Trade Show Graphics
Typically when ordering a trade show display you have the option of printing your graphics using an ink jet or dye sublimation process. Although both create a strong visual depiction of your design there are many differences that your company must consider before choosing your graphic option.
Not all, but many of the more popular trade show displays such as banner stands and Alumalite displays, have an to use ink jet or dye sublimation graphic printing.
The main difference between the two printing processes is how the images or graphics are laid out on the material that will be used for your display.
Ink jet graphics are much like that of a regular color printer you may find at home or your office. The ink is laid out through individual dots on to the material.
Dye sublimation printing involves a more detailed process where your graphics are directly printed into a fabric-like material. This method allows the dye colors to vaporize under extreme heat and permeate the material before they return to a solid form.
This techinique gives dye sublimation printing a more defined look. If you look close enough to ink jet prints you will start to recognize the individual dots. Dye sublimation printing also allows yields a more vibrant and colorful print.
The disadvantage of dye sublimation is that the price is usually higher due to the process and material it is printed on. Ink jet graphics, when used in booths similar to pop up displays, are coated with a laminate that will give them a longer life span if taken care of properly.
For more information about dye sublimation and ink jet printing processes contact Trade Show Emporium, Denver’s leading trade show display consulting and distributor for modular and hybrid trade show displays. Visit the Web site at www.tradeshowemporium.com or call 1-866-764-2968 in the United States or Canada.
The most common trade show display graphic mistakes usually involve text, color, graphics and maintenance. If your booth has any of these mistakes, it could be an instant turnoff for attendees. But if you follow these simple rules then an attendee visiting your booth can turn into a promising lead.
In January, Exhibitor Magazine released a list of the top 10 small-booth and trade show display graphics mistakes and rules to avoid such mistakes.
1. Too Many Words
Three seconds is all you have to catch someone’s attention and having too many words may hinder that. Combine crisp, relevant text along with a strong graphic to create a cohesive message that will draw them into your booth.
Rule: Limit yourself to six or 10 words
2. The Wrong Words
Don’t waste words with needless information about your company that is not needed. Stay on point with what your company can do for the attendees and do it in as few words as possible.
Rule: Keep a direct message
3. Competing Colors
Having colors that clash can make your text hard to read. Be sure to have contrasting colors such as light on dark (white on black) or dark on light. Be careful to float text over images and graphics, especially busy areas, since it could cause readability issues.
Rule: Use light and dark text combinations
4. Artsy Fonts
Text that is hard to read will turn away attendees. Leave the art to the graphics and the images and keep text very conservative. Having fancy text makes it difficult for people to read and understand your message.
Rule: Stick with simple sans and sans serif fonts
5. Tiny Type
Attendees don’t want to worry about struggling to read your text because of its size. The general rule of thumb is for every three feet your text should be at least an inch tall. If an attendee is 12 feet away from your booth your text should be at least four inches tall.
Rule: All text should be more than four inches tall
6. Text Below Eye Level
Keep text as high as you can, and if possible within the top two feet of your booth. This keeps your text from being blocked by anyone in your booth and is more viewable from a distance. If your text doesn’t fit into this space, make sure you keep it above eye level.
Rule: Text is best placed at top of booth
7. Too Many Images
Having several images can district from what your overall message is. Creating one or a few larger images, that are clearly focused, helps keep your message on track.
Rule: Use large, cropped images
8. Poor Image Quality
Many times people think a company logo or image can be enlarged and maintain its crispness and clarity, but that is not always the case. Often, these low-res images become blurry and grainy. Use the most original file and high resolution graphics to complete your booth, and if needed consult a trade show display graphic designer.
Rule: Use high resolution graphics and work with a graphic designer
9. Bad Lighting
The choice to light your booth comes down to a very simple question of wanting people to see your booth. Having poor lighting decreases the ability for your graphics to be seen. Place lights, no less than 100-watt halogen or LED, every two to three feet for maximum coverage.
Rule: Lights placed every two to three feet<
10. Nicks And Dings
Accidents will happen, but generally wear and tear can be reduced with careful handling and cleaning. Starting with a laminate that will protect your graphics is a good first step. Also careful assemble and careful storing, using plastic or paper sheets between graphics is important. If you have to clean your graphic use light Windex, being extremely careful near the edge. Use a multipurpose cleaner for marks and sticky substances, and rubbing alcohol along any magnets.
Rule: Clean and maintain, if needed replace graphics
DENVER — There is no doubt that this has been difficult times for many businesses and individuals, which is why Trade Show Emporium, Denver’s leading source for trade show displays and consulting, wants to take the anxiety off affording a new trade show display by offering the 10-Foot Full Graphic Pop Up Display Stimulus Packages.
For a limited time save $400 on a 10-foot full graphic pop up display with full graphic design, a retail cost of $3,699, and $100 of the cost of the regular 10-foot full graphic pop up display without design, usually priced at $2,499.
