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Buyer's Guide
Pop Up Trade Show Booths
 

The goal of any booth at a trade show is to get attention. Pop-up trade show booths are a good way to accomplish this goal. You can have the best sales pitch in the world, but if you cannot attract an audience, what is the point?

Pop-Up Displays

The accordion-style frame that allows for easy setup gives pop-up trade show displays their name. A trade show exhibitor is more likely to accommodate a design that is easier to setup and remove. Pop-up booths can often be carried in one or two cases. Panel displays can also fit well into pop-up trade show displays.

3-D graphics can be easily incorporated into a pop-up trade show display. The images used in 3-D displays should be carefully selected, as these will generally be the first part of your display to catch the eye.

Stunning graphics are also more appealing and create more interest in pop-up trade show booths. 3-D pop-up trade show displays will typically be more expensive to create, but the attention it brings to your setup will be worth it. Pop-up displays are more effective if they quickly get attention.

A pop-up trade show booth is easy to set up and can convey the message of a custom made setup at a lower cost. In order for a display to be effective, it is best to focus on a single message. This may include a product release date or new product features. A pop-up booth generally includes a specific place for the person handling the display to stand. This directs the focus of the audience.

Trade show pop-up displays tend to be more economical and just as effective as traditional trade show displays. The key to making a trade show booth work is to have a clear focus and a simple message.

Lighting for pop-up displays should be kept to a minimum. This is especially true if you are using 3-D graphics or photos. You do not want to distract from the impact of the overall trade show display with the lighting.

It is a good idea to use cases to carry the graphics and other elements of your pop-up set up. A case or a bag will help you transport all graphics so that they are not damaged. A case especially designed for a pop-up provides added protection for your trade show display and allows for easy storage until the next big event.

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Pop Up Trade Show Booths - Part 2
 

Custom Displays

Custom made booths can be effective if you're looking to create an unique presence. This can be a tricky undertaking though, as you do not want to build something that's more distracting than appealing. Full blown custom modular trade show booths are a more expensive option, but can be worth it if they attract your target audience.

Generally custom displays are based on the needs of the exhibitor. Separated spaces, hard wall panels, stages, work stations and large metal structures usually make up this type of exhibit. A marketing study suggests that a trade show setup that is well organized and visually appealing can yield from a 5-10% increase in overall business.

Custom booths or a custom modular display may have limitations established by the exhibitor. These are often found at theme trade shows. That doesn't mean you cannot be creative with your setup. Keep in mind that it is the content that sells people on your particular pitch. Adding photo displays or a mural to your setup can be a way to attract attention and still conform to exhibit guidelines. A custom modular setup is usually designed to be durable for multiple uses.

Panel Displays

These are the most common type of trade show setups. These can be simple foldout displays illustrating details, fast facts, testimonials and key features. A custom setup is characterized by custom graphics, which include a selection of fabric and colors.

It is generally recommended to choose a single color or at most two coordinating colors for a custom display. You do not want the colors and graphics to take away from the general purpose of the display. Lighting is essential to any type of setup at a trade show and you do not want to depend solely on the lighting at the event.

For a panel setup, the lighting should be subtle. For example, if you have a three panel setup, back-lighting is usually effective because it will draw attention equally to each panel.

Trade Show Booths

A trade show booth is no longer just a simple table setup. Trade show booths now often include graphics as part of their design. Fabric tension booths, which include graphics with the setup, can be just as easy to setup and breakdown as a pop-up display. Hybrid exhibits are also a popular trend - these designs combine metal components with colorful graphics, yet remain easy to setup.

A little effort with the concept of displays can lead to more productive results. Exhibits should be designed to stand out from the crowd in an effective way. This is usually why pop up displays are preferred. Pop-up displays are easy to store, setup and transport and often contain all the elements of the presentation.

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Pop Up Trade Show Booths - Part 3
 

Truss Displays

This setup will usually take up more space at trade show exhibit and is generally best in a corner. Truss setups come in standard sizes, but can also be custom made to conform to a particular area. Truss exhibits will generally involve more setup time.

This setup is usually better for trade shows of a longer duration and involves more setup time than pop up displays. Truss display systems are designed to stand out in a crowd and tend to receive the most attention at trade shows.

Table Top Displays

This type of setup generally involves small metal frame work that easily collapse (think camping) into a portable carrying case. Graphic panels attach to this framework. This setup is easy to assemble. It is usually placed on top of a table, usually provided by the show's contractor. Most exhibitors include the table as part of the total price for renting the exhibit space.

Another element to consider is the table covering. Table coverings can be simple and include no graphics. This option is usually best if you do not want to distract the audience from the rest of the setup. It is best to stick with a single color. Traditional tones such gray, green or red tend to work best.

A step-up from no graphics is a table covering with some graphics. Here you generally want to keep the graphic simple. Usually the company logo is all that is needed. Table skirting and table toppers can be added to add a touch of elegance. Table skirting can also be functional and serve to hide wires and cables that are a part of displays.

