Skip to main content

Not All Trade Show Suppliers Are Created Equal

By November 24, 2016August 21st, 2017Event Management

Not All Trade Show Suppliers Are Created Equal

If your company is planning its entry into trade show marketing, or perhaps you’ve been at it for some time and are looking for a new trade show supplier, the first thing you should understand is that while you’ve got a seemingly infinite number of choices, not all of those choices can actually provide everything you need to be successful. Start your search by defining what you need in the near future, and what you can foresee needing in the next few years, in order to design an effective exhibit and achieve your trade show marketing objectives.

Trade Show Suppliers What Services Do You Need Today…And Tomorrow?

Many larger companies have already worked through the process of developing a branding package and trade show marketing plan by the time they start talking to trade show suppliers. A branding package is a set of specifications that ensure consistency and quality in all of your future visual branding choices: Logo and variants, colors, fonts, and other critical details. If your company doesn’t already have a branding package, you’ll want to work with a full-service trade show house that has branding specialists you can work with. If you need help developing a clearly defined trade show marketing plan, be sure the trade show supplier you’re considering offers marketing services to help you.

Once you’ve got that trade show marketing plan in place, you’ll have a better idea of what you’ll need from a trade show supplier, going forward. How often will you change your display and graphics to showcase new products or campaigns? Are you planning unique displays for certain key shows? Find out up front whether the trade show house you’re talking to can keep up with the demands you’re likely to have, and what their production timelines are, so you can decide whether they can effectively meet your needs.

Product Variety And Quality

Another significant difference among trade show suppliers is the quality and variety of display pieces they can offer you, and on what terms. Do you need to purchase, or is rental better for your purposes? Does the trade show supplier you’re talking to make its full catalog available on a rental basis, or just a few generic selections? How many of the pieces you’ll want to use can they provide with custom graphics? No matter whether you’re planning to purchase or rent, you’ll want to see examples in person, so you can evaluate the fabrics used for graphics, and the print quality. Do their structures and frames look polished and professional, or are they looking a bit overworked? If you’re looking for a portable DIY set-up, ask about the weight, ease of set-up, and whether there are rolling containers available with the pieces you need.

Where Will You Need Service?

If your trade show marketing plans include nationwide or international travel, ask whether any potential trade show supplier has local offices in the places you need to exhibit. Especially when you’re looking at international exhibiting, it’s critical to have the support of a local team to help you plan for different show rules and city ordinances that may affect your plans. Can they provide Install & Dismantle (I & D) labor for your exhibit in all the locations you need? Trade show suppliers with multiple locations can often help you save money by delivering your exhibit from a location that’s closer to your show.

Xtreme Xhibits By Skyline Has It All Covered

Xtreme Xhibits offers full-service support for exhibitors in Austin and San Antonio, and worldwide support through Skyline’s network of 135 offices in 31 countries. Whether you’re starting from a rough sketch on a legal pad or a CAD drawing with elevations, we’ll help you develop your ideas into an impressive and effective display that your team can use to achieve your marketing and sales goals at every show, no matter where that may be.