“Trade Show Emporium is pleased to provide these two wonderful packages for a limited time to those companies and business who want to maintain their attendance at trade shows, while ensuring they have a top-of-the-line trade show display,” said Willis Wood, Jr., President of Trade Show Emporium. “These all inclusive pop up display packages, give those businesses a chance to make an impact without having to spend a great deal of money for a quality product such as this.”
Trade Show Emporium’s 10-Foot Pop Up Display Stimulus Packages include an all-in-one case with wheels, fabric conversion skirt and plastic top for the case, two 200-watt halogen, four center graphic panels, two end graphic end cap panels, lifetime no-fault warranty on the frame, a one-year warranty on the entire display and seven magnetic hinged channel bars. Upgrades for lights, case wraps and monitor mounts are also available.
Assemble and disassemble of this 10-foot wide by eight-foot tall pop up display is trouble-free thanks to the patented accordion style, aluminum folding frame and the magnet hinged channel bars that allow you to attach fabric or graphic mural panels. Transportation of the exhibit is a breeze as the all-in-one case stores the entire unit, including frame, lights and panels and weighs less than 100 pounds, cutting handling and shipping costs across the board.
For more information regarding Trade Show Emporium’s Pop Up Display Stimulus Package visit www.tradeshowemporium.com or call 1-866-764-2968.
When a potential lead is walking by your display you have about 2 seconds to grab their attention and if you don’t you will probably never see them again. Your trade show display reflects the standard of quality and service your company will provide future clients. That message will be burned into the consciousness of people passing by your booth. Trade Show Emporium understands that the difference in your trade show display will have an absolute impact on the amount of business you do at the trade show and later with follow up contacts.
If you have a display that appears to be low quality and nothing about it stands out as exceptional, they will perceive you and your services as being sub-par. No matter if your product or service is the most desirable, the most affordable, and the one they need, they won’t give you the time to hear your sales pitch. On the other hand, if you have a display that is unique, eye-popping, and catchy, then chances are increased exponentially that the person walking by will not only come talk you about your product/service but they might first say, “Wow, I noticed your booth and just had to stop to see what it is you do.” Your trade show display can reel them in, giving you the opportunity to sell them your product or service.
Beginning the Trade Show Process
As you begin considering the type, size, design, and configuration of your trade show exhibit display, answer these questions:
- What do you want to accomplish by attending this trade show?
- How do you plan to use your trade show display to achieve your marketing strategy?
- How many people will be attending the trade show? Is it a local, regional, or national show?
- What type of location do you have reserved at your upcoming show? (corner, island, in-line)
- How many trade show or conventions will you participate in a year?
- How will you get your show? Make sure to plan accordingly if you are flying or driving. Most airlines will take your trade show display case as an oversized checked item.
- What is your budget for your trade show display? Not counting what you will pay to rent the space at the convention center, what is your trade show budget?
Different Types of Trade Show Exhibit Displays
Trade show displays come in custom sizes and the type of display that you will use will depend on how many shows you want to attend and what type of impact you want to display.
Pop-up Displays: These are light-weight folding collapsible frames covered with magnetic-backed fabric, or plastic laminated panels that create curved or flat walls.
Fabric Panel Display: A flexible option that consist of fabric-covered rectangular panels that are connected to make a wall. They can be readily configured to different booth sizes and configurations.
Table-Top Display: Inexpensive, lightweight displays that sit on the top of a 6’ or 8’ table and are typically used for smaller events. These displays usually have three panels with velcro-attached graphics and headlines that can be easily changed and updated.
Banner Stand Display: Lightweight, easy method to accent your booth. These function like a window shade in reverse and can be placed together or in different booth locations based on your trade show needs.
Besides standard displays, Trade Show Emporium can customize your trade show booth to be any imaginable size with every conceivable accessory.
With there being so many trade show companies, what company should I go with?
When choosing which company will produce your trade show display there are a few key points to keep in mind. The best way to find a good company is through word of mouth. Ask a few companies at a trade show where they purchased their displays and if they were happy with the service.
- Do some searches online and find at least three companies that you think look suitable. Call and get someone on the phone, this will help you weed out all the companies that say they have customer service but neglect to even answer the phone or return a voice mail. Talk to the salesman and get a feel if this company can service your needs; produce a quality display, delivery it on time, guarantee their work, and has the professionalism you are looking for.We’re sure that once you check with Trade Show Emporium, you’ll see the difference attentive customer service can make in getting you the trade show booth that serves your needs best.
Graphics for your Trade Show Display
- Graphics play a key role in luring people into your trade show booth. Design something unique and eye-catching.Most trade show companies will either accept out-put ready artwork, or have designers on staff that can help your company design something from scratch.Be sure signage with your company and/or product name is highly visible, well-lit, and features large easy-to-read type. The easier it is to read and understand the better chance someone will be drawn to your booth.
- After all, if you don’t grab their attention immediately, you’ll lose them forever.
- Remember: Trade Show Emporium has designers readily available if you don’t have a designer of your own. We will gladly work with your graphics teams providing them with the specifications needed to create a beautiful trade show booth right the first time.