March | 2011 | Trade Show Marketing In the Trenches: The Blog of Impact Displays

Outdoor displays have come a long way in the past few years. It used to be that you were limited to the air powered gorilla or the worm. But now you can buy a range of solutions for promotions, outdoor events and trade shows that have an outdoor component. Keep in mind that in general, when a display is referred to as an outdoor display, it’s built to withstand outdoor conditions for a limited period of time. It’s not intended (generally) to be left unattended or to be installed permanently. And if bad weather is expected, bring your display in or take it down – it may damage your display and worse of course, cause injury to others.

Outdoor flags and pennants are great for high traffic, high visibility settings. Messaging is limited, but these flags can get attention even if placed near a busy street. These are often used in one-time promotions outside a store. They can also be used outdoors to get visibility because they can be tall – over 12’ tall. And, using a different base, pennants and flags can be used indoors (although there are better displays for this). Outdoor flags come in the traditional tear-drop shape as well as blades and variations on this shape. You will want a single sided print on nylon or poly and a sturdy base (spike or weighted plate). A ball bearing sleeve is a great upgrade – it stops your flag from “winding itself up.”

Outdoor tents have also come a long way and are now available in cost effective steel and lightweight aluminum. Steel will cost less but can rust and is heavier than aluminum, but both are good choices. Use an outdoor tent at a street fair, farmer’s market, athletic event, food court, etc to showcase what your company does. Tent tops are your area to brand or merchandise. Of course, you can get a basic white vinyl top. But for a small extra charge, you can put your logo on the peak or the valence of the tent top. And for a totally custom look, check out a dye sub top with your colors and brand imprinted on a poly top. Tents are available with many accessories including lights, side and backwalls and integrated pennants.

Outdoor banner stands are versatile and robust – they’re like the indoor banner stands we sell, but built to withstand outdoor conditions. They have a water-filled base to make them stable but easily portable: when you’re done, just drain and go. The banners are printed on durable vinyl using UV resistant inks. These are great for store promotions, shopping malls and other areas where you get a lot of foot traffic.

Vinyl mesh fencing gives you acres of area to advertise on. This is a great way to brand an event course, a concert or fair or anything where you need to enclose but don’t want a metal fence.

Outdoor displays can be used inside, also. But remember, these displays can withstand outdoor conditions that are mild. Take into account actual weather factors – especially wind – when deciding to use your outdoor display. And take the display down when it’s not in use – it will look better and last longer.

Impact Displays is a full service trade show display and graphics company offering a full range of products including outdoor displays. Impact Displays is located at 1934 Junction Ave in San Jose CA. The Company can be contacted here, by calling 877-217-2681 or by emailing to info@impact-displays.com

Many small companies are beginning to experiment with video monitors for their trade show displays. And this is a great idea – video can be a compelling addition and can pull in a crowd and increase audience engagement inside your booth. There are several low-cost options for video – the one that suits your company best will depend on the type of display you have and how you want to use the video.

One way to add a video monitor to your trade show display is to put the monitor directly on your display. If your company has a modular display, like a truss, this is easy. You can usually buy a monitor mount and attachment system from your vendor and install the monitor directly on the trade show display. If you have a pop up display you may also be able to mount a small monitor to the pop up frame – either directly connecting to the channel bars or attaching to the pop up frame. Again, check with your vendor – they can offer solutions compatible with your pop up model. But remember – since pop up trade show displays are themselves light weight, be careful not to use a large monitor (no more than 23” diagonal) and don’t mount the monitor at the top of the frame.

Another video monitor solution is a pole mounted monitor that is separate from your trade show display. This allows you flexibility on where you want to place the monitor – sometimes it may be better right next to your display, sometimes farther out – closer to the traffic aisle. It really depends how you want to use it. If the video content is “lightweight” or marketing oriented, you may want the monitor closer to the aisle to stop traffic at the booth where you can engage them. If the content is more technical, you may want the monitor inside the booth, after you’ve been able to qualify and position the video for prospects.

Yet a different option for a video monitor involves a workstation kiosk – essentially a podium and a pole – that allows your company to have a keyboard/mouse and monitor set up. This is a great arrangement if you want to do product demos or have audience interaction – you or the audience member can “drive” the application from the podium. And the workstation kiosk is also a flexible set up – you can put it where you need it to go in the trade show booth.

Video monitors can be a low cost way to enhance your trade show display – adding content options ad booth arrangement flexibility that allows your company to drive traffic to your booth and inform prospects more effectively.

Impact Displays is a full service trade show display and graphics company located at 1934 Junction Ave in San Jose CA. Impact Displays sells a full line of video monitor solutions for all types of displays. You can contact the company here, by calling 877-217-2681 or by emailing to info@impact-displays.com.

Trade Show Marketing In the Trenches: The Blog of Impact Displays

trade show displays, pop up displays, truss displays, banner stands, exhibit booths

Monthly Archives: March 2011

How Outdoor Displays Open Up Marketing Options

How to Use Video Monitors in Trade Show Displays