exhibition stand plays a crucial role.

  • Modular exhibition stands offer flexibility and cost efficiency. They are particularly suitable if you regularly participate in different trade fairs or need to vary the size of your stand.  
  • Custom exhibition stands allow for a unique design that perfectly matches your brand. They are ideal if you want to stand out clearly and offer a special experience. 

WWM GmbH & Co. KG supports you in both cases. We design, plan, and build exhibition stands that optimally meet your requirements and inspire visitors. 

 

Conclusion: Use the stage for your brand correctly  

Whether it's a public or trade fair, your exhibition stand is more than just a presentation area. It is your stage for inspiring visitors, making contacts, and bringing your brand to life. 

By tailoring your stand to your target audience, incorporating interactive elements, and conveying your messages clearly, you can maximize the success of your appearance. 

If you want to make your next trade fair appearance an unforgettable experience, WWM GmbH & Co. KG is the right partner for you. Contact us today! We will work with you to develop a booth concept that impresses, informs, and sells.

Get in touch now!