Trade Show Booths, now you see them, then you don’t

It’s like a ghostly character in a mystery novel. Making an appearance for a day or so and then disappearing until the next time it’s important to the plot. The proverbial trade show display. Maybe an enigma, but nonetheless an important element of marketing efforts.
These works of art are intended to attract attention and establish brand identity. The trade booth and accompanying display materials must quickly and effectively convey your message, your reason d’etre (reason for being) while differentiating your product or service from the plethora of other booths. If you think bright colors are the be all and end all, think again. In this marketing venue, a picture is truly worth a thousand words. Instead of droning on with tons of writing, you can tell your whole story at a glance with
the ideal picture or graphic. People attending a trade show will not linger or even stop to try and interpret long, long boring copy. They’ll just keep going if there’s nothing compelling or eye-popping to capture their interest. Make your booth memorable, yet flexible so you can easily change content.

Portable booths have made it feasible for anyone to exhibit at everything from a trade show to an exhibition or seminar or even a mall setting. The variety of displays is wide-ranging. First came the cumbersome folding panel displays, which now appear to be passé. Even though they offer ease and use and durability. The newest displays are sleek and expandable.

From a lightweight frame which quickly and effortlessly becomes a full size display.
The hardware or bones of this structure is invisible with seamless graphics. Yet, the hardware can become mis-aligned, chipped or outright broken. Graphic panels may be tricky and damage easily.

Latest wrinkle on the trade show scene is the collapsible banner stand with full color graphics on vinyl, canvas, poly or synthetic paper material. Some roll up from their stands and attach to a top hook, just like projector screens. Others come partially disassembled. You can easily use several of these positioned in a side-by-side configuration to form an attractive backdrop or arrange them in single file around your booth.

As far as the fabrication, most displays utilize color digital prints, generally from a wide-format ink-jet printer like HP or Roland, mounted/adhered to foam board, expanded PVC or other rigid mounting substrate. You can also employ fabrics which have been screen printed or dye-sublimated which are stretchable and can conform to almost any shape to spark further interest. Don’t forget about draping for your table (s) or pedestal/lectern, the throw cover can continue your theme with a simple logo and tagline.

Since trade show booths and accompanying display materials have a short appearance cycle, make yours soar above the maddening crowd. It may not have to cost a small fortune, just a small investment in your time and ingenuity. P.S. Consulting with a professional designer/fabricator couldn’t hurt.