Modular Exhibits

Are you familiar with modular exhibition booths? Do you know they happen to be the future of exhibitions? Read this article to understand why modular booths are gaining more and more popularity amongst seasoned as well as first time exhibitors.

Exhibitions have always been fast evolving and the more we age, the more futuristic the exhibition gets. That’s the goal of an exhibition to be honest. To be attractive and at the same time be within a defined budget. Presently, modular booths look to be the promising future for exhibitions, not only in the USA but also increasingly in Europe.

Here are 5 reasons that will help you choose between custom trade show booth designs v/s modular exhibition booth designs.

Top Reasons Why modular booths are Gaining Popularity Today

1. Featherweight modular booths Have Low Drayage Costs

modular booths are made of extra light materials which provide a remarkable difference in weight compared to custom trade show exhibits. In the US your structure is weighed to the nearest 100 lbs and then taken into the show site. You, as an exhibitor, are charged for the weight of the structure and its material handling at the show site. This cost can be almost 30% of the cost of the entire booth. modular boothsare made to minimize drayage costs and this is one of the primary advantages of modular booths when compared with customised trade show booths. While drayage as a concept does not exist in Europe, fairground there are starting to charge material handling fees and hence modular structures are slowly making an entry there as well.

2. Longevity and Reusability of modular booths

Despite being extra light, a modular exhibition stands if bought from a proper source guarantees you with a great longevity. If you can plan your trade show calender a year in advance, you can warehouse your modular exhibition booth and reuse it with various permutations and combinations such that everytime you have a new design and new graphic but are using the same skeleton structure.

3. Versatile Design Possibilities Offered by Modular Displays Systems

Modular display systems have a flexible nature that allow for various design choices which can be used to present numerous layouts within different shapes and sizes. modular booths can now integrate your product displays, hold heavy LEDs and have special provisions for shelves and heavy structures. So if you plan your requirements in advance, the system can generate various ways in which you can use the same structure over time.

4. modular booths are Affordable For Exhibitors on a Budget

Despite being so versatile, it’s very affordable and futuristic. Modular display systems are comparatively lower in weight when compared to their custom counterparts; and thereby have lesser drayage and material handling cost. They are also easily installable and hence require less labour and tools. Since agencies like Freeman and GES charge for labour by the hour in the USA, modular systems are much more cost effective when compared to custom built exhibition booth designs.

5. modular booths are Low on Maintenance if You Choose to Buy Them

You can work around one modular exhibit for years. Modular display systems are developed with years of R&D and are often patented. What this means for you is that they are tried and tested, and if some part gets damaged, there are simple ways to repair or replace these to get your system back in place. They are an investment which can give excellent returns for years.

6. Modular Exhibition Systems Make for Eco-Friendly Trade shows

Exhibitions today are increasingly trying to reduce their footprint on the environment. Europe has come up with the system of Stand Plan Audit wherein the exhibitor has to explain what materials are used to build the booth and are they ‘build and burn’ materials or are they reusable and eco-friendly. Modular exhibition systems are always reusable, also they use fabric prints as compared to tarpaulin or flex, they use less resources and seldom use wood. Hence they are now gaining popularity all across Europe as well.

The initial drawbacks of modular exhibition systems and exhibit rentals systems in terms of design and aesthetics have been addressed over the years in many ways. Today with beautiful design possibilities, low costs and less work, modular booths are the go to choice for seasoned as well as first time exhibitors. In the coming decade we shall see this becoming the preferred choice not only in the USA but also in Europe, Australia, Japan and some other regulated exhibitions markets globally. So next time you need to choose between a customised trade show booth design or a modular exhibition system, do consider the many advantages that a modular exhibit can provide. And, if you are not yet convinced then go halfway and opt for a custom modular display that mixes the best of both worlds!

Happy Exhibiting!

WHAT MAKES modular booths BETTER CHOICE THAN CUSTOM EXHIBITS?

Grabbing the eyeballs of attendees and stamping a lasting impression on the attendees are what that ultimately matters at trade shows. One of the several ways to achieve them is through the design and layout of your exhibit at the trade show.

When it comes to creating a standout exhibit, you have two choices – Custom Exhibits & modular booths.

Both have their own approaches to cater to different needs and preferences. But on the whole, modular booths provide greater value for your money with a canvas of creativity allowing you to bring your ideas to life.

