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Posts Tagged ‘Trade Show Exhibits’

Island Booth Solutions for 360° Trade Show Impact

September 12th, 2025 COMMENTS
Island Booth

Marketers often assume an island trade show booth will be expensive. And to be fair, it’s not unusual for a 20×20 to a 30×40 to cost from $150,000 to $350,000. Custom Island Booths are not widgets flowing from an assembly line. They are designed to showcase the services and products of a specific company. An exhibit is an investment with the cost often spread over multiple shows and in many cases, multiple years.

However, what if you need an affordable island booth solution? Options like island booth rentals can give you the same “Wow!” factor while attracting attendees, with designs starting at under $50,000. Not convinced? Two examples: the 20 x 20 RE-9168 rental includes multiple counters, double-sided graphic frames, monitor mounts, a presentation area, and even a square hanging sign.  The VK-5210 purchase island booth includes (3) double-sided kiosks with monitors, a 12ft. high double-side lightbox, and (2) bar counters for less than $40K. 

At most trade shows, island booths are the rock stars, attracting more foot traffic than inlines. Thankfully, it’s possible to mingle with the “stars” without blowing your marketing budget. In this article, we’ll review the basics of an island booth, the advantages, island design trends, and showcase affordable examples of island booths, both for purchase and to rent. 

What is an Island Booth?

For North American trade shows, an island booth is defined as any exhibit 20′ x 20′ or larger and is surrounded by aisles on four sides.

Regulations vary by exhibit hall but the following are typical examples from a specific convention center:  Maximum height of 30′ in all areas of your booth allowed in North Hall and Central Halls 3-5. Maximum height of 20′ in all areas of your booth is allowed in Central Halls 1-2. Maximum height of 22′ in all areas of your booth allowed in South Halls. No limitations on the number of solid walls for your Island booth. Be sure to check the hall regulations. Note: Hanging signs are permitted above island booths.

In addition, ceiling-supported theatrical truss and lighting are permitted in all standard Island Booths to a maximum height of twenty feet (20 ft.)(6.1m) where ceiling permits. Unlike a 10 x 20, which typically faces an aisle on one aisle (two if on a corner), an island booth, just an actual island, has access on all four sides (depending on the specific design). 

Benefits of an Island Trade Show Booth

Size matters… but Island booths offer more advantages than just a larger footprint. 

 5 Key Benefits of a Trade Show Island Exhibit

#1. Maximum Visibility and Exposure: The 360-degree visibility increases sightlines, meaning attendees can see your booth from any direction, resulting in higher foot traffic to your booth. 

#2. Design and Layout Versatility: Exhibit designers love island booths. It provides them with the freedom to design a layout that includes multiple entry points, different “zones” for various activities (e.g., product demonstrations, private meeting areas, reception desks, interactive kiosks, and lounges), and unique architectural elements. 

#3. Greater Height: Unlike inline booths, which often have strict height limits (e.g., 8 feet), island booths are generally subject to much less restrictive rules. This allows for taller structures, large towers, and overhead hanging signs, making your booth visible from a distance.

#4. Enhanced Brand Perception: Securing a prominent island booth space shows that your company has a significant presence and is a major player in the market, which can build trust and attract high-value leads.

#5. Flexible Marketing Objectives: Whether your goal is to launch a new product, generate sales leads, or build brand awareness, an island booth can be customized to meet your specific objectives. The ample space allows for dedicated areas for sales conversations, product displays, and hospitality for existing customers.

For companies aiming to maximize their return on investment and create a lasting impression, an island booth is a powerful strategic tool that can redefine their trade show success.

Island Booth Design Features to Maximize Impact

Island booth designs offer a blank canvas for creativity and an opportunity to create an impactful brand experience. To maximize this potential, exhibit designers focus on creating a dynamic, engaging, and memorable space that goes beyond a simple product display.  

Layout 

A key to a successful island exhibit is a design that is open and accessible from all four sides. Avoid creating visual “walls” or barriers. Instead, use an open layout with multiple entry points to encourage fluid traffic flow and make attendees feel welcome to step inside.

  • Dedicated Zones: Utilize the ample space to create distinct areas for different purposes. This can include:
  • Reception/Greeting Area: A welcoming counter near the main aisle to greet visitors and direct them to the appropriate zone.
  • Product Demonstration Area: A space with clear sightlines for live demos, showcasing your products in action.
  • Private Meeting Rooms: Semi-enclosed or fully private spaces for in-depth conversations with key clients or prospects, providing a quiet retreat from the show floor.
  • Lounge or Hospitality Area: A comfortable seating area with charging stations and refreshments, encouraging attendees to relax, which can lead to longer, more meaningful conversations.

Interactive Elements

  • Interactive Kiosks: Incorporate digital kiosks with touchscreens that allow attendees to explore your products, services, or case studies at their own pace.
  • Virtual and Augmented Reality: Offer immersive experiences that allow visitors to “interact” with your products in a virtual environment, especially useful for showcasing large equipment, complex systems, or virtual tours.
  • Demonstrations and Presentations: Use a stage or designated area for scheduled presentations, product unveilings, or Q&A sessions. This creates a focal point and draws a crowd.
  • Gamification: Use games, contests, or leaderboards to engage attendees and gather contact information in a fun and memorable way.

Lighting 

  • Dynamic Backlit Graphics: Use vibrant, high-resolution graphics, and consider incorporating LED lighting and backlit fabric to make your brand messaging pop. Lighting can be used to highlight key areas, products, or architectural features.
  • Video Walls: Large video walls or strategically placed LED screens can showcase dynamic content, such as brand videos, customer testimonials, and live social media feeds, capturing attention from a distance and providing a modern, high-tech feel.
  • Custom Flooring: Don’t forget the floor! Branded flooring or custom graphics can help define spaces, guide traffic flow, and create a fully cohesive brand environment.

Comfort  

  • Lounge Seating: Provide comfortable seating options that encourage attendees to stay longer.
  • Wireless Charging Stations: Offer phone and device charging stations as a service to visitors, which increases the likelihood they will spend time in your booth.
  • Refreshments: A small cafe or hospitality bar can be a powerful draw, creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere for networking.

By combining these popular design features, a company can transform a simple island exhibit into a dynamic and highly effective marketing tool that leaves a lasting impression on attendees.

Affordable Trade Show Island Booth Solutions

An Island exhibit will almost always cost more than an inline exhibit, However, you don’t need to blow the marketing budget to have an attractive and successful trade show island booth. In fact, start by focusing on your total trade show budget. Many exhibitors make poor financial decisions, either because of poor planning or (frankly) a lack of knowledge. For example, they don’t complete show forms by the early bird deadlines or schedule labor in advance with an exhibitor-appointed contractor, or arrange for shipping in advance. 

Now, with your trade show marketing strategy in mind, start exploring island designs that match your requirements. Don’t worry about finding the perfect solution. Most island booth designs are customized to match your needs. Here are a few ideas to jumpstart the process. 

VK-5212 | Island Exhibit. This modular island booth features an open floorplan with casual seating, backlit fabric graphics, monitor mounts, and backlit reception counters. Consider adding a hanging sign for visibility in the show hall.

what is an island booth

GK-5124 | Gravitee Modular Island. This upscale island booth offers a powerful visual punch for the budget. It’s built with Gravitee Modular Panels, which assemble with tools, making assembly fast (and less expensive). It features two separate seating zones, monitor mounts, and large format fabric graphics.

island booths

ECO-4022 | ecoSmart Sustainable Island. A sustainable island booth doesn’t have to cost more. This design has private and semi-private meeting spaces, a double-sided backlit header, and counters with locking storage.

island trade show booth

Explore all the purchase island designs, starting with 20 x 20 booths, in the Island Exhibit Designs and ecoSmart Sustainable Island galleries. Choose from over 175 configurations. 

Island Trade Show Booth Rental Options

For many exhibitors, an island booth rental has two advantages: it’s less expensive upfront and offers greater long-term design flexibility. That’s a win-win! Modern island rentals have the same features as purchase exhibits with slightly less custom options. Can island rental booths be customized? Absolutely! In fact, most island rentals start with ideas from multiple rental kits, which are then redesigned and personalized for each exhibitor. As a bonus, when you rent, there are no storage costs and the graphics can be reused at your next show, saving even more money. Here are three affordable rental designs. Note that rental prices are in two categories since the structure is a rental but the graphics are a purchase.   

RE-9151 | Rental Island Booth. This island design maximizes the booth space by combining rental furniture with (3) 12 ft. double-sided LED lightboxes. Each lightbox includes monitor mounts and there’s a custom reception counter with locking storage and RGB adjustable perimeter lights.

trade show island booth

RE-9093 | Rental Island Booth. Curves don’t cost more in this beautiful rental island booth. The modular structures are tall and visually dominant, while keeping the overall space open and inviting. There’s enough room for casual seating and a bistro table and chairs.  It even includes a full-size door with closet storage.

island trade show booth rental

RE-9193 | Rental Island Booth. You (U) will love this rental island booth. The backlit graphics act like a beacon drawing attendees into the booth space. There are four monitor mounts for presentations and demos. On one side is a custom reception counter with LED accent lights. On the other side is enough space for multiple sofas or chairs for clients to relax and share.

affordable island booth

Comparing Island Booths vs. Inline & Peninsula Booths

At some shows, in addition to island and inline booths, there are a limited number of peninsula spaces. Peninsula booths have many of the same advantages as an island, which can be appealing to the right exhibitor.  

There are two types of peninsula booths:  (a) one that backs up to Linear Booths, and (b) one that backs up to another Peninsula Booth and is referred to as a “Split Island Booth.”

For all peninsula booths, the exterior of the back wall must be plainly finished and may not contain booth identification, logos or advertisements.

If backed by a row of standard/linear booths, the back wall may be no higher than 4′ for a distance of 5′ from either side aisle and 20′ high in the center of the back wall. These height restrictions must be maintained for a distance of 10′ from the back wall.

Where two (2) peninsula booths share a common back wall (“split Island”), the maximum height may be 20′ in all areas of the booth, including the back wall (same as Island Booth rules, below). Note:  Hanging signs are permitted over peninsula booths that are 20′ x 20′ or larger.

Since peninsula booths are less common than islands or inlines, they present unique challenges to exhibit designers. However, it’s that uniqueness that’s its secret weapon. Designers and exhibitors are forced to create exhibits that take into account the multiple aisles, the added height opportunities, and how to position a hanging sign. Peninsula booths have a reputation for unusual shapes and creative branding which makes them intriguing to trade show attendees. See RE-9176 for an example of a rental peninsula booth.

island display

Budget-Friendly Island Booth Solutions from Classic Exhibits

You have choices. More than you might think when shopping for an affordable island booth. Modular wall systems have expanded, which has led to modern island designs with features like backlit fabric graphics, 12-16 ft. towers, curves, and an array of contemporary counters, pedestals, and kiosks. Your biggest decision may be whether to rent or to purchase… OR consider a hybrid approach where you purchase components you’ll reuse over several years and then rent the accessories, like workstations, monitor stands, and charging tables. That way you have much more flexibility from show to show and as your marketing priorities change. 

Who We Are 

For over 30 years, Classic Exhibits has been designing and building creative custom solutions for our Distributor Partners and their clients. As North America’s largest private-label exhibit manufacturer, we have the unmatched capability, capacity, and creativity to create 3D projects ranging from 10 x 10 inline displays to 60 x 80 double-deck islands. Find success on the trade show floor with an exhibit that reflects your marketing message. For more information, see www.classicexhibits.com and explore Exhibit Design Search or request a meeting with a Classic Distributor Partner.

Comparing 36 Trade Show Displays in 12 Price Ranges

December 6th, 2023 COMMENTS

New exhibitors often experience sticker shock when they see the price of a trade show display. And it’s hard to blame them. They’re accustomed to identical widgets flowing from an assembly line with economies of scale prices.

Except for imported portables, trade show exhibits are not widgets. Most are built to order, even if it starts from a pre-existing design. At Classic Exhibits, for example, every display is “made-to-order.”  

The wide range of prices can also be confusing, even for 10 ft. inlines. Your client may ask, “What’s the difference between a 10 x 10 display at $3500 and another at $23,000?” The easy answer is design, complexity, materials, packaging, and accessory options, but without visuals it can still be perplexing.   

12 Price Ranges

Below are 12 price ranges, starting at $3K and ending at $24K. In each range, there are three design examples from Exhibit Design Search, so 36 total. These are meant to be representative, not comprehensive since EDS has over 300 10 ft. kits. No rental designs were included. That would have created more chaos than a 5-year-old after two glasses of Mountain Dew.

The descriptions are generalizations, not specific features for every exhibit.

Range: $3000-$4000

Portable display backwalls with fabric graphics, stem lights, and rolling cases or carrying bags.

Range: $5000-$6000

Portable and portable hybrid displays with workstations/counters, stem lights, fabric and direct print graphics, and roto-molded case(s) with wheels.

Range: $7000-$8000

Upscale portables with counters/workstations, monitor mounts, stem lights, and floating graphics or LED lightbox with tension fabric graphic.

Range: $9000-$10,000

Sustainable and elegant portables with monitor mounts, shelves, counters/workstations, and stem lights or LED lightbox with large monitor mount and backlit graphics.

Range: $11,000-$12,000

Modular exhibits with shelving, literature, counter and monitor options, along with backlit and stem light choices.

Range: $13,000-$14,000

Custom modular and sustainable exhibits with stem light and backlighting options, shelving, locking storage, direct print and fabric graphics, and monitor/iPad mounts.

Range: $15,000-$16,000

Modern custom modular and custom exhibits with downlighting/backlighting, shelving, locking storage, and large monitor mounts.

Range: $17,000-$18,000

Contemporary custom, modular, and sustainable exhibits with modular counters, shelving, monitor mounts, shelving, multiple lighting options, and customized accessories.

Range: $19,000-$20,000

Upscale custom, modular, and sustainable exhibits with shelving, lightboxes, closet storage, and reception counters.

Range: $21,000-$22,000

Elegant custom, modular, and sustainable exhibits with storage, monitor, shelving, monitor, and lighting options including backlit and halo lit logos.

Range: $23,000-$24,000

Customized exhibits with stylized counters and a broad range of graphic, A/V, lighting, and accessory options.

The Classic Exhibits Distributor Network

Successful trade show marketing doesn’t happen by accident. There’s always a strategy and a plan. The key is identifying the right strategy and executing the right plan. For over 30 years, Classic Exhibits has been a reliable source of expertise for new and seasoned trade show marketers. 

The Classic Exhibits Distributor Network includes over 200 exhibit houses and display professionals in North America. Find success on the trade show floor with an exhibit that reflects your marketing message. For more information, see www.classicexhibits.com and explore Exhibit Design Search or request a meeting with a Classic Distributor Partner.

Outsource vs In-House Production of Trade Show Exhibits

June 7th, 2023 COMMENTS
SuperNova Lightbox

The 5 Cs — Capacity, Control, Cost, Convenience, and Creativity

At Classic Exhibits, we’ve learned a few things over the past 30 years. For one, everyone wants to be in control. In our business that means the design, project management, construction, staging, and delivery of their client’s display.

However, we can’t do everything which requires trusting others to be responsible. Ideally, we want them to care just as much as we do about each project and client.

At Classic, our business depends on earning the trust of our distributor partners. When they trust us, they’re much more likely to send us their projects (outsource), rather than handle it themselves (in-house). So, why should you send your next order to Classic?

Below are “5 Reasons Why Sending Your Purchase or Rental Project to Classic Exhibits Might Be the Smartest Decision You Ever Make for Your Mental Health and Financial Bottomline.” Or for the sake of simplicity, “The 5 Cs” — Capacity, Control, Cost, Convenience, and Creativity.

Trade Show Islands at Classic Exhibits

C1. Capacity by Harold Mintz

The sale you’ve been working on for the past two months just closed. Congratulations! It’s beautiful, functional, and if all goes well, it’s going to be profitable.

For many, the natural instinct would be to place this beefy 20×20 island onto your shop’s production schedule. After all, the clock started ticking as soon as you accepted that 50% deposit, and you now have less than two months until it needs to be in Orlando for NMB (National Mustache Bache).

While your production team is more than capable of building this booth, you’re also in the midst of one of our industry’s busy seasons and time is tight. If only you could wave your magic wand and find more craftspeople, more space, more machines, more material. Basically, find more capacity.

Abracadabra! Done!

Did you know that for 30 years Classic Exhibits has been the exhibit industry’s premier private-label builder for Partners just like you? Classic has your extra craftspeople, space, and machines. Classic is your MORE CAPACITY!

So, when your production schedule starts looking like a traffic jam, take a deep breathe and RELAX. Our capacity is YOUR capacity.

Outsource Rental Design and Fabrication

C2. Control by Gina Porcaro

We can all agree, losing control can be uncomfortable. There’s the “fear of the unknown,” the “what ifs?” and the “if I do it, I know it will be done right.”

However, losing control can sometimes be the best decision you’ve ever made, especially when you realize what you have “lost” control of is in the capable and talented hands of a trusted partner. Classic Exhibits is an award-winning custom builder, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the best exhibit builders in the industry.

What if you could provide the same quality to your clients from start to finish? What if that partner is behind the scenes and an extension of your business? Where you can send a purchase order and artwork and then, a few weeks later, like magic, you receive finished staging photos, branded instructions, and crates with your logo. Soon after, the exhibit arrives at the show site. If this sounds like minimal work, low risk, and guaranteed profitability, then you would be right.

Classic has the talent, expertise, and craftsmanship to not only meet, but most likely exceed your expectations. Go ahead… lose control with us! 

Wood Fabrication

C3. Cost by Tom Beard

What’s the cost to outsource vs. in-source an exhibit build?

Outsourcing needs to be evaluated in three ways: the outsource partner’s capabilities, actual dollar cost, and your overall risk tolerance. Each is important.

Capabilities – First and foremost, you need an outsource partner that has the production capabilities to meet or exceed your own in-house capabilities. Classic Exhibits has cost-effective solutions for both smaller projects and larger custom builds, all in-house. The last thing you want is to outsource a project to multiple partners for wall systems, custom work, or graphics since it’s rarely cost effective.

Dollar Costs – When building in-house, you’re tapping into your design, estimating, purchasing, project management, detailing, production, staging, shipping, and accounting. When outsourcing to Classic Exhibits, your costs are largely redirected to other projects since Classic fulfills those roles. Then there’s efficiency. We can’t be experts at everything. You may be an expert at building a large custom exhibit… but building an inline or small island? The final product will undoubtedly be amazing but at what cost in time, people, materials, and lost opportunities?

Risk Tolerance – This is a hidden cost. Let’s break it down into two scenarios.

#1. An existing client comes to you with a project that might be considered too small to handle in-house (dollar size or booth size). You need to evaluate how to protect this client and preserve the business. Do you allow your client to go to a competitor or is the real solution to partner with a builder like Classic? 

#2. Your AE has landed a promising long-term prospect, but your shop is swamped with work and the project is too small to consider both in size and return, Is this 10 x 20 client the next Microsoft? The margins on the first project may be small but will this prospect turn into a long-term client with multiple opportunities? Classic can produce custom in-lines that allow you to bring a small client on board cost-effectively.

Give us a try. We are more than happy to quote your project so you can compare margins.

Trade Show Design and Production

C4. Convenience by Mel White

Convenience: Something (such as an appliance, device, or service) conducive to comfort or ease.

Did you know there are 150,764 convenience stores in the United States. That’s approximately (1) convenience store for every 2,200 people. That’s a lot of coffee, gas, and honey buns.

We love convenience. And why shouldn’t we. Our lives are busy and when we can achieve the same result faster or easier, it makes sense. Yet, as I’ve learned over the past twenty years working in the exhibit industry, “easy and fast” sometimes takes a backseat to “slow and control” even when the easy path is more profitable.   

Three Examples of Easy and Fast vs. Slow and Control

A. Everyone has their weaknesses. We can’t all be superstars at everything. If your primary business is designing and building large custom exhibits, then designing smaller portable and modular displays can be a distraction. However, those clients, whether they’re existing ones or potential ones, represent opportunities. Having a trusted partner design and build those projects with minimal effort on your part is convenient.

B. Designing and building a website is hard. Maintaining one is even harder. Sites with hundreds of products are challenging as manufacturers add, modify, or discontinue items. Even revising prices can be an agonizing and painful task. When a supplier provides a “ready-made” solution, it means giving up control for convenience. It’s a difficult choice even when it makes more sense financially not to invest time, energy, and resources into website maintenance.  

C. Estimating expenses is challenging. Design, detailing, project management, and staging are expenses for any exhibit company. You try to build-in those costs, but not every project goes according to plan. Those unexpected costs lower the final margin. When those tasks are handled by a supplier, unpredictability shifts to them, assuming you’ve met your responsibilities to the vendor.  Your margin remains consistent and predictable. Predictability is a convenience and a benefit that’s often not overlooked.

When all things are equal, convenience should be at the top of your list. It will make your life easier and more productive.

Outsource Production

C5. Creativity by Katina Rigall Zipay

Classic’s Creative Design team can tackle any project – small to large, simple to complex. Take a look at Exhibit Design Search, our online search tool. You’ll see the wide range of sizes and degrees of customization. All of these designs sprang from the minds of our creative team and represent a small sample of our design capabilities. Our designers have decades of combined experience, are experts at designing with Classic’s systems, and love to create custom solutions.

If your company doesn’t have a designer on staff, or if you typically work with a contract designer, consider Classic as a option. Or if your staff does include designers, consider using a Classic designer when you are at capacity, or you want a design that utilizes specific Classic systems. Our team knows the Classic product lines. We know how to push the limits to create unique design solutions from our products. Plus we know the custom capabilities in our wood fab and metal shops and often collaborate with our production technicians on solutions.

Communication, flexibility, and creativity should go hand-in-hand. Every week, our designers work with other designers, account managers, project managers, and even end-users. In fact, did you know we are happy to join conference calls with you and your client, acting as YOUR designer? We are on your team and want nothing more than to help you get the sale. 

I encourage you to use our creativity as a tool in your toolbox! Contact us at design@classicexhibits.com.

Conclusion

You have choices, not only to build it yourself but also to send it to another supplier. After 30 years, we’ve understand that our reputation depends on the project you sent us last month and the one you send us next month. It’s earned job-by-job, success-by-success. Sometimes that’s a tabletop. Other times it’s a custom 40 x 50 island. We welcome the chance to be your designer and builder.

Classic Exhibits Inc. designs and manufactures portable, modular, hybrid, and custom exhibit solutions, including Symphony Portable Displays. Classic Exhibits products are represented by an extensive distributor network in North America and in select International markets. For more information, contact us at 866-652-2100 or www.classicexhibits.com.

Trade Show Production Since 1993

February 14th, 2023 COMMENTS
trade show production

You’ve done your research, chosen an exhibit house partner, worked with an exhibit designer on the build and completed your graphic design. That’s impressive! Now, it just has to be built to your design specifications and in time for your trade show!

For many marketers, once the actual production starts, i.e., the building of your trade show booth, they sit back and relax. For others, the exhibit construction is another step in the overall marketing process, and they continue to be both curious and involved. 

Whether you want to be involved or take a hands-off approach, understanding the exhibit production process can be beneficial. Not only do you learn about the materials and the construction process required to build your booth, but you see how the exhibit will be assembled, packed, and disassembled on the show floor. That knowledge can be invaluable when supervising labor at the show and solving unexpected problems. Time is money at a trade show and knowing how to quickly find a solution can save you hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars. 

Trade Show Production: Planning & Important Steps

In meetings with the exhibit house, you’ll be asked about your goals, budget, show schedule, booth size requirements, and packaging. Experienced exhibitors often write an RFQ which lists these requirements, along with many more. Those requirements will include some of the following: 

Purchase or Rent. Purchase suggests creating custom exhibits or modifying from an exhibit kit. Rental means creating an exhibit from existing components like aluminum modular wall systems, light boxes, and fabric graphics. However, both purchase and rentals can be built from a wide range of materials and/or systems. 

Portable, Modular, or Custom. For new exhibitors, what may appear to be a straight-forward request, often isn’t – “The devil is in the details.” 

  • Portable in “trade show lingo” usually means the cases can be shipped via UPS or FedEx. It doesn’t mean the display is lightweight, or the assembly is toolless. They can be both, but not always. 
  • Modular means  “reconfigurable” at some point. Reconfigurability may require additional components and cases or crates. There are portable modular displays and custom modular exhibits. 
  • Custom often suggests “wood construction” but not always. The exhibit industry often uses the terms “custom” and “customization” interchangeably but customization can mean a standard kit or design has been “modified.” 

Cases or Crates. Roto-molded cases typically come with wheels. Sizes vary but must fit within FedEx or UPS guidelines. Weight can vary as well, with some packed cases weighing as little as 40 lbs. to others tipping the scale at 120 lbs. The number of cases also matters. If the display requires 5 or more cases, then consider a crate option instead. The purchase price and shipping costs will be comparable at this point. Unlike cases, crates are built using wood sheets and jigged to fit the exhibit components. They are heavy and ship via common carriers. Some exhibits require one crate, and others may require up to 20-30 depending on the size of the exhibit. 

Storage. Where’s it going to go after the show? Exhibitors are often surprised by that question. While smaller properties can be stored anywhere, larger ones like crates are more problematic, which is why exhibit houses offer storage services. The exhibit will be stored in a climate-controlled facility, usually at the exhibit house. The exhibit house can then check the exhibit and booth for damage after a show and stage it before a show to ensure there are no issues. 

Building a Trade Show Booth: How Long Does it Take?

Let’s pretend you don’t know the answer to the question: “How long does it take to build a trade show booth”? Answer:  It depends. Many inexpensive portable displays are pre-packed in boxes and only require printing graphics. Other smaller booths, like modular inlines, are built to order and take anywhere from two to three weeks. 

Custom exhibits are the wild card. If the custom exhibit is based on a previous design, then it may only take a month. However, some custom exhibits are massive with LED video panels, multiple hanging signs, double-deck structures, and large-format graphics. Those can take months to design, detail, build, stage, and pack. Similar to building a single-family home, but one that has to disassemble for shipping. 

Build time depends on other factors as well. For example

  • Estimation and Detailing
  • Availability of Materials 
  • Exhibit Production Schedule at the Exhibit House
  • Graphic Design and Printing
  • The Client 

exhibit construction

Exhibit Construction: 9 Mistakes to Avoid

#1. Exhibit Designers Design. Exhibit Builders Build.

Seems pretty simple, right? On occasion, the pretty rendering doesn’t seamlessly translate into something buildable. Builders have to make changes not only to the design but also to the materials. Quality exhibit houses stay in constant communication with the client and ensure the client approves any changes. No one wants a surprise AFTER the EXHIBIT is DONE.

#2. Wire Management.

Just like with a house, an exhibit often has electrical and data wires. The exhibit builder will make sure those wires are integrated into the exhibit during the detailing and build process. However, they can account for wires they don’t know about such as tablets, charging pads, audio/visual devices, and products. The exhibitor MUST SHARE this information with the exhibit house before the building starts. Fixing any wiring issues on the show floor is guaranteed to be both expensive and ugly.   

#3. Ease-of-Assembly.

Your booth is BEAUTIFUL, but it’s a nightmare to assemble. No one wants that. As an exhibitor, you should be reviewing the build details before construction starts on your booth. And don’t be afraid to ask questions about the assembly.

