Outdoor Banner Displays - Promote In The Great Outdoors

If you use banner stands for exhibition advertising then it is more than likely that you will display indoors, probably in a big exhibition hall or similar, all the while protected from the elements with little need for more than a basic banner display. But what if you are presented with the opportunity to display in an area that doesn't have the defense from the weather that your usual event space affords you? An external or exposed exhibition needs an entirely different type of stand. If you attempt to use a normal banner display or pop up outdoors then you might soon discover your stand broken and ripped as these stands are not meant to withstand even the weakest breeze or rain shower.

The solution for an external exhibition is of course, an external exhibition stand. There are a few big differences between an internal exhibition stand and an external exhibition stand. Because of the lightweight nature of a normal banner display, even a light breeze may knock the display over which can prove costly if the stand has to be changed and dangerous if there are people close by. The solution to this is to have an external banner display with a weighted base. The banner graphic acts like a sail and will easily catch the wind so the base must be stable enough to resist all but the strongest winds. Usually the base of an external banner stand is hollow allowing it to be filled with water or sand that will keep it stable and able to resist windy conditions without risk.

Another thing that may influence an outdoor event is rainy weather. A basic exhibition stand that is made from laminated banner media is not waterproof, only water resistant. With exposure to wet weather the graphic will become ruined as water seeps underneath the laminate. The only reliable alternative is pvc banner material which is completely waterproof. The print on a pvc banner graphic is also sunlight resistant as it requires a solvent based printer. These printers are specifically designed for external printing ensuring the print will withstand most weather conditions.

There are various different styles of outdoor banner stands which are all very alike. The main distinction is the aesthetic of the display base and frame. It is largely to do with personal taste as to which stand you choose because the banner graphic will be the same quality for each one and should only vary a little in size. An important point to think about is the quality of the stand's construction. Budget stands probably won't stand up to the additional exposure that displaying externally will cause so it may be worth spending a little bit more for a display that will withstand the rigours of an external exhibition if you intend to use it more than a handful of times.

To sum everything up, an external exhibition is a great way to promote, particularly if the business revolves around external products and/or services, but make sure that the displays you have are suitable for the environment you are in. Make yourself aware of the practical uses of your equipment by buying the right stand for the job.

For more information on outdoor banner stands and external banner stands visit the Design Matrix web site.