PORTABLE, MODULAR AND CUSTOM MODULAR
Trade show stands have morphed over time. However, the basics are still the same. The stand is a backdrop to show off your product and/your services, that sets you apart from your competition. In the digital age the stand has literally become the stage, from where you present your offerings. The design and manufacturing of stand comes in various flavors. There are portables and banner stands, there are modular and custom modular and then there are custom booths.
Skyline is the pioneer in portable, hyper-portable/air-powered, modular and custom modular booth design. As North America's leading exhibit system builder, we are known for their high quality, great design, cost-saving portability, and innovative functionality. Skyline's history of creativity, innovation, and performance includes over 70 patents and winning all the major U.S. exhibit industry awards, including Best of Show at Exhibitor Show and TS2.
DESIGN 1
When does it make sense to GO WITH PORTABLE BOOTH DESIGN
You are new in the exhibit arena: Rookie exhibitors have tapped into the extensive return on investment that these smaller stands offer. You’ll make a huge impact on your live audience, without having to worry about mastering an island exhibit setup.
You have a small staff: Smaller business owners simply may not have the manpower needed to successfully exhibit with a large booth. If you choose a more compact display configuration, you will be able to staff your booth without feeling like it’s too big. It is great for field sales staff when the booth has to be set up by the sales person.
You want optimal convenience: Easy to transport and even easier to setup, these lightweight exhibits epitomize the ultimate option for business owners who want a straightforward and seamless installation and dismantle (I&D) experience at all times.
You are watching your budget: Chances are, like most business owners, you find yourself constantly monitoring your bottom line. Smaller portable displays systems can still offer a return on investment at a fraction of the cost. These smaller designs are a financially savvy choice.
Trade show stands have morphed over time. However, the basics are still the same. The stand is a backdrop to show off your product and/your services, that sets you apart from your competition. In the digital age the stand has literally become the stage, from where you present your offerings. The design and manufacturing of stand comes in various flavors. There are portables and banner stands, there are modular and custom modular and then there are custom booths.
Skyline is the pioneer in portable, hyper-portable/air-powered, modular and custom modular booth design. As North America's leading exhibit system builder, we are known for their high quality, great design, cost-saving portability, and innovative functionality. Skyline's history of creativity, innovation, and performance includes over 70 patents and winning all the major U.S. exhibit industry awards, including Best of Show at Exhibitor Show and TS2.
DESIGN 1
When does it make sense to GO WITH PORTABLE BOOTH DESIGN
You are new in the exhibit arena: Rookie exhibitors have tapped into the extensive return on investment that these smaller stands offer. You’ll make a huge impact on your live audience, without having to worry about mastering an island exhibit setup.
You have a small staff: Smaller business owners simply may not have the manpower needed to successfully exhibit with a large booth. If you choose a more compact display configuration, you will be able to staff your booth without feeling like it’s too big. It is great for field sales staff when the booth has to be set up by the sales person.
You want optimal convenience: Easy to transport and even easier to setup, these lightweight exhibits epitomize the ultimate option for business owners who want a straightforward and seamless installation and dismantle (I&D) experience at all times.
You are watching your budget: Chances are, like most business owners, you find yourself constantly monitoring your bottom line. Smaller portable displays systems can still offer a return on investment at a fraction of the cost. These smaller designs are a financially savvy choice.
As shown above: (LEFT) A backlit portable display with backlit reception table in a 10' x 10' linear booth space. (RIGHT) An air-powered display that can easily break down into two 10' x 10' space or set up for one 10'x 20' back wall.
Using Portable Displays Does Not Mean Sacrificing Results
Exhibiting with a smaller, portable display does not mean you sacrifice the effectiveness of your marketing strategy. These small booths offer an impressive range of features including:
Creativity: Don’t let their size fool you; no matter what industry you’re in or the size of your product line, you will be able to exercise maximum creativity during the design process. An innovative design team will work with you to capture the very essence of your organization, so you receive a one-of-a-kind customized final look.
