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April 2007
 
Selecting a Portable Trade Show Display
 

If you regularly exhibit at trade shows you know how important having the right display is and if you are new to trade shows you will find out very quickly. You want a display that is easy to travel with but still have the high visual impact to create the image you want to convey. Fortunately, there are a variety of highly engineered displays that are designed for portability as well as impact. All you need to do is find the one that fits you needs best.

Events are becoming more varied in their locations and duration so for many exhibitors it is important to find a versatile display. Almost every display is available in a table top version and there are some that actually convert from a 10’ tall display wall to table top display in seconds! There are 3 basic styles of portable displays and variations with each style. You will need to take a few things into consideration before you select your display...

Budget - Determine what portion of your marketing budget will go to your display. The tighter the budget the more versatile your display needs to be so it can accommodate a wide variety of venues.

Size – Consider the area you need to cover and the size of your graphics. Two smaller displays can be put together for your larger venues and independently at smaller shows.

Portability – If you are driving to your shows, the portability of your display may not be an issue but if you are flying and don’t like to check your baggage, then weight and portability can be a big issue.

Message -Think about the message you need to convey. If you will need to change your graphics often or maybe even on the spot then look for a display that will meet that need. The fashion industry uses retractable displays with changeable cartidges in them so they can change their graphics to fit their immediate audience.

Below is a breakdown of the major categories of displays. There are variations within the categories but determining the type of display you need is your first step.


curved display frame and
podium with no graphics

curved display frame and
podium with graphics
PORTABLE TRADE SHOW DISPLAY COMPARISON CHART
STYLE
Budget Height Ranges (all displays below have tabletop versions)
Width Ranges
Weight with Graphic
Portability

Set Up/
Take Down

view set up .pdf
files below

Graphic Change Print Materials
RETRACTABLE
$700-$1300 There are retractble displays that have heights as low as 16.6" when partially and some that reach 118" fully retracted. 33"-47" Approx. 12 lbs. for an 33"x79" retractable These are the easiiest displays to travel with. Generally the retractable stands that are less than 45" wide can be taken as carry on luggage on a many flights.

Just a few seconds!

view set up M2
view set up Q3
(.pdf)

There are retractable displays that allow for easy swapping out of graphics. Others need to be sent back to the printer and a small charge may apply. You want curl resistant and matte finish print media. Glossy prints may reflect the surrounding light and washout your graphic. Polyester coated print with matte finish is most popular. Lambda and Metallic Lambda is photographic paper for excellent color and detail however it is more expensive than the typical hi res inkjet. If you need a metallic look Metallic Lambda is the best solution.
FABRIC POP UP

$700-$2300 Available up to 31" to 12' tall however, most rooms will not accommodate a 10' or 12' high display. Most common size is 88" tall. 31" tall would be for a table top display. 30"-144" Approx
35 lbs. for an 88"x88" with fabric panel
The fabric panel makes this display very lightweight given the area it covers. Typically comes in a nylon bag (14"x14"x38") to carry on or can come in a hardshell case for shipping or baggage checking.

1 minute - Fabric is already attached to the frame with velcro. It pops up and collapses with the fabric panel attached for fast set up and breakdown.

view set up
(.pdf)

Easy graphic change. Fabric panel is held on with 2" of velcro along the perimeter of the display and also sewn onto the fabric panel. Just open the display, pull off fabric panel and attach new graphic. Fabric only.
Digital Dye sub printed fabric is the best.
PANEL DISPLAY WALLS

$2000-$5000 Display walls come in a wide variety of configurations ranging from 31" x 31" tabletop versions to 16' wide by 88" tall styles. 31" - 192". Approx.
76 lbs. With laminated poly graphic
Comes with podium that doubles as a hard shell case with wheels. Cannot be carried on.

5 minutes
view set up
(.pdf)

Individual panels are attached with magnetic bars. Just order new panels for display to change graphiics. You want curl resistant and matte finish print media. Glossy prints* may reflect the surrounding light and washout your graphic. Polyester coated print with matte finish is most popular. Lambda and Metallic Lambda is photographic paper for excellent color and detail however it is more expensive than the typical hi res inkjet. If you need a metallic look Metallic Lambda is the best solution.
Comments:   Keep in mind that most trade shows have max. height limits of approx 96" so be sure to consider your venue.           If you are using your display in a show room where you can control your environment, glossy prints look fabulous. The problem with glossy prints is that you need to control where the light is shining so it doesn't reflect off your display and shiney prints can get finger prints will a lot of handling. Not best for trade shows.