Trade shows are an invaluable opportunity to hobnob with industry superstars and show off brands to a big audience. But with all the hustle and bustle, it's nearly impossible to draw a crowd to your booth if you don't make a statement.

Signs make it happen. Colorful signs, displays and professionally printed marketing materials leave a remarkable impression with attendees — and every remark will be about you and your brand.

While having these resources at your disposal is important, so is knowing how you use them effectively to differentiate yourself from every other trade show booth vying for attention.

Plant the seed with banners

Wow trade show attendees before they enter the venue by placing big banners in and around entryways.

Trying to decide between 42" and 60" customizable printed banner options? Consider these design tips before you choose:

Sprinkle reminders throughout the venue

Every trade show visitor has an itinerary. These events are likely jam-packed with seminars, meet and greets, luncheons and perhaps even a little sightseeing. Don't let all these events distract attendees from the most important stop on their busy schedules: your booth!

Diverse signage with uniform design elements act like breadcrumbs that lead people right to you. By investing in high-quality signs and graphics, you reinforce everyone's need to visit your booth and find out more about your organization.

Breathe life into your booth

Nobody likes an empty booth, so fill yours with your brand's recognizable colors. Banner stands, in particular, frame an otherwise sparse presentation.

Tabletop easels also make great resources for businesses expecting long lines at their booths. Visitors can learn more about your organization while they wait, as well as formulate questions based off of printed information.

Send attendees home with swag

Takeaways turn trade show encounters into leads and sales. While you chat up visitors, use informative brochures to direct prospects to exact services or products you offer, as well as all the different ways they can contact your business directly or through social media.

Presentation folders are particularly handy — trade show attendees will leave with a stack of literature from other vendors, but your branded folder will be the organizing force holding everything together. Or, put your logo on thousands of different giveaways and promotional products, from pens to stress balls to flash drives. They're a great way to put your brand on a fun, useful product for your audience.

Get the word out about your company by taking advantage of signs and banners at your next trade show. Looking for tips for the other 364 days of the year? Check out what custom signage can do to upgrade your small business.