Sharp Professional graphics: Product images play a key role in any trade show exhibit. You will work with your chosen design team to include high-resolution, top quality graphics throughout your booth that leaves a lasting impression.
Accessories: Do you think that accessories only work in island booths? Think again. A reputable exhibit provider will also offer an extensive range of accessories that can be used with your portable displays. You can find shelving, literature racks, chairs, tables and even monitors; you’ll find exactly what you need to create a signature look.
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These lightweight stands have proven that they can be used long after the event has ended. You will find a virtually endless list of ways to use your easy to setup stands throughout the year. Many businesses set them up in lobbies and conference room as large advertising billboards for visiting clients. They can also be used at recruiting events, as well as outdoor functions. In short, wherever your team goes, your portable displays can easily and conveniently go with them for the ultimate return on investment
DESIGN 2
When dO I MAKE THE LEAP FROM PORTABLE TO MODULAR AND CUSTOM MODULAR?
A pop up display does a few things really well.
Set up: They make set-up a breeze.
1. This is great for impatient sales people.
2. Folks who have limited install abilities.
3. If you cannot or will not pay labor, and don’t have a dedicated trade show person capable of moderately complex installation of 2+ hours – then a pop up is for you.
Shipping: If you want to reduce shipping costs, then a pop up is for you.
1. Modular displays require shipping 1-2 skids and will increase shipping costs significantly.
2. Pop ups can sometimes even be checked as bags with the airline.
Storage: A pop-up has limited parts and can usually easily fit in a closet. And pop ups almost always under 50 lbs, and in containers with rolling wheels. If you want to store conveniently in a small area in your office, a pop up is a good choice for you.
Affordability: Pop up displays are a great value. They are at the lower end of the spectrum when it comes to budget.
On the other hand, a modular exhibit system can do a number of things well.
Reconfiguration: Modular displays can reconfigure into virtually endless sizes. For example, your 10×10 can reconfigure to a 10×20, a 20×20, 30×30 and so on.
Accessories: Modular systems have the ability to support and great range of accessories. Storage cabinets, TV mounts, shelving, retail merchandising, iPad holders, and much more.
Custom look with our the custom cost: A modular system is designed by a trained exhibit designer to accommodate your unique needs and brand.
Things a modular system can’t do: Set up in under 1 hour, compete with pop up pricing, fit easily in a closet, ship as conveniently and affordably as a pop up.
Note: The difference between Modular and Custom Modular is the difference in the architecture and the details that goes into constructing your booth. For example, if you want custom elements in your booth like LED lit shelves, or unique shaped backwall, or koi pond in your space, then that falls under 'Custom Modular'. However, since, having in-house 3D printing capabilities, often times blurs the line between modular and custom modular offerings.
The DO's and DON'Ts of MODULAR AND CUSTOM MODULAR Exhibits
Modular Design — Don’t: Overdo With Text and Graphics
Many companies think that in order to be effective, they need to throw every bit of information about their company on the display. However, this is absolutely the worst thing you can do. Overdoing the graphics on your banner stand or exhibit panels means that visitors will have to stare at the exhibit for a few minutes before they fully grasp what your display is trying to convey.
If your display has large blocks of text, your visitors’ eyes will likely glaze over before they even read a single word. (ABOVE) Use bullet points or markers when possible and use contrasting colors and fonts to make certain words stand out even more. (BELOW)If your display has large blocks of text, your visitors’ eyes will likely glaze over before they even read a single word. (ABOVE) Use bullet points or markers when possible and use contrasting colors and fonts to make certain words stand out even more. (BELOW)
Modular Design — Do: Give Your Exhibit Personality or Make it Dimensional
One of the best things about these exhibits is that the pieces fit together in different configurations so that you can actually create multiple displays. No matter what configuration you’re using consider adding lighting, podiums, literature racks and other three-dimensional display elements to create visual interest that will keep guests at your exhibit.