Banner Stands

These are probably the easiest to setup. They come in a variety of shapes ranging from a standard rectangle banner to square banners. Other features of this setup are scrolling banners and teardrop banners. Banners tend to be best for promoting a single product or event.

Banner setups can be worked into pop-up displays. They can serve as a way to direct visitors to your setup if placed in strategic locations. The stands for the banners usually come in three standard sizes.

The smaller stands can add to a table design, while the larger stands are meant to be stand alone setups. However, a single banner may be used to direct traffic to certain pop-up displays.

Most banners are designed to be roll-up, meaning they setup quickly at trade shows. Multiple banners tend to result in a setup that is more dynamic and will attract more attention.

Banner setups have gone green. Eco-friendly banner displays are available made from biodegradable materials.

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Pop Up Trade Show Displays
 

Pop-up trade show displays are the perfect solution for any trade show. These bold and easy-setup trade show booths are customizable to suit your company and products, and they are priced far below some of the more complex displays on the market. If you are looking for a way to steal all of the attention at your next trade show, look no further than a pop-up.

Selecting a Pop-Up

Pop-up booths come in a wide variety of models, so you will need to devote some time to selecting the one that's right for you. Most of these curve to display graphics, be it an image of a product you're promoting, or your company's logo. Some models are solid colors, others are customizable to suit your company.

The sizes for trade show pop-up displays like this will range from 4 feet high to a surprising 20 feet high, which causes a big gap in pricing. You need to choose the display that is going to help you stand out in the show without looking overbearing. Think about the size of the venue you will be working in as well as the size of other items you want to display. You can figure out the proper proportioning for the pop up framework from there.

Most of the booths you can choose from will be made of fabric, but there are other materials to look into. If you do decide to work with a fabric display, note the different durability ratings for your options. Some displays may cost more than others because they fabric used to make them is more reliable. Determine what would work best for the amount of trade shows you attend.

Assembling a Pop-Up Display

Pop-up trade show displays function just as their name implies. You can put yours together in a matter of minutes because most of the pieces just snap together. The simple instructions will quickly guide you through the assembly process for your pop-up framework. Even if you arrive late to the show, you can get setup in time for the customers to arrive.

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Pop Up Trade Show Displays 2
 

Pop Up Trade Show Displays - Part 2

Designing a Trade Show Booth

The purpose of a pop-up trade show display is to showcase your business in the most eye-catching way possible. Thus, you have to determine what you can do with your display to make it stand out. Trade show accessories will help you do this, but the graphics you use will provide the foundation you need to build on. If you have items that are bright and colorful, choose a subtle background that will allow them to shine on their own. If you have subtle products, think about using bold graphics to draw people in. Feel free to put your company mission on display, or a photo of the place you would likely see someone using your product. Create an environment, not just a booth.

Trade Show Display Accessories

Your pop-up booth may not be all you need to really make you stand out. There are tons of accessories you can explore help to promote your products. One of the most common accessories booth owners will purchase is lighting. Lighting conditions vary from show venue to show venue, and proper lighting can enhance your display unlike anything else, making your wares and graphics pop. They can also bring out special details that are not noticeable in standard lighting.

Carrying cases are practical accessories to purchase with trade show displays because they can help you safely cart your pop-up from show to show. A carrying case will offer protection for your display while providing you with an easy way to transport it. Everything can fold away into a simple case that you can throw in your trunk until the next trade show comes around.

Shelving could help your pop-up as well because that would provide you with a place to show off your goods more easily. Tables can get cluttered over time and shelves can put everything on display at eye level. They also help separate different components to provide organization and definition for your booth. The shelves will vary in size, shape, and assembly requirements, so you'll need to find what works for you.

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Pop Up Trade Show Displays 3
 

Pop Up Trade Show Displays - Part 3

Prices for Trade Show Displays

The amount of money you can spend on pop up display show cases will vary considerably based on what you need for your trade shows. Larger units will usually cost more than smaller ones, and certain graphics will cost more than others as well. If you opt to get accessories for the display, those can add to the cost as well. When you think about the money you can make from the bold advertisement though, investing in a product like this is a brilliant idea. You could make your money back in a couple of shows because of the amount of people you draw in, and then all the rest of the money after that is straight profit. One piece can last for a long time if you protect it well enough. These products are made to last forever.

Conclusion

If you need a way to attract new customers during your time at trade shows, you need a good pop up booth to back you up. This will provide the ideal source of advertisement for you, and you will not have to spend a ton of time putting it together. This is the most economical and convenient solution to all of your trade show needs, and it could be yours at the touch of a button. Take a look at the displays available to you and figure out what could help you out.

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Pop Up Trade Show Exhibits
 

In the past setting up a display booth at a trade show or convention was a huge and unpleasant task. Trade show displays were large and bulky, and involved carrying multiple pieces to the exhibit hall in bulky, heavy transport cases. For the marketing staff in charge of setting up this huge, old-fashioned trade show display, being asked to represent their company at a convention was an assignment that no one volunteered for.

