Sika Orders Custom LED Displays for Major Construction Trade Show

The Challenge

Sika's event team were planning corporate trade shows and facing one of the biggest headaches in exhibition marketing: making sure people can actually find your stand in a crowded exhibition hall. The event team needed something that would draw attention from across the venue whilst still looking professional and fitting with their corporate branding. Traditional signage just wasn't cutting it anymore, particularly when you're competing with dozens of other exhibitors who are all trying to stand out in the same space.

They also had the added complication of working with a logistics partner who handles their exhibition materials, which meant the solution needed to be straightforward to ship and set up without a lot of fuss.

Why Lightboxes?

Illuminated displays turned out to be exactly what they needed because they create that instant visual impact that helps visitors spot your stand from a distance. The fact that these are rechargeable made a real difference too - no hunting around for plug sockets or trailing cables across the floor, which is always a hassle at busy trade shows.

The ability to print their logos on all four sides meant the displays looked professional from every angle, and because they could match their brand colours with the remote control, everything stayed consistent with their corporate identity.

Here's what made these displays particularly useful for their events:

• The column at 80 cm tall works brilliantly as a focal point that you can see from across the exhibition hall.
• Battery life of 8 hours means they run through a full day of exhibition without needing a recharge.
• The cube at 50 x 50 x 50 cm is sturdy enough to use as seating, which is quite handy when you want to create an informal meeting space on your stand.
• Both pieces are rechargeable, so there's no ongoing cost for batteries or worrying about running out mid-event.
• The remote lets you switch between 16 different colours if you want to highlight specific parts of your presentation during the day

From Concept to Reality

After finding PK Green through LinkedIn, they sent through their logo files and got back mockups the same day, showing exactly how the finished displays would look. That visual confirmation before placing the order made it much easier to get internal approval, particularly when you're spending company budget on something new.

Once they'd validated the quote and sorted out the proforma invoice with their finance team, production took the standard 7 working days. The team was really helpful about coordinating delivery around the logistics partner's August closure, making sure everything arrived exactly when it needed to be there for the September event.

The Impact

Having those illuminated displays made a real difference to their exhibition presence. The glowing column acted like a beacon that helped visitors navigate straight to their stand, whilst the cube provided both visual interest and a practical place for people to sit whilst having conversations about their products.

The custom logo printing meant that from any angle, people could see which company they were approaching, which is particularly important at busy trade shows where attendees are often trying to find specific exhibitors. And because the displays were so straightforward to set up, their logistics partner could get everything ready ahead of the show without any special instructions or complications.

Standing Out

In an environment where every exhibitor is fighting for attention, having displays that literally light up makes you more memorable. The professional finish of the solid moulded construction meant these didn't look like cheap promotional items - they looked like quality brand assets, which is exactly what you want when you're representing your company at major industry events.

For companies in the construction and materials sector, where trade shows are often quite industrial in feel, having that bit of modern, eye-catching design helps position you as an innovative business that's worth talking to.

Tips for Your Events

If you're planning to use illuminated displays at your next exhibition, here are some practical ideas that worked well:

• Put the taller column at the entrance to your stand so people can spot you from the main aisles - it acts like a signpost.
• Use the cube as informal seating in your meeting area, which gives it a dual purpose and makes efficient use of your stand space.
• Make sure your logos are visible on all sides because people will be walking around your stand from different directions.
• Coordinate delivery timing with your exhibition logistics partner early on to avoid any last-minute stress about closures or availability.
• Take advantage of the colour-changing feature if you're doing timed presentations - you can shift the ambience to draw people in at key moments.

Product Details

Their order included displays designed specifically for corporate exhibition use:

• Illuminated column - 80cm tall x 30 x 30 cm with custom logo printing alternating on all four sides. Rechargeable with 8-hour runtime, includes charger and 16-colour remote control.
• Illuminated cube seat - 50 cm on all sides with custom logo printing alternating on all four sides. Sturdy enough for seating, battery-powered with 8-hour runtime, includes charger and 16-colour remote control.

Both displays are made from solid moulded PE plastic with rounded edges and corners for a premium finish, and they're rechargeable so you can use them event after event without worrying about swapping batteries.

FAQ

What types of trade shows and exhibitions work best with illuminated displays?

These displays are particularly effective for:

• B2B trade shows and industry exhibitions where you're competing with dozens of other exhibitors for attention
• Corporate events in construction, manufacturing, technology, and professional services sectors
• Multi-day events where you need consistent visibility throughout the show
• Venues with challenging lighting conditions where traditional signage can get lost in the background

How do illuminated displays help when visitors can't find my stand?

In a crowded exhibition hall with 50+ exhibitors, your stand can easily blend into the surroundings, no matter how good your banners are. Illuminated displays act like beacons that visitors can spot from the main aisles and across the venue floor. The taller column works particularly well as a wayfinding tool - people naturally look for light sources when they're trying to navigate a busy space. Just like in our case study, many exhibition teams use these to solve the frustrating problem of visitors walking right past their stand because they simply didn't see it.

Why does battery power matter more at trade shows than at other events?

