Recognizing When It's Time To Trade In Your Trade Show Exhibits

All trade show exhibits need to be replaced eventually, but how can you tell when yours has reached the end of its life? Learn these signs and know when your trade show booths need an update. 

All good things eventually come to an end, and trade show exhibits are no exception. No matter how durable and well designed your unit is, you'll eventually need to get rid of it. There are many reasons why this might happen. It might end up breaking down after dozens of trips around the country. It might end up looking disheveled after years of setup and takedown. If nothing else, it will eventually become so outdated that it needs replacement and can no longer be salvaged by combining it with portable displays or other small tweaks. Whatever the case, it can be hard to let go, especially if that means spending money on new trade show booths to replace what you're losing. These tips will help you spot the candidates for replacement and easily sort them out from the ones worth keeping.
Clue #1: Obvious Irreparable Physical Damage
Some damage to trade show exhibits can be corrected, and in many cases it is wise to do so. However, after many years of use, there will eventually be so much damage and so much wear that correcting it becomes more expensive than considering a replacement. Understanding when your unit reaches this point can be a challenge because the human eye tends to adapt over time, and won't notice these subtle changes. If possible, store your trade show booths away from the common eye, and only pull them out just before your next event. This allows you to view them with fresh eyes and make a wise determination about what damage should be patched and what simply warrants replacement. 
Clue #2: Substantial Technological Advancements Exist
Every so often, there will be some kind of advancement that virtually all portable displays should take advantage of, or they will risk being left behind. The best example of this in modern portable displays is modular units, which have an unprecedented level of customizability with minimal added costs. When something like modular technology comes out, it's time to evaluate whether it might be a benefit to your company to invest in an update. Other factors such as the overall condition of your current units and more will come into play, but a major advancement can be the first clue that you should evaluate.
Clue #3: You Notice Your Visitor Numbers Are Declining
This is not always representative of a problem with your trade show exhibits, but it is always a sign that something needs to be looked at. If the problem does not exist with your staff, it is likely that your unit itself has become out of date or too common-looking. People are excited by things that are new, and there will come a time when even the most innovative design will be unremarkable. When this happens, the only option is to try revitalizing your current trade show booths or consider upgrading to new units. Either choice has promise, but eventually there will only be so many upgrades that can be made before an entirely new unit is required.
There are very few things which will actively force your company to buy a new unit. In fact, an outright broken part doesn't even have to force that decision, as such problems can often be remedied by the manufacturer. The best idea is to periodically re-evaluate your unit with fresh eyes and then make an informed decision about whether to replace, adjust, or add/edit. Periodic review will help you determine whether your unit fits any of the criteria for replacement, or whether you can succeed making minor edits to the trade show exhibits you have. 

Article Tags: Trade Show Exhibits, Trade Show Booths, It's Time, Trade Show, Show Exhibits, Portable Displays, Show Booths

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