Fortunately for sales and marketing departments everywhere, the bulky carrying case is a thing of the past. Today’s technology makes setting up a trade show exhibit booth a simple project that can be completed by a small staff in a short period of time. Exhibitors don’t have to sacrifice color and style for convenience, today’s pop up booths and pop up displays feature full graphic mural panels yet can be transported easily in a small airline-friendly travel case. With the ever-increasing baggage fees charged by airlines, this is no small factor for a company to consider when designing their trade show booth. Why spend hundreds of dollars to transport a heavy case when a pop up booth can be transported easily as a lightweight piece of traditional luggage.

When the trade show team arrives at the event, pop-up technology makes it simple for them to assemble their booth so quickly it will make all the other exhibitors turn green with envy. Imagine arriving at an exhibit hall, setting up an entire trade show booth, and still having time to go out and network with clients in the evening. A pop up display makes this possible for companies of any size.

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Pop Up Trade Show Exhibits Part 2
 

Knowing the amount of space provided at the trade show booth is essential to determining what kind of display a team will be able to set up. For small companies with a limited budget, a 10 ft by 10 ft trade show exhibit space is a standard booth size. Because this is such a small area to work with, an exhibitor needs to carefully plan how to make the best use of every inch of space to its best advantage. Displays should have an immediate visual punch. A full 10 ft curved or straight wall can be used to house graphic mural panels advertising your company’s product. For companies that can only send a small staff to do their trade show exhibiting, a pop up display booth can be assembled quickly in a matter of minutes. A group of two or three employees can even set up an entire 10 ft pop up trade show booth by themselves. The secret is the pop up frame which folds easily in a case for travel, but snaps out into a full-sized pop up trades how exhibit booth with minimal labor. Detachable graphics can be mounted on this frame, and quickly a professional-looking display is ready for customers to view.

Companies who need a larger presence at a trade show or convention need not sacrifice ease and convenience in setting up their own trade show booth displays. A 20 ft x 20 ft trade show pop up display can be just as easily transported and set up by a small group of employees. A large booth allows more creativity in designing your company’s exhibit. The additional display space can be used to showcase more products, technology, or to host product demonstrations. Even though these larger trade show pop up displays create a greater impact on the show floor, they are just as simple to transport and assemble as their smaller counterparts.

For companies that want to stand out from the crowd, there are nearly endless variations in the types of designs that can be created in pop up trades show exhibits. More elaborate display graphics can be displayed on a serpentine display; in particular on a curved 20 ft pop up display. A curved 20 ft pop up creates a beautiful and appealing visual line. Imagine the visual interest that a curved graphic panel will bring to a trade show pop up exhibit! After seeing dozens of flat booth panel displays customers will definitely stop to take a closer look at a curved graphic display. While you might think that a curved pop up display booth would be more difficult to assemble or fit into transport cases, the fact is that this style of pop up is just as easy to assemble as a predominantly flat pop up trade show display.

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Pop Up Trade Show Exhibits Part 3
 

Pop up trade show exhibits are not the only advancements in modern convention exhibit styles. Companies can create almost any effect in their trade show pop up booth. For designs that require more than the basic panels incorporated in a traditional trade show pop up display, modular booths can be designed. Modular booths come in several pieces that can be put together right on the display floor. These designs can be designed to serve multiple purposes, from generating display space to integrating a podium for product demonstrations. Pop up display booths can be used in conjunction with modular designs to add more depth to the graphics on the convention display. The more depth and interest a trade show booth can create, the longer the average convention-goer will spend viewing the exhibit. To really capture the imagination and interest of potential clients, trade show booths should incorporate unusual or unexpected elements. A variation on the traditional trade show pop up display booth is a gull-wing shaped display booth. The curved lines of the gull-wing pop up display also help it stand out from a crowd of plain, boring exhibits.

When it comes to user-friendly designs, pop up trade show booths are the gold standard. Why try to carry and assemble heavy, bulky panels when you can have an immediate impact with flexible, vibrant pop up booths. Companies can create nearly any kind of design and incorporate it into their pop up trade show exhibit booth. Graphic packages are affordable and easy to add to any pop up trade show exhibit. Whether it is a company logo, or picture of the company’s signature product, the bright pop of color that comes with a well-designed graphic incorporated into a trade show display booth will help bring customers straight to your company’s booth for more information.

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Pop-Up Displays
 

Pop-Up Displays: Features and Benefits

In the world of business, a trade fair or exhibition is a popular place to take advantage of the mass crowds and advertise a business’ services or products. At these events, each exhibitor is provided with a specific area, or booth, to showcase their business or product. As an exhibitor, it can often be a challenge to work within a small area and to communicate the details and features of his/her service within the brief period of time that a visitor will be passing by the booth. Due to this, companies often invest in a variety of display equipment to make the most of their area. One of the most popular types of trade show display equipment is the pop-up display. Pop up displays are mobile units that are easy to transport and easy to set up. As the name implies, pop up displays literally pop up. They often consist of a metal and wire frame with attachable hooks, magnets or Velcro pieces for attaching printed graphics to the frame for presentation.

