By Olivia Cahoon
Part 2 of 2
Signage is needed for nearly any type of event, including those held outdoors. To withstand the elements and provide a visually appealing presentation, outdoor displays are available in a variety of options such as bars/counters, canopies, flags, signs, and tents.
Birttani Display
Released in April 2019, the Vela is an outdoor retractable banner stand. Compatible with vinyl and fabric materials, it’s available from 33.5×40 to 33.5×79 inches and weighs 21 pounds. Vela features a water-filled center, ground spikes, and additional pedal footing.
“The lifetime on this product and extra functioning details make this a tough product to beat,” shares a representative of Birttani Display. Vela is tested to ensure durability in heavy weather conditions. “The quality on this unit is also what extends the lifetime and gives the client a great product at a great value.”
Vela is made from aluminum with a spring pole style. It’s available in black/silver and features an adjustable height.
Bowman Displays
Bowman offers interior/exterior flags. The high-resolution fade-resistant printing is designed to attract pedestrian attention. Flags are available in two sizes and styles—teardrop or blade.
Interior or exterior bases are available. The flags include durable exterior-grade hardware and a fade-resistant exterior substrate. It features easy setup and graphic change out.
Displays2go
Displays2go launched the ASIGNLED outdoor sidewalk sign in October 2019. It is an LED double-sided, water-filled base outdoor sign available in 29×48 inches. The sign insert holds 23.3×33.1-inch digitally printed PETG graphics for day and nighttime viewing. The weight of the water-filled base is 88 pounds.
“Our LED outdoor sidewalk sign is uniquely powered by a rechargeable battery. No power cord means the freedom to display at any location,” says Cathy Kovacs, product manager, Displays2go. It features backlit double-sided illumination with a rubber gasket seal and multi-locking points and wheels for easy transport.
Ease of mobility is provided by base wheels but also additionally supported by an ergonomic trolley handle with wheels for ease of navigation. The weighted base and spring suspension ensures messages remain upright and visible in fair or heavy weather. Locked battery compartment and display screen shields provide security and protection from the elements. According to Kovacs, ASIGNLED is available for $1,195.99.
Displays2go also offers the VBAN custom outdoor vinyl banners available in six sizes with landscape and portrait layout options. Compatible printed materials include premium quality, 13-ounce polyester and eco-solvent inks. According to Kovacs, the polyester banner material offers added strength and a premium appearance compared to vinyl banners.
With the Displays2go Online Designer Tool, customers explore and view design layouts and apply text instantly. Welded hems for added strength and grommets are included. Hanging banner prices range from $25.99 with four grommets and welded hems to $72.99 with ten grommets and welded hems.
Expand International
Expand released the Expand GrandFabric Outdoor in January 2019. It is an outdoor backwall for any weather condition, available from 4×4 to 10×8 feet. It is designed for long-term outdoor use and can be placed on different surfaces like sand, snow, gravel, and asphalt.
Expand GrandFabric Outdoor is tool-less, portable, easy to setup and take down, and is available single or double sided. “You can build a whole environment outdoors with the Expand Grand Fabric Outdoor, Expand VenueTent, Expand Flagstand, Expand MediaScreen 2 Outdoor, and the Expand PodiumCase for shipping and counter conversion,” says David Nanamaker, national sales manager, Expand.
The outdoor wall is made with lightweight aluminum frames and can also be used indoors. To prevent overturning in wind, it comes with support profiles that attach to the backwall. Weighing up to 80 pounds, pricing depends on size, shipping container, and stabilizing accessories.
Orbus Exhibit & Display Group
Released in 2009, Orbus offers the Zoom Flex flags available in four shapes—edge, feather, straight, and teardrop in small, medium, large, and extra large. Single- or double-sided graphics are available and all flags come with a ground stake standard.
Zoom Flex flags are available from 30.75×81.75 to 48.5×214.13 inches. “The hardware and graphic utilized in construction allows it to move in the wind and the optional bases make it adaptable to any type of event,” shares Alex Frederick, marketing supervisor, Orbus.
Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, pricing varies depending on size and shape from $118.70 to $727.18.
Orbus also offers Zoom Tents, released in 2010. Available from 19.8×4.7 to 9.8×4.7 inches, Zoom Tents are compatible with polyester and water-repellant outdoor canvas. Optional accessories include full-printed half or full backwalls as well as lighting kits.
“These sturdy outdoor displays are weather resistant and provide shade relief to attendees of events,” adds Frederick. Pricing varies depending on size.
Showdown Displays
Released in 2019, the Headliner Banner Display holds 117×76.5-inch finished graphics. Graphic options are available as premium woven polyester or 18-ounce scrim vinyl. Including the graphic, the entire system weighs 60 pounds.
“An adjustable frame allows custom banner heights and widths and can be setup on hard or soft surfaces using weighted ballasts or a ground stake kit,” explains Kent Dunham, VP, sales, Showdown Displays. The suggested retail price is $1,200.
Available in 2019, the EuroFit Ballast Base Display is available in 23.5×55 inches and uses dye-sublimated polyester knit fabric. A double-sided polyester graphic slips over the top of the frame, similar to a pillow case, for ease of setup. The plastic water base can be filled with sand or water to provide a portable product that allows stability in moderate weather conditions.
According to Dunham, the suggested retail price is $250.
Be Prepared
There are limitless opportunities for outdoor display systems. Before investing in a solution, print providers should ensure it is rated for outside use and is well equipped to handle wind, rain, and UV exposure.
Click here to read part two of this exclusive online series, Withstand The Elements .
Jan2020, Digital Output