I designed and built several prototypes which
would work in a standard 10' x 10' space
commonly available at trade shows. The unit
had to offer both a backdrop for signage and
a table for brochures and trade literature.
It had to be light weight, meet fire codes,
and allow varied configurations.
Commonly available PVC plumbing pipe and fittings seemed to offer a low-cost support frame. Colorful vinyl taffeta fabric meeting fire code standards was available from a west coast supplier. And fabrication of panels through use of a heat sealing device made fabrication relatively easy.
I decided to make the carrying carton serve additionally as the top of the display table. It had to be strong enough to hold an office typewriter, as well as various brochures and product samples. (It would not be suite for anvil sales shows.) The whole system weighed in at under 35#, fit nicely within a rental car, and could be set up in barely fifteen minutes at the show site.
Because the exhibit system might have to be checked
as airline baggage and potentially sit out
in the rain, it became necessary to treat the
carry carton to make it waterproof. That led
to the simple expedient of painting it with
a common wood preservative (clear liquid) which
worked like a charm.
It surprised me how many folks became interested in the exhibit system. Because it was so simple, many could have simply made their own. But I found that small businesses, not-for-profits, and even governments offices liked it. However, all wanted me to take care of getting the panels silk screened with lettering, artwork and photographs. Providing that addition service quickly drove the costs up .. up to the point where fancier, more attractive and more widely used competitor products were just as attractive.
This enterprize was short-lived, though there still is a need for truly low-costs exhibit systems.