Fast. Easy. Reliable. Affordable.
Ask almost any trade show or event exhibitor what they’re looking for in a display and you’re bound to get these adjectives in return. What they’re talking about is a display that is quick and easy to set up, take down and transport; one that looks sharp, professional and vibrant; one that can be customized with banner stands, brochure racks, and other stylish accents; and one that won’t break the bank.
What they’re talking about is not a huge, complex custom display that could cost more than $10,000, take months to procure and days to set up.
What they’re talking about is a portable display.
“While there are a time and place for custom-built displays, there’s no doubt that portable displays are much lighter, much easier to use and much more economical than large custom displays,
Portable displays can comprise a range of elements, including snazzy banner stands with customized, interchangeable graphics, fabric or carpet popup booths, brochure racks, and tables draped with company-themed throws. Other accessories often include customized carpets, chairs, tabletop displays, drapery banners, podiums and more.
The key to the portable display’s success, of course, is that all the components are lightweight, easy to use and visually effective.
Long a favorite of the 10′×10′ and 10′×20′ exhibitor, portable displays offer a range of advantages not found in larger, more expensive custom displays. For starters, most portable displays are lightweight, which makes for cheaper shipping. In fact, some display banners are light enough that sales reps can transport them from show to show themselves, eliminating shipping costs altogether.
Rigby also points out that banner stands usually come with their own padded carrying cases that make for easy transport and help protect both graphics and stands.
Custom displays, on the other hand, often require expensive shipping cases and pricey padded moving van transport.
Because they can be used with all kinds of different components, portable displays are actually much more flexible than custom exhibits. For example, custom displays are primarily designed with one size of display space in mind.
Portables, on the other hand, can be adapted for larger or smaller spaces depending on the show.
Along the same lines, portable displays can be customized through graphics and accessories. Some sales reps will change out their graphics in between shows depending on the audience; other exhibitors will add brochure racks, tables, and chairs with logos, or carpet graphics to ensure their led scrolling display board prices are unique.
In terms of setup, portable displays and their various elements can be assembled quickly by company staff, whereas union labor is usually required for custom display assembly. And oftentimes, union labor is expensive and can take several days.
In the end, most exhibitors will find success with portable displays. And that’s good not only for them and their companies but for event planners and show managers who want to pull off a smooth show, as well.