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What Are the Different Types of Trade Show Signage?

Jan Fletcher
Jan Fletcher

Trade show signage comes in a wide variety of types. This signage ranges from portable tabletop displays to elaborate, room-sized venues created with back-walled booth displays. The purpose of trade show signage is to lure visitors to exhibitor displays, so much thought usually goes into choosing the appropriate eye-catching signage. 

The most expensive trade show signage typically is a back-wall booth display. This type of trade show signage employs aluminum framing, or a similar lightweight sturdy frame that allows the temporary erection of partial walls. For trade show exhibitors selling high-end services or products, this type of trade show marketing display creates the ambience that sets the stage for customer engagement. This is particularly so if seating is included in the exhibit. These displays might contain an array of audio-visual capabilities, including digital signage.

Woman posing
Woman posing

Digital signage is frequently used in trade show signage for product demonstrations and promoting product features to trade show visitors. The flashing imagery on a digital screen can be a potent attention grabber. This type of trade show signage increases opportunities for engaging attendees.

Banner stands are less costly than back-wall booth displays. They come in both floor and tabletop versions. Some are small enough to be carried in personal luggage. Indoor floor banner stands might display the same eye-catching graphics as more expensive signage but at a fraction of the cost. 

Hanging banners come in a variety of materials, such as vinyl and fabric. Fabric signage has gained in popularity because of advancements in printing technology, which allows for photographic reproduction of signage graphics on a wide variety of fabric choices. This signage usually includes grommets so that the banner can be easily hung in almost any exhibit. 

The advantage of fabric displays is their light weight. Traditionally, hanging banners have been made of vinyl, which is a heavier material. Some people consider vinyl to be less environmentally friendly because it is derived from ethylene, which comes from crude oil, while fabric can be made entirely from natural fibers. Others say vinyl can be recycled. Both vinyl and fabric signage can be used outdoors.

Tabletop displays come in pedestal models, panel displays and digital displays. This signage can be used in tandem with other types of trade show signage. For example, a small tabletop stand might feature pricing information while the larger booth display creates the ambience and the exhibitor’s digital display showcases individual products. 

Portability of trade show exhibits is an important factor in trade show marketing. Heavy materials can be difficult to transport and to assemble. This is why trade show displays use lightweight materials that can be quickly and easily assembled and disassembled.

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