One of the best things about these exhibits is that the pieces fit together in different configurations so that you can actually create multiple displays. No matter what configuration you’re using consider adding lighting, podiums, literature racks and other three-dimensional display elements to create visual interest that will keep guests at your exhibit.
Use visual elements of your brand with dimensional flare. (ABOVE) Find ways to paint your booth design with personality or sculpt out your booth with enticing brand visuals. (BELOW)
Start developing a personality for your brand by asking these questions:
Are you funny? Are you serious? Academic? Masculine? Kid-friendly? These questions will be answered by identifying the audience you’re trying to reach. Will you want to write your content with some wit, or focus on research? Will you want your photography to be loud and colorful or clean and monotone?
Every brand has a personality. One personality isn’t “better” than the other. Once you identify your company’s brand personality you can use that knowledge in all the marketing work you do.
Are you funny? Are you serious? Academic? Masculine? Kid-friendly? These questions will be answered by identifying the audience you’re trying to reach. Will you want to write your content with some wit, or focus on research? Will you want your photography to be loud and colorful or clean and monotone?
Every brand has a personality. One personality isn’t “better” than the other. Once you identify your company’s brand personality you can use that knowledge in all the marketing work you do.
Start developing a personality for your brand by asking these questions:
Are you funny? Are you serious? Academic? Masculine? Kid-friendly? These questions will be answered by identifying the audience you’re trying to reach. Will you want to write your content with some wit, or focus on research? Will you want your photography to be loud and colorful or clean and monotone?
Every brand has a personality. One personality isn’t “better” than the other. Once you identify your company’s brand personality you can use that knowledge in all the marketing work you do.
Modular Design — Don’t: Forget Flooring. Strive to Make It Interactive
Often flooring seems to be the forgotten element of your exhibit design. However if you’re standing on it all day long, you might wish that you had paid a bit more attention to it. Flooring does more than just bring together the elements of your booth together — it helps provide a cushion to protect your feet and your back.
Are you funny? Are you serious? Academic? Masculine? Kid-friendly? These questions will be answered by identifying the audience you’re trying to reach. Will you want to write your content with some wit, or focus on research? Will you want your photography to be loud and colorful or clean and monotone?
Every brand has a personality. One personality isn’t “better” than the other. Once you identify your company’s brand personality you can use that knowledge in all the marketing work you do.
Modular Design — Don’t: Forget Flooring. Strive to Make It Interactive
Often flooring seems to be the forgotten element of your exhibit design. However if you’re standing on it all day long, you might wish that you had paid a bit more attention to it. Flooring does more than just bring together the elements of your booth together — it helps provide a cushion to protect your feet and your back.
Use angular die-cut plush carpets to add dynamism to your space. Mix it in with colors to be consistent with your offering. (ABOVE) Use technology on a portion of floor to add visual interest that compliments story-telling. (BELOW)
"As large-scale multimedia continues to trend, droves of exhibitors are trading hard-walled architecture for LED screens and audiovisual installations. But while walls are getting a high-tech makeover, floors seem stuck in the dark ages – until now."
Travis Stanton, Editor of Exhibitor Magazine, states that sometimes, it might be a good idea to forego traditional booth design altogether, and let your flooring take center stage in your booth, adding a reception desk, product displays, and little else. With countless products on the market, you can add the same eye-catching illumination to what's underfoot via futuristic flooring options that are sure to make your exhibit shine. While more expensive than standard flooring, interactive and illuminated options need not cover your entire booth space. Instead, use these offerings to highlight product displays, pathways, or presentation stages.
Modular Design — Do: Include a Private Meeting Area
Doing this will help you take a few minutes to meet privately with clients, as well as learn more about potential customers away from the prying eyes of competitors. It can be completely closed and elaborate or not. Here are some options for you to explore in the form of conference rooms and lounges.
Modular Design — Don't: Bring More of the Same. Impress with Less
It is tempting to want to show all your wonderful products! If you are pushed by conflicting interests and often must answer to multiple teams who want you to show what they are working on, let them know about the importance of the RULE OF ONE. Find a way to simplify or find one connective tissue that ties all the elements together.
