Years ago a company for which I was working decided it needed a presence at local consumer shows and events. A carpenter was hired to build a show display unit. This unit was constructed with a 2 X 2 framework with pegboard fastened to both front and back of the framework. The carpenter built four of these panels and put hinges on them. To assemble the panels we simply dropped the pins in the hinges.

By the first show I knew we had made a mistake. Each of our panels weighed what seemed a ton. They were a bulky 4’ X 8’. It took a truck to haul the panels and a two-wheel cart to get them from the truck to the booth in the exhibit hall. It was a two-person job to wrestle the panels into an upright position, line up the hinges and drop in the connecting pin. The carpenter had also built ‘feet’ to go on the bottom of each panel to give them more stability. Lifting the heavy panels to bolt on the feet was another chore.

While we were wresting with our booth, the exhibitor in the next booth wheeled in a hard plastic case that was about the size of a golf bag. The case had its own wheels and handles. The woman opened the case and began pulling out what looked like a big plastic tinker toy set. It was the fiberglass tubing framework of her pop-up display unit. She arrived after we had already started setting up our display unit. Within minutes she had the skeletal framework popped up into position and was fastening on the sheets of nylon pile ‘skin’. She was attaching graphics while we were still trying to straighten hinges hoops that had gotten bent in transport so we could line up the hinge pins. She was attaching her lighting units to the top of her pop-up display while we were wrestling the feet onto our unit. She was in the snack bar drinking a Coke and relaxing before the show opened while we were frantically trying to finish getting our booth ready. This was our introduction to pop-up displays.

To our dismay we later found out that good pop-up displays do not cost any more than what the carpenter charged us to build the display we had. Our display was bulky, heavy and looked homemade and amateurish nestled in amongst the professional pop-up displays at that show. It was kind of like going to dinner party where you thought the dress was casual, but find when you get there that everyone else is dressed for a formal occasion.

Pop-up displays are display units that come with a plastic or fiberglass tubing mesh framework much like the framework of those folding camp chairs that come in those compact bags or the framework of a pop-up tent. The framework unfolds or pops up and locks into position in mere moments. The exterior surface or ‘skin’ comes in easy to handle sheets that fasten to the skeleton with Velcro straps. All of the pieces fold up or roll up compactly for easy storage in the carrying case. The carrying case is about the size of a golf bag and is constructed of high impact plastic that can take the abuse of shipping without damage to the pieces inside. The case has its own wheels, making it easy to move into and out of the show. Graphics panels and signage attach to the nylon pile exterior sheets with Velcro strips. Directional lighting units can be easily fastened to the top of the unit to highlight the graphics and signage. A lightweight podium or table is usually placed in front of the pop-up displays to serve as a sales presentation/product demonstration desk. These units are well engineered and very durable. Periodic changes in graphics packages will give the display a new and fresh appearance.

Pop-up displays give the exhibit or booth a professional appearance. Pop-up displays are quick and easy to set up and dismantle. They are easy to ship and transport. These units are efficient and attractive backdrops to manned booths, or they make excellent unmanned display units. They are effective image builders and marketing tools.
Pop-up displays are an excellent choice for companies attending any number of shows, events and conferences each year. They are competitively priced when compared with other trade show display units and make life a great deal easier for the staff setting up and dismantling the show. They have a smart, professional appearance and create a great image and environment for the sales staff working the show or event. Pop-up displays are a terrific marketing tool.