Within the trade show arena, portable displays have become a popular alternative to large floor-to-ceiling exhibits. They’re significantly more cost effective in that there’s less to design and produce – and they don’t require hefty shipping or set up costs. Portable trade show displays are lightweight and easy to transport to and from events. And they’re easy to install, with many of them ready to go at the push of a button.
But there are hundreds (if not thousands!) of portable display options available. Not sure which type to choose for your upcoming event? Here’s an overview of the main types of portable exhibits. Keep in mind that your choice will mostly depend on 1) the budget you’re working with, and 2) the type of content you’ll be incorporating into your presentation (iPads, monitors, brochures, etc.).
Banner Stands
Banner stands are highly portable, customizable and versatile displays. They make great exhibit backwalls or standalone booths. There are several types of banner stands that differ by size and hardware. With retractable and springback banner stands, tension holds your graphic in place – when not in use, it can be retracted into a roll up casing for safe storage. Telescopic banner stands are adjustable by height and width; they function especially well as exhibit backwalls.
Banner stands offer arguably the best value for any type of display and are available in economy, midline and premium options – so they’re a great solution for smaller marketing budgets.
Kiosks
Great for showrooms, conventions or lobbies, kiosks are a multifunctional solution featuring digital messaging on attachable monitors – enhancing your brand experience and boosting customer engagement. Most often, kiosks come outfitted with monitor mounts and tables. iPad stands are portable displays that also incorporate technology for increased interaction. Our favorite kiosk is a curved display with custom fabric graphics tension-mounted on the frame.
Tension Fabric Displays
Exhibits featuring fabric graphics are a fantastic portable solution for trade show conventions. With tension fabric displays, your image is printed on a softknit fabric using dye sublimation, then mounted onto a frame comprised of lightweight aluminum tube frames. The process of mounting these prints means stretching the fabric to fit, which ultimately displays a sleek and beautiful image. The reduction in shipping costs combined with easy setup and an overall greater display flexibility makes this a popular option for many exhibitors. Tension fabric displays range in size from banner stands to pop-up panels nearly 10 feet high and 25 feet wide – so there’s a broad range of pricing.
Tabletop displays offer an even more portable alternative to many of the full-height fabric displays. These tend to be wide, but shorter – and are best paired with a branded table throw on the table below. Tabletop displays are especially great for brand promotion at local events – and they’re also available in the form of folding panels (printed on substrate media).
Illuminated Fabric
What could be better than a beautiful fabric display with rich, vibrant color? A fabric display that glows! As portable as they come, the illuminated fabric stand deserves its own category as it truly stands out from the rest. These backlit displays range in size and shape, and can be single or double sided. The extrusion frames come with pre-attached LED strip lighting to make your brand’s message stand out.
Branded Table Throws
Table throws are perhaps the most portable display of them all – they’re simple but can make a powerful impression. Custom-printed table throws are a great way to complement a table top display or add a professional, branded appearance to events or conferences. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes and fits, including seamless or fitted. The dye sublimated fabrics are highly durable, reusable, fade resistant and can be washed between events. Best of all, most materials are wrinkle resistant and don’t require ironing before your event.