Exhibitions are crucial for businesses looking to showcase their products, network withindustry leaders, and connect with potential clients. However, creating an exhibition stand that consistently performs across multiple events requires more than just great design. To get the most out of your investment, it’s essential to ensure that your exhibition stand is durable enough to withstand the rigours of trade shows, conferences, and other public-facing events.In this blog, we’ll discuss how to maximise the lifespan of your exhibition stand, from selecting the right materials and using quality exhibition printing to maintaining the structure and appearance of shell scheme panels. These strategies will help you maintain a professional image while saving on long-term costs by reducing wear and tear.
Choosing the Right Materials
When investing in an exhibition stand, the materials you choose will have a significant impact on its durability. It’s crucial to ensure that your stand can withstand the stresses of multiple setups, take-downs, and transportation while still looking great at every event.Frames made of lightweight metals such as aluminium or steel offer excellent strength and portability, making them a popular choice. These materials are designed to last and can endure repeated use without compromising on stability. Be sure to choose frames that are easy to assemble and disassemble, as this will help you maintain their condition over time.Equally important are the shell scheme panels that serve as the foundation for your stand’s design. These panels should be made from high-quality materials such as durable PVC or lightweight composite boards. Not only do these materials help with structural integrity, but they also serve as the perfect surface for exhibition printing, ensuring your graphics remain vibrant and professional-looking throughout the life of the stand.
Maintaining the Structure of the Stand
A well-maintained structure is essential for the long-term durability of your exhibition stand. Even if your stand’s materials are strong and reliable, repeated assembly and disassembly can lead to wear and tear if not properly managed.To avoid damage, always ensure that the components of your stand are properly packed and stored between events. Use protective covers for frames, and consider investing in padded storage bags or cases to keep components safe from scratches, dents, or other physical damage.If your stand is being stored for extended periods, ensure that it is kept in a cool, dry place. Humidity and extreme temperatures can warp or damage some materials, particularly for shell scheme panels and printed materials. Storing your stand correctly will ensure it stays in top shape, ready for your next event.
Using High-Quality Exhibition Printing
The quality of your exhibition printing can significantly affect how well your stand holds up over time. Low-quality prints or cheap materials may start to fade, peel, or become damaged after repeated exposure to lighting, handling, and the elements.By investing in high-quality, UV-resistant exhibition printing materials, you can ensure that your graphics remain sharp and vibrant for a long time. Consider using durable, weather-resistant materials such as vinyl or canvas for your printed graphics. These materials are designed to withstand wear and tear, maintaining their appearance even after multiple events.Make sure to print on materials that are designed specifically for exhibition environments. Some printing companies offer specialised services where they use coatings or finishes that protect against fading, scratches, and general wear.
Proper Storage and Handling
How your exhibition stand is stored and handled is just as important as the materials you use. Improper handling during transport or storage can lead to significant damage, such as bent frames or creased printed panels. To avoid these issues, make sure to pack your stand carefully in protective containers. For example, shell scheme panels should be stored in protective tubes or cases, and any fragile or printed materials should be rolled or kept flat to prevent damage.Additionally, train your team to handle the stand with care during setup and breakdown. Often, it’s the little things, such as not using sharp objects to unbox the stand or not putting too much pressure on panels, that lead to unnecessary damage.
Regular Inspection and Maintenance
One of the most effective ways to extend the life of your exhibition stand is by carrying out regular inspections and maintenance. After each event, inspect your stand for any signs of wear or damage. Check the shell scheme panels, frames, and exhibition printing to ensure everything is intact and functioning properly. Look for any scuffs, scratches, or tears that may need attention before the next event.It’s also a good idea to keep a maintenance log so that you can track when repairs were made and ensure that you are addressing any recurring issues. Small repairs or adjustments made early on can prevent larger issues from arising in the future, saving you time and money in the long run.
Protecting Printed Graphics
Printed graphics are often the most visible and impactful part of an exhibition stand. As such, they also tend to take the most wear. Protecting your exhibition printing from fading, scratching, or peeling is essential to maintaining the stand’s overall aesthetic. Consider applying a clear protective coating over your printed materials to safeguard against dirt, UV damage, and abrasion.For shell scheme panels that feature printed graphics, make sure the material is easy to clean and resistant to stains or smudges. This will help keep your stand looking fresh, even after being used for multiple events.
Cost-Effective Tips to Maximise Durability
Maintaining an exhibition stand doesn’t have to be expensive. There are several cost-effective strategies you can implement to maximise its lifespan:
- Invest in quality from the start: The better the quality of materials you choose, the less you’ll have to spend on repairs and replacements.
- Use reusable components: Modular stands and re-usable elements are a great way to reduce wear on your exhibition materials.
- Routine cleaning: Keep your stand clean between events by wiping down surfaces, removing dust from frames, and checking that everything is functioning as it should.
Conclusion
Maximising the durability of your exhibition stand is all about making smart choices from the beginning and maintaining it properly over time. By investing in high-quality exhibition printing and shell scheme panels, taking care when assembling and storing your stand, and performing regular inspections, you can ensure that your stand will last for years, saving you money on repairs and replacements.At VC Print, we specialise in creating custom exhibition printing solutions designed for longevity and visual appeal. If you’re looking to refresh your stand or need durable printed materials for your next event, get in touch with us today for expert advice and top-quality service