Trade Show Displays Key Terms

Learn common trade show display key terms

By Denise Brown

Trade shows displays require a lot of organization to be successful, and knowing common trade show displays key terms can help you plan. The type of trade show in which you choose to exhibit your goods can affect the key terms you may need to know. The style of exhibit you plan to use can also determine what knowledge you need. The terms that follow are basic trade show display key terms that you might encounter as you participate in any type of trade show.

Services contractor

A trade show services contractor can be hired to set up your trade show booth prior to an event and dismantle it at the end of the trade show. Some services contractors also provide audio-visual equipment and setup, including any phone lines and Internet connections you may need.
Try: See the list of services offered by the services contractors at MCS.

Backwall exhibit

A backwall exhibit has a solid wall for the back of the display area. These are typically 10 feet wide. Larger backwall exhibits are sometimes available that allow you to do more with your product presentations.
Try: Read the information about backwall exhibits at Exhibitor Central.

Build and burn

A build and burn exhibit is one designed for one trade show only. While this may not seem practical, it may save money in the long run if you figure in costs of shipping display booths and show materials.
Try: Read an explanation of why build and burn exhibits work especially well overseas at Professional Exhibits & Graphics.

Exhibitor kit

The exhibitor kit (also called a service kit) is the vital information you need to navigate a trade show. It includes information about dates, times, show rules and regulations, and other pertinent information. Many trade shows now provide exhibitor kits online rather than publishing paper copies.
Try: Innovative Expo has a list of trade show events and each has a downloadable PDF exhibitor kit.

Table top display

A table top display is small enough to fit into a confined space. There are many varieties of eye-catching table top displays available and many are lightweight, making them easy to pack and ship.
Try: Impact Displays has a large selection of table top displays.