Trade fairs can be great events to participate in, but the expenses associated with trade show display equipment can be high. Cost effectiveness is one of the important benefits that pop up displays can offer. A feature specific to pop ups is that they can be used over and over again at various events. In addition, businesses can always update or change out the graphics used with their pop-up display.

Portability is another feature of pop-up displays; all of which are designed to be easily transported from office to exhibition. Most come in their own wheeled trolley cases or are light enough to be carried. The cases are durable so they can withstand traveling via air or delivery service but are also compact enough so that they can fit into passenger cars or vans. To compliment portability, pop up displays are designed to be easily assembled. Often times companies can only send one person to any given event so any display equipment must be able to be assembled by one person. Once standing and positioned, an exhibitor will only need to attach the graphic materials to the frame.

Since the graphic materials are not permanently attached, pop-ups provide companies with greater flexibility. Pop-up equipment can be used for different types of events with different sets of graphics. The same equipment can be used at a career exhibition today and used at a trade fair tomorrow by just swapping out the graphic materials.

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Pop-Up Displays - Part 2
 

Pop-Up Displays: Features and Benefits - Part 2

Like other trade show display equipment, there are many different types of pop-up stands. Some of the most popular and their purposes are listed below:

• Tabletop display: The tabletop display is one of the smallest types of displays as it is designed to fit on an exhibition booth table. Little to no setup is required. As visitors pass by a booth, a tabletop display can be quite eye-catching as they come in different shapes and printed graphics can be easily attached to their frames.

• 8-foot pop up display: The 8-foot pop up display is a popular trade fair item. As it is bigger in size, setting up an 8-foot pop up display can take a bit longer than setting up a tabletop display, but it is still designed to be easily assembled. These displays are often used as a faux back wall, or backdrop, in the booth area. The 8-foot pop up is also still small enough that it can be used as a tabletop display, if needed, depending on the size of the table. Graphics can be printed onto mural-like panels for a seamless appearance or onto multiple panels that must be precisely aligned to construct the overall graphic.

• 10-foot pop up display systems: Companies use 10-foot pop up display systems to really make a statement. The features are very much the same as the 8-foot pop display and often the carrying case can be converted into a podium once the display has been assembled. The main advantage with 10-foot pop up display systems is that an exhibitor is given even more area to showcase a well designed graphic display. These display systems can also come in curved designs to make even more impact when set up as a back wall or to stand out from a row of booths.

• 20-foot pop up display: The 20-foot pop up display is really ideal for larger booths or when an exhibitor plans on being one of the main attractions at an exposition. These display systems usually come with spotlights that can be attached to the top of the frame. Often 20-foot pop up displays may require two carrying cases, both of which can usually be converted into podiums.

• Gull wing display: The gull wing display is also for larger booths and is often categorized with 20-foot pop up displays. The gull wing display features two curved frames which create a winged-looking design which adds more flair to any exhibition.

• Serpentine pop up display: Like the gull wing display, the serpentine pop up display mainly offers flair in addition to usual 20-foot pop up display features. The serpentine pop up display features a curved frame which creates an “S” looking design once assembled.

• Pop up banner: Pop up banners are a type of pop up usually showcasing a company’s logo or motto as a large graphic display. A 20-foot pop up banner can be used to attract attention at trade fairs or outside a store for an event like a grand opening. Pop up banners can come in different shapes and materials. A 20-foot pop up banner is most often rectangular in shape and is retractable for easy storage. Businesses can use a 20-foot pop up banner to compliment smaller graphic display materials or to draw attention to their area in a row of booths. Use of a pop-up display can be very advantageous for any business. Standing out from other booths at trade fairs and other events must always be a priority for companies and use of a well developed graphic display is the best way to achieve this. Obtaining larger booths may not always be possible at events, so having the right kind of display equipment is crucial. Smaller pop up equipment can make a professional statement and add to any sized exhibit area but larger display equipment used as a back wall for an impactful presentation can make all the difference in being just another company or being “THE” company that everyone remembers.

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Portable Trade Show Displays
 

Participating in conventions, or trade shows, can help you to reach your target market. A standard marketing principal claims that exhibits have three seconds to deliver a message.

The graphic design on your trade show display is literally the first impression at the trade shows. The trade fair exhibit must grab and hold the attention of your audience -- fast.

Unifying themes on the display wall and banner stands is an example of an effective trade show strategy. Another is to create concise graphic displays that instantly communicate your message.

Graphic design on the fabric panels are critical; just as critical are the many advantages of portable displays over other kinds of trade fair strategies.

The Portable Trade Show Display Advantage

For a trade show organizer, one key to a successful convention is preparation. Traditional trade show displays are more difficult to set up, break down, and are less practical for travel than the portable trade show displays. Along with set up items, these highly mobile units can be easily packed and moved in a special display case, which have wheels! For ease of setup, the pop up models, portable panel exhibits, or even the 10-foot pop-up floor model can save any exhibitor valuable time.

Two of the most popular display styles are the tabletop display and the floor display.

