Convention Display Shipping Tips – Finding the Right Transportation Company

Whether using $200 retractable banner stands or $20,000 custom displays, one thing that can ruin your chances of becoming a hit at the convention is if your trade show display shows up late or not at all. After all, you can’t become an exhibitor at the event without an exhibit to display, right? Knowing what transportation company you can trust to deliver your display booth on time can be a little tricky. Luckily, these tips will make your decision a little easier on finding the right freight company to handle your valuable trade show booths.

  1. Ask around to hear what transportation companies others would recommend and which ones they were not happy with. The easiest way to find a reliable freight business could come from talking to people you already know.
  2. Check out their website to find out if they are available 24//7, especially since the trade show and event industry is not a 9-5 industry. It is also important the carrier has yours and any other contact’s cell phone, home phone, and office phone just in case any problems arise.
  3. As you are getting a quote from this company, observe how detailed their questions are for you. Important information they may ask is the number of pieces being delivered, total weight of the portable display, dimensions, destination, and schedule. Having them ask all of these questions will get a more accurate quote on your display system and less of a chance of being surprised by any additional costs.

Trade show displays are very valuable and you can’t perform well at events without them! Finding the right shipping company will take a weight off your shoulders, knowing that your booth display is in good hands. One other thing I would suggest is to make sure the carrier provides a tracking number for you so that you are able to keep tabs on your packages at all times!

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Top Trade Show Booth Accessories

If you are looking for ways to make your convention display unique among the others competing for attention, sometimes it just comes down to the accessories. There are so many trade show accessories for portable displays available, but which ones are right for you and your display booth? Here are some of the most popular and affordable choices preferred by exhibitors of every budget.

Trade Show Flooring

This is the most noticeable option because most convention flooring covers the entire floor of the booth space for a professional and eye-catching look. It is also manufactured with the exhibitor in mind because the flooring is easy to transport, is lightweight, and takes minutes to put together. Some of the selections available are hardwood flooring, turf, interlocking carpet, and dye sub mats.

Counters

Something as simple as filling out paperwork at trade show booths can be a very difficult task if you are only able to rely on a magazine or book to rest it on as you jot down the information. Booth display counters are not only perfect for taking orders, but they also have unique designs that are unlike the traditional box-shaped counters.

Lighting

Most venues are dimly-lit, making it very difficult to tell the difference between the trade show exhibits. Lighting is simple and inexpensive, yet can completely transform display systems by making them glow across the show floor. Halogen and LED lights are both available.

Literature Stands

Having organized show displays will definitely leave a positive impression of your company with the attendees. One way to do that is by placing all of your promotional literature into literature stands, such as brochures and pamphlets. They will allow you to keep your tables and counters clear of clutter.

Table Covers

Especially if you are using table top displays, using table covers can create a more professional look. Your logo can be imprinted making the name of your company stand out.

These trade show accessories have a small price tag but can drastically change the look of display booths for the better!

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Blade LX Rollup Banners for Trade Shows

Banner stands are a lot more complex than they were years ago. There are so many different styles, heights, and shapes to choose from while still being one of the most affordable displays for trade shows. One type of trade show exhibit that continues to climb in popularity is the retractable banner stands, since the graphic is conveniently stored in the base for easy assembly. While there are plenty of retractable banners on the market, the Blade LX retractable banner stand is an excellent option for a number of reasons.

These trade show signs are ideal for the traveling exhibitor, since they weigh in at 15 lbs and fit compactly into a nylon carrying case. The trade show graphics are printed using 13 oz vinyl for a flawless look and crisp images giving these display booths an eye-catching look.

These banners signs are also perfect for marketing your products or services in your place of business. Since the Blade LX rollup banner takes up very little space, they can be placed anywhere you would like. The graphic cartridges can easily be interchanged to create a new look from the trade show floor to the sales floor.

If you would like to add extra signage to your larger booth display, such as pop up displays, these trade show banner displays are a great way to increase awareness of your show display and draw in a larger crowd.

There are a variety of retractable banner stands to choose from to fit your needs.

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Advantage of Pop up Trade Show Displays

With new and cutting-edge trade show exhibits hitting the market at a rapid pace, many exhibitors are still turning to traditional pop up displays to help promote their business at conventions. What could be causing so many people to use these displays when there are so many new ones available? Here are just a few reasons as to why both frequent and rookie exhibitors prefer these trade show booth displays.

Cost

The pop-up display is extremely affordable since it is lightweight and most of it’s’ components are being created using eco-friendly materials.

Easy Assembly

As the name implies, the aluminum frame of these trade show exhibits quickly pops open and locks into place without the need to use tools to put the pieces together. On average, it takes between 5 and 15 minutes to completely put together. The graphic panels are also attached quickly with the use of magnetic channel bars. When you are ready to put your trade show display away, it can be packed up painlessly into one or two durable shipping cases, depending on the size of the pop up booth.