WHAT MAKES IT A BETTER CHOICE?

Although both custom exhibits and modular booths have their own fair share of merits and demerits, modular booths offers significant benefits which over a period of time provides immense value for your money.

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MODE OF BUILT & OPERATION

modular booths are built with standardized design specifications. It is constructed from metal, mostly aluminum, extrusions that are slotted together to create frames which later interlocked to form structures. The frames and structures are then infused with graphics to create meeting rooms, towers, and wall.

Built generally for reconstruction, they can be re-built and adapted to cater to specific requirements; and also easily assembled and disassembled. The finished exhibit can be customized to the desired layout, shape, or size.

On the other hand, custom exhibits are purpose-built around with a specific theme in mind to cater to your needs. Every component of the exhibit is crafted and made for your brand; and designed and manufactured in line with your specifications. It will also be built to the exact size and layout requirements of your exhibit space at the trade show. If done accordingly, it will beautifully convey your company profile and ethos; and showcase your unique offering in a creative and eye-catching manner.

FLEXIBILITY

modular booths offer excellent structural versatility and allows you to use various graphical applications. This makes it possible to create a high impact, visually appealing modular exhibit and also make it look like a custom exhibition stand; all of it at a fraction of the cost and in half the time.

Besides, modular booths will allow you to 

• Use varied components at different times, irrespective of whether the trade show event demands that your exhibit be high or wide; or large or small.

• Shift between differently sizes pieces at different trade show events. If one trade show event offers sufficient room for the 20×20 sign use, then a modular exhibit can be used with ease. Similarly, if the next trade show event allows only 20×10 exhibits then you can use the smaller modular exhibit instead. 

• Assemble the exhibit with every single component available in the kit when you’re looking to set-up in large spaces. This will additionally give your exhibit the dynamic it requires to stay visually competitive at mega trade show events.

• Reduce the exhibit size to its key components when setting-up in small spaces. This in turn will enable you to share your brand within the confines of trade show halls where space is at a premium.

• Adjust the overall set-up plan to cater to the needs of the situation. This means, you will be able to avoid the hassles that come with hauling all the same pieces to each location, irrespective of how much space will be available. 

Aside from the above, modular booths also offer tremendous flexibility in terms of design. You can create the exhibit design in a way that is something truly unique and certain to grab people’s attention; generate the biggest impact at the trade show; and get your brand noticed. This can greatly benefit you in a busy trade show environment where the competition will be tough and exhibitors will be vying with each other to catch the audience’s eye.  

VERSATILITY

modular booths are also extremely versatile in terms of design 

There could be occasions where you might want to showcase as many facets of your product/service as possible, depending on the logistics of the trade show. Like for instance, if you’re a skincare company, you might want to show your key skincare products on different shelves for show attendees to see and sample. 

Now, if the trade show event is being held at a smaller location, you might be looking to set-up a smaller exhibit display with no actual products but just a simple counter with pamphlets, cards, and a monitor that shows videos of how your products can be used and benefit you.

Also, modular booths allow you to set products up in a range of configurations like,

• Using tabletops as part of the exhibit. This will give you another useful option for displaying your products as well as pamphlets and care holders with even a monitor to show your product video.

• Inclusion of lighting within the exhibit space. You can have light from the above or behind or even beaming up from the bottom at the trade show event.

modular booths can also be broken into parts for individual use as miniature exhibits. Like for instance, if you are setting up at an event where you will only require a wall-sign or tabletop, then the exhibit components can be brought easily along sans the excess baggage of all the other pieces that come in a modular exhibit kit.

RECONFIGURABILITY 

When you opt for a modular exhibit, you can use them for different events without needing to go for an altogether new modular exhibit.

The modular element of the exhibit will

• Offer you the option to add or remove or reconfigure exhibit components. This means the exhibit can be reconfigured to meet the requirements of different events and floor spaces. Once you have bought the components for your modular exhibit, you can use it for as long as you like. The more you use it, the more money you get to save between each trade show.

• Allow you to add graphics to it and reconfigure to create a whole new modular exhibit look. All of it without the need to change it or opt altogether for a new modular exhibit for every show in the year. This way, you are able to maintain the charm of your exhibit and sustain visitors’ interest in your brand in every trade show you participate in, without needing to spend more money.

A great majority of modular exhibits comprise of a lightweight aluminum frame and infill panels. This will enable you to include your messaging.

