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Cheers!

An in-booth hospitality bar can be a great way to increase attendee dwell time and foster relationships. But many exhibitors eighty-six this element merely because they assume they must create a top-shelf experience complete with the whiz-bang wow factor of a Las Vegas nightclub. But simple, sophisticated bars can also accomplish those time and relationship goals, and likely at a fraction of the cost. To prove the point, here are six bars that offer form and function straight up. By Linda Armstrong

Shadow Play
Exhibitor: JPD Ltd.
Show: EuroShop
Design: Leopard Creative, Riga, Latvia, 371-66-100-230, www.leopard.lv

Light, shadows, and subtle differences in texture combine to create this dramatic scene. White-vinyl stools pop against the bar's wooden base, and the structure's white-laminate top catches the eye. Meanwhile, the carefully positioned lights illuminate the space and accentuate back-wall text.

Multimedia on Tap
Exhibitor: Impact XM
Show: EXHIBITORLIVE
Design: Impact XM, Dayton, NJ, 877-867-8868, www.impact-xm.com

While highly functional, this modern bar area also offers a dramatic flair. Baseboard and under-counter lighting create a play of light and shadows on the wave-like laminate. Behind the bar, monitors provide constant messaging, and pendant lights draw the eye to the service station.

PHOTOS: Padgett and Company Inc.

Right Triangle
Exhibitor: Optima Machinery Corp.
Show: Pack Expo
Design: DesignShop Inc., Orlando, FL, 800-685-7702, www.teamdesignshop.com

Straight lines and a minimalist color palette combine to create this simple, yet stunning, bar. Paired with a triangular fabric-scrim ceiling, the Plexiglas-topped bar seats eight. Suspended pendant lights provide illumination while bold logos behind the bar brand the sophisticated space.

PHOTO: Tangram International Exhibitions Inc.

Sweet Deal
Exhibitor: Dealer Dot Com Inc.
Show: National Automobile Dealers Association Convention & Expo
Design: Tangram International Exhibitions Inc., Pleasantville, NY, 914-741-0046, www.tangramint.com

This stylish bar takes center stage in Dealer Dot Com Inc.'s 3,200-square-foot space and acts as a sort of a nightclub-like meeting point where attendees and staff can mingle. Warm wood tones, neutral hues, and a few shiny, mirror-like surfaces create a trendy, upscale vibe.

PHOTO: Ray Schram Photography

Fully Functional
Exhibitor: Landa Corp.
Show: Drupa
Design: Goodall Design, Dorking, Surrey, United Kingdom, 44-1306-741553, www.goodalldesign.com

This example proves that you don't need bells and whistles to create a functional space that meets your hospitality needs. Tucked against a curved wall on the exhibit's upper deck, the wood and laminate bar comfortably serves nine guests without stealing attention from the rest of the booth.

Delicious Details
Exhibitor: Schlegel GmbH
Show: EuroShop
Design: Schlegel GmbH, Bietigheim-Bissingen, Germany, 49-7142-98-99-80, www.schlegel-concepts.com

Details reign supreme in this industrial design. The otherwise simple wooden structure features evenly spaced wooden slats attached to the front. Between the slats, customized wooden spacers bear the Schlegel name. Metal industrial stools complement the sweet scene.