subject: Beyond Portable Exhibits: Defining Your Presence At Outdoor Events [print this page] Outdoor events are a great way for your company to increase its local following. Whether you are present at a fair or sponsoring a charity 5K run, you'll see a lot of people asking about your company. Events outside also have a new challenge: it can be even harder to draw your prospects' attention than at an indoor convention. There are techniques that will overcome this problem and help you succeed. To use them effectively, you must first understand the various techniques.
Outdoor Basics: Portable Exhibits
The cornerstone of any outside display is a well-made mobile display unit. These units must be able to move around and be set up outside where infrastructure like electricity might not be available. They should be lightweight and easy to move so that they can be brought to a set-up location that may be far from a parking spot. They should also be as sturdy as possible. In many cases, the portable exhibits will be set up on uneven ground, making a leveling ability key.
Different Environment, Different Design
What would make a good indoor display is often irrelevant for an outdoor setup. Indoors, you have ample access to electricity, meaning that many displays focus on using electronics like TV screens and computers. Outside, screens are typically washed out by glare from the sun. They won't capture attention like they did on indoor trade show exhibits. You will hardly be able to see what they display, let alone draw visitors from across the room with a nice animation.
Tip 1: Use Purpose Built Banner Stands
There are banner stands built specifically for displaying outside. They are larger than other types of banners, and also use a different type of stand to keep them upright. They can be very tall, which makes them distinctive even in a distracting outdoor space. In addition, they typically have a characteristic sail shape, although it's not necessary to their design. Their material is wind and water resistant, and they are very difficult to knock over.
These banner stands are the go-to accent method for outdoor trade show exhibits. They are inexpensive and can be custom printed, allowing them to be very eye catching. In addition, they can brand your booth from far away an advantage at events where people might be simply strolling.
Tip 2: Bright Colors Work
Colors that might seem overwhelming on indoor trade show exhibits shine on outdoor portable exhibits. The sunlight makes everything bright fit in perfectly, yet the colors can still create an outstanding effect. Always test your design ideas outdoors in the full light, seeing how they blend in natural sunlight.
Tip 3: Be Aware Of The Elements
Trade show exhibits placed outdoors face a number of hazards that are nonexistent inside. Depending on the climate, you might face rain, wind, or excessive heat. Whatever your location, ensure that your booth is properly prepared. If you expect to leave any part of it up overnight outside, you want to create a plan for managing any inventory that exists in the booth, and for general lockdown at night.
Creating excellent effects with portable exhibits isn't difficult. It requires some planning, and it requires you to shift your focus. The rules change when you move outside. Change with them, and you'll see great results.
Beyond Portable Exhibits: Defining Your Presence At Outdoor Events
