Perhaps you’re about to take the plunge into modular for the first time. Perhaps you’ve used custom-built displays in the past and are contemplating a switch to modular. Regardless of why, it couldn’t hurt to weigh the pros and cons of modulars before making the commitment to understand any and how to buy a modular display.
Modular displays are some of the most versatile trade show exhibits around because they can be arranged to form many different configurations. They have a more stylized look than portable displays like pop-ups; they are much easier on the budget than custom displays. For many exhibitors, they are the ideal solution.
Don’t Make the Graphics “Busy”
It’s true for your portable pop-up display, and it’s true for your modular: Think Billboard, Not Brochure. You don’t have to bombard people with every bit of information about your company / products / services. In fact, it’s a huge DON’T. This goes for images and text alike. Overdoing it means the visitor walking the aisle gets information overload and keeps moving. You have only a second or two to draw the attention of the attendee. Ask your trade show vendor for a professional opinion before you finalize your modular display designs.
Plan for Different Spaces and Configurations
One of the best things about buying modular display exhibits is that the pieces fit together in different configurations so that you can create a fresh presence at each show; it’s as if you have multiple displays. Perhaps you normally rent a 10′ x 20′ booth space. Down the road, however, you may want a 20′ x 20′ island. Design your modular booth with various elements, including podiums, monitor kiosks, storage space, meeting nooks, so that the modular display is functional no matter what size booth you have.
Flooring: Don’t Tread On Me
The standard-issue carpet is usually fine for a 10′ x 10′ space. The visitors’ attention is not normally drawn downward in a small space, and a lot of it is covered anyway. For the larger space, however, that royal blue carpet may not complement the atmosphere you worked so hard to design into your modular. Make sure you plan for the flooring to work with the space and help tie it together. While you’re at it, add a little cushion. After all, your people have to stand on it all day long for the duration of the expo.
Mixed Media
When buying a modular display, you can choose from many finishing materials with our modular displays. Some companies may prefer wood grain, while others prefer a sleek metallic finish. Your graphics can be printed on rigid media, flexible substrates or fabric. Your trade show sales consultant will help you select what is best for you based on your company’s identity in the marketplace.
Labor Pains
Set-up and tear-down (a.k.a., Install and Dismantle) of a custom-built display can eat up a lot of man-hours, and take a big chunk out of your trade show budget. Modular displays, on the other hand, assemble much more quickly and without the need for tools. They go up and come down faster with fewer man-hours, which can save a significant amount of money over the course of a year. Plus they’re lighter, meaning fewer dollars spent on freight and drayage.
Let There Be Light
Dramatic lighting can really set the tone for your trade show presence. Modular displays open the door for myriad lighting possibilities, such as light screens, back-lit graphics and theatrical lighting. It’s a great way to add another dimension to your displays at a reasonable price.
In a nutshell, why buy a modular display?
- Modular displays can be adapted to any size booth space
- Multiple design opportunities make modulars customizable so that you can promote your brand in a unique way
- Modular exhibits can be easily, quickly, and tool-lessly constructed, and you can integrate the media within it
- Modular is the most cost effective option for the flexibility it offers
- Modular provides endless possibilities to incorporate multimedia
- It is made of lightweight materials — lighter than traditional custom exhibits — so less freight and drayage expense
