Truss displays are steadily growing in popularity because they are built of sturdy but lightweight aluminum they are highly versatile, easily installed, very durable and easy to pack up and store. The metal skeletal structure made of a series of metal rods and beams create a framework in which shelves, graphic banners, lighting fixtures or merchandise can be hung.

Don't be discouraged by the pricing and costs of truss displays, which can range between $20,000 and $40,000 for new systems. Because of all the advantages that aluminum truss systems offer, the money spent on this type of trade show booth is money well-spent. When purchasing a truss trade show display booth, consider the following:

1. Set a budget so you know how much money can be spent on a truss display to help narrow down your purchasing possibilities.

2. Decide on the size of the truss display that suits your needs, but remember they are easily expandable.

3. Plan out your other display elements before you purchase your truss display.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Shop for used aluminum truss displays

Find used truss trade show displays to save up to $1,000 on small systems and up to $3,000 on large systems. Because of truss system durability, used exhibits are found still in great condition and up to 30% off original cost.

I recommend: Search for truss systems among the used exhibits listed at Displayit. Look through pre-owned exhibits at ExhibitTrader.com and find truss systems for less than one quarter of the original price, potentially saving up to $30,000.

Consider renting truss trade show display booths

Renting truss exhibits can be cheaper than purchasing one and may be the best way to go if you have no way to store an exhibit. Prices and costs of truss displays rented usually include shipping, set-up and take-down.

I recommend: Rent various sizes of truss displays for between $3,000 and $4,000 from P.O.P. Exhibits. Get a free online quote for rental truss exhibits from ExhibitStop.com.

Look for truss display suppliers that offer financing

Suppliers that offer financing are not too good to be true. Many even offer special programs with no interest, no money down and will include extra costs in the financing, such as shipping and insurance.

I recommend: Get a free online quote for truss systems from Smash Hit Displays. Get exhibit financing for any truss displays costing more than $5,000 from Tradeshowdirect.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Get the most bang for your buck by investing in a 10x10 truss display. It may be on the small side, but you can expand without much more investment with new graphic banners and extra lighting fixtures.

Truss displays are gaining popularity in the competitive tradeshow industry as exhibitors realize that the modular steel structures can be a smart investment. Tradeshow truss systems can be designed to act as your main booth or can be used as an accent to your existing booth. With flexible components, display trusses allow for a seemingly endless variety of configurations.

Truss display pieces are constructed of high-strength, lightweight steel that’s designed to weather the wear and tear associated with heavy tradeshow use. Many exhibitors opt for truss displays because they can be used to hang oversized product photos, plasma screens and lighting that attract attendees.

The many benefits of truss displays include:

1. Tradeshow truss systems are modular and can be reconfigured in a number of combinations to keep your booth looking fresh.
2. Display trusses are easy to assemble and often require nothing more than simple tools like screwdrivers and Allen wrenches.
3. Thanks to steel construction, truss displays allow you to hang plasma screens, computer monitors, lighting or other heavy objects.
4. A truss display is typically made using small parts so it can be dismantled and packed into small shipping cases that give you more shipping options.
5. Truss systems can save you money in the long run thanks to their durability and their versatility.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Shop for truss displays by size

Tradeshow truss systems are available in the following sizes: 10 x 10, 10 x 20, 20 x 20 and 30 x 30. Although the sizes are standardized, the modular components allow you to create a number of configurations.

I recommend: At The TradeShow Display Store — where truss display prices include lights, shelves and shipping cases — you can search for truss displays by size. At Trade Show Shop, you can find truss displays in all sizes, including hard-to-find 30 x 30 models.

Shop for tradeshow truss systems by price

Truss displays aren't cheap, with smaller styles starting at about $3,000 and larger models nearing $10,000. Display trusses can cost several thousand dollars more than other types of tradeshow displays, such as pop-up displays. However, a truss display is designed to last and could end up saving you money in the long run.

I recommend: 3D Visual Concepts promises to beat any price you find on truss displays. Prices start at under $1000 for 10 x 10 truss displays at Midland Trade Show Displays.

Consider custom tradeshow display systems

If you want a truss display that is truly unique, look for vendors that offer custom designs.

I recommend: Exhibit and Display Truss will design and make almost any truss structure based on your needs.

Purchase attachments and add-ons for truss displays

To get the most out of your truss display, deck it out with lighting systems, computer monitor mounts, shelves, tabletops and more.

I recommend: At BeautifulDisplays.com, you can find a good selection of truss display accessories to customize your booth. The Godfrey Group offers audio and video options to outfit your truss display.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Truss displays are a great choice for exhibitors who display products that take up a lot of floor space.
• •  If you need your booth to include plasma screens, computer monitors or other heavy items, truss systems are the best option.
• •  Display trusses are ideal for showcasing large-format graphics.
• •  As your tradeshow needs evolve, so can your truss display. With its modular design, you can add components to your display as needed.
• •  Take advantage of the versatility of truss systems and reconfigure your display often to give your booth a new look at every trade show.

Trade show truss displays are rapidly increasing in popularity due to their many benefits when compared to other exhibits. You may not be able to find truss displays as conveniently price as other exhibit components, but truss displays are well worth the investment.

Aluminum truss displays use a basic construction technique of an interwoven series of rods and beams that provide an extremely strong yet lightweight system for display. Consider the following to make the most of truss displays:

1. Take advantage of the floor space aluminum truss systems provide by setting up a walk-in, hands-on exhibit.

2. Use the time saved by the easy installation of truss displays to organize and prepare for presentations.

3. Create a modern look for your business display with the truss trade show display booths' cutting-edge and aesthetically-pleasing designs.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Set your truss display apart with technology

Truss displays have the strength to support a lot of weight. Use large plasma screens to display slide shows, demonstrative videos or digital graphics.

I recommend: RentaComputer.com rents out plasma screens in many different sizes, and will deliver and install them in over 1,000 cities nationwide. Action Computer and Audio Visual rents plasma screens, as well as other technology like projectors and laptops.

Grab attention with over-sized graphics in your truss trade show booth

Because of the construction of truss systems, there are almost unlimited ways to hang large, over-sized graphics in the form of banners and posters. The graphics can hang high, so they will be visible from a distance and do not take up any floor space.

I recommend: Find a wide variety of full-color, large-scale graphic options, in addition to other services and products, specifically for trade show displays at BT&D Visual Graphics. Order trade show display graphics from TradeShowDisplayDepot.com.

Take advantage of the versatility of truss exhibits

Truss displays are highly versatile with the capability of being set up in various configurations. Have a highly dynamic exhibit by using the same truss display from year-to-year, or even show-to-show.

I recommend: Visit Adage Graphics to see color pictures of the variety of truss display configurations available. Each display comes with a full-color book of instructions for the variety of ways the display can be set up. Truss displays from Camelback Displays come in kits with up to 15 different configurations.

Consider the unique qualities of a custom trade show truss display

Many companies will custom-build a truss display, according to specifications to accommodate your specific business needs, highlighting your strengths and camouflaging weaknesses. A truss display can also be customized simply by purchasing attachments and add-ons.

I recommend: Find truss display accessories like panels, tabletops and banner stands at DisplayHQ or S2imaging.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make the most of the open space made by a truss display by keeping a design that is open and inviting.