There are many types of trade show displays / exhibits.
Below is a list of the common types:
· Tabletop displays. Usually a small metal
frame work which can easily collapse (much like a backpacking
tent frame) into a small carrying case, with graphic panels
that attach to the frame work via mechanical fasteners,
magnets, or Velcro. These displays are typically very easy to
set up, and require little to no on site support labor. As the
name implies, they are designed to be set on top of a table,
one usually supplied by the show contractor. As with pipe and
drape, this table is often provided as part of the price of
renting the exhibit space.
· Table covers. If the exhibitor is using
a table within their exhibit space (whether provided by the
show contractor or rented), custom printed table covers allow
the exhibitor to the opportunity to utilize the table as a
branding opportunity, as opposed to just a stock, non-branded
table drape. Show provided tables normally come with a neutral
table drape, and a custom cover allows the exhibitor to stand
out from those who use the stock table cover.
· Pipe and drape. Often provided by the
show contractor, these typically utilize a metal frame of
upright posts supported by base plates, with cross beams on
which the fabric drape is either threaded (via a sewn pocket)
or tied. These types of displays are often provided by the
show contractor as part of the price of the exhibit space. The
fabric drape is usually a neutral color or a color which ties
in with the theme of the show. Exhibitors can use these as a
backdrop for their own display pieces, but they are not meant
to support any direct weight, and provide little in the way of
display client graphics or branding.
· Pop-up displays.
(These are sometimes called a Pull-Up display or Portable
display) A display which utilizes a flexible graphic panel
(fabric or other man-made material) attached to a spring loaded
roller on which the graphic winds for storage. When ready
to display, the graphic is pulled up, and then secured to a support
post at the back of the roller, which holds the graphic up
and taut in place. These can be used individually, or
in series, as warrants. Like tabletop displays, they
are normally very lightweight, and can be easily transported and set
up without needing much on site labor support. The components are
often made from very lightweight materials, and
transported in small traveling cases.
· Modular exhibits
. These exhibits fall between a pop-up display, and a
penel & frame system. Whereas a pop-up is typically a
small background property, a modular display is an entire
space. They utilize a standardized basic structure, whether this
be a metal frame work, or thin, lightweight panel
construction, which is then configured within the confines of
the structure limitations to what the exhibitor requires. Analogous
to a Lego or Tinker-toy, the components
are typically easily reconfigured into new layouts as the exhibitor may
require from show to show. The components are often
made from very lightweight materials, and transported in
small traveling cases.
· Panel & Frame Systems.
- These are the ubiquitous exhibit, retail, display and
presentation systems. In many ways, when people think of modular
exhibits today, they are thinking of Panel & Frame systems
like Octanorm, which is sold (in pieces and parts) to
distributors, who in turn market a range of solutions (including exhibit
solutions) for rent or purchase at a variety of quality
levels and price points. There are hundreds (or
maybe even thousands) of "parts" available. In North America anyway,
tradeshow floors are typically laid out with Panel &
Frame products. These products are a ubiquitous category all
to themselves. Unlike a tabletop display or modular exhibit, Panel &
Frame Systems will require the services of an
on site labor source.
· Custom exhibits
. These
rental or purchase exhibits are fabricated from a variety of
materials, based upon the design and needs of the
exhibitor. These exhibits often incorporate hard wall panels
to create rooms and separated spaces, stages, large
metal structures, display and work stations, and other display components.
Custom exhibits cannot normally be set up by the exhibitor
without utilizing the services of an on site
labor source.
Custom exhibits are transported to the exhibit hall in
exhibit crates, skids, dollies, or sometimes via pad wrapping,
to protect the exhibit properties during transport, and during
set up and tear
down.
Table
Covers 
