If you have ever tried going to an expo, a function, or a large-scale fair, you most likely experienced being bombarded by a plethora of audio-visual stimuli: ads and other infotainment videos playing on several displays or projection screens, company jingles or announcements, and other on-site posters, mascots, tarpaulins, and pamphlets. As part of an audience, you can only marvel at how these events are well-prepared. But on the other end of the communication medium, behind the stage and booths, are the hardworking event organisers, partner companies, and volunteers. If you are going to handle your event soon, be prepared.
While there are many aspects to this type of management, this article will focus on one visual stimulus that is integral to any such event: banners.
What are banners?
Banners are usually long strips of either cloth, mesh, polyester, or other printable material that is used in many different ways. Despite the prevalence of digital technology like neon signage, huge LCD screens, and projectors, banners are just as effective in attracting and retaining attention. You might observe that shops and stalls in malls and pop-up markets will almost always have banners in their vicinity.
Different types of banners
While banners all serve the same purpose of informing or ornamenting places, they come in many various forms. Below are three of the most common banner types and their uses.
- Suspended or hanging banners
You can maximise the space in locations that are especially jam-packed, crowded, or a little less spacious than average with suspended or hanging banners. This type of display is hung from the ceiling either on two corners or via a cable or a suspension cord.
Sometimes called “overhead banners”, these are impossible to miss as they serve as a grandiose centrepiece display above everyone, comparable to a chandelier at a banquet. You can hang banners on two corners and let them dangle vertically, or you can display your text or company logo horizontally and utilise a circular banner.
- Retractable or rollup banners
Retractable banners are nifty for those who have pop-up booths. Retractable banners, popularly referred to as rollup banners, are compact and easy to move around since they are collapsible.
The good thing about this type of banner is that setup is virtually effortless. It usually has a stand of its own that is attached with its retractable mechanism, so there is no need to gather people to climb up a ladder or install a suspension cord, as in the case of suspended banners mentioned above.
- Step-and-repeat banners
If you have an observant eye, you will notice that there are huge banners in showbiz red carpet events in the area where celebrities stop by to have their pictures taken by the paparazzi. The banners behind them which serve as a backdrop are called step-and-repeat banners.
These banners contain rows and columns of company logos and serve as an excellent background for covering stages or otherwise bland walls. These banners are effective advertisements.
Which one is best for you?
In events, there is usually no single right option for banner usage. Large-scale functions and expositions have a lot of people, and you may find it useful to mix and match all types of banners rather than just relying on one. After all, each serves a different purpose.
Image: Pixabay.com
