Tradeshow FAQs

Q

What are the best and most common banner stands?

A

A banner stand describes a wide range of fixtures designed to display a vinyl or cloth banner. Basic types can be categorized as tension banner holders; adjustable rod frames, telescopic pole, and retractable stands.

Tension Banner Holders are simple five-point frames to display a banner. Four corner bolts got through and secure corner grommets in the banner and the tension pulls the banner tight. Other than hanging or taping a banner up, these are the most economical banner stands.

Adjustable Rod Frames are simple aluminum stands with telescopic vertical side poles with a telescopic horizontal pole from which the banner hangs. Using pole pockets on the top and bottom of the banner, it hangs and the weight of the rod placed in the bottom pocket helps pull it tight. Some advanced systems use attachment devices at the bottom, and some are extremely modular and adjustable for many sizes and angles.

Telescopic Pole Stands work by suspending the banner which is attached to a horizontal bar across the top which is supported by the pole. The base is a tripod, and tension is created by the bottom of the banner being fixed with a cross piece that is attached to the base.

Retractable Banner Stands are the most popular devices for displaying banners. The banner rolls up on a spring-loaded core inside the aluminum cartridge. It pulls out and goes back in like a projector screen or window shade. These stands are easy to set up and take down, are easy to transport in a simple lightweight case, and these protect the banner from wear and tear much better than any other system. While there are some economy models available, be careful as these are mechanical devices…if the mechanisms fail, your stand won’t work very well (or at all). There is not much difference in cost between a premium, high-quality stand and the cheapest you can find…so get a little insurance by spending a bit more. Retractable banner stands work great alone, or used in groups. There are single and double-sided stands and a variety of heights and widths.

Q

What is a Pop Up System?

A

Pop-Up systems are sometimes called expandable, collapsible or ‘spider web’ frame systems. These aluminum frames expand out to form the structure on which panels of fabric or printed graphics hang. These systems range in size from small table-top units to modular units that can create straight or curved exhibits 20feet and longer.

With fabric panels, the graphics are produced on Styrene or similar panels and are attached with Velcro tabs. This gives a very high degree of variability in graphics as well as easy updating of graphics. More common graphics are produced with matte laminated polyester film prints and the systems specific hanger pieces are attached directly to these panels.

It is highly recommended to use a wheeled, hard plastic case to store and transport pop-up systems and their graphics. The total set up is fairly heavy and cumbersome to transport without a case and the risk of graphics damage becomes quite high. With a wheeled case, it is pretty easy for one person to transport a full 10’ system and handle set up and tear down all on their own

Q

How does a Tension-Fabric display, sometimes called a

A

With dye-sublimated printing on stretchable fabrics, a new area of exhibits and backdrop systems involve these fabrics installed with tension onto an expanding frame. The graphics stay attached and the tension and stretch pull the graphics tight for the best display. These systems come in easy to handle cases and go up in just minutes. The fabric graphics stay attached to the frame during storage, but can easily be taken off and re-installed for dry cleaning or replacement. Tension fabric systems, or Hop-Up systems, come in many sizes from table-top size to full 10’ and larger backdrops that can be lined up side by side.

Q

Are modular display systems an effective option?

A

There are numerous modular display systems on the market, but the most popular is commonly called a Truss System. A Truss System uses aluminum sections that are interlocking and allow for an endless array of set ups. With a Truss System kit, you can choose a base exhibit layout and have the flexibility to adjust it or add on to it over time. For exhibitors that need a professional-grade exhibit and desire to have expandability, modularity, and flexibility while still being able to handle all the booth assembly themselves, a Truss modular display is an excellent option that will last for a long time.

Q

What are the most effective methods to exhibit at a Table-Top expo?

A

Many shows and event only allow room for a table-top exhibit, typically a 6’ or 8’ table. Creating a professional exhibit in this environment can range from quality mounted graphics displayed on an easel all the way to full pop-up systems. There are many styles of fold-out table top systems as well. These are easily carried in their case and they set up and come down quickly and easily. Graphics are very easily changed and updated as well.  You must create a professional look with a table-top display (or small booth footprint), so quality graphics and professional-grade fixtures should be the norm. Avoid copies and graphics made with your desktop printer!

