Regardless of booth size, many companies want an exhibit solution that is exceptionally unique—one that helps achieve the goal of making a large and head-turning impression with a unique and custom exhibit on the show floor. Here we will outline in step-by-step fashion the considerations and processes for creating custom and custom modular exhibits—from opportunity to design to manufacturing and production.

Custom Exhibits—Step by Step

All custom exhibit designs, whether they are extrusion, wood or fabric-based, begin life as an idea. Maybe it was inspired by that amazing fabric structure from last year’s trade shows, or by a simple 10’ x 10’ booth that could become so much more. Working to translate ideas into a design and that design into a show-stopping booth typically follow a set process, but differ slightly depending on the complexity of the exhibit

Step 1: The Opportunity

The dealer approaches the exhibit manufacturer, armed with several important pieces of information: the original idea and/or design inspiration from the end-client, list of objectives, desired look, the space needs or requirements, budget and timeframe or event date. These considerations, along with the complexity of the idea, will typically steer the project down a specific path, in this example, let’s say the path of a custom exhibit.

Step 2: Exhibit Design/Estimating

Time is spent in the design of the booth, based off of the concept and guidance provided during the opportunity stage. Designs are created using state-of-the-art design software in order to create accurate and detailed renderings. Before the exhibit design is shared, estimators take hold of the project to outline the associated and approximate costs of material, labor and graphics that go into manufacturing the booth.

Step 3: Project Kick off Meeting

The dealer and the Design/Estimating/Detailing/Project Management teams meet to “kick-off” the project and discuss construction, graphics materials and applications, timelines and other considerations related to the job and the successful build and execution.

Step 4: Detailing/Project Management

Once the exhibit design and estimate have been approved, it goes into the hands of detailers and project managers, who work together and use state-of-the-art engineering/architecture software to outline the specifics of the hardware and graphics that will be needed for production, including measurements, connection styles and application style for graphics. Project management sources all custom elements and determines best-suited integration. These specifics, as well as the list of materials necessary to finish the booth, are passed along to production. Professional engineering drawings are produced to detail the specifics of assembly to the production team.

Step 5: Manufacturing and Graphics Production

During the final step before exhibit build, the engineering details and dimensions transfer from project managers to the production team. Both hardware and graphics are produced according to the details and professional engineering drawings. A skilled team consisting of metal and wood workers, aluminum tube benders, sewers, graphic finishers and exhibit installers work together to complete the various elements that go into a successful exhibit build. It’s best if you choose a company that follows quality manufacturing ISO 9001 standards to ensure best construction practices are followed.

Step 6: Review of the Exhibit

The final step in the process, if applicable, is the final review of the exhibit by the dealer, and at times, the end-client. Orbus offers webcam and live preview options to suit the needs of its dealers and their/their client’s approval requirements.

Custom Modular Exhibits—Step-By-Step

Custom modular or systems-based exhibits primarily use extrusion systems as building blocks of the frame structure and incorporate unique elements per the end-client’s assets into the design. Oftentimes, custom modular exhibits have some fixed elements and some that can be customized, such as the placement of tables, media, accessories, accents and more. Buyers can also incorporate their own product and existing design or booth elements into the design to breathe new life into a booth that needs an upgrade. Allowing for a custom feel with minimal time investment, these exhibits are ideal for quicker turnarounds. 

Step 1: The Opportunity

When the end-client’s desire is for a customized appearance, but they have a shorter turn time and lesser budget than a custom exhibit would allow, a modular exhibit is often the solution. The prequalification of the project in objectives, desired looks, budget and timeline/event date steer the opportunity down this path. An off-the-shelf system is usually the basis of the foundation for the design and tweaked to accommodate changes/additions that are unique to the end-client’s needs and requirements.

Step 2: Exhibit Design/Estimating

Time is spent in the design of the booth, based off of the concept and guidance provided during the opportunity stage. Before the exhibit design is shared, estimators take hold of the project to outline the associated and approximate costs of material, labor and graphics that go into manufacturing the booth.

Step 3: Manufacturing and Graphics Production

Once the project is landed, the professional engineering drawings are reviewed by the setup, production and graphics teams, who work together to successfully manufacture and build the exhibit per the desired timeline. During this process, the graphics team follows G7 color matching and printing processes in order to produce vibrant, long-lasting graphics. 

Step 4: Review of the Exhibit

The final step in the process, if applicable, is the final review of the exhibit by the dealer and at times, the end-client. Orbus offers webcam and live preview options to suit the needs of its dealers and their/their client’s approval requirements.