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Durability of Trade Show Displays

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:55:08 EST

Like many factors, the durability of a trade show display will also be dependent upon the brand, type of display, and the graphics used.

With most displays, the hardware will also come with carrying/travel cases, tote bags to hard cases, as well as a warranty on the hardware. The hardware itself is typically made out of extremely durably materials to withstand the wear and tear of traveling and setting up and taking down displays over time. Before ordering any hardware, check on the durability and reputation of the brand.

The durability of the graphics in a display will be dependent on who is producing the graphics, what materials are being used, and how they are cared for.

Here at Speedpro Nashville, for example, we used to use a pop-up tradeshow material with laminate on banner stands. While this material produced a great graphic and lasted, we have found and started using a more durable product. Currently we use a non-curl banner material for retractable banner stands. We have found that this material is much more durable in banner stands. The material is a very thin and light banner material that has an extremely smooth print face and no curl edges. The non-curl abilities of the material allow for the banner to be retracted and then set back up after a period of time without the edges curling over. This material has a durability of about 3 years and has excellent dimensional stability over time.

For larger truss displays (see www.exhibitorshandbook.com), we use a thick paper material to print on and a thick polycarbonate laminate to create the panels that go on these displays. Again, we used a different material in the past but have found this material to be much more durable and we have not had any of the issues that we had with the older material used. The panels for these displays do require more care to ensure longer durability, however. When graphics are laminated, you much roll them loosely with the graphics facing out to prevent delaminating of the graphics. To include a reminder we print stickers that are applied to the back of every panel we produce.

As with the hardware, you want to check with your printer to ensure that the materials they are using will match with how long you need the graphics to last.

For more tips or information on Trade Show Graphics, contact Speedpro Nashville at 615.445.3688.

Thank you!

Designing a Trade Show Display

Thu, 10 May 2012 13:56:44 EST

Design is a key contributor in getting the best results from your trade show display. Your design will define who you are to the attendees. Key factors to focus on when designing your display:

Branding – What is your brand image? Are you keeping your brand consistent in the display? Branding will be a defining factor in how others will look at your company and/or product. It is important to consider how you want potential customers to view your company and/or product. The way potential customers view you will build that brand recognition and create a preference that will stay with them even after the show so you want to create a positive recognition.

If you are displaying a product, or products, that are part of you brand you want to ensure that your display connect each product to your brand. Using a display or signage will help to show potential customers that those products are part of your brand and increase branding. Be sure that the connection of those products to your brand is clear to your potential customers.

Location/Atmosphere – What is it you are displaying? Where would this product typically be found (i.e. atmosphere)? If you are displaying a new food you would most likely want to create an atmosphere with your display that portrays a grocery store or restaurant. When potential customers see a product portrayed in the atmosphere where it would normally be found, they will be more likely to recognize your brand and product when they see it outside of the show. This again brings you back to ensuring you are creating a positive brand image so that these potential customers react positively to your brand when they see it outside of the show.
Convenience – Is your display easy to travel with? It can be costly and time consuming if your display does not conform to make it easy to put into cases. Many displays are easy to assemble and come with travel cases which cut down on costs for shipping and make it easy to travel with as well. This is something you want to consider when planning the design of your display.

These are just a few tips to consider when designing your display.

For other trade show tips, continue following our blog and you can also check out a great website with tips that I came across recently, www.skylinetradeshowtips.com. This is the website that I referenced to provide you with some good design tips.

Thank you for looking to us for some design tips. If you have any questions or would like any further information feel free to contact us at 615.445.3688.

Process/Timing on Trade Show Displays

Wed, 02 May 2012 14:33:30 EST

To begin the process for your Trade Show display you must first have your Show Plan (March 12^th Blog) completed. Having this step completed with ensure that you have covered all of your bases and you are properly prepared to being the process of ordering any hardware and/or graphics for your display.

Once the Show Plan is complete you will move forward with the Process of preparing your display:

Order the hardware for any display you will have whether it is a banner stand or a large display. You will need to decide where the hardware will be shipped to as well. Here at Speedpro Nashville we typically have hardware shipped directly to us if the timing allows for that and then we keep it in our bay where we can inventory the pieces. Process’s will vary depending on who you work with so you will want to confirm timing and shipping address.

Timing for shipping will depend on how large/how many pieces are involved in the order and where the order will be shipped. For planning purposes, allow about 5 to 7 business days on larger displays and about 3 to 5 business days on small displays such as banner stands.

Once you have an order confirmed for the hardware you will be able to move forward with ordering your graphics. This is where you want to decide what materials will fit your needs best by working with the printer to ensure satisfaction on the graphics. The person designing or preparing your graphics should have a template of the display, or measurements, to set the graphics up for production. Here at Speedpro Nashville we typically have the sizes of the graphics on hand or can get a template if needed. Once we have received art or approval on art we have created, we move the graphics to print. For laminated graphics we allow 24 hours for the graphics to outgas before we laminate to ensure the end result is high quality.

Timing on production of the graphics depends on how much printing is involved and who is doing your printing. Our turn time here at Speedpro is typically 48 hours from the time we receive approved art. Again, the turn time will be dependent on how much is involved with the display.

The last thing to complete this process is to have everything delivered. Things you will need to consider for delivery:

How much is being delivered?
Where is everything being delivered?
Who will be handling the delivery?
When do you need to have everything delivered? (this needs to be considered for set up of the display)
How much time do you need/have to get everything set up once all pieces are delivered?

The Process and Timing will be different for every display so when planning ahead you will want to ask your printer any questions you may have and confirm everything with them so that everyone is on the same page. Clarify any questions or concerns you have so that you know what you are getting.

If you are working with us here at Speedpro Nashville, we will help you plan ahead and we are available when you have any questions. We work hard to confirm all details with our clients, especially on Trade Show displays; we want our clients to get what they want and be satisfied with the end result. We hope that you will work with us on your next Trade Show display. You can check out our Exhibitors Handbook to get started: http://www.exhibitors-handbook.com/.

Tabletop Display Options

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 10:41:32 EST

A lot of folks we work with use tabletop displays at their shows. Here is a quick review of some of the options, arranged roughly from least expensive to most expensive:

Small Banner Stands: These stands can be retractable or the “X” type and come in various sizes. Banner stands with adjustable poles can be used on the floor or a tabletop (sort of a 2-for-1) if the graphics are designed with that in mind.

Tri-Fold Displays: These displays look similar to what you see at a science fair, but are much more durable and come in various sizes. You can change the graphics and re-use the display.

Pop-up Displays: These displays have a collapsing framework that you hang graphics on and are available in several models and sizes.

Modular Displays: These displays usually include a modular frame that you display graphics on and offer a wide variety of options, including shelves and literature racks.

Need something for your tabletop display? Contact us at 615.445.3688!

Tradeshow Display Options

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 11:27:09 EST

There is a great range of display options for tradeshows. Tradeshow displays are built for durability to withstand shipping, so they may seem expensive. Here is a quick overview, with a rough idea of cost (cost can vary significantly depending on size and other factors):

Banner Hung in Booth Space: Inexpensive, easy to roll and transport, $200

Retractable Banner Stand: Easy to set up, professional, $350 - $500

Tabletop Display: Easy to set up and transport, smaller for more intimate discussion, $50 - $1,500

Table Throw: Makes a table a marketing tool, professional look, $300 - $1,000

Pop-up display: Professional, easy to ship, can cover 10’ wide booth, durable; $2,000

Modular Display: Very professional look, provides a real booth feel, $8,000 +