SignLink August / September 2024 - Issue 254

for the more affordable shell scheme stand may be becoming a more attractive prospect for exhibitors, particularly thanks to the advancements in opportunities to enhance and optimise this more budgetfriendly option. “As long as the graphic design, the printing itself, and the finishing are of outstanding quality, the lightweight aluminium frames and stretch fabric do the rest of the work.” With this, Conway picks up on certain trends to be aware of, including how fabric printing is becoming increasingly popular for event stands. He says lightweight fabric graphics are easy to install, remove, and transport, and can be washed and reused, making them more sustainable and affordable in the long run. As for other areas, Conway says there are a number of trends that anyone walking a trade show floor in 2024 will pick up on. Examples include designs inspired by the natural world and interactive and immersive elements. “But none of these make a difference if your stand isn’t engaging, professional looking, well branded, or if you’re rolling out the same old tired theme and graphics that visitors have seen 100 times before,” Conway says. This, he says, is where Venture Banners can help. He explains: “Businesses looking to expand into this area don’t necessarily need to invest in specialised equipment or get to grips with a new custom exhibition stands use unsustainable materials and are for single-use,” Tecna says, adding: “However, the demands for an eco-friendly exhibition stand are on the rise. “With a growing focus on eco-friendly ways of working, at Tecna UK we are looking to transform the exhibition environment with our modular display system. We use lightweight, durable material that can be easily stored and transported to exhibitions. “The modular system means after the event it can be dismantled and reused multiple times, making for a much lower impact on the environment and reducing waste substantially, whilst still allowing for a fully customisable and creative stand tailored for your specific needs.” Next up is Venture Banners, which provides a range of services, including exhibition stands, to the trade. Director Scott Conway says the days of attending events as a bit of a jolly are probably fading, which means lower visitor numbers but hopefully better percentages of serious buyers, and as such events need to deliver a suitable return on investment for both the cost of exhibiting and the time out of the business for attendees. “Because of this evolution, creating maximum impact at minimal costs is crucial,” Conway says, adding: “Opting 54 www.signlink.co.uk Issue 254 - August / September 2024 Creating maximum impact at minimal costs is crucial market. Collaborating with an experienced trade partner enables you to deliver a full exhibition graphics service or offer added value to existing customers with everything from a classic roller banner to a complete exhibition solution. “With the right trade partner, adding a new revenue stream with events and exhibition stands can be hassle-free and affordable.” Looking at some of the options available from Venture Banners, Conway picks out several services, including the Shell Transformer solution he says can elevate a drab, uninspiring stand into a premium offering that draws attention without the excessive price tag. “Shell Transformer graphics are printed using dye-sublimation on display polyester for rich and vibrant graphics,” Conway says, adding: “Each wall graphic is printed as a single piece and finished with silicone edging (SEG), allowing it to easily push-fit into the T3 framework. “The easy-to-assemble kit frame is supplied on a hire basis, so after the event there is no need to store expensive hardware.” Also from Venture Banners are fabric exhibition solutions, which Conway says are another easy but effective way to transform a shell scheme without hassle or expense. These consist of a strong, lightweight, tubular aluminium frame and a printed stretch fabric cover, with only one person required to install it. “End customers love the fact that our fabric exhibition solutions include a carry bag that contains the unit hardware, and their graphics can then fold up and fit into the bag for easy portability and transportation,” he says. An Immersive Experience Another trade supplier in this sector is Very Displays, whose marketing manager, Kirsty Corcoran, says 2024 has seen the ▼ Venture Banners says more customers are looking to use printed fabric in their exhibition stands EXHIBITION STANDS Maximum Impact, Minimal Costs ▲Venture Banners offers a range of exhibition stand services to the trade sector

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