Types of Tabletop Displays

A tabletop portable trade show display is light, compact, and seamlessly integrates its graphic panels with the themes of any pop-up trade show displays. For the slow hours, put a table top display on the pedestal counters. This can create creative options for booth arrangements. These pedestals are equally useful for both floor displays and the tabletop trade show display. The company's graphics are usually placed on the fabric panels for maximum visual impact.

For even more ease of use, the tabletop folding displays combine the benefits of lightness and portability with maximum background surface. They are truly a case-to-counter classic, an affordable way to create a presence and attract clientele while staying within a budget. This compact design also leaves enough room in the booth for other items such as a literature rack, or even storage room underneath for cases.



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Portable Trade Show Displays Part 2
 

Portable Trade Show Displays Part 2

More Dynamic Pop-Up Displays

If a table is not in your plan, but maximum impact is, the large pop up wall may be your choice. Their sizes can deceive; even the striking 10-foot exhibit is still remarkably easy to set up. What kind of surface your message is delivered on reflects quality; a popular surface is the fabric-covered display. It is a pleasant background to plan a dynamic message to 'leap off' from; with a little planning, it can also lead potential clients right into your literature shelves. The more interaction they have with your booth, the more likely you will enroll them.

A Stunning Display Wall

With the maximum mobility, the 10-foot pop-up floor model has a commanding presence. It is a practical and popular portable trade show display. Floor displays are a viable alternative, in these exhibits, to the tabletop display -- because maximizing every inch of potential space for graphics design at conventions is imperative.

Even so, the graphic panels must be supported by a framework of some kind, whether it is on banner stands, on a fabric-covered display, or on the many varieties of pop-up displays. What they all have in common is that the amount of time saved in setting up the display can be re-allocated to more valuable selling activities.

Literature Rack Strategy

While setting up your graphic design using pop-up models, you can still interact productively with the public by setting up the literature shelves first; it creates that valuable first impression. By becoming approachable as early as possible in the competitive trade show, you can begin a conversation that is likely to continue towards a sale. An astute trade show organizer knows that maximizing every minute, and square inch of exposure, at a trade fair convention means greater ROI.

This is why it is so important to not underestimate the value of a good display case. These cases are light and fast, and provide the exhibitor with a speedy transition from case-to-counter. The sooner the graphic displays on your fabric panels become visible to the public, the more likely your trade show display will be one of the first seen. Many of your competitors at the trade shows will consistently undervalue these critical first minutes, often not using even basic portable panel exhibits, so why not take advantage of them?

This is why portable trade show displays are such a good investment, and they come in so many varieties. From the pop up wall to the 10-foot exhibit, from tool-free pedestal counters to tabletop folding displays, your pop-up trade show displays will provide both maximum exposure of company graphics, and minimum set up hassles for your exhibit.

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Portable Trade Show Displays Part 3
 

Portable Trade Show Displays - - Part 3

Trade Show Displays -- Shapes and Sizes.
Do you want  a tabletop portable trade show display, or the portable displays that use pedestals, or if you prefer to use the floor displays?

Though the tabletop trade show display is right for some exhibits, they can also be too small for the larger exhibitor. Given the limits of a table top display, it can be practical to go with the 10-foot exhibit instead. Banner stands, and pop-up trade show displays can be an affordable compromise.

Portable Displays

Portable panel exhibits are pop-up models that effectively display graphics in the competitive convention environment. Graphic displays are presented on eye-catching fabric panels. These fabric-covered display backgrounds can be either full-length portable trade show displays, or the simple table top display.

Communicating a Message

A trade show display with compelling graphic design will do well on a tabletop trade show display. However, the success of a trade show exhibit depends on the ability of the message on the display wall to reach the audience instantly, making case-to-counter setup critical. Cases can be stored underneath, if using the tabletop portable trade show display because of the trade-off between display case storage space and booth space. Even the tabletop folding displays have this option; besides their lightness and lower price, storage at a trade show is another serious consideration when planning what kind of pop-up displays are most appropriate for your conventions.

Pedestal counters have other advantages, but not storage capacity; tabletop displays are more useful when storage is a priority. Pedestals are simply an elegant way to exhibit any display.
As always, good luck at the convention!

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Trade Show Booths
 

Trade Show Booths: A Perspective



Introduction: The Role of a Trade Show Booth

In a day of ever increasing virtual communication, the trade show retains its importance for what it provides: face-to-face contact. Trade shows provide opportunities for businesses to showcase their products and services to a motivated audience and the high level networking that results is good for both vendors and buyers.

For the vendor exhibiting at a trade show, attendance translates to reaching a large group of potential customers in a very brief amount of time. For the attendees, the show floor is an exciting place to see the latest products -- but it is also a place full of stimuli clamoring for attention.

To reach the most people in this busy environment, an exhibitor should recognize and utilize all the tools available to him to create a presence that not only attracts but welcomes a show visitor. A well-conceived exhibit space creates an appealing and interactive environment -- the best conditions for conducting business. A large part of this environment is the trade show booth.

