Trade show displays

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Trade show displays are the physical screens banners and other paraphernalia used to fill a temporary exhibit space at a trade fair. They vary greatly in size, cost, and complexity, but all are designed to visually represent a specific interest. Companies typically rent exhibit space from show organizers, and then design trade show displays to attract the attention of visitors and attendees at the trade show. Trade show displays usually use bold images and catch phrases in an attempt to lure attendees to their exhibit space so that they can give a sales pitch or hand out trade show literature.

Trade show displays vary in size depending on the size of the space that was registered by the exhibitor. The typical booth size in North America is 10ft x 10ft^[1], and exhibitors can typically rent space in multiples of the standard 10ft by 10ft space (renting two 10ft x 10ft spaces that are beside each other would form a 10ft x 20ft space, and renting four 10ft x 10ft spaces in a square would form a 20ft x 20ft exhibit space). In Europe, and Asia, exhibit spaces are typically done in 1m increments, with the smallest typically being 3m x 3m. Differences in how trade show displays are approached vary on the locale: in South America, Europe and Asia it is much more common to have what is known in the industry as “build and burn” exhibits, which are exhibits which are fabricated and set up just for the life of the one show. In North America it is more common to have exhibits which are purchased, and then used many times for different shows before they are either re-purposed, or disposed of.

[edit] Types of Trade show displays

There are many types of trade show displays / exhibits. Below is a list of the common types:

· Pipe and drape. Often provided by the show contractor, these are done by utilizing a metal frame of upright posts supported by base plates, with cross beams on which the fabric drape is either threaded (via a sewn pocket), or tied to. These types of displays are often provided by the show contractor as part of the price of the exhibit space. The fabric drape is usually a neutral color, or a color which ties in with the theme of the show. Exhibitors can use these as a backdrop for their own display pieces, but they are not meant to support any direct weight, and provide little in the way of display client graphics or branding.

· Tabletop displays. Usually a small metal frame work which can easily collapse (much like a backpacking tent frame) into a small carrying case, with graphic panels that attach to the frame work via mechanical fasteners, magnets, or Velcro. These displays are typically very easy to set up, and require little to no on site support labor. As the name implies, they are designed to be set on top of a table, one usually supplied by the show contractor. As with pipe and drape, this table is often provided as part of the price of renting the exhibit space.

· Table covers. If the exhibitor is using a table within their exhibit space (whether provided by the show contractor or rented), custom printed table covers allow the exhibitor to the opportunity to utilize the table as a branding opportunity, as opposed to just a stock, non-branded table drape. Rented or show provided tables normally come w/ a neutral table drape, and a custom cover allows the exhibitor to stand out from those who use the stock table cover.

· Pull-up displays. A display which utilizes a flexible graphic panel (fabric or other man-made material) attached to a spring loaded roller on which the graphic winds for storage. When ready to display, the graphic is pulled up, and then secured to a support post at the back of the roller, which holds the graphic up and taut in place. These can be used individually, or in series, as warrants. Like tabletop displays, they are normally very lightweight, and can be easily transported and set up without needing much on site labor support.

· Modular exhibits. These exhibits fall between a tabletop display, and a full-blown custom exhibit. They utilize a standardized basic structure, whether this be a metal frame work, or thin, lightweight panel construction, which is then configured within the confines of the structure limitations to what the exhibitor requires. Analogous to a Lego or Tinker-toy, the components are typically easily reconfigured into new layouts as the exhibitor may require from show to show. The components are often made from very lightweight materials, and transported in small traveling cases (often injection molded plastic). Unlike a tabletop display, most modular exhibits will require the services of an on site labor source (show general contractor, or a labor contractor approved through show management).

· Rental exhibits. These exhibits are properties owned by an outside vendor (either the show general contractor, or an outside rental exhibit company), which are stock properties that are rented to the exhibitor in a standard configuration, or a modified version thereof. Rental exhibits use these stock properties to provide a basic structure for the exhibitor, which can then be augmented by custom graphics, easily applied and removed finishes, and other cosmetic augmentation. Rental exhibits normally require the services of an on site labor source (show general contractor, or a labor contractor approved through show management) to set up, and often the rental exhibit provider can provided those services as part of the rental package to the exhibitor.

· Custom exhibits. These exhibits are fabricated from a variety of materials, based upon the design and needs of the exhibitor. These exhibits often incorporate hard wall panels to create rooms and separated spaces, stages, large metal structures, display and work stations, and other display components. Custom exhibits cannot normally be set up by the exhibitor without utilizing the services of an on site labor source (show general contractor, or a labor contractor approved through show management). Custom exhibits are transported to the exhibit hall in exhibit crates, skids, and dollies, or sometimes via pad wrapping, to protect the exhibit properties during transport, and while being handled in the exhibit hall during set up and tear down.

[edit] Trade show display companies

There is an entire industry built around the design and sale of trade show displays. Many companies that sell trade show displays have elaborate showrooms in major cities, and other companies sell displays over the internet without a showroom. Typically a trade show display company will specialize in one type of trade show display. Internet companies tend to specialize in modular, portable trade show displays, while companies with large showrooms typically specialize in custom exhibit booths.