16 Embarrassing Signs You Need a New Trade Show Display

September 16, 2012

You can tell when you really need to buy a new car:  Small rust holes merging into bigger rust holes; the billows of smoke from burning oil; the engine that is so loud you have to shout to be heard.

But what about your trade show displays?  What similar clues hint that it’s time to send your display to the junk yard and start over?  You’ll know it’s time if you’ve experienced any of these:

  1. The colors on your trade show booth are out of fashion – again.
  1. All the people in your exhibit photos have big 80’s hair.
  1. Your booth staffers wear bags over their heads.
  1. Your booth staffers keep their backs to the aisles.
  1. Your booth staffers try to stay in the aisle the entire show.
  1. Your booth staffers arrange for all their at-show meetings to take place in the coffee shop.
  1. Visitors to your booth say, “Wow, what a cool retro look!” when that actually wasn’t your design intention.
  1. There is a bird nest in the tower of your trade show booth.
  1. The lights on your trade show display use technology that is no longer available.
  1. Your trade show exhibit uses more duct tape than MacGyver.
  1. Some countries that no longer exist are included in your bulleted list of countries where you have distribution.
  1. The words “keen” and “neato” appear in your exhibit graphics.
  1. You have multiple layers of white-out used to change text on your graphics.
  1. There is more carpet-like fabric than graphic images on your backwall displays.
  1. Your exhibit architecture has a Soviet-era feel.
  1. Attendees to your booth only compliment you on your rented carpet.

If you’ve had to endure any of these embarrassing moments, or experience other similar awkward episodes, perhaps it’s time to investigate purchasing or renting a new trade show exhibit.

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Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact