Let's talk about Display Accessories

So, you’re all set for your big event, office launch, or trade show. You have the itinerary in place, you’ve called your guests to confirm attendance, you’ve covered food and drink, you’ve summoned the press, you’ve even reviewed the condition of your banners, so you’re good to go. But there are other things that get overlooked, things you might not notice until you get to the venue and reach for some item, only to realise you don’t have it. These include mounting tools like ladders and string (for bunting flags – don’t forget thicker rope for hoisting your flag pole banners).

There are two helpful ways to ensure you’ve carried everything. One is to use a checklist. Tick off every item as you go. But remember, the usefulness of your checklist is dependent on how thoroughly you wrote it. Those little things you forget – like a rag for wiping the frames / fabrics before mounting – you might forget to put them on your list as well. Keep the list updated. So – for example – every time you ‘spot’ something you left at work, add it to the list for future reference. Also, as you pack up, list the items as you load them into your truck.

Portable bags

That kind of post-event listing will record any items you may overlook, such as product labels or chalk / whiteboard markers. When you purchase your banners, find out if they come with a carry case. Its stated function is to prevent damage in transit or storage. The most basic type is the dust cover, but you can get a hard-back cover, or something waterproof. Ideally, get a case with castors, so you can easily tug it around. Zippers are preferable to buttons.

A second advantage of a good banner bag is multi-use. Many bags have enough room (and sometimes specialised compartments) for your banner poles, screws, tools, stands, and other components. Having everything in one bag makes you less likely to forget relevant items. You can also put name tags and stand labels inside the bag. Just be sure not to overload it. Also, avoid keeping scissors, pins, and other sharp objects inside the bag, because they might rip your graphics sheets and/or fabrics, as well as tearing the bag itself.

Mounting brackets

A good banner supplier will include banner stands in the package, even if you’re not purchasing freestanding units. However, you may need specific brackets for your pop-up stand. Consider this before-hand and ask your supplier for relevant mounting accessories. Usually, you can get spiked feet for grass / earthen floors, drills and bolts for concrete surfaces (walls and floors), or weighed feet for flattened ground. If you have adequate budgets, you can buy multiple sets of each and have them in storage as needed.

If you plan on using wall-mounts, inspect the venue in advance. You’ll need to ask your host if they’re okay with you drilling into their surfaces. If they have prepped spaces for wall mounts, look at the mount sites carefully to be sure you have appropriate fastening. Screws and bolts will have to be the right size and shape. You also want to confirm how much weight those wall bracket sockets can support. If your banner breaks the walls of the venue, you’ll have to pay for the damage, and you’ll still have to pay for your own banner replacements.

Modular framing

For ordinary banners, a single stand is adequate, but sometimes you want to pull a Lego at your event. Modular framing is made from individual cubes, tiles, and rods that fit into each other, creating larger frames in diverse sizes and shapes. You can create a catwalk, restaurant floor, or even a vehicle showroom. For best results, combine modular ‘walls’ with modular ‘floors’. They provide additional advertising surfaces and make your booth stand out.

These modular pieces are made of lightweight aluminium and can be built and dismantled in just a few minutes. Before you buy them, check whether they’re compatible with the banners you already own. It’s smartest to buy the frames as a kit, with their own fabric and extensions. Then when you want to expand your selection, you can go back to the supplier. However, veer on the side of overstocking, because by the time you want a top-up, those parts may be out of circulation, and the upgrades may not fit your existing banner system.

Light fixtures

Whether you’re hosting a night-time event or hosting a pop-up in a darkened exhibition hall, banner lights are key. You shouldn’t just go for any generic light. Banner lights are designed to highlight target areas of your banner without reflective glare. They can be in-built, back-lights, or front-lights, mounted overhead or slipped inside the frame. Shop around to see what best suits your needs.

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