Ben Camerota
Ben Camerota is the President of MVP Visuals, suppliers of custom branded displays for trade shows, retail promotion and corporate events
Ask These 5 Questions Before Your Next Display Purchase
January 2, 2016
If you are new to the trade show world, choosing a company to design and print your trade show display materials can be a bit daunting. Even if you’re not a total newbie, you may have run into issues with your display in the past because you did not know exactly what to look for when purchasing.
Whether this is your first trade show or your 100th, it is vital that you ask the right questions when choosing a company to design and produce your trade show display materials. Though you may already have a check list ready, there are 5 essential questions that exhibitors often forget to ask the supplier about their trade show display:
1. Does your designer have experience creating graphics for trade shows?
Though experience is often a good indicator that a person knows what they’re doing, this is only true in the right context. A great graphic designer does not necessarily make a great designer for exhibit graphics. Trade show display graphics have different goals than websites or print advertisements, so make sure that the person designing your display has experience working with exhibit design.
2. What is the quality of the fabric?
Not all display fabrics are created equal. For the most part, you get what you pay for. Many inexpensive displays look cheap, and low quality zippers and Velcro tend to wear out rather quickly. If you want a display that is built to last then you need to find a supplier that offers high quality materials. When speaking with reps, ask for fabric samples so that you know what you’re getting.
3. What is the quality of the print?
Fabric printing is a complex process that requires up-to-date technology. Out of date printers just do not offer the same quality when it comes to clear graphics and colors that pop. Even if the company has been in business for years, ask about their printing process to find out if they stay current with printing technology.
4. What are your options for storage and transport?
Most display material packaging is meant to prevent damage before your first set up. Even if the packaging materials are reusable, that does not necessarily make them ideal for transporting your display from one trade show to another. When contacting the supplier, ask about what products they offer for storing and transporting your display materials. Consider how long these storage materials last and how much they cost before making a purchase.
5. Does the supplier offer reliable customer service?
Customer service should factor into your decision as it is a vital part of ensuring that you get what you want and any potential issues are resolved in a timely manner. As you do your research, find out what your options are for speaking with a rep. Does the supplier have people available outside of typical office hours? Will you speaking to an actual person or a robot? In the end, great customer service can make all the difference in a successful trade show display.
Overall, the key to a successful trade show display purchase is research. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and remember to allow yourself enough time to speak with different vendors, procure samples, and ship to your next show.
Partner Voices
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
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