Popup Stands - How to Make the Right Decision
Posted: Tuesday, June 30, 2009
by Matthew Theobald
Exhibition display solutions
Of the multitude of popup displays and portable exhibition stands available which is the best for your purpose. Being a significant investment that may need to last for many years it is important to make the right decision. This article will arm you with the knowledge to make the correct decision.
Pop-up Exhibition stands are usually described in terms of the number of quadrants that make up the framework. Most pop-ups are 3 quadrants high and either 3 or 4 quadrants wide and are therefore referred to as a 3x3 or a 3x4. Alternatively the 3x3 could be referred to as a 3 drop pop-up and the 3x4 as a 4 drop pop-up. The stand will usually include end graphic panels that will wrap around the ends of the stand to hide the framework from view; so a 3x3 will actually consist of 5 drops and a 3x4 will have 6 drops. Variants of this can include table top pop-ups which can sit on a demonstration table, 4 quadrant high systems, 5 or 6 quadrant wide systems and even systems that can accommodate variable panel quantities and be curved or flat. It is important to know the footprint of a stand, so that you can be sure it will fit in the space that you require. The sizes from different manufacturers do vary, so it makes sense to check. Also be aware that some exhibition and event venues do have low ceilings and some of the taller systems may not fit. It can be a challenge for some people to attach the graphics to the top of the taller systems available.
Generally the industry standard is a plastic substrate with a laminated light-blocking layer so that the frame does not create shadows that are visible from the front if there is strong lighting from behind such as a sunlit window. The Image is printed onto this substrate using an inkjet technology that may use water-based inks, solvent inks or UV cured inks. Solvent inks and UV cured inks offer the best resistance to fading while dye based inks are generally brighter and more vibrant. However you need to ask yourself how long will the graphics be used for; all the methods will last for longer than most companies need it to. Some companies will apply a scuff resistant laminate over the image to provide protection to the graphics - it is certainly worth checking that this is the case. If a supplier is significantly cheaper than the competition it may be that they are skimping on quality.
Where is it manufactured?
As with many products these days most exhibition equipment including popup exhibition stands will be manufactured in China. In recent years the quality of these products has improved dramatically so that there is no longer any significant difference between European or American Manufacture and the Chinese products. Be careful, however that you buy from a reputable reseller and that the stand you buy this month will be the same type that they are selling next month in case you need a matching product or repairs or spare parts.
Is there a warranty or Guarantee?
Some companies offer a limited guarantee some a lifetime guarantee - remember that this will refer to the frame and hardware only and will not cover misuse. How well the graphics last is directly related to how they are used and how well they are made. A good quality stand with a lifetime guarantee that is well looked after will last for many years.
How do the graphic panels attach?
There are 2 basic ways of attaching the graphics to the stand and they are known as magnet to magnet and magnet to metal. Magnet to magnet is precise but relies on the manufacturer being accurate in the manufacture of the graphic panels. Magnet to metal allows for a greater degree of adjustment but by the same token can be fiddly and awkward to position accurately. However it does make the system slightly lighter.
Does it include Lighting?
Some do, some don't. Some have ugly floodlights some have pretty halogen lights; best to check. If the stand is going to Europe do you require adapters. If it is going to the US it will need a transformer. Stands definitely look more impressive with lighting but remember it will need to be near a socket - you don't want to be trailing cables across a hotel lobby!
What Kind of Case does it come with?
Most will come with a wheeled moulded case. Case to counter conversion kits may be available in order to convert the case into a station for a laptop computer or a small reception desk. You can often purchase an additional graphic that will wrap around the case in order to brand it with with your company details.
Would a Different Kind of Exhibition Stand better suit your purpose?
Pop-up exhibition stands can be impressive but maybe a series of smaller banner stands would better suit your purpose. They are light and easily carried and you can tailor the message to different client/product groups and events. In the last year or some more contemporary systems have become available which combine frosted perspex and curved metal sections and can be used instead of or in combination with popup displays. These come with a range of accessories and offer a good transition between pop-up stands and full size modular stands.
Who will store it?
If you have a number of stands going to different venues on a regular basis you may want to consider a company that will store and dispatch the stands for you. They may undertake to check and re-pack the stands as they are returned from site so that you can be sure that they remain in good condition and all the components are there when the stand arrives at the venue.
How experienced is the company that you are buying from?
There is no substitute for skill and experience when it comes to printing and manufacturing graphic panels for pop-up displays. Poor execution of the colour-balancing and trimming can seriously compromise the design. Ill-fitting magnetic strips can create ugly gaps between panels. A good supplier will check individual elements for quality and file suitability and will offer advice to maximize positive impact. Poor suppliers will print what they are given and blame the designer or the client when things go wrong.
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Matt runs an exhibition and display company in Maidenhead and has been involved in the exhibition and dsiplay industry for 20 years
http://www.exdisplay.co.uk
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