#4. Detailed Setup Instructions.

Bad setup instructions are more common than you might think. Why? Because it’s usually left to the end of the build, it’s a pain in the ass for the building, and the builder doesn’t make any money on the setup instructions. Require the exhibit house to show you examples of previous setup instructions. If you can’t follow it without coaching, then the labor crew on the show floor will have the same problem. If they struggle with the instructions then it can lead to damage and almost always means the setup takes more time. 

#5. Material Choices.

You may be surprised to learn that an identical design could be constructed with either wood or aluminum extrusions. Even the type of wood can vary, along with the aluminum extrusion system. Ask for details and an explanation. Just because an exhibit house has 10 carpenters doesn’t mean the exhibit should be wood construction. 

#6. Over or Under Construction.

If you’ve ever seen the back of a film or theatrical set, you know it’s a facade. Building a facade lowers the cost and weight, both of which are good. The same can be said for exhibit construction. There’s a sweet spot when building an exhibit. You want it to match the design rendering, be durable over multiple shows, be as lightweight as possible to save on shipping and drayage, and assemble without any issues. 

#7. Locking Storage.

Most larger booths have storage for products, giveaways, literature, refreshments, and personal items like coats, purses, and briefcases. However, locking storage does not always mean secure storage. Countertops may not be attached to the counter. Counters are open on the bottom. And graphics can be easily removed to access storage in a pedestal or closet. If you require “secure storage,” then make the storage actually secure from sticky fingers before, during, and after show floor hours. 

#8. Crate Construction.

Designing and building quality wood crates is an art form. Not only does the crate have to be rock solid to survive shipping and material handling, but the jigging has to be cleverly designed to secure all the exhibit components in the least amount of space. Be clear about your expectations regarding your crates. 

#9. Staging.

Every exhibit, purchase or rental, should be staged at the exhibit house. Sadly, that’s not always true, either because of time constraints or cost. However, staging identifies 99% of any build problems, which can usually be addressed quickly and inexpensively. Those same problems become exponentially more complicated and expensive on the trade show floor. As an exhibitor, even if you can’t see the staging in person at the exhibit house, there’s no reason not to expect photos, video, or a live video review. 

building a trade show booth

Over 30 Years of Trade Show Production Experience

For 30 years, Classic Exhibits has been designing and building exceptional trade show exhibits. Those solutions include both purchase and rental exhibits, including inlines, islands, tabletops, overhead signs, and a wide range of accessories, like counters, charging solutions, and workstations. 

Classic Exhibits has been designing and building solutions since 1993. We’ve been honored as an Exhibitor Magazine Find-It Top 40 Exhibit Producers and an Event Marketer Fab 50 Exhibit Builders multiple times. Along with numerous Portable Modular Awards. 

With over 200 Distributor Partners throughout North America, there’s a Classic representative close by to assist with any rental project. Contact us today whether you need an inline rental display, a double-deck island exhibit, or a contemporary kiosk rental. At Classic, we’re not just different. We’re better.

Understanding Your Virtual Trade Show Exhibit Options

July 31st, 2020 COMMENTS
Virtual Trade Show Exhibit Design Services

The suspension of most onsite trade shows in Q2 and Q3 has prompted show organizers to offer virtual show options to attendees and exhibitors. So, what does that mean? As with anything new, there are conflicting opinions and options.

As a leader in exhibit design, Classic Exhibits has always offered comprehensive design services to our distributors and their clients, in both 2D and 3D formats. The switch to virtual exhibits really isn’t much of a stretch. It all depends on what the virtual exhibitor wants to include and showcase int their exhibit. And since it’s virtual, unlike a physical booth, there are far more opportunities to show products and services in both immersive and online experiences.

If you are considering a virtual exhibit at a trade show, you should begin by talking to professionals who understand the requirements, the technology, and most importantly, what questions to ask. Contact us or your Classic Exhibits distributor for a free consultation. You might be surprised by what’s available. Click HERE for an example.