Displays and exhibitions

Displays and exhibitions

Displays and exhibitions provide information to people in a public space, and may also be opportunities for people to share their views.

  • Time to do: Depending on length of event. Consider time for set-up and dismantling, which usually must be before/after the event. Breaks and lunchtime may be key times when you must be at the stand.
  • Staff: usually 2 is recommended
  • Cost: £/££
  • Equipment: Display, table cloth (optional) and materials for people to share their views.
  • one-to-one
  • small groups
  • large groups
  • face-to-face

How to do it

  • Be clear about the aim of your display or exhibition
  • Be clear about who your audience is
  • Consider suitable venues to engage with your target audience
  • Be clear about whether people have an opportunity to contribute their views
  • Create an interesting-looking stand to draw people towards it
  • Focus on turning curiosity into conversation
  • Use plain language and avoid jargon
  • Test out your information with members of the public
  • Have contact details available for those who want to find out more

Advantages

  • Opportunities to be creative and engaging. For example, you could ask people a big question and have them indicate their answer by putting a ball in a marked basket.
  • Simple information may support you to engage with disadvantaged groups

Challenges

  • Display materials can be expensive. Their value for money will depend on how many people you reach.
  • Responses received will not be representative of all views.
  • One event may not be enough to reach your target audience. You may need to plan a series of displays or exhibitions at different times and in different locations.

More information

  • Speak to your communications team about the best way(s) to promote your work.

Gallery

Display stand with leafets and a comments box
Last Updated: 12 March 2020
;