Display Types Explained
Understanding the Various Display Types & Options:
1) Floor Displays come in 4 distinct types
2) Table Top Displays come in 3 distinct types
3) Banner Stands & Banners come in 4 distinct types
All of the product types are simply different ways to display your graphics and your message. IT'S ALL ABOUT THE GRAPHICS AND YOUR MESSAGE, your prospects are not interested in what holds up your graphics. They are interested in the look, feel and message of your graphics. If you are designing your graphics yourself, see Design Tips.
Smart Exhibits offers a File Creation/Design Service. This is a fixed price service so there are no surprises - see this link. When considering using a display company over the Internet to create your graphics, please be sure to look at their website - if it looks like a yard sale, chances are that's how your graphics will look too!
Floor Displays come in 4 distinct types:
1. Pop-Up Displays
2. Tension Fabric Displays
3. Triple Wall Retractable Banner Stands
4. Original Patented SMART™ Exhibit
Pop-Up Displays
Pop-Up Displays have been around for more than 30 years. They are very functional. The frame pops up in one easy motion. Everything including frame, lights and graphic fit in the case. They can be straight or curved. The panels can be fabric for attaching graphics with Velcro, or they can be graphic panels.
A Full-Graphic Pop-Up Display has the most impact of all the floor displays. However, one cost saving approach is to keep the two end-panels fabric only, while using a center graphic to show your product and message (fabric panels are less expensive than graphic panels).
Our Pop-Up Display frames have a lifetime warranty. This is because our frames are extremely strong and durable. Also, on our frames you can't see any hardware from the front. If you look at many Pop-Up Displays made by others, you will see a black line along the top. This is the mounting strip hardware. It has unsightly slots and pegs that show when the display is set-up, though you can't see this on their tiny internet pictures. We are picky, and don't like to see these pegs sticking out!
A couple of pointers when shopping for Pop-Up Displays and Graphics. If the graphic-panels for a Pop-Up Display are printed on a roll printer, the print can slip ever so slightly as the print advances through the machine. What this means to you is that when you go to hang the panels, your images will not line up from panel-to-panel.
We use a TRUE flat bed printer so there is no slip, meaning the material never moves - so your panels will always match up! Many "flat beds" do advance the material through the printer causing the same problem. Every panel we print will line up perfectly. Our panels are a hefty .028 mil. and laminated for protection.
Tension Fabric Displays
Tension Fabric Displays utilize the same frame concept as Pop-Up Displays, but the graphic is printed on fabric. When the display frame is expanded it pulls the fabric tight. The graphic attaches to the frame with Velcro so it can be changed. You can leave the graphic on the frame when it is collapsed for storage. The fabric resists wrinkles, it might be wrinkly when it is first set-up but they will "hang out" after being set-up for a little while. They are light and easy to use.
Triple Wall Retractable Banner Stands
Another option is to use three Banner Stands together (see our triple wall) to create a large, floor display. (see Banner Stand description above for more detail)
Original Patented SMART™ Exhibit
We developed this exhibit as a cost effective alternative to traditional displays, but with a new and interesting look. It is Velcro receptive to attach detachable-graphics.
Value is the hallmark of the SMART® Exhibit 8' and 20' trade show displays. They are compact and lightweight, and have a unique appearance. Their clean lines and multifaceted surfaces will project your message from every angle. The end columns are angled at 30 degrees away from the display to project your message to attendees approaching from both directions.
Table Top Displays come in 3 distinct types:
1. Velcro-Receptive Displays
2. Graphic Displays
3. Backlit Displays
Velcro-Receptive Displays
These displays are ideal for frequently changing graphics. If you have a different message at each show this type of display is more cost effective as you can change one or two graphics instead of changing the entire display. Graphics simply attach with Velcro on the back. SMART™ Exhibits uses a special Velcro-receptive fabric on our displays that is specifically made for the trade show application. It is made in the USA and is also environmentally friendly - made from 100% recycled material...that's SMART.
Graphic Displays
These displays have more impact as the graphic is usually bigger and not broken up into pieces. It has a frame that is covered by the graphic. These can be more cost effect than Velcro displays as you are not paying for the Velcro-receptive part. However if you need to change some information you need to change the entire display. This type of display is ideal if you change your marketing message less frequently.
Backlit Displays
These displays are eye-catching since they are the brightest. They include the lights making them a complete package. You will need electricity to make them function as intended, otherwise the graphics will not have pop. You would still be able to use it, it would just appear darker.
Banner Stands & Banners come in 4 distinct types:
1. Retractable Banner Stands
2. Hanging Banners
3. Sail Banners
4. Vinyl Banners With Grommets
Retractable Banner Stands
Retractable Banner Stands are very popular. The graphic stores in the base. You simply set-up the pole and lift the graphic up and hook on the pole. Think of it as a window shade in reverse. This is an extremely light weight solution with a lot of graphic impact.
Trade show displays are all about the graphics. Banner stands use the minimum amount of hardware to display the maximum amount of graphics.
When they are made of the right materials it is a beautiful thing. When they are not, the edges will curl making it look like a canoe. If the material is thin or does not have a light block layer you can see the pole right through the material. Printing on fabric material will also show the pole; this is why we do not use fabric. We use a high-end, no-curl, light-blocking. layered material. It won't cup, and you will never see the pole even if there is direct sunlight behind the unit. The material combined with our high end fine-art printer makes for beautiful, vibrant images that will impress your customers.
Hanging Banners
Hanging banners are a cost-effective way to test the trade show waters. They are also great if you like to travel very light. These robust signs are printed on a thick light blocking .025 plastic, and laminated for protection. They are not made of floppy vinyl banner material. They have a professional look. Smart® Exhibits hanging display systems include snap clamps that run along the entire top and bottom edge. This allows the graphic to hang perfectly. It even comes with wire hangers. Ceiling hanging banners include all hardware and vinyl graphics.
Sail Banners
Fresh, different and exciting! Announce your location with brightly colored banners that flutter in the breeze. These are typically used outdoor in front of your business but can certainly be used indoors to attract attention. They are very effective advertising.
Vinyl Banners with Grommets
If you are going to hang a sign in your booth we recommend a Hanging Banner like those mentioned above. Vinyl banners with grommets are considered "lower end" and are more appropriate for special event type marketing.
