Tips & Technical Info

Uploading Files

File upload can be made using our web uploader or via ftp. To upload files, please click here: File Uploader You will be brought to a page with a small information form. Once that is filled out, you will then be brought to a page with the file uploader. Please accept the security certificate to allow a small java applet to load. You will then be able to drag and drop or browse and upload your files. It is important to not navigate away from the file uploader until transfer is complete. You may also use an ftp client to upload files. The address is listed on the uploader page. Contact us at 888-880-2670 for a password.

Which Banner Stand Should I Buy?

Guidelines for choosing the right banner stand

Major types:

• hanging banner stand
• retractable banner stand

Special considerations:

• Can you replace the graphics yourself, or do you have to send the unit to a dealer?
• Do you have to buy parts for each graphic replacement?
• Telescopic pole - is the height fixed, flexible, or a combination of both?
• Fixed width - can you alter the width? How?

Hanging banner stands are the most versatile of all banner stands. Depending on the unit, you can change width, height, and material printed including vinyl, fabric, laminated graphics and custom shaped gatorboard.

Retractable banner stands have graphics that roll up inside the unit, providing the ultimate protection. Expand Media products are the industry leader for durability and graphic protection. Some retractables (including older Expand models) require an experienced supplier to change out the graphics due to the high tension mechanism.

Design Tips

Graphics are the first impression by visitors. You've got 3-5 seconds to snag their attention in a typical 10 foot booth space.

What will you do with your 3-5 seconds?

• No more than 7 words and 3 images should be the focal point to stop them in their tracks. After you have their attention, you can provide more information.
• Critical graphics should be at the 6-8 foot level, the mostly likely place someone will look (eye level from a distance).
• Review the production file specs before you start the creative process.
• Use font sizes that are visible from 10 ft away - please no 8 pt fonts!

This also leads into the idea of the right booth. If you switch from 10 ft to 20 ft booths, then get a modular system such as offered by Expand. You can change the configuration from straight line to L and even add shelving. A curved 10' booth really never belongs in anything but a 10 ft booth. But with the right system, you can create a wave and extend your 10ft pop-up booth into a 20 foot booth.

Do It Yourself - or Find a Way to Do It Cheaper

Plants ($75), chairs ($150) & carpet ($150+) are the 3 items that to bring in when on a really scrimpy budget for a local trade show.

Traffic stoppers

What are you going to do to bring the people in a) that matter and b) get them to stick around long enough to talk to them? Part of this is answered in the above. Take a look at the duo display. Did you know we can print and mount any design to a hard backer, custom cut out a form and then hang it on the duo?

It's a great way to show off a new product that might be really small, and blow it up giant size to attract attention.

Halogen lamps are limited to 75 watts and must be of the sealed variety, which prevents direct handling of the bulb. Other conventions centers may follow this same policy, but we do not track any policies.

REMINDER: Las Vegas Halogen Light Ban

In January 2003, The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) announced a restriction on the use of halogen stem lights in the Las Vegas Convention Center. The LVCVA made the decision after a study concluded that the misuse or poor maintenance of Halogen light fixtures have been the cause of several fires in the convention center.

The halogen light restriction is on any Stem Mounted Halogen Light or other fixtures with a linear quartz bulb or a non-shielded halogen bulb. These types of fixtures are no longer allowed in the Las Vegas Convention Center. Stem lighting is defined as a light fixture with an arm that extends outward from the mounting mechanism, and is typically terminated in a light head that pivots, swivels or is otherwise moveable.

The LVCVA is taking the ban seriously. The LVCVA officials are forcing exhibitors to remove lights that are not in compliance with the new ruling. This new reaction is having the biggest impact on exhibitors with portable and pop up display systems that rely on Halogen stem lights. In the near future the city of Las Vegas may apply the LVCVA lighting restriction for all Las Vegas convention facilities.

LVCVA has experienced several fire safety incidents arising from the use of stem and track mounted halogen light fixtures attached to exhibit booths and where the fixtures utilize linear halogen bulbs. Typically these hazards arise from misuse and poor maintenance practices, rather than from any deficiency in the design of the fixture or the halogen bulb it contains. Misuse encountered by the LVCVA has included failure to correctly install the fixtures in a secure fashion and failure to ensure that fixtures are not in close proximity to drapes, displayed items, or similar flammable material. Poor maintenance includes replacing bulbs with higher wattages than the permitted maximum marked on the fixture, failure to replace lenses or shields after re-lamping, failure to follow lamp manufacturer’s instructions concerning direct contact with the bulb, and replacement of broken lenses and other components with sub-standard, non-approved parts.

Unless otherwise stated in the LVCVA policy, stem or track mounted halogen light fixtures installed in LVCVA facilities must:

1. Utilize one of the halogen bulb styles that have an additional glass shield that is integral with the bulb design, and require no other shield as part of the light fixture.

2. Utilize a bulb not exceeding the listed wattage permitted for use by the fixture manufacturer, but in no case exceeding 75 watt