Raising the Bar

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Raising the Bar

Hospitality bars tend to attract visitors like a two-for-one happy hour special. What's more, they often increase dwell time and help foster relationships with attendees. But to make the most of your time with visitors, your bar scene should offer a top-shelf allure, rather than a "house-brand" atmosphere. Here are six in-booth bars that deliver. By Linda Armstrong

Ride the Wave
Exhibitor: Impact XM
Show: EXHIBITORLIVE
Design: Impact XM, Dayton, NJ, 732-274-2000, www.impact-xm.com

This minimalist bar offers a dramatic flair. Baseboard and under-counter LEDs create a play of light and shadow on the wave-like laminate. Meanwhile, monitors behind the bar provide constant messaging, and suspended pendant lights draw the eye to the service station.

Subtle but Sensual
Exhibitor: Expotechnik Heinz Soschinski GmbH
Show: EuroShop
Design: Expotechnik Heinz Soschinski GmbH, Taunusstein, Germany, 49-6128-269-0, www.expotechnik.com

Sometimes subtle is sexy. This ensemble for German exhibit house Expotechnik Heinz Soschinski GmbH comprises unassuming laminate panels with a wood-grain finish and humble, hip-hugging chairs, the combination of which creates an irresistible allure.

Angling for Business
Exhibitor: Ipointe Messe und Eventbau GmbH
Show: EuroShop
Design: Ipointe Messe und Eventbau GmbH, Schonefeld, Germany, 49-30-633-1499-0, www.i-point.tv

It's all about the angles in this exhibit for Ipoint Messe und Eventbau GmbH. Although the white matte and semigloss finishes are as understated as they come, the angles in the bar, stools, and even floor graphics draw the eye – and the seat – to this quaint arrangement.

PHOTO: Stefan Roehler, Modul A

Simply Sophisticated
Exhibitor: Kadeco Sonnenschutzsysteme GmbH
Show: Heimtextil
Design: Forum Your Brandbuilder GmbH, Krefeld, Germany, 49-2151-56789-0, www.yourbrandbuilder.de

Style and simplicity combine to create this showstopper for a provider of high-end sun-protection solutions. Paired with modern stools, the white wooden bar features a backlit Plexiglas panel on the front. Its neutral palette and streamlined design result in a tight product focus.

Black Magic
Exhibitor: Burkhardt Leitner Constructiv GmbH & Co. KG
Show: EuroShop
Design: Burkhardt Leitner Constructiv GmbH & Co. KG, Stuttgart, Germany, 49-711-25588-0, www.burkhardtleitner.de

Complementary textures, patterns, and architectural forms turn this simple assemblage into an urbane oasis. While the bar is surrounded by neutral hues, a busy geometric print on the bar front captures attention. Angular stools and a semitransparent scrim complete the scene.

PHOTO: Proto Images

Industrial Chic
Exhibitor: Astound Group Inc.
Show: EXHIBITORLIVE
Design: Astound Group Inc., Oakville, ON, Canada, 905-465-0474, www.astoundgroup.com

Taking center stage in a booth for Astound Group Inc., this authentic yet industrial bar features a reclaimed pine countertop and metal stools. An antique-brass espresso machine serves up premium offerings while a wall cutout displays themed mugs along the back of the space.