Those in the trade show industry are no strangers to renderings of beautiful booth designs. These renderings, which are conceptual designs created in a three-dimensional digital format, are instrumental in communicating a vision of an Exhibit space, and are the best way an exhibit house can earn the privilege of creating a client’s exhibit.

Exhibit houses can promise the world with these computer-generated structures. Unfortunately, every year, exhibitors are oversold on the images in renderings, and end up disappointed with the final product. Expectations are set on a perfect and shiny digital picture, which somehow pales in comparison to the real thing.

The ability to perfectly recreate the exhibit shown in the rendering is what separates the best exhibit houses in the industry from the rest. But how do they ensure that the final product will actually match this ideal exhibit?

Booth Collaboration Meetings

Exhibit designers are creative forces whose focus is on creating structures that make an impact and communicate a brand’s message clearly. They are not necessarily concerned with factors such as weight distribution, structural integrity, or electrical requirements. By engaging in collaboration meetings with structural engineers and estimators, exhibit houses know that they are presenting a concept that is imaginative and realistic, and that can be accurately recreated on the show floor.

Show Floor Experience & Expertise

If an exhibit house has installed over 10,000 exhibits, it’s safe to say that they have a keen understanding of what works on the show floor and what doesn’t. While hanging elements can greatly enhance an exhibit’s impact, they can also introduce opportunities for complications during installation, such as rigging requirements or machinery rentals. The easier a booth is to build, the more likely that it will be built correctly and without issue.

In-House Resources

Many exhibit houses outsource the majority of fabrication work. While this allows them to specialize on the design and logistics of the exhibit, it also reduces the level of involvement with the building process.

By contrast, the top exhibit houses in the industry have large internal fabrication facilities, in which they construct every element of a booth. Consistent and close involvement not only allows an exhibit house greater control over quality and workmanship, it provides an intimate knowledge of production capabilities. This information is weighted heavily in the design process and collaboration meetings, which is critical in presenting designs that are innovative, reliable, and consistent.

Industry Experience & Presence

Established exhibit houses that have stood the test of time provide their clients with an invaluable benefit: experience. Familiarity with the nuances of the industry can provide comfort to exhibitors, who can rest assured that their expectations will be met and their best interests will be guarded.

The quality of the building process has a direct impact on the consistent quality of your exhibit. It may be tempting to save a few bucks by going with a newer, smaller exhibit house; but you may find yourself disappointed in the difference between the rendering and your actual exhibit.