Outdoor exhibition stands

Outdoor exhibition stands are incredibly varied in design with most being constructed from a diverse range of traditional materials of timber, metals and laminates combined with marquees to provide weather protection. But does it make sense to plan future campaigns using such a traditional approach?

Well, it is an easy approach as any Google search will bring up dozens of outdoor exhibition stand builders (hundreds throughout the country) all of whom provide creative ideas and solid built stands and, to be fair, there is a time and a place for these. The big problem is our unpredictable climate requiring these exhibition stands to be fully or partly protected by a fabric or inflatable construction.

Why so many exhibitors are still making use of these traditional services is a mystery to me when far more cost effective and versatile promotional tools for outdoor exhibition stands exists, and I refer of course to mobile exhibition vehicles and exhibition trailers.

These offer significant advantages and generate a range of marketing opportunities that any company planning to promote themselves or launch new products and services at outdoor events is advised to look at what mobile exhibition units offer.

The benefits of exhibition vehicles and trailers for outdoor exhibition stands.

 Ease and cost of set up:  Unlike most traditional exhibition stands most exhibition vehicles require only one person to operate them. The driver can deliver the vehicle and assemble on site in less than 30 minutes. And this can include the largest of vehicles including those with extending pods and upper decks, simply because they are fitted with hydraulic systems where every aspect of assembly can be controlled by the simple press of a button.

The smaller and incredibly popular 3500 kgs chassis cabs can be driven by anyone with a standard driving licence meaning sales staff can drive the vehicle themselves to an event cutting down further on personnel and travel costs.

An additional benefit being the ability to move quickly. Closing is as quick as setting up which enables the exhibitor to move quickly between events that would otherwise require two stands or missing one of the outdoor events.

Return on Investment:   The initial investment in purchasing an exhibition vehicle or trailer is usually (but not always) higher than investing in the creation of a purpose-built exhibition stand but over a year or two at the very most the investment will prove to provide a better return. And when campaigns end, be it in a year or 10 years, the vehicle or trailer will have a resale value!

Space is not a problem:  As already alluded to earlier even the smallest of exhibition vehicles can be fitted with covered extensions (referred to as extension pods and gull wings) to maximise floor space. Wind out awnings combined with the option of fabric side panels being another current way to extend the “covered floor space” can be deployed within minutes of being on site. Enclosed upper decks can be provided and operated by hydraulics.

Maximised brand awareness:  A well-designed traditional outdoor exhibition stand will project a professional impact, but what it cannot provide is the ongoing visibility that a fully branded vehicle provides whilst on the road. What is more, commercial vehicles these days, both vans and chassis cabs, are well styled and with great vinyl graphics applied help increase brand awareness all the time they are travelling.

Versatility:  There is a misconception that exhibition vehicles are restrictive with the outdated view of some being that they are only useful for providing seating and hospitality refreshments. Nothing could be further from the truth. At Multi Vehicle Technology we have created everything from mobile self-service sweet shops to domestic and commercial product displays for a wide range of products. We have installed powered turntables to support the likes of new vehicle product launches, provided upper deck viewing galleries ideal for action events plus the very latest in led displays and simulators for gaming, training and promotion.

For those marketing food products which require chilled storage, preparation or cooking a mobile with built in catering equipment we provide the most cost-effective solution to attending outdoor events, with all equipment built in and connected to power inputs.

There are few restrictions on what we can install thereby eliminating the otherwise expensive repeated set ups at each venue.

And versatility does not stop there. Exhibition vehicles may be the perfect solutions for those looking to replace traditional outdoor exhibition stands but to they can also be used indoors at exhibition venues such as the NEC in Birmingham and Excel in London.

Technology:  Making use of marquees in which to place your outdoor exhibition stand has serious limitations when it comes utilising technology as part of the display. Electronic payments for goods sold usually works fine but when it comes to large lightweight LED screens, PC installations or even use of laptops and tablets having the solid base of a vehicle or trailer offers so much more reliability. It only requires to be installed once and, being secured, there is much less likelihood of damage during travel between events.

Privacy:  It can be difficult to have some privacy on an open outdoor exhibition stands and usually requires a “walk away” from the stand. An exhibition vehicle or trailer on the other hand enables you to take your office with you. Ideal for closing deals with clients!

Alternatively, those providing the likes of health advice may require a private area or a room fitted with medical couch and examination equipment which is simply not possible in an outdoor environment.

Outdoor exhibition stand accessories.

 Many of our clients are comfortable turning up on site and using the mobile unit with its swing out display panels, hinged up canopy and banner board, and fold out steps being standard features.

Others may need to add large heavy equipment product displays to their exhibition stand which may include motor vehicles to lawn mowers, motorcycles to tractors. We can supply bespoke display equipment to carry on board the vehicle.

These can include fencing panels, entrance arches, display plinths, flag poles, parasols and seating, leaflet dispensers, and café barriers to name but a few.

 Design service for exhibition vehicles to create outstanding outdoor exhibition stands.

 If you can see the benefits of investing in a mobile unit for your exhibition campaign programme, then our creative design team at Multi Vehicle Technology will be delighted to collaborate closely with you to create a bespoke designed vehicle. With an understanding of your needs and how you wish to operate we will also offer advice on the best choice of vehicle for your project.

From there we can prepare initial concept visuals and provide full description and specifications for contents and optional features for you to include in presentations to colleagues.

Exhibition vehicle construction and conversion services

Given the go ahead we can convert vans and existing vehicles or build bodies on chassis cabs. We are quite happy to work on base vehicles supplied by our clients, or we can source new and second hand if that helps, as we have many years of experience in sourcing both.

And just a quick note to say that if you already operate a vehicle or trailer for your exhibition activities but need an update there is nothing we enjoy more than repairing and refurbishing existing units to provide them with a new lease of life and give your business further years of service.

Contacting us for more information on how we can help your next campaign is easy.

 We are available on 0116 326 0989 or you can write to us at sales@multivehicletechnology.co.uk

Alternatively, how about a video conferencing chat over Microsoft Teams (or similar) to enable us to really understand your campaign ideas.

This blog was written by Scott Walker