I have a photo shoot coming up at the end of the summer--I have some panels that I used before for this show, but they are heavy and a bit awkward to haul.
I am interested in seeing what type of panels others use for displaying prints, cards etc. at craft fairs and trade shows.
This is an outdoor show--but in a covered tent pavillion so I do not need a canopy at this time, an indoor display will work for this one. The booth will be 10X10.
Your wording is not 100 percent clear on what you will be doing so I’m guessing a bit. Correct me if I’m wrong. You will be displaying your work at a trade show / flea market type event. Since you describe the space as 10 x 10, I assume your working in the U.S.
There are several types of portable displays that you could buy or rent. If you don’t plan to do this often or want to test the waters, a one day rental from a trade show exhibit house might be the answer.
The classic pop up type exhibit is the most readily available. They consist of a metal space frame that expands, locks in place and is then covered with Velcro compatible fabric. Lights and a counter kit are optional. The whole thing can fit in a 12 x 12 x 48” wheeled case and sets up in about 20 minutes. Gross weight is about 50 lbs.
Another type of portable exhibit is considered more old fashioned but could work better for you. Instead of a pop-up frame the exhibit consists of connecting flat panels. Again they are covered in velcro compatible fabric. When assembled, they make a free standing walled structure that could be used to display framed or matted prints. This type of exhibit is usually a bit heavier (maybe 100 lbs.) but would hold heavier prints. It travels in a couple of wheeled flat cases. Set up time for both units is comparable.
If your in the Philadelphia area and want to see a sample, give me a call. If you are looking for a rental house around the country I might be able to give you a name.
Maybe I can be of some help however, to fully service you I would need more detail on what you plan on attaching to these panels. I have worked in the trade show display industry for the past 7 years and have pretty good understanding of all the products out in the market.
So you want a panel to attach or hang pictures/photos from. This can be achieved in a couple of different ways but is dependent on the weight of the pictures. You can go the pop up display route. I would recommend a straight booth pic since your pictures or photos can lay down flat. I've had clients use this booth for similar purposes but the catch is that these booths are not made to hold a lot of weight so if photos are in frames it can become an issue. I would say that the booth could handle 5 to six small to medium size images with frames. You would simply attach Velcro to the back of the frame and hang it to the fabric backwall. The other option is to go with trade show display panels that are little more customized and created from lightweight aluminum extrusion with fabric or laminated panels covers. These panels are less portable but are designed to handle heavier weight loads. I have some example pictures for some of the smaller customized art displays that we have done. Let me know if your interested in seeing them.
hi Herderdog,
Like Mike above, I have worked in the trade show display industry for a long time (probably too long ).
One thing you recognized right away is that an indoor trade show display should not be used outdoors. You might be able to get away with what you are proposing in the "covered tent" but I would really think about it.
I too am unsure if you are doing a photo shoot and want a background, or if you want to stick photos on a display (i.e. with velcro), or if you want a printed display (which you then can't velcro to). Can you clarify. There are a lot of options, but it really depends on what you are doing. ~ Steve
