A successful trade show booth should be easy for visitors to enter, explore and interact with. Accessibility needs to be part of that planning.

In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets accessibility requirements for businesses and facilities that serve the public. Convention centers are specifically included among places of public gathering covered by Title III of the ADA. Depending on how an event is organized and space is leased or operated, responsibilities can also extend beyond the venue itself.

For exhibitors, the safest approach is to consider accessibility from the beginning and check the rules supplied by the event organizer and venue.

Here are some practical areas to think about when planning your next trade show booth.

Start With a Clear Route Into the Booth

An impressive booth is not much use if some visitors cannot comfortably enter it.

Keep entrances and main circulation areas free from boxes, furniture, brochure stands, cables and other obstacles. Think about how somebody using a wheelchair, walker or other mobility device would move from the aisle into the booth and reach the areas intended for visitors.

Under the ADA Standards, an accessible walking route is generally required to provide at least 36 inches of clear width, with limited exceptions for short, narrower sections.

Even where a particular booth layout is not governed by that exact requirement, 36 inches is a useful reminder that narrow gaps between counters and displays can quickly become barriers.

Also remember that your layout may change during the event. A clear route that becomes filled with chairs, sample boxes or promotional material is no longer clear.

Be Careful With Raised Flooring

Raised platforms can create a clean, finished appearance and provide space for cables underneath, but changes in floor level need careful planning.

The ADA Standards allow a vertical level change of up to 1/4 inch. Changes between 1/4 and 1/2 inch must be beveled, while changes greater than 1/2 inch generally need to be treated as a ramp or curb ramp where the Standards apply.

That does not mean every booth automatically requires a particular ramp design. It does mean exhibitors should think carefully before introducing raised flooring and confirm the requirements with the show organizer.

A level entrance is often the simplest solution where the booth design allows it.

Think About Counter Height

Tall exhibition counters are popular because they create a convenient standing conversation point. They may not, however, work equally well for every visitor.

If a counter is being used as a sales or service counter and the ADA Standards apply, the accessible section is generally no higher than 36 inches. The required accessible length and clear space depend on whether the visitor approaches the counter from the front or side.

From a practical design point of view, consider including a lower section or another surface where someone seated can comfortably speak to a member of staff, fill in information or view a product.

The aim is to avoid making somebody conduct an entire conversation over a counter that is at chest or eye level.

Make Screens and Interactive Displays Reachable

Touchscreens, tablets and interactive displays are increasingly common at trade shows.

When deciding where to position them, do not design only for someone standing directly in front of the screen.

ADA reach-range requirements for accessible elements generally place an unobstructed forward or side reach between 15 and 48 inches above the floor. Obstructions such as deep counters can reduce how high someone can comfortably reach.

You may not need every screen to be touch-enabled. A large screen used only to show a video can be mounted higher for visibility, while controls and interactive devices can be positioned where visitors can reach them easily.

Don’t Let Displays Become Hazards

Accessibility is not only about wheelchair access.

People who are blind or have low vision may use a cane to identify obstacles. Objects that project unexpectedly from a wall or structure can therefore create problems.

The ADA Standards limit how far certain objects positioned between 27 and 80 inches above the floor may protrude into a circulation path. Wall-mounted objects in this range generally cannot project more than 4 inches into that path.

This is worth considering when adding screens, shelving, lighting, brochure holders and other accessories around areas where visitors will walk.

Keeping the layout simple and uncluttered can improve the experience for everyone.

Make Information Easier to Access

Accessibility also includes communication.

The Department of Justice explains that businesses covered by the ADA may need to provide appropriate aids or services so that people with vision, hearing or speech disabilities can communicate effectively. Depending on the situation, this can include captioning, accessible electronic information, large-print material or other forms of assistance.

For an exhibition booth, there are several simple ways to make information more usable.

Add captions to product videos instead of relying only on audio. Make printed graphics easy to read. Provide digital versions of detailed documents where appropriate. If a product demonstration includes important spoken information, think about how somebody who cannot hear the presentation would receive the same key message.

These changes can also help in a noisy exhibition hall where even visitors without hearing loss may struggle to hear a video or presentation.

Give Visitors Space to Interact

Avoid filling every square foot of a booth simply because the space is available.

Extra counters, stools, literature racks and product displays can reduce maneuvering room surprisingly quickly.

If visitors need to stop at a demonstration, scan a QR code or speak with your sales team, make sure there is enough room to do so without blocking the main entrance.

An open layout can also make the booth feel more welcoming from the aisle.

Use Modular Design to Adapt the Layout

Accessibility is easier to consider when the booth design can change.

TRIGA® Display Systems use lightweight, modular components that can be reconfigured for different booth sizes and layouts. The systems can combine tensioned textile graphics with elements such as counters, screens and accessories, giving exhibitors flexibility when planning how visitors will use the space.

That flexibility can be particularly valuable when moving between trade shows where the available footprint, entrance position or organizer requirements may differ.

Accessibility Should Be Part of the Design

An accessible trade show booth should not feel like a standard design with accessibility added at the last minute.

Clear routes, sensible counter heights, reachable interactive elements, uncluttered spaces and accessible information can all be considered while the booth is being planned.

The ADA Standards provide important requirements, but they should not be treated as a one-page booth checklist. Exhibitors should always review the current exhibitor manual, venue rules and any applicable federal, state and local requirements for the specific event.

The wider principle is much simpler: design the booth so that as many visitors as possible can enter, understand your message and interact with your team comfortably.

That is not only better accessibility. It is better exhibition design.