To make the greatest return on renting space at a trade show, exhibitors should create a presence in the trade show venue with an effective display. It is easy to get caught up in the visual and physical qualities of an exhibit design because it needs to have impact and be fresh. However, it is better to think of booth design as the foundation that supports the human interaction that is at the heart of business. A good booth design creates the atmosphere where vendors and customers meet and do business.

The Perfect Sales Meeting

Like a sales meeting, a trade show booth has three objectives:

• to attract the customer with a clear and focused message
• to create the opportunity for staff to engage the customer in a professional manner and convince the customer about the value of the company’s product and services for purchase either now or later
• to leave the customer with a clear and positive image of the company and its mission.

The Elements of a Successful Trade Show Booth: Form and Serviceability

To accomplish these objectives, the exhibit space must be thoughtfully designed around the ideas of form and serviceability. These qualities are interrelated and each must inform the other.

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Trade Show Booths Part 2
 

Trade Show Booths: A Perspective, Part 2



Form consists of:
• elements of design such as shape, color, and graphics that attract, inform, and engage the customer
• consistency and coherence of the message the exhibit portrays of the company’s identity and offerings
• serviceability to the extent that form enhances the services the presentation offers

Serviceability comprises
• traffic flow through and about the booth
• product displays for ready demonstration and literature racks for accessible information
• accessories such as kiosks, chairs, presentation screens, semi-private negotiating areas, etc. accommodate the engagement in an upbeat and comfortable manner
• storage and disposal options to maintain appearance

Properly considered, the form and serviceability of exhibit booths enhance the success of participation in trade shows. No exhibitor should seek a cheap booth for the sake of being thrifty – nor an expensive one for show. In the end, the best trade show exhibits are ones that project a clear message and accommodate the needs of the company for which they are designed.

Trade Show Booth Options

Trade show exhibits can be completely custom-made or purchased as kits with customized components such as portable panels or screens and a wheeled case for transportation. Some trade show organizers offer booth rental, and for some businesses, this is an attractive option. Most companies, however, purchase a display from a third party supplier.

Portable panel kits provide for convenient transport to and set up at the show venue. These are available in tabletop sizes or in larger sizes ranging from those with a 10 ft back wall to those with a 20 ft backwall. These assemble with ease and offer replaceable panel displays that can be customized and updated with high impact graphics. The kits often contain lighting, counters, and accessories suited to travel, as well as carpet flooring and a protective carpet bag, all of which pack away into shipping cases. In some kits utilize a case to-counter conversion for efficiency.

Modular booth kits of the link-and-panel or pop-up frame type provide the maximum in ease and impact. Link-and-panel kits can be readily customized to accommodate different space requirements. Pop-up displays are very portable with lightweight frames or tension rods that hold fabric into space-defining shapes. Such custom modular displays offer endless options and usually fit in a convenient shipping case. New pop-up displays present exhibitors with customization and affordability.

Truss-style kits are a step up in style and impact. They offer more complete and flexible environments to attract and engage customers. The truss frames are visibly attractive and provide the visual counterpoint to lightweight graphic panels and display or work surfaces. Configurations allow for an open environment with multiple access and faces to make the most use of any type of show floor space available. These usually involve freight shipping costs and fees for crews to set up at the venue.

The custom designed booth is the granddaddy of all trade show displays and is the right choice for many companies. Costs are a major consideration, but when weighed against the business potential some trade shows represent, a custom design may be a justified use of marketing resources. Such trade show exhibits involve booth designers and fabrication teams but offer many of the same modular and replaceable components of their humble cousins. What they offer in addition are the signature looks and messages that project a company’s brand forward across the exhibition hall.

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Trade Show Booths Part 3
 

Trade Show Booths: A Perspective, Part 3

Accessories Chairs, surfaces, and receptacles for personal items, literature, and refuse are common accessories. Other items that should not be overlooked include signage, booth lights, banner stands, auxiliary pop-ups, and anything else that adds style and serviceability to the booth. Some accessories such as booth furniture are often available for rental by the trade show organizers.

Trade Show Booth Maintenance and Replacement

Because trade show booths represent an investment, they demand care. It is dismaying to open a portable booth at the venue and find it dirty or damaged. To protect the investment, an exhibitor will have the display cleaned and inspected before being tucked away. Similarly, the changeable components will be inventoried so upgrades can be ordered in time for subsequent shows. Changing graphics regularly projects the image of an up-to-date and innovative company.

Used Trade Show Booths

As businesses grow, they often upgrade booth space. When a well-maintained used booth comes to market, it can represent a significant opportunity for a company to realize the full potential value of its investment.

Final Thoughts

A trade show display represents an important marketing investment. A company will receive a return on this investment if the choices in booth design invite the professional human interaction at the core of all business relationships.
Trade Show Displays
 

Get Noticed – Trade Show Displays


Trade shows are showcases of the latest products and services that a particular industry has to offer. For a vendor, trades shows are often a critical component of that company’s marketing efforts. For attendees, trade shows, also known as trade fairs, are a means to stay current with products and services they purchase for business or personal use. Trade shows, therefore, are an important nexus for vendors and their clients and customers.

