Trade Show Jargon

If you are planning to exhibit at a trade show for the first time you may be baffled by some of the jargon. Following are a few common exhibition or trade show phrases interpreted for you;

Modular Exhibition Stand
A modular stand is constructed with integrated components made up from poles and panels to create a tailored exhibition stand. These can be custom designed or just used to upgrade your standard stand package. With eye catching graphics and the right exhibition hire furniture, these stands can be a great choice for the budget minded. A modular exhibition stand can be assembled in different ways to fit a smaller or larger space. This makes them the ideal choice for traveling shows or for repeated use of the same stand where the graphics can be interchangeable.


Island Exhibition Stand
An island stand is one which has no adjoining walls with other exhibitors. Often these stands are just booked as floor space and a custom exhibition stand designer is employed to create the best use of the space allocated. These stands are practically limitless in design options.

Portables
A portable exhibit is one which, as the name suggests, can be easily transported. Usually this consists of a banner or rolled up printed panels which attach to a lightweight frame, all of which can be packed easily into a carry case. The carry case will then double up as a desk. Generally a ‘portable’ display is one which can be erected by one person alone. Again – great for the budget conscious as once you purchase your portable stand, the graphic panels can be changed for each use. Portable banner stands are a good idea for shopping centres and the like. They are not as sturdy as a modular stand.

Custom Exhibition Stand
A custom stand is one which is designed and built from scratch and made to the specific needs of the individual exhibitor. Limited only by the imagination of your designer (and budget of course), a custom designed exhibition stand is great to showcase a new product or just to get noticed in the industry.

Banner Stand
Much the same as ‘portables’ a banner stand is made up of graphic panels/banners and a specifically designed stand to hold them up. ‘Banner Stand’ also covers such things as ‘pull-up banners’, ‘ roll-up banners’ or ‘stand-¬up banners’. Basically with all of these, you purchase the ‘stand’ part which will come with carry bag and poles. All you need to do is add your graphics. You can either design them yourself or get the banner provider to create something for you. Most banner providers will have in-house graphics designers and large format printing capabilities. These stands come in various sizes both single and double sided and with different quality stands and materials depending on your budget.

Rental Package
A ‘rental package’ can be either a stand package or a furniture package – or sometimes even both. An exhibition stand is generally a hire item from an exhibition company who will build to your specifications. They will transport, erect and pack down your stand, then take it back to their warehouse. You can buy your stand but bear in mind you will need somewhere to store it when not is use. Rental packages are put together by the exhibition companies to make things easier for you, the exhibitor. You will get your stand, your graphics, your flooring, electrics, lighting and sometimes even furniture as one easy package.