Probably no trade show accessory does more but gets less love than display pedestal stands and counters. That’s unfortunate. Display pedestals and counters are essential to any booth, large or small, inline or island. They can be used as reception counters, product demo stands, tablet bases, or promotional product tables. They can include locking storage, backlit graphics, wireless charging pads, and even shelves for showcasing products.
Counters and pedestals come in a wide range of sizes and shapes and can be designed to be portable, modular, custom, or included in rental exhibits. A talented exhibit designer will choose pedestals that enhance the overall booth design, visually and practically, because they know that the trade show booth staff, along with attendees, will spend more time at counters, tables, pedestals, and kiosks than anywhere else in the booth.
What are Display Pedestal Stands?
Display pedestal stands are counters designed for trade shows and events with features tailored to a client’s specific trade show requirements and budget. For example, portable exhibitors require ease of assembly and quick access to their case(s) after a show. Many portable counters function as both a rollable shipping case and as the in-booth counter. Convenience, however, often has limitations. Portable counters often lack shelving or storage options. Not all. The Symphony line of portable pedestals and counters are attractive, assemble quickly, and include lockable storage.
Modular Pedestal Stands, on the other hand, offer a wider array of designs and features, including curves, accessories, and finishes (both fabric and laminates). Adding wireless charging and tablet stands is straightforward, and there are even backlit graphic and edge-lit logo designs. Most are lightweight but assembly will take longer than portable versions.
For exhibitors who want ultimate design flexibility, custom display pedestals are the ideal choice. They can select from a range of pre-designed kits, modify those kits, or start from scratch with a pedestal unique to their trade show needs. Just about anything is possible, including programmable LED lighting, internal shelving, wire management, and product displays. Most custom pedestals are either fully assembled or partially assembled, making installation fast and simple.
How to Utilize a Pedestal Display Stand
Pedestal Display Stands are the workhorses of any exhibit. They provide branding, storage, and a natural “home base” for conversations. But they can do so much more.
Reception: All exhibits, whether inlines, islands, portable, or custom, have a reception pedestal or counter. The reception counter is more than just a pretty face.. It’s where the booth staff often greets attendees. It’s where promotional products, business cards, and literature are both stored and displayed. And it’s where the team gathers to compare notes and discuss prospects, competitors, and strategy.
Product Displays: Unlike “radio stars,” video hasn’t killed the need to show and touch products. For many companies, the product is the display. It allows prospective clients to see and feel the products which can often be the difference between “I’ll let you know” and “I’d like to place an order.”
Monitor or Tablet Workstations: There’s only so much physical space in a booth. Videos and the Internet allow exhibitors to expand that physical space with monitors and tablets that show the company’s products and services. And multiple workstations expand the selling footprint so no one has to ever wait in line.
Choosing the Right Trade Show Pedestal for Your Booth
Choosing the right trade show display pedestal is crucial for a successful exhibition. All too often, exhibitors fall in love with a design, but ignore their functional requirements. Design matters, but only if the pedestal fulfills your other objectives. So, before you settle on a specific pedestal, take a few minutes and create a list of your goals and objectives.
1. What do you want to achieve at the trade show?
- Generate leads?
- Showcase new products?
- Increase brand awareness?
- Network with industry professionals?
- Who is your target audience?
- What is your budget?
2. Consider Your Space and Logistics:
- Booth Size: Determine the available space and choose a counter that fits comfortably within your booth.
- Portability and Ease of Transport: Opt for a counter that is easy to assemble, disassemble, and transport to and from the venue.
- Storage: Consider the storage space available at your booth and how easily the counter can be stored when not in use.
3. Functionality and Features:
- Work Surface: Ensure the counter provides ample space for displaying products, brochures, and other marketing materials.
- Storage Options: Look for counters with built-in shelves, drawers, or cabinets to store inventory, promotional items, and other essentials.
- Accessibility: Choose a counter height that is comfortable for both you and your visitors to interact with.
- Durability: Select a counter made from sturdy, durable materials that can withstand the rigors of transportation and frequent use.
4. Branding and Aesthetics:
- Visual Appeal: Choose a counter that complements your brand’s image and creates a visually appealing and inviting booth.
- Branding Opportunities: Consider counters that offer opportunities for branding, such as custom graphics, logos, and backdrops.
5. Budget Considerations:
- Rental vs. Purchase: Evaluate the costs associated with renting or purchasing a counter, factoring in factors like frequency of use, budget constraints, and long-term needs.
- Customization Costs: Determine if you need a custom-designed counter and factor in the associated costs.
Now you’re ready to start shopping for a trade show pedestal. Explore the different counter types that match your objectives. Ask about the fabric and finish options. Read the warranty, setup instructions, and shipping requirements. Most importantly, discuss all this with an exhibit professional. They’ll be able to save you time and ensure you see the best options for your exhibit space and objectives.
