Portable displays are a great option for new businesses looking for an economical solution for their first exhibit, or for larger companies looking for an exhibit that can be easily and affordably shipped to regional events. There are a lot of attractive portable options to choose from but looks alone can be deceiving!
1. Minimal Number of Parts
The first question to ask before purchasing a portable display is how many parts are there in the display? If you end up with a million little screws and feel like you are putting together some impossible Ikea puzzle, you’re in trouble. The more parts, particularly little ones, the more likely something will get lost during the set up or take down of your display. Better portable displays will have their parts bungeed together for easy and fast set up – they are cleverly designed so that matching parts are bundled together to keep the guesswork out of the set up.
2. No Tools Required
When looking at a display, ask to see the assembly instructions. If there are more than 3 or 4 pages for a simple 10’ unit, run. Why? Because it’s a good indication you are going to need tools to put this thing together. And guess what? Your display should not need tools to set it up or take it down. That’s right – zero tools! Choose a portable display that you can easily set up by yourself in less than 30 minutes. Otherwise, you could be looking at the added expense of hiring labor to set up your display at the show.
Tip: Before you purchase a display, see if there is an online video that shows how it is assembled like this one:
3. Lightweight
Virtually all of today’s portables can be shipped via an overnight carrier. But make sure you check the weight of your display, as the weight will directly affect the shipping and material handling cost when sending your portable to and from each show. A booth that weighs 150 pounds could cost twice as much to ship as one that weighs 75 pounds. Shipping and material costs really add up quickly, particularly when you have multiple trade shows each year.
4. Durable Materials
In addition to being lightweight, trade show displays must withstand a lot of wear and tear. American-made, quality tension fabric displays where the fabric is held taunt, will maintain their shape better, be easy to clean and appear wrinkle free. Be sure that the metal frame is also of a sufficiently high-grade material so that it does not bend over time. The better portable display manufacturers will often warranty the hardware for the life of the display.
5. Ability to Change Graphics
Smart portables help you stay flexible. Chances are you are going to want to modify your company message depending on the show you are attending. Whether you want an entirely new design or just to change part of your message for a specific industry or vertical, you have options. Two-sided and multi panel displays allow you to mix and match a variety of graphics and change only specific aspects of your booth so you can match the message with the market every time. Fabric graphics also provide exceptional versatility, because they can be updated without requiring you to purchase new hardware.
6. Options and Accessories
The ideal portable display solutions will offer a variety of options and accessories. This gives you greater flexibility to customize your space. Popular options include monitor mounts, placards, or shelving, and reception counters.
7. Don’t Forget the Lights
A well-lit booth will draw a larger audience by making your space look more open and inviting. Booths without lights can look like they are closed for business, especially if they are surrounded by other well-lit booths on the trade show floor. Light box graphics have become an extremely popular way to stand out, but there are all kinds of ways to light a portable booth, from stem lighting to recessed lighting designed to highlight a specific area.
8. Quality Customer Service
Working with a customer-centric partner pays off. Choosing a USA-based exhibit company with dedicated customer support ensures prompt assistance for questions, repairs, or updates. Better yet, local providers often offer hands-on product demonstrations and previews, ensuring your display meets expectations before your event. While online options may appear inexpensive upfront, investing in reliable support guarantees peace of mind and long-term savings for your exhibits.
By taking all of these items into consideration, you will end up with the most cost-effective and flexible solution for your portable you’ll love – at your next show, and for years to come!