Q

What is a table skirt?

A

A table skirt is a fabric panel that covers the entire table (typically a 6' or 8' table). While most shows will provide a standard colored table skirt, the area in front of your display table is prime visual real estate you should use for branding and image-building. Hanging a banner over the front of the table, or using a custom printed table skirt that goes completely over the table are great ways to economically take advantage of that space. Skirts are generally fitted to a specific table size and are screen printed or dye-sublimated with your custom graphics

Q

Should I invest in a literature rack?

A

Using a quality, well designed literature rack presents a higher level of professionalism than simply having stacks of your catalogs and printed materials on your table or around your booth. The new designs are collapsible so they transport easily. Your image is important, so invest in fixtures that match the image you want to present.

Q

What is an easy way to get unique attention at a trade show?

A

A unique method of getting added attention in your booth is to use THE FLOOR. With carpet-specific adhesive vinyls and the ability to cut specific, custom shapes, we can help you create an entry graphics that is on the floor and bound to get attention. There are many unique applications for this material, and the costs are quite low.

Q

How does a retractable banner stand work?

A

A retractable banner stand is a canister or cartridge that hold a banner similar to a roll-up window shade or roll-up projector screen. A spring loaded mechanism inside, on which the banner is attached, is the key piece. The top of the banner is secured into a top cross bar used for display and to keep the banner from rolling up entirely into the cartridge. With a stable base and a fixed or telescopic pole, the banner is pulled from the cartridge and attached to the pole for the complete display.  Most come with a nylon carry bag and can be set up in just seconds.  Using several together to form a "wall" is a great option too.

Q

Can I change the banner in my banner stand?

A

Yes. A professional can remove and replace a banner in a retractable stand. Unless the stand and banner leader is damaged or worn, this is not difficult. To do this correctly and effectively, experience and the correct tools and materials are required, so it is not advised that clients attempt to change their own banners.

There are stands that offer easy to change cartridges which house professionally installed banners. This is a great option for clients who need to use a stand with multiple banners/images specific to differing shows and audiences.

Q

Are there options with retractable stands?

A

There are single and double sided stands ranging from less than 2-feet wide to 4-feet wide. Most are about 6-feet tall, although you can go higher with extensions on some. Most models come in chrome/silver or flat black finishes but come in several options like eco-friendly bamboo. Advanced models have a removable cartridge; this allows an easy change of the banner within the same stand. Such ‘interchangeable cartridge’ systems are perfect for users with variable graphics.

Q

How can I use a banner for a backdrop at my booth?

A

Many show sites give the exhibitor a pipe-and-drape finish. On this, it is easy to use cord or zip ties to attach a banner at the back of your booth. A pole pocket in the bottom of the banner with a dowel or PVC tube provides ballast to effectively hang. Double-sided tape or Velcro can be used if there is a solid wall behind. There are also a variety of backdrop systems available such as Pop-Ups, Hop-Ups, and banner backdrop hangers.

Q

How do I get more people to stop at my booth?

A

Nothing happens if you don’t get attention, so first be sure your visual and visual placement is going to get seen and attract attention. And the image of the visual then has to be consistent with you, your company, and your prospects interests. In combination, you want to have unique high-quality graphic images to get attention that relate in a professional way to your message and that build and reinforce the image of your product and company.

Q

Which display systems are easiesst to use?

A

Most modern systems for booths not designed to require professional installation are pretty easy to use. It depends on budget, size, and number of people (and time) for set up and take down. One person can easily handle retractable banner stands, table-top displays, pop-up and hop-up systems, and common backdrops. All such systems are light and can be carried in a case, or should be handled with wheeled cases

Q

I've noticed some really inexpensive display items. Are these any good?

A

Many inexpensive banner stands and exhibit structures do not hold up well to repeated use or transportation. Replacing metal parts with plastic, or quality plastic with inexpensive plastic, is commonly how costs and prices are reduced. Therefore, your risk is that it won’t last well. Quality stands and exhibit are never that much of a premium over the least expensive similar option, so it is highly recommended to go with a better quality display. Saving a little won’t help you when you arrive at show with a broken display.