9 Display Pedestal Stand Examples
Custom
MODN-1716 | Lightbox Pedestal. Backlit graphics attract attention at trade shows. This lightbox pedestal has both front and side backlit fabric graphics, wireless and USB charging, an internal shelf, and a locking door.
MODN-1707 | Parsons Counter. This pedestal stand has expansive countertop space, a backlit logo option, locking storage, and wireless charging pads.
MODN-1587 | Utility Counter. Practical and pretty, this multifunctional counter has open shelving, LED lighting, (3) tablet mounts, and locking storage.
Modular
LTKN-114 | Modular Pedestal. Looks custom but assembles without tools, this offset pedestal has locking storage along with an open back. Finish options include laminate and vinyl graphics.
MODN-1701 | Backlit Pedestal. The MODN-1701 is perfect for a 10 or 20 ft. inline booth. The front fabric graphic is backlit and the locking storage has ample space for promotional products, literature, and personal items.
GODN-1560 | Reception Counter. This large reception counter has extensive graphic space with wraparound fabric graphics on a curved aluminum frame. It comes with locking storage and assembles without tools.
Portable
MODN-1717 | Double-Sided Lightbox Pedestal. This two-sided pedestal with backlit fabric graphics is an ideal choice as a demo station. The graphics attract attention and the large countertop is perfect for demonstrating products or handing out samples.
LTN-111 | Trade Show Pedestal. This double pedestal design with a curved connecting countertop is both attractive and functional. Lots of countertop space. Includes two locking doors and interior shelves. See LTKN-1009 and LTKN-1010 for alternate double pedestal designs.
SYMN-404 | Portable Counter with Shelf. The easy-to-assemble SYMN-404 is a modern open pedestal with multiple shelves/countertops and a direct print graphic. Choose from hundreds of laminate finishes.
Tips for Display Pedestals
It’s easy to fall in love with a beautiful pedestal stand. The Exhibits NW website has almost 400 portable, modular, and custom designs. However, love can be fickle, so choose wisely. It’s best to create a checklist of your “must-have” features. Then compare your requirements with the designs on the ENW website and select a handful of choices. These can all be modified so don’t feel committed to any one pedestal. Here are some requirements to consider:
- Portable vs. Modular vs. Custom Construction
- Backlighting and LED Accent Lights
- Locking Storage
- Counter Size
- Counter Shape
- Wireless Charging Options
- Tablet Mounts
- Interior and Exterior Shelves
- Packaging (Case or Crate)
- Budget
Protecting & Transporting with a Display Pedestal Case
In the quest for a display pedestal, exhibitors often assume the product will be packed in a durable case, will be easy to disassemble, and will ship to the next location without any damage. Sadly, the case and packaging for many trade show display pedestals, especially portable pedestals, aren’t meant for long-term use. The packaging can’t be reused again and again, or the case may arrive in a corrugated box that isn’t sturdy enough for repeated shipping.
Let’s explore what to look for with custom vs. modular vs. portable pedestal cases.
Custom Pedestals almost always ship in a wood crate and are fully assembled. If the crate is well-built and includes adequate jigging, the pedestal will be fine for years. In fact, most damage to custom pedestals occurs on the show floor and not during shipping. To ensure it arrives safely, always remove any loose products, literature, or giveaways from the pedestals. Secondly, lock all the doors to prevent them from opening during transit. Next, don’t stack other display items on the pedestals. Those items will shift and vibrate during the trip and scratch the surface. Finally, the same jigging used to secure the pedestal on its journey to the show should be used on the trip back to your location.
Modular Pedestals generally ship disassembled in crates or portable cases. Logical reusable packaging is the key. It should serve two purposes: To protect the components during shipping and to make assembly and disassembly fast and easy. There should be an identifiable packaging location for every component. In the haste of disassembling a pedestal at the end of a show, exhibitors may overlook a component because it’s behind or under something else. Good packaging serves as a reminder because when a slot or bag or pocket is visibly empty, it’s your cue to start looking for that component.
Portable Pedestals have fewer parts and pieces and assembly can be as simple as 1, 2, 3 or turning a few connectors. The display cases are usually smaller as well and in some instances are in padded bags. Those bags are great if everything is getting tossed into the boot of your vehicle. However, shipping them via UPS or FedEx can be more challenging since they require more durable packaging to prevent damage. In addition, when a part is lost or damaged, replacement parts are often unavailable or expensive compared to the original price of the pedestal. If you want your portable pedestal to last, baby it with some extra packaging love.
Display Pedestal Stands with Exhibits NW
Do you remember when you shopped for furniture for the first time? It was probably overwhelming. For most of us, it still is. So many choices and the differences can be confusing. The professionals at Exhibits NW are committed to simplifying the process when it comes to choosing the right pedestal stand.
Whether you’re looking for a custom, modular, or portable pedestal stand, or just a trusted partner to ensure your success, contact our team so we can help you exceed your trade show goals!