When you are designing your San Francisco trade show booth, it is easy to focus on the eye-catching backdrops, banners, displays, and signs. Tablecloths are often an afterthought. A custom tablecloth transforms a basic trade show table into another branding opportunity at your event. It can also display your logo, add color, conceal items tucked underneath the table, and create a clean presentation.

Here’s what you should know about tablecloth printing for trade shows, corporate events, and conferences as a San Francisco based business:

Why Use a Custom Tablecloth at a Trade Show

While the other signage at your display will draw attention, a branded tablecloth offers an additional branding space which visitors to your booth will see as they walk by.

Your custom tablecloth can use your logo and colors to help identify your booth, especially from a distance, while adding to the overall cohesive design. It can also be utilized as a practical addition to your trade show booth. The fabric can conceal stock under the table while providing access to the inventory when needed.

A branded tablecloth is best showcased when used as part of a larger display, rather than as a stand alone piece. Consider using it in combination with a custom banner, banner stand or trade show display to create a coordinated booth.

Tablecloth Style: Draped vs. Fitted Covers

Depending on your table size, space, and storage needs, you may want to consider different styles of tablecloths for your San Francisco trade show booth.

A draped cover is a popular option for most table sizes and provides good branding space while being simple to hang. Table covers can also be tailored to fit the table more closely for a different look. Some exhibitors want to use stretch tablecloths or table runners to highlight their displays, depending on their display needs and the event space.

You should also verify the size of tables provided by the venue or if you will be bringing your own tables along with the necessary furnishings. You may find that most trade show tables are either six or eight feet in length, but it is helpful to confirm.

What to Put on Your Tablecloth

While your tablecloth can certainly serve to brand your booth, keep in mind that it is not the only medium for communicating your exhibitor information.

Keep things simple with your tablecloth design since most people will likely only see your tablecloth for a moment as they walk by your booth. Focus on having your logo and brand colors on display. If your logo does not include your company name, make sure that it is legible and easy to read. You may also want to consider adding a tagline and/or website if they are relevant to the messaging for this particular event.

Avoid crowding your tablecloth with information as it will be difficult for passersby to read all of it. Use a high-quality graphic and logo to ensure that the text is easy to read and everything prints clearly.

If you are using a branded backdrop or banner for your booth, try to use the same color scheme for your tablecloth so that it looks like part of the same design. Consistent branding across multiple display pieces reinforces your exhibitor profile at the event while making your booth appear more cohesive.

Take Your Venue into Consideration in San Francisco

San Francisco hosts numerous conferences, conventions, expos, and events throughout the year. One of the largest convention centers in the country is The Moscone Center. Moscone offers over 790,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space available in multiple buildings.

If you will be exhibiting at Moscone or any other venue in the San Francisco Bay Area, it is a good idea to ensure you follow exhibitor guidelines for the event. Moscone’s exhibitor guide includes information about space allocation as well as materials and furnishings, setup, freight, and additional exhibitor requirements.

Your tablecloth may appear to be a simple addition to your trade show display, but it is still important to take the overall space into account when choosing your fabric, size, and design for your custom table cover printing.

Make the Tablecloth Part of the Larger Design at Your San Francisco Trade Show Booth

One of the best ways to use a custom printed tablecloth is to incorporate it with larger graphics at your booth.

Your tablecloth serves as branding at the table while a retractable banner or background sign can deliver more detailed or different messaging for your booth. Additionally, a step and repeat backdrop can offer another branding option while banner stands or other signage can draw attention to products or services. The goal is not to include the same information on each graphic, but rather to have these displays work together cohesively to reinforce your exhibitor message.

Custom Tablecloth Covers Are for More Than Just One Use

If your business attends multiple trade shows and conferences throughout the year, you may want to choose a more versatile design for your custom table cover.

Your printed tablecloth can be part of your marketing materials for your business each time you attend an event. Even your recruiting table can utilize a custom tablecloth if you are using it in conjunction with other branded items that utilize the same design. Remember to avoid adding specific dates to tablecloths unless you plan on using it exclusively for one event.

Think beyond the Tablecloth for Your San Francisco Trade Show Display

When you are considering your display options for an upcoming trade show, conference, or expo in San Francisco, keep in mind that a custom tablecloth can make an otherwise generic table a part of your larger branding and display strategy. Start by ensuring you know your table dimensions. Choose a tablecloth style and coverage that will suit your needs and prepare your logo graphic for printing. Think about how your tablecloth can be used with the rest of your signage at the event.

If you are planning to attend a trade show, conference, expo, or other corporate event in the San Francisco Bay Area, be sure to review Table Cover Printing with the rest of Table Cover Printing’s trade show and event printing services to create a cohesive display at your next exhibition.