Be furiously picky about what you merchandise. “You can always bring extra product that you think you may want to show clients, but store it in a closet or cabinet until you need it”. This way you don’t have to clutter up your exhibit yet have the product you need just in case. By keeping the space cleaner, you reduce the stress of the viewer and you can better define the focus of what you want them to look at.
Given, that your logo is the anchor element in your exhibit design, instead of repeating a logo you can expand your visuals and create space to use your other visuals – advises designer Amy Kubas. Keep this in mind when you consider how often and how large a logo needs to be. A good rule of thumb is to “use the company logo as a focal point in your normal field of view” shares Andrew Forchas.
Modular Design — Do: Create Curiosity
While you don’t want the name and brand of your Company to be a mystery, you can get attention by inciting curiosity about the experience you are providing, the new product you are launching or just the environment of your exhibit.
You can do so by sending a carefully worded invitation providing clues about what you are doing but leaving some details out for prospects to wonder about. For example – “We will be demoing our new product and giving away gift certificates to top rated restaurants in downtown Chicago to the first 10 people to try out the demo.”
You can also create mystery by providing a peek into the experience you have created with partial walls, curtains, windows or sheer material. Prospects can see there is something fun going on but they can’t quite tell what it is.
Doing this will help you take a few minutes to meet privately with clients, as well as learn more about potential customers away from the prying eyes of competitors. It can be completely closed and elaborate or not. Here are some options for you to explore in the form of conference rooms and lounges.
Modular Design — Don't: Bring More of the Same. Impress with Less
It is tempting to want to show all your wonderful products! If you are pushed by conflicting interests and often must answer to multiple teams who want you to show what they are working on, let them know about the importance of the RULE OF ONE. Find a way to simplify or find one connective tissue that ties all the elements together.
Be furiously picky about what you merchandise. “You can always bring extra product that you think you may want to show clients, but store it in a closet or cabinet until you need it”. This way you don’t have to clutter up your exhibit yet have the product you need just in case. By keeping the space cleaner, you reduce the stress of the viewer and you can better define the focus of what you want them to look at.
Given, that your logo is the anchor element in your exhibit design, instead of repeating a logo you can expand your visuals and create space to use your other visuals – advises designer Amy Kubas. Keep this in mind when you consider how often and how large a logo needs to be. A good rule of thumb is to “use the company logo as a focal point in your normal field of view” shares Andrew Forchas.
Modular Design — Do: Create Curiosity
While you don’t want the name and brand of your Company to be a mystery, you can get attention by inciting curiosity about the experience you are providing, the new product you are launching or just the environment of your exhibit.
You can do so by sending a carefully worded invitation providing clues about what you are doing but leaving some details out for prospects to wonder about. For example – “We will be demoing our new product and giving away gift certificates to top rated restaurants in downtown Chicago to the first 10 people to try out the demo.”
You can also create mystery by providing a peek into the experience you have created with partial walls, curtains, windows or sheer material. Prospects can see there is something fun going on but they can’t quite tell what it is.
Euroshop EXAMPLE (ABOVE)
1. Visitors to the Atelier Dambock Messebau GmbH stand were escorted by umbrella-wielding staff, passed through a wall of water before entering the dry inner sanctum.
2. Three bright-pink mailboxes along an exterior exhibit wall were filled with attractive contact cards that were free for the taking at Formfactory GmbH & Co.
3. To convey Dart Design Gruppe GmbH's approach to designing exhibits and retail spaces "from scratch," this oversized pencil appeared to have scrolled the phrase in reverse, making it visible only as it reflected off the stand's mirrored enclosures.
4. Overhead, massive gold "droplets" appeared ready to plop onto mannequins below, all of which were partially covered in the gorgeous, glossy hue — to convery a sense of curious coolness, from mannequin provider 543 Co. Ltd.
5. A hypnotic display for Kinetic Lights by WhiteVoid GmbH featured an installation comprising 54 moving, color-shifting orbs.