On the other hand, although custom exhibits by definition are considered to be more flexible than modular booths, their displays cannot be reconfigured to match real-time changes in the floor plan on the trade show hall. Moreover, if you are exhibiting in different sized spaces in different shows, it can be difficult to adapt to the various sized spaces.

SUSTAINIBILITY

With the threat of climate change threat real and looming large, companies around the world have realized the need to adopt sustainable practices. Most of them already have short and long-term plans in place to reduce carbon footprint in order to protect the planet.

Similarly, there are considerable environmental costs associated with major trade shows from the materials used to waste generated, travelling, transportation, and more.  

To reduce their carbon footprint, exhibitors can adopt plenty of measures to make their exhibits sustainable; and friendlier to the environment. From opting for modular exhibits to carefully considering lighting options, flooring materials; and promotional giveaways; and more, they can drastically reduce carbon footprint. 

Exhibitors can also opt for hire or reusable exhibit solutions. As a reusable, reconfigurable, and recyclable solution, modular booths are more environment-friendly. They can be reused any number of times without the need to go for a new modular exhibit. This will help to reduce the amount of waste produced thereby eliminating the ‘build and burn’ concept of custom exhibition stands.

modular booths can also be dismantled quickly while at the same time preserving the exhibit framework for use at other events. You will just need to change the graphics or alter the design with module additions; and make an old exhibit feel and look like a completely new exhibit. This way, you will be able to save a lot of efforts that comes with redesigning the stand or purchasing a new stand.

On the other hand, custom exhibits are most of the time disposed off after just a single use. The main reason for this is a great majority of the exhibits are generally made of wood or other materials as a result of which they will be suitable for only a single use. When the trade show gets over, the exhibit panels (they are either glued or nailed together and don’t come apart easily) need to be destroyed. This makes them not only bad for the environment but also expensive. 

EASE OF USE, TRANSPORTATION, AND STORAGE

If you want an exhibit that offers ease of use, transportation, and storage, then make modular booths your choice.

Modular exhibit components can be broken down into their constituent parts and reused time and time again at different events and by different clients. On the other hand, most custom exhibit parts cannot be broken down into small enough pieces to be carried around or transported. 

You can also transport modular booths much more easily than custom exhibits. Overall, modular booths are not only a cost-effective solution but they also provide a fabulous return on investment when compared to custom exhibits.

COSTS

Talking about costs, modular exhibits are more affordable than custom exhibits. 

Besides, modular booths 

• Are inexpensive to repair and upgrade, as you need not invest in an entirely new exhibit system of parts. Instead, you only need to replace individual components. 

• By and large uses fabric graphics which is a cost-effective visual communication tool that allows it to be transformed to display brand-specific color schemes, product information, logos and messages, all of it without needing to spend more money. 

• Are easy to transport between events as their components can be dismantled at the end of the trade show before being packed into smaller vehicles or storage facilities. On the other hand, custom exhibits being pre-built structures are logistically difficult as well as expensive; and not to forget, environmentally unfriendly.

CUSTOMIZABILITY 

What might have worked at one trade show may be obsolete for other trade shows.

At trade shows, modular exhibits allow brands to present themselves in a different light for different trade shows with the use of logos, images, and colors.

Besides, you can 

• Change modular booths on a seasonal or annual basis rather than invest in a brand new and costly exhibit. You can make the changes with the same components.

• Modify the exhibits to suit the needs of different trade shows. This will be helpful if you are looking to convey a different branding message at each trade show.

• Enhance the exhibits for special trade show events. This will come in handy whenever your business runs a limited time offer to the attendees or other unique deal. You can have the exhibit created in a way to promote the offer or deal. 

Finally, modular exhibit kits can last for the full life-cycle of any business thanks to the interchangeability of skins. Even if you retire from trade show appearances, the same modular exhibit can be used again if you ever decide to return to the trade show circuit.

CONCLUSION 

Although both custom and modular booths have their own share of merits and demerits, modular booths provide limitless flexibility and cost-effectiveness in addition to being extremely easy to set-up or take down.

At times, they can also provide better uniqueness in terms of design and appearance than custom exhibits.

Ultimately, when it comes to your budget,, branding needs, overall trade show goals, and above all, the number of trade show events you take part in the year, modular booths offer greater benefits that are value for your money.