Walls are the common denominator for every booth at the trade show. It is a necessity for small inline booths and works great for large booths that need a specialized space, whether it be for simple storage or providing an immersive experience for the attendees. We’ll take a look at some of the most common types you will come across and check out their strengths and weaknesses.

Pop Up Displays

These are the first tier for standing out at the trade show. Pop ups employ an aluminum tubing system that folds and unfolds like an accordion, making it incredibly easy for portability and setup time. These pair perfectly with a printed fabric that is secured over the frame, lending itself to a clean and simple look.

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PROS

  • Easy to use and set up
  • Cheap and durable
  • Perfect for 10×10 or 10×20 booths

CONS

  • Too simple

Wood Panel

Typically used for inline booths to serve as the back wall, they can also be used to provide meeting or storage rooms. Wood panels are modular and more cost efficient than the aluminum alternative, which makes it ideal for smaller booths (10×10, 10×20, etc). Since plywood is more sturdy, it allows for a high variety of visual modifications and mounting options.

Finishes

  • Vinyl finish: Laying over a printed vinyl sticker offers infinite options as an affordable solution.
  • Laminate finish: Gloss white to wood grain laminate, this adds more classiness to the panels but at a steeper price.
  • Fabric finish: Perfect for meeting rooms where sound privacy is paramount.

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PROS

  • Cost efficient
  • Modular
  • Can be mounted with many different display systems (TVs, slatwall, LED screens)

CONS

  • Easily becomes uninteresting if not dressed correctly
  • Higher labor costs due to weight

Aluminum Frame

The aluminum frame is the industry standard and for good reason. By employing an aluminum skeletal frame, you can use a variety of panel inlays to transmit your info to the attendees, whether that be with fabric (silicone edge graphics, known as SEG) and back-lit fabrics, plexiglass, or wood. Aluminum is incredibly strong for its weight. Due to this, you can expect lower labor costs from drayage and material handling fees. While it uses a modular system, the fitment can be so sleek that it looks custom built. Their durability stands the test of time as they can be used countless times. Some of the frames you may see at a trade show can be over a decade old.

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PROS

  • Modular
  • Professional looking
  • Variety of panel inlay
  • Lower labor costs

CONS

  • More expensive

Wall Dressing

Having been to countless trade shows, IMI Exhibits knows how to support our clients by providing crowd wowing exhibits and jaw dropping designs. Walls don’t have to be boring. They can be alluring too. Wall mounted graphics can give some info to the attendee, just enough to pique their curiosity to allow your sales team to take the reins.

To make walls captivating, we employ different devices:

  • Lightbox Displays
  • LED Accent Lighting
  • Wall Mounted Displays
  • Artificial Plants or Live Walls
  • Mirrors
  • Faux Surfaces

It’s also okay to have fun! Chalkboard paint lets them enter your booth to scrawl a message on your walls. Interesting wall prints make them want to touch it. Incorporate playful games that make them want to stay. If you can make it Instagram worthy, it will be something people line up for.

“Every wall is a door.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson