Your ability to thrive at a trade show hinges upon your ability to quickly capture the attention of attendees as they pass by your stand. Because you only have a few seconds to accomplish this goal, you must develop a strategy to maximize your presence. One of the best ways to strengthen your trade show presence is to invest in a retractable roll-up banner or sign to display in your booth.
What are the primary types of trade show displays?
There are four general types of trade show displays. Exhibitors typically choose the display type that best complements their exhibit materials and complies with the spatial constraints of their booth space. Below is a look at floor standing banners, pop-up displays, promotional tables, and podiums, and the key features and benefits of each style.
Pop-up Displays / Backdrops
Pop-up displays are often selected because they offer a spacious yet convenient backdrop for a 10′ x 10′ booth space. They are customizable, moderately portable, and easy for one or two people to assemble in a matter of minutes. They often feature a lightweight accordion-like frame that is covered with customizable graphics. The two most common types of pop-up displays are as follows:
- Curved faced pop-up booths: Curved faced displays feature an elegant concave style frame that accommodates a series of customized magnetic graphic panels. Popular size options include 4′ x 4′, 8′ x 9′, and 8′ x 20′.
- Straight faced pop-up booths: Straight faced pop-up booths are similar to curved faced models in size and frame style but typically feature one all-encompassing graphic panel made of stretch fabric.
Floor Standing Banners
Floor standing banners are even more portable and easier to set up than pop-up displays. They are easy to transport, with some models being small enough to fit into a convenient lightweight fabric carrying bag. While sizes can vary, the most popular size is a vertical 3′ x 7′ display. The most common types of floor standing banners include the following:
Retractable roll-up banners
Retractable roll-up Banners features a spring loaded banner that attaches to a lightweight aluminum or metal stand. Breaking down this type of display is easy because the banner automatically retracts back into its stand after it is unhooked.
L-stand Banners
L-sand banners are available in different sizes and typically consist of an aluminum or plastic frame that the exhibitor covers with a fabric banner. They can be positioned side by side or perpendicular to each other to easily accommodate inline booths or corner booths.
X-Stand Banners
X-stand banners are among the most portable of all types of trade show displays. Exhibitors simply hook a customized graphic banner onto a lightweight X-shaped frame to create a display. The key advantage of this style is the ability to interchange or rotate graphics to feature new products or company news.
Promotional Tables
Promotional tables have been used for decades to showcase products and literature. They consist of a collapsible table of varying length (typically 3′ to 8′) that is wrapped with a customized plastic graphic panel and topped with a promotional sign. Advantages of promotional tables include the presence of storage shelves within the tables and the ability to easily facilitate product demonstrations with a table format.
Podiums
Podiums convey a brand with authority using a vertical pulpit type display that is encased in a customized wraparound graphic. Podiums are particularly effective for companies that distribute brochures, promotional items, samples, and literature during trade shows. Their compact size and versatility enable them to be used with any booth size or type.
The Bottom Line
The type of trade show display that you select should effectively promote your brand while fitting comfortably within the confines of your booth space. Key factors to consider when choosing a banner or sign include your budget, booth size, and the products or services you are promoting. Whether you are considering a retractable roll-up banner or a promotional table, you should always remember to choose a trusted trade show expert to prepare your trade show display materials.
Last modified: January 31, 2020