Grabbing attention in a busy exhibit hall is hard to do.

Lighting draws attention to your booth and creates an inviting atmosphere. Simply put, people are drawn to light. Exhibit lighting can add focus, dimension and drama to your exhibit.

Follow these eight tips to help your exhibit pack a powerful lighting punch:

1. Don't wait too late to integrate lighting design into the booth plan. I have heard stories about planners who decide to add lighting enhancements to their booth, but did not include lighting in their initial budget. As with any last-minute additions, the cost to add them can break the bank, so be sure to plan early.

2. Do remember to think about wire management. Nobody likes to see those pesky wires and cables hanging out the booth, so think through how all of your lights are going to be connected, where the nearest plug is located, and how you can hide all those wires.

3. Don't skimp on quality of the design. Many exhibit lighting vendors have the same gear. Where you are going to see the difference is in the design of the lighting plan. How the gear is used to augment and showcase the lighting design is where you are going to see the difference.

4. Do consider the mood you want to create. Color temperature is important to setting the overall mood of the booth. For a more intimate experience, use low and warm lights. Bright lights are more appropriate for high-energy spaces.

5. Don't forget to do your homework. Each event organizer is going to have different rules to what kind of lighting is permitted in the booths. On top of that, each venue has different rules regarding what kind of lighting can be used. So, be sure to check your exhibit manual for the rules.

6. Do find the right balance. Too much lighting, and you'll look like a Vegas show. Too little, and it's not worth the cost. Find the right balance to achieve your goals.

7. Don't shy away from museum-style track lighting. It can create soft, internal spotlighting that stirs curiosity and implies clean professionalism and quality.

8. Do use lights to create a line of sight. Your lighting plan can control the attendees' eyes and provide the path their feet should follow through the exhibit and straight to your booth staff.

Remember, if the lights aren't on, it looks like your booth is closed. Light brings lift to your exhibit booth and says, "Come in, we are open for business!"