Are you in the market for a new trade show display?  There are lots of places to choose from when considering purchasing one and many details to consider.  With trade show exhibits, “you get what you pay for” couldn’t be more true.  There are quality exhibits and then there’s the rest.  We’re going to discuss some money-saving options and also how you can extend the life expectancy of your display.

Made in China

For several years cheap portable displays from China have flooded the Internet with too-good-to-be-true prices.  Some of them are designed outside China and just manufactured there, while others are cheap knockoffs of poor quality.

Before you buy one, consider these two things: 

1. Many of these bargain imports cannot be repaired if they break; they’re essentially disposable and you’ll have to spend more money on another one.
2. What kind of warranty do they offer, if any?

Working with What You’ve Got

If you have an existing trade show display, consider overhauling it.  Quality-crafted displays can last for several years.  A display’s life expectancy varies depending on how often it’s used and how it’s stored.  There is wear & tear during shipping, assembly, display, teardown and return shipping.  It’s beneficial to inspect and detect small issues before they become big ones, for both the structural and graphic components. 

As with an automobile, if it’s used frequently it’s going to need more fuel and maintenance than one driven occasionally.  Find out the answers to these questions:

1. How old is your trade show display?
2. Is it checked for wear each time it’s used?
3. How long has it been in storage?

If you don’t know the answer to any of these questions, do yourself a favor and find out.

Inspecting the Display

Under the hood:  The display should be structurally sound for many reasons, with safety being the most important.  The structure supports a large amount of weight so it’s vital that it’s structurally sound.  Missing or damaged parts can create hazards that turn into liabilities.  After each event, it’s advisable to ensure the structure is thoroughly inspected.  Check for worn or missing parts like burned out lights, graphics, connections, and hinges.

The Glossy Exterior:  Just as your car needs occasional cleaning and routine maintenance, so does your display.  An exhibit should always look brand new.  It represents not only your brand but your products, also, so it should look its finest. 

Time for an Overhaul?

An exhibit refresh is much more economical than replacing it, especially if it’s structurally sound.  There are several common-sense reasons to overhaul your display, including:

1. Graphics and signage wear over time.
2. Your company is promoting a new product.
3. Exhibit designs/trends change over time.
4. The flooring is worn or outdated.
5. Refresh Signage and Graphics

An exhibit’s signage is one of the key attractors to your display. They should be fresh, attractive, and inviting.  You can easily update your display with hanging signs, interactive technology, and LED walls.  If your budget doesn’t permit the latest tech, interactive tablets are still a great way to hold people’s attention.

Another reason to update your graphics is for new products or services.  The display is not just a backdrop.  It should be alive and visually inviting.  It needs to be experienced.  Most importantly, it needs to communicate your message.

Replace the Flooring

Many people don’t realize how much flooring can add to the visual appeal of an exhibit.  It receives the lion’s share of wear and tear, yet it’s easily overlooked.  There could be hundreds of people through your exhibit every show, so give your flooring a little love.  Maybe a good cleaning is in order, or maybe it needs to be replaced. 

Not sure about the best solution for you?  Let us know.  For nearly 50 years, Nomadic Display has been the leader in portable trade show displays.   Let us show you ways to refresh your current display and offer insights into the latest design trends.

For a free consultation, call us toll-free at 800.336.5019 or visit https://nomadicdisplays.com/pages/contact-us to request to speak with one of our trade show professionals