“It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.” 

—Harry S. Truman

 

It’s impossible to “know it all” about trade show exhibits, there are just too many variations out there. However most of them can be categorized into a few easier-to-digest market segments.

 

Modular Displays 

Modular displays are the high-end of the business. These “kits” are composed of modular hardware pieces that can be configured into virtually unlimited custom exhibit designs. The resulting exhibits can be very large and are incredibly strong.

 

Pros: They can be used to build custom exhibits with re-useable and re-configurable pieces. This saves money on future hardware purchases. The resulting exhibits are very professional, unique and permanent looking. Also importantly, they are extremely durable and strong.

 

Cons: These displays are difficult to assemble and take down. They require hiring local crews at each location. Large shipping containers are also required, making all logistics expensive.

When to use: Large companies who want a major trade show presence and have big budgets.

 

Expandable Displays 

Expandable displays are a trade show standard. They are in the mid-range of trade show pricing. Folding down into small compact packages, they expand into large display units.

 

Pros: Expandable displays feature full coverage graphic panels with no visible hardware. The ingenious method of folding a large display down to a small size adds up to light weight and portability. They are available in a huge variety of sizes and shapes, from small tabletops to giant freeform walls.

 

Cons: The graphic panels are tricky to install and require two persons at the best of times. Because of their compactness and convenience, the majority of booths at a trade show will often be some kind of expandable, which makes this option appear to lack in originality.

 

When to use: Mid-level clients who want a full, professional-looking backdrop without expensive shipping or assembly charges.

 

Fabric Displays 

Fabric Displays are gaining popularity because of their light weight and potentially unique appearance. Brightly printed fabrics can be stretched around aluminum frames. These can be configured into unusual shapes that other exhibit types cannot replicate.

 

Pros: Unusual shape possibilities and the unique look of the fabric graphic surface make these exhibits stand out on a crowded trade show floor. Fabric is often much lighter than vinyl and therefore less expensive to ship.

 

Cons: Fabric is more easily damaged or dirtied than many other types of trade show graphics. Assembly may be more complicated that standard exhibits.

 

When to use: Use when a client wants something unique or when the client’s product is related to fabric or some other aspect of the material’s properties.

 

Folding Panel Displays 

Folding Panel Displays come in several different formats. They are the easiest to set up but are the largest for transport. Frame displays feature sturdy aluminum frames, usually in a configuration of three or four panels across the bottom and the same amount across the top. The frames allow rigid graphic panels to be slid easily in and out. These are very durable exhibits.

 

Pros: These display systems are tough as nails and have easy-to-change graphics. They can be re-used with new graphics for years. The modular nature of these exhibits means that individual panels can be changed when needed without re-doing the entire display. They are also technically easy to set up and water resistant for outdoor use.

 

Cons: These systems are large and heavy. It requires two people to handle them and they are too large for taking as luggage on a plane. The panels are broken up visually by the frames and are therefore too ugly to use in most trade show settings.

 

When to use: These displays are best utilized for exhibits that have to be used in challenging circumstances, such as outdoors or in lightly supervised areas.

 

Solid Panel Displays 

Solid Panel Displays are completely covered with Velcro-compatible surfaces for attaching graphics with hook-and-loop tape materials. There is no visible hardware.

 

Pros: The displays have a beautiful, one-piece appearance. They are light in weight, are the easiest display to set up and also boast very low price points.

 

Cons: The panels are bulky to carry and graphics are simply stuck to the surface, making it easy for them to become mis-aligned during travel.

 

When to use: Although they are available as full-sized stacking units, these are best used as one-piece tabletop displays.

 

Banner Stands 

Banner Stands are the smallest, lightest, least expensive displays. They come in two flavors. Retractable stands feature a cassette in the base that holds the banner. The banner can be very easily pulled out like a retractable window shade and attached to the vertical pole. An even cheaper, smaller and lighter option is the do-it-yourself version of the banner stand. These stands need some assembly/disassembly on site, but it is typically only a couple of minutes for one person.

 

Pros: Small and lightweight for transportation and very inexpensive, these displays are also stylish in appearance.

 

Cons: Generally don’t work well in larger sizes needed for full backdrops.

 

When to use: Best used as add-on elements for a larger exhibit, for small personal traveling show-and-tells or for temporary directional/informational signage.

 

Display Cases 

Display Cases should not be ignored either. They come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and configurations. Convertible cases hold the displays for shipping but become tables and podiums during the show. This can be a very convenient use of resources. Other case types vary from sturdy shipping crates to light, fabric bags. Even the lightest display becomes heavy in a sturdy container, so needs must be balanced with practicalities.