Companies that rent space at trade shows want to receive the greatest possible exposure during the several days of the event. Consequently, prime floor space at trade shows is expensive and obtaining it can be competitive as companies jockey for high profile, high traffic locations. This highlights the fact that visibility and impact in an exhibitor’s trade show presentation are both important in getting the greatest return on the costs involved.

Trade Show Displays: Function

Exhibitors set up trade show displays for two purposes: to have a place to demonstrate their wares and to draw attendees in to inspect those wares. For the first of these, the choice of a display booth will vary depending upon the nature of the wares being shown. This functional aspect is the starting place for any display choice. In some cases, particularly for services or intangibles, a company may have little to physically see or handle and a booth primarily serves as a place to greet and converse with clients. Other companies need a more inclusive space to allow customers to handle product, see demos, be entertained or become informed through visual presentations, and perhaps even place orders. Presentation purposes drive a trade booth’s size and design.

Trade Show Displays: Impact

The second purpose of a trade show display is to attract as many likely customers as possible. Vendors always strive to have different, attractive, and contemporary displays to pique a customer’s interest. Fortunately, today’s wide variety of materials allows for color, graphics, and design to be applied to every aspect of a display booth inexpensively. Most booths allow for interchangeable panels or banners to allow for continual visual variety.

Visual impact is especially important for those floor spaces that are smaller and farther away from the main entrance. Visually appealing signs and materials help bring in customers from all across the fair grounds. Some trade shows allow banners and surfaces to be held high so a company’s logo or advertisement can be seen from afar. Additional, carefully placed signs and graphics may also be allowed elsewhere by trade fair organizers.

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Trade Show Displays - Part 2
  Trade Show Displays: Costs

Cost is not an impediment to having a great trade show display booth. Larger displays with more offerings do tend to be more expensive. Tower trade show displays are very impressive but are also very costly. Such displays add to the image an exhibitor projects and may translate directly into more sales. However, this is not always the case, or it may not generate enough extra sales to offset the additional cost. An exhibitor at trade fairs, trade shows, and exhibitions needs to carefully gauge the likely return on the marketing investment that a display represents.

Determining the appropriate display based on function and impact allows companies to make good decisions about the costs of trade show displays. Many less expensive options offer true value for purchasers in the impact, adaptability, and ease they allow.

Many less expensive set-ups can be leveraged to great effect with powerful graphic panels and color schemes. Impact can also be compounded by careful coordination of different display styles. A fabric wall combined with coordinated banners can give a booth depth and space similar to that provided by expensive tower or panel displays. Similarly multiple pop-up displays can be arranged to define space and place graphics in attractive ways that draw customers in.

Trade Show Displays: The Foundation for Building Relationships

It is always good to remember that the show display is the foundation upon which business relationships start. A well-designed display booth should not only bring customers in but also allow for easy and comfortable interaction between company representatives and customers. This, after all, is the primary reason for trade shows.

Trade Show Displays: Options

Display styles are available for every budget and purpose today. Most displays can easily be adapted for each show with new panels, banners, or pop-up displays. Exhibitors often layer their booths with different display styles to entice customers in for conversation. Common booth display styles are listed below:

Panel Displays:

The most common display at trade shows, they range in size from tabletop models to 20 feet in width. They are usually constructed of fabric-covered frames that can be easily disassembled for ready portability. Fabrics can be customized with colors and logos.

Tension Fabric Displays:

Modern, easy-to-use, and lightweight, these freestanding tension fabric displays are kings of color and impact. Their frames are made of either folding metal or tension rods.

Tower Displays:

Tower displays provide a modern environment with high impact. The truss frames allow for a wide variety of forms and options for graphic panels and screens. The structure easily supports additional lights, displays, and cabinets.

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Trade Show Displays - Part 3
  Pop-Up Displays:

Like panel displays, pop-up displays come in a wide range of sizes. The frames expand quickly and easily and are fit with fabric or graphic coverings.

Hanging Displays:

Hung from above, these overhead banners and customizable displays extend an exhibitor’s visibility and impact. The graphic panels allow for visibility across the fair grounds.

Counters and Cabinets:

Counters and cabinets provide a focal point for meeting and greeting customers. They come in a wide variety of sizes and allow smaller items to be readily displayed or personal items to be safely stowed.

Banner Stands:

Banner stands are a staple of trade show displays. Very affordable and lightweight, these offer attention-grabbing graphics or color for maximum impact and generally roll up, telescope, or easily disassemble for easy transport.

Tabletop Displays:

Tabletop displays are usually smaller versions of panel, pop-up, or banner styles intended for display on waist-high surfaces. These offer great value with maximum impact at modest prices.

Sign Holders / Displays:

The simplest means to display and offer information to customers, these displays usually entail a support method to hold signs and graphics, often at eye-level.

Literature Racks:

Printed materials are still an important part of a trade show display. A literature display rack holds an exhibitor’s promotional materials in an attractive and convenient way for customers to peruse and select. Racks can be floor table mounted.

Other Considerations:

Portability–portable trade show displays are the most common option available and make the most sense for most companies. Exhibitors can travel with the display and set it up themselves. More extensive booths require shipping and erection services, often provided by the fair operators at an additional cost.

