subject: Choosing The Right Trade Show Exhibit [print this page] When one mentions the words trade show exhibit, most people think of a familiar large panel display along the back of a 10 foot by 10 foot space. However, exhibits come in a huge variety of shapes, sizes and materials. A little knowledge about each kind can help an exhibitor choose what will work best.
Small And Nimble Trade Show Stands
Tabletop trade show stands and table covers are two of the smallest and most versatile displays available. A tabletop display sits on top of a table and has graphic panels attached to the frame with magnets, fasteners or Velcro. They are compact, easy to set up and the graphics are easy to change out.
Table covers are custom printed covers exhibitors use to add their brand or message to their table. Like tabletop displays, anyone can set up the cover and they are inexpensive and easy to store, set up and transport.
A portable trade show stand is lightweight and easy to transport, install and store. Usually comprised of a single flexible panel and a simple frame, they might be a pop up, banner stand or panel. Portable exhibits can be used alone, but also make a nice impact in a series.
Impressive And Diverse Exhibits
Modular exhibits are lightweight but more complex than the portable stands. They generally have more components engineered to create a tailored design. Instead of a one dimensional banner, they create a multi-dimensional exhibit. While still relatively easy to transport, increasing complexity may require trained staff or an installation professional to set up.
The traditional panel and frame systems are highly popular. Exhibitions commonly offer a 10 foot by 10 foot space, although sometimes wider. Usually exhibitors will fill the back of this space with a panel and frame display. They're often called backwall or inline displays. Professional help is usually needed for setting up these trade show stands. Storage and transportation are also often managed by a professional exhibition services company.
Custom exhibits are the most elaborate option available. They can be made from any variety of materials to create custom spaces, stages, displays, work stations and even rooms in a trade show exhibit. Exhibitors who host large, island booths are most likely to create a custom exhibit. Storage, setup and transportation are generally all handled by professionals.
Choosing The Right Trade Show Exhibit
While there are many options available, choosing one isn't as complicated as it might seem. The exhibition space itself dictates some choices. For example, some exhibitions limit exhibitors to tabletop displays. However, a single pop up in a 10 foot by 20 foot space would be an underwhelming choice. Pick a display that fills the space without crowding it.
Cost is another factor. The larger and more elaborate the exhibit, the higher the costs. Some of the smaller stands can be used for events beyond trade shows, although they also may not suffer wear and tear as well as custom or panel and frame systems. These long term costs and benefits should be factored into the purchase decision.
Many companies ultimately end up purchasing several kinds of displays to suit their various exhibiting needs. With a little extra planning, a company can design a large custom exhibit made up of smaller components that can also used for smaller booths. Understanding the available options will go a long way to investing wisely, whether it is small and simple or a multi-purpose custom design.
