Perhaps it is your first big convention to prep for (or perhaps not). Either way, there are a few things you will need to make sure you get right. Because printing for conventions is a skill in itself, working with the right printer will be tantamount to your success.
Las Vegas is well known as the convention capitol of the world. Annually, over 22,000 conventions from a diverse group of businesses are held here.
Here are five quick ways to identify whether you have found a printer that could be a good fit for your convention or trade show.
Printing for Conventions – the Important Requirements and Necessities
1. Specializes in large-scale printing and signage needs. While signage certainly is not the only thing you will need when printing for conventions, it is a key piece, mainly because it is one of the most noticeable ones. Be sure that the printer you choose has the capacity to easily handle large scale printing projects, as this will doubtless become an important part of your project.
Signage and large format printing is used in almost every trade show booth. You would be hard pressed to find an exhibit booth that doesn’t at least have a retractable banner. Make sure the printer you choose has experience and all the necessary equipment for large format items.
Remember that when it comes to exhibit banner printing, bigger is almost always better…
Read more here.
2. Includes a wide range of print offerings. As noted in number one, thinking of large conventions tends to send our mind in the direction of large scale printing. Of course, this is an important piece of the puzzle, but it isn’t the whole picture. Printing for conventions often also requires a variety of other materials, including:
Brochures ∙ Catalogs ∙ Banners ∙ Posters ∙ Postcards ∙ Flyers ∙ Newsletters ∙ Signage
Be sure that whichever printing company you work with has the full capacity to print all of the materials you will need for this and other events. This will save you time, unnecessary headaches, and the risk of printing materials not coordinating properly.
3. Has a timeline in place (a generous one!) Even for bigger companies (like ourselves), trade shows and conventions are projects that require time to plan, scale, and implement. Because of both number one and number two listed above, the combination of large scale print jobs with many other variable projects (brochures, catalogs, postcards, etc.) leads to a longer required lead-time. Plan to have at least a plan for your needs laid out 3 – 6 months in advance.
4. Offers a variety of price points. Each project is a little different, including the budget allotted to it. Companies that offer printing for conventions should offer at least a couple of different price points to accommodate different needs and budgets. They should also provide recommendations on the best ways to invest those resources into effective materials for your particular convention.
5. Demonstrates the ability to produce creative, memorable offerings. Companies that frequently exhibit at trade shows and conventions know that the best print offerings include a variety of products that go beyond traditional signage and brochures. Give-aways like t-shirts, pens, or stubbies (bottle insulators) will keep your brand name at the forefront of attendee’s minds.
If your creativity is lacking for impressive convention display ideas, don’t worry. Our graphic designers are skilled at knowing what works for the best convention printing. We will take care of all your printing for conventions – from business cards to large-format items. We can even deliver right to your venue.
If you have questions about printing for conventions, or just want to get started, give us a call at 702.617.9000. We will be happy to help.