Customization–Many companies want a unique look and with custom-designed booths, anything is possible as long as it meets specifications of the trade fair organizers.

Used Trade Show Displays–Many companies choose to replace their display booth styles and put their previous models up for sale. This can be a great opportunity for other companies to upgrade to displays sizes and styles they could not otherwise afford.

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Trade Show Exhibits
 

The Trade Show Marketing Industry

Trade show marketing is becoming increasingly popular for businesses of any size and brand to draw in more customer interest. These events are also lucrative opportunities to network with others who work in the same area and learn about new trends. Many industries see immediate increases in their average profits soon after participation in a trade show. The demand for eye-catching displays has created an entirely new and separate industry for trade show design. Businesses enlist the services of professional designers to create unique trade show exhibits for them. Creating displays for a trade show has become a competitive field, and business owners have plenty to choose from when it comes to custom-made exhibits. Exhibit rentals are also widely available as an alternative to buying the more expensive parts for portable exhibits.

Exhibition Basics

A successful exhibit often includes all or part of a rented display along with the company's own display materials. These can be combinations of pipe and drape displays, tabletop displays, panel displays, or other types of custom displays. Displays are actually the core of trade show events, allowing companies to showcase their products and services. As opposed to a pre-made rental displays, completely custom exhibits give an exhibition designer a greater amount of freedom to create a booth entirely around a company's philosophy, selling approach, and goals.

Pipe and drape displays are among the most basic options for an exhibit. These are made from fabric attached to frames usually made from steel pipes. The drawback for these is that exhibitors are usually not allowed able to hang anything on backdrops provided by the show decorator.

The need for easily portable exhibits usually includes the use of pop-up exhibits. Pop-ups are a bit sturdier and more versatile; they are popular with designers for their accordion shape that can be arranged in a variety of ways. The walls of pop-up exhibits usually form the walls of a booth for a trade show exhibit. Panel displays are another alternative to pop-ups; these are typically made from heavier material such as plastic that can support added weight.

When putting together displays for a trade show, smaller components include a tabletop display or a briefcase display. Both are of similar size and simple to set up on a standard table. A briefcase display has the added bonus of being quick and easy to fold up. Both of these types of tabletop displays come in sizes that can range from six inches to several feet tall.

Continued in Part 2 > >

Trade Show Exhibits Part 2
  Budget-Friendly Booth Displays

First-time event participants are often surprised at how quickly the cost of custom trade show exhibits can add up. Buying large volumes of high-quality materials for booth displays is often outside the budgets of smaller, newer companies. For this reason, there is a widely-available market for exhibit rentals at significantly lower prices. Some business owners prefer to purchase inexpensive basics such as fabric for backdrops, tables, and pedestals for their products. This rented display option allows for more investment in other components of custom trade show exhibits such as printed banner graphics or video presentations. Even a plain booth wall can quickly draw visual interest with some well-designed banners or decals.

Other company owners take more of an all-in-one approach to using a rental exhibit. Pop-up display rental exhibits are some of the most economical choices. They can typically be rented for about 50% of the purchase price. Some rental companies for trade shows even have the option for business owners to later purchase the pop-ups if they like them enough, with the 50% rental fee already applied to the total price.

Usually the biggest part of any trade show exhibit budget is the cost of graphics to be added to a booth wall or tabletop display. Graphics are what grab viewers' attention the most, and the quality of the artwork can often make or break trade show exhibits. These often incorporate a company's logo into other dynamic designs and can be silk screen printed for a high-end look.

Choosing an Exhibit Rental Company


A simple web search will yield a plethora of choices for exhibit rental companies that specialize in trade shows. Some have wider selections and sizes of pop-up display rental exhibits that come with extras such as podiums or pedestals for companies who plan to have live presentations. Other rental businesses employ consultants who can help their business customers choose products to put together their own custom-made exhibits.

The experience of the consultants at a rental business can make a big difference in the success of an event participant. Some companies employ in-house design teams and offer options for custom exhibits, while others only focus on renting the basic materials. In any case, the quality of these materials needs to be the best that any given business owner can afford.

Additional Considerations

Custom displays offer more flexibility for a unique look, and they also have plenty of flexibility in terms of construction choices. It is possible to put together a good display with rented materials that are of good quality. Designers can be hired from a rental company or on a freelance basis, and their fees often depend on their levels of expertise.

Some types of displays are more expensive than others, particularly in the case of pipe and drape displays versus sturdier panel displays. If a company does several trade shows per year in different locations, renting exhibition materials locally beforehand for each venue can save time and money on packing and shipping the same exhibit several times.

Trade show marketing has grown such a great deal as an industry that renters and vendors have started putting together their own trade show exhibit presentations. For owners with a relatively new business, putting together portable exhibits can seem to be a daunting task. Visiting a few conventions for the rented display business can give a good idea of all available choices. Trade show exhibits are a vital marketing component across industries, and options will continue to expand due to technology and other areas of innovation.



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