Multiple Configurations and Sizes

Everyone has different needs when it comes to their trade show booths. Luckily, there are several different sizes and shapes to choose from with the pop up displays for trade shows, whether you prefer tabletop displays, 20 foot convention displays, or something in the middle.

Pop up trade show displays were one of the first show displays on the market and continue to grow in popularity. Popup displays have opened up the floor to create fresh displays for trade shows based on its configuration. The hybrid displays, for example, are built to be as user-friendly as the pop up booths, but have a more customized look. Good luck at your next event!

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Best Convention Booth Practices for 2011

With an increase in trade show attendance and participation, this has become one of the most effective marketing tools. One example of the soaring attendance records is the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which attracted 140,000 attendees and 2,700 exhibitors, a 10% attendance increase and 8% exhibitor increase. With so many people finding business success through their trade show exhibits, here are some of the most recurring trends found at conventions.

More International Conventions

Now that many companies have recovered from the previous recession, many of these businesses are ready to promote their business abroad. If you are planning to participate in events in other countries, there are two things to keep in mind:

  1. Portable trade show displays are much cheaper to transport than bulky, heavy convention booths. One popular choice is pop up displays because they are lightweight and fit compactly into one or two shipping cases.
  2. Do your research to find out the customs of the country you plan to visit. What may be acceptable in one culture could be offensive in another.

Technology Increase

The flashier trade show displays will get the most traffic and the best way to do that is through technology. I have noticed an increased use of plasma monitors plastered to the sides of convention booths to display presentations or videos, iPads as a convenient tool to qualify leads, backlit headers, and the list goes on and on.

Digital Marketing

If you haven’t noticed already, social media is taking over the marketing world, especially the trade show marketing world. Exhibitors are using networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to connect with their target audience and promote their trade show booths. It is a free way to advertise their booths, yet reaches a larger audience.

Everyone is Competing

The number of exhibitors has gone up, making the competition fiercer at events. If you aren’t at the trade show, there’s a good chance your competitors will be.

More Custom Trade Show Displays

With the increased number of people showing promoting their company at conventions, it’s important to have a display system that stands out. Custom trade show displays have increased in popularity since they are so unique and allow you to add your own personal touch for a memorable and eye-catching look. Although they are considered “custom”, these display booths are inexpensive since the display components are pre-built, cutting down on costs and turnaround time.

Hopefully these tips will help you stay above the competition and shine at your next event.

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Different Types of Banner Stands

Banner stand displays are an excellent trade show exhibit solution either by itself or paired up with larger display systems. With the variety of banner stands out there, how do you know which one is right for you? Here are some of the most common forms of banner displays.

Retractable

The retractable banner stand are one of the most popular because they conveniently store the graphic panel in the base and can be set up by pulling the panel out of the base and attaching it to a pole. This makes these convention exhibits easy to transport without the worry of losing any banner stand components.

Walls

Banner stand walls are created by placing retractable banner stands side-by-side to create a display wall. This is a cost-efficient way of creating an 8, 10, or 20 foot trade show booth on a budget.

Rigid Pole

Rigid pole frames are used to create sturdy and heavy-duty trade show displays. The height can also be adjusted to fit your needs.

Tension Pole

The tension pole banner stands are extremely lightweight and simple to transport because of the unique flexible tension pole frame. The frame is also built to be heavy-duty and stable.

Hanging Fabric Banners

These massive display systems are mounted on the ceiling for an eye-catching look that will get noticed from anywhere on the show floor. The frame pieces snap together quickly and come in a variety of sizes and shapes.

Outdoor and Flag Banners

With weather-resistant graphic panels and sand-filled bases, outdoor banner stands are built to outlast event the most adverse weather conditions, whether it is windy, sunny, or rainy. Since the base is filled with sand or water, they will not tip over.

Scrolling

You can show a large message in the space-saving scrolling banner stands. The banner rolls for a display system that is constantly moving. They can be used as wall hanging displays or standing trade show booths.

Fabric Tension

One of the latest trends in trade show booths is tension fabric, since it flawlessly stretches across the frame for a seamless look. This material is now being incorporated into some banner stands, including the Allure Fabric Tension Displays. The have a unique shape and come with accessories that aren’t available to add with other banner stands, including shelves and lights.

These portable displays are one of the most versatile on the market since they can be used as advertising tools in your place of business. These display systems have a low price point and take up very little room.

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Fabric Tension Trade Show Displays: What are They and Why are Many Exhibitors Using One?

Tension fabric is used in many trade show displays to replace the traditional graphic panels. What makes this material so different is the fact that it can be stretched across the aluminum frame for a flawless look that is unmatched by other trade show booths. Fabric tension displays are just as simple to set up as pop up displays because the frame components are locked into place without the use of tools.

These portable displays are also perfect for the frequent traveler since as many as 10 fabric tension displays can fit into one shipping case for small tabletop displays. Not only are they easy to transport, but they are lightweight to reduce the cost of shipping. There are thousands of configurations available, but here are some of the most popular ones.

