There's nothing like having some elbow room, especially at a trade show where space is at a premium. Choosing a big space is a big decision - and a big investment. You don't want to squander it.
Having all that space can be a blessing and a curse. True, you have an eye-catching amount of room, but how do you use it effectively and without breaking the bank? How do you figure out which display best suits your purpose and the space? Curved, flat, tension, pop-up... So many options!
As with everything trade show-related, planning is key. You opted for more space for a reason. What is it? Are you introducing a new product? Showing off your new company image? Indicating your company's growth and expansion? What is your story? Write it down. This is your beacon, the guiding light for your exhibit. Refer to it as you start designing your booth.
Now for the fun part: choosing a display.
This can be mind-boggling. The options are truly endless. Fear not! We've developed an overview. The following will help you identify the type of display you want to work with as well as give you a rundown on the various display shapes and their benefits. Both type and shape greatly impact booth design, your budget and, in the end, your ROI.
Demystifying Display Types
There are three types of large-scale displays: tension fabric, pop-up and hybrid. All look stunning on the trade show floor, but each has its pros and cons. Here's a quick rundown on each.
1. Tension fabrics
Tension fabric structures have sturdy, lightweight frames covered by a durable outer membrane (i.e. fabric). Its stability stems from the tension created by the fabric stretching over the frame. We use this construction method in our Tru-Fit displays. It makes them extremely portable, easy to assemble, and budget-friendly. For large-scale designs, tension fabric displays offer vast configuration options; they easily mix-and-match with each other.
2. Pop-up Displays
Pop-up displays are structures with internal frames that expand and contract. They're usually associated with outdoor event tents. Indoor versions work well in larger spaces as their boxier build gives them a stronger presence and increased visual interest; they create depth. Their pop-up skeleton makes them extremely stable and they're easy to use.
3. Hybrid Displays
Hybrid displays couple tension fabric or pop-up backdrops with other features, like shelves or technology mounts. They can also include elaborate external frames as seen on our Pearl Hybrid displays. The accessories can be mixed and matched to increase the display's versatility. They do require more time to set up/take down and are harder to travel with due to their size and weight. These are small drawbacks compared to the attention these displays command.
Ace Exhibits offer replacement graphics for all three display types. This makes the displays re-useable; they can be adapted to new messages, campaigns, occasions or events. More bang for your buck!
Exploring Shape
Shape can be used in myriad ways to create mood, direct traffic flow, and attract visitors. Below is a review of Ace Exhibit's three most popular large-scale display configurations. Use it to help you determine which shape best suits your trade show goals.
Shape #1: Flat
There is nothing wrong with keeping it simple. In fact, a flat display, be it a tension fabric design or a pop-up structure, opens up a world of possibilities. For instance, if it's printed double-sided, it can act as a divider breaking your space into smaller compartments, create visual interest and direct traffic flow. Pair it with add-ons like podiums, lighting, hanging signs, even banner stands as your needs and budget allow. Its basic shape makes it a great foundation piece.
Shape #2: Curved
Curves create depth, they suggest motion, they're intriguing. Structurally, they need more space than a flat display, which makes them ideal for large spaces. The space requirements are offset by their impact. A concave curve, like our Tru-Fit Curved display subconsciously conveys inclusion, intimacy, refuge. For an attendee navigating a busy, crowded trade show floor, this is very attractive.
Curves can also be surprising and innovative. For instance, our Gullwing display uses two concave curves to create not only one intriguing large display, but also two smaller "compartments." The overall effect is extremely powerful.
Shape #3: Serpentine
Serpentine displays are just plain cool. Their wavy shape draws immediate attention. They're great for directing traffic flow, telling a big story, making a statement. And yet, they're portable, versatile and extremely easy to use. Our Tru-Fit 20-foot Serpentine display can be set up in 10 minutes. As with the curved displays, serpentines do require extra room. However, the attention they garner make them well worth the space investment.
The great thing about all these displays is they can be used as stand-alone pieces or as backdrops to more intricate booth designs. You can mix tension fabrics with pop-ups, hybrids with either. And although they're large, we design all our displays to adapt to your company's ever-changing needs. The goal is to optimize all that glorious space and tell your story.
Still confused? Contact us! Our display experts are happy to help you find the best display for your goals. You can Live Chat with them on our website: AceExhibits.com. Or call at 888-777-0223.