Overhead Hanging Banners: At trade shows, it can be difficult for attendees to tell the difference between your display system and the other hundreds of displays. Overhead hanging banners will get your convention booth noticed from across the show floor since they are mounted directly above your trade show exhibit, come in unique shapes, and range in size from 8 feet to 12 feet wide. The frame simply snaps together and is covered with dye-sub imprinted tension fabric.

Allure Banner Stands: These unique banner stands take seconds to assemble and you have multiple styles to choose from. Many of the Allure Banner Display models come with lights and shelves.

Trade Show Displays: Fabric tension trade show displays have a custom look that is much different than traditional display systems. With most trade show exhibits, you can see lines in between each panel, while the tension fabric has a seamless look. Many of these convention booths have a unique shape that will stand out among the regular box-shaped convention exhibits.

These are just a few of the fabric tension displays available, but new models are constantly being designed.

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Benefits of Retractable Banner Stands

Your trade show displays will be the first thing attendees will notice, but it can be a little stressful to find the display board that will fit your needs. If you are looking for display stands with an open layout, truss systems may be right up your alley. If you’d prefer a wall display that is inexpensive and easy to assemble, pop up displays may be your style. There are hundreds of different display systems out there to choose from, but one that remains a popular choice is the retractable banner stands.

These display stands are one of the most versatile options on the market because you have the option of using one or combining them with other banner stands or larger trade show exhibits. A wall display can be created by placing several retractable banner stands together, creating a look very similar to that of an 8, 10, or 20 foot trade show exhibit. If you have a larger display system, banner displays make perfect trade show signs to direct attendees to your booth or to showcase benefits of your products or services.

The vinyl banner can easily be interchanged to create new looks from one event to the next. Since it is so simple to create a new look, many exhibitors are getting their money worth by using their retractable banner stands on their sales floor when they aren’t at trade shows as a retail display.

The graphics are conveniently stored in the base of these convention booths for an easy assembly, taking an average of 5 minutes or less. Not only are these banner displays simple to set up, but they are also extremely affordable compared to other trade show displays.

There are several reasons exhibitors love these banner displays, but I think they love the look of these display booths the most! Whether you want a convention exhibit for your next event or an in-store promotional too, retractable banner stands can be used for both!

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Boost Trade Show Display Traffic With These Attractions

It may be your trade show booth that gets the attendee’s attention, but having activities that keep your audience engaged will hold their interest. Here are just a few ideas that will intrigue people to visit your trade show display and possibly become a new client.

Food or Beverages

Hours are spent on the trade show floor for both exhibitors and attendees, which can be extremely exhausting. Offering refreshments such as coffee, tea, and cookies will help energize them and will be greatly appreciated. The scent of coffee or baked goods will entice people to stop by your trade show exhibit, but the only downfall to this attraction is that attendees may be more interested in the coffee than they are in your products or services. However, it will give you the opportunity to talk to more people and possibly turn them into new customers.

Presentations or Speakers

Not only will this attract a large crowd, but will also inform your audience of the products or services your company has to offer. There are 2 things to remember as you prepare for a presentation:

  1. Advertise about a month before the event. People will come to the trade show just to see your presentation as long as they have enough time to plan for it.
  2. Choose the speaker wisely. They should be energetic, get the point across in less than 3 minutes, and will engage the audience by asking questions or having them fill out surveys.

Demonstrations

One trade show display attraction that will never go out of style is the traditional demos. They will give everyone a first-hand look at how your products work. Also by giving attendees the opportunity to try the product for themselves also because they will feel more confident to purchase your product if they know how to use it. For more tips on hands-on demos, read my article.

These are just a few of the ways you can increase traffic to your display system. With attract, eye-catching trade show displays and these tips, you are sure to be a smash hit at your next event.

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Why Hanging Banners Will Increase Traffic to Your Trade Show Displays

The more eye-catching your trade show displays are, the more traffic you will get. There are several ways to do this: through stunning trade show graphics, trade show booths that have a unique design like the custom displays, or by having the right signage. While all of these attention-grabbing techniques are effective, having the right signage will make your company’s name remembered long after the event. One outstanding way to promote your portable displays from across the show floor is through ceiling-mounted banners.

One reason it gets so much attention is because of its massive size; these trade show banners range in size from 8 feet wide to 12 feet. These trade show exhibits don’t only have a large size, but also come in a variety of configurations to make you stand out at the convention. Some of these various shapes include square, triangular, rectangular, and circular.

Another reason exhibitors are using these banner displays is because it doesn’t matter where your trade show booth is located, the name of your company will get the awareness it needs from the attendees to be remembered long after the event is over. You can print your business’s name and logo on all sides of these trade show displays, making it easy to be seen from anywhere on the convention floor.

These portable displays are simple to assemble since the frame quickly snaps into place. Hanging banners will compliment every trade show exhibit and has the attention-grabbing design you need to stand apart from your competitors.

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