Exhibition venues are notoriously difficult when it comes to power access. You're often charged premium rates for electrical connections, plug sockets are never quite where you need them, and trailing cables across your stand space create trip hazards that exhibition organisers won't be happy about. Battery-powered displays with 8-hour runtime mean you can position them wherever they work best visually without being constrained by power outlet locations. It's one less thing to coordinate with the venue's technical team and one less item on your risk assessment.

Can rechargeable displays really compete with traditional exhibition lighting?

The visual impact is actually stronger than traditional exhibition lighting in many cases because these displays are self-contained focal points rather than just illuminating existing signage. Traditional exhibition lighting requires rigging, power connections, and often specialist installation, which adds cost and complexity. Rechargeable displays give you professional illumination without the infrastructure requirements, and you can reposition them easily if you need to adjust your stand layout during setup. Many of our trade show clients find they're more flexible than fixed lighting rigs, particularly if you're exhibiting at multiple venues throughout the year, where each space is configured differently.

Is the investment worthwhile for occasional exhibition appearances?

If you're exhibiting more than once or twice a year, these displays typically pay for themselves compared to the ongoing costs of basic stand dressing and signage. They're reusable across multiple events, there's no recurring cost for batteries, and they significantly reduce your setup costs because there's no electrical installation required. The professional appearance also positions your company as established and innovative, which matters when you're trying to attract serious business conversations at industry events. Think of it as a permanent asset for your exhibition kit rather than a one-off expense.

What's the actual impact on visitor numbers and engagement?

Visibility directly translates to foot traffic at trade shows. When visitors can easily spot your stand from the main aisles, you're more likely to attract people who were specifically looking for you, plus those who are drawn to visually interesting displays. The cube seat creates natural stopping points where people can sit and have longer conversations, which typically leads to more meaningful engagement than quick chats at a standing height counter. We've had exhibition teams report that illuminated displays help them start more conversations simply because people notice the stand first.

How much advance planning time do I need before my exhibition?

With express production and delivery, we can get your displays to you within 2-3 working days from approval, which is ideal if you've got an event coming up quickly or need something at short notice. Standard production takes 7 working days, then 2-3 working days for delivery. Most exhibition teams order 2-3 weeks ahead of their event date to allow a comfortable time for coordination with their logistics partner and any internal approvals they need to get sorted. The sooner you start, the more flexibility you have with delivery timing.

What should I consider when coordinating with my logistics partner?

Your logistics partner needs to know that these displays are rechargeable units that arrive fully charged and ready to use, so there's no complicated setup required on site. They ship in protective packaging, and because they're solid moulded construction, they're quite robust during transport. The main thing to coordinate is delivery timing, particularly if your logistics partner has closure periods or specific receiving schedules. Just like a client coordinated with PK Green around their partner's August closure to ensure September delivery, it's worth having that conversation early to avoid any last-minute complications.

How do these work with my existing stand design and branding?

The displays are designed to complement rather than dominate your stand space. Your logo prints on all four sides, so the branding is consistent from every angle, and you can match the light colour to your corporate palette using the 16-colour remote control. The taller column typically works as a focal point at the entrance or corner of your stand, whilst the cube integrates into seating areas or product display zones. Because they're wireless, you can position them wherever they make sense visually without being constrained by your stand's electrical layout.

What do I need to tell the exhibition venue about power requirements?

The beauty of battery-powered displays is that you don't need to declare any power requirements to the venue at all:

• No electrical installation needed
• No PAT testing required for the displays themselves
• No additional power draw to factor into your stand allocation
• You simply need access to a standard plug socket somewhere in your setup area to charge them overnight between show days

This can save you significant money on venue electrical packages, which often charge per socket or per kilowatt used.

Can these displays handle multi-day exhibitions without issues?

The 8-hour battery life covers a full day of exhibition opening hours, and you just charge them overnight, ready for the next day. Many exhibition teams set up a charging station in their storage area or hotel room to recharge multiple units each evening. The displays arrive with chargers included, so as long as you've got access to standard power outlets for overnight charging, you're sorted. We regularly work with companies doing 3-4 day exhibitions who simply build charging into their evening routine.

How do I store and transport these between different exhibition venues?

The solid moulded construction means they're quite durable during transport, and they're designed to stack for efficient storage. Most logistics partners include them with their standard exhibition kit and treat them like any other reusable stand element. Between events, they need minimal storage space compared to traditional exhibition infrastructure. The column is 80cm tall and the cube is 50cm on all sides, so they're not awkward to store in your exhibition kit area. Because they're rechargeable, there's no concern about battery degradation during storage periods.

What happens with setup on the day of the exhibition?

Setup is straightforward enough that your stand crew or logistics partner can handle it without special training. The displays arrive fully charged, so you:

• Position them where you want them
• Switch them on using the remote control
• Adjust the colour to match your branding

Total setup time is about 5 minutes for both pieces. There's no assembly required, no electrical connections to make, and no specialist tools needed. If you need to adjust positioning during setup, you just pick them up and move them - they're manageable by one person.

Can I use the cube as actual seating, or is that just marketing talk?

The cube is genuinely sturdy enough for seating - it's made from solid moulded PE plastic and designed to support weight comfortably. Many exhibition teams use them in their meeting areas as informal seating for visitors who want to sit and discuss products or services in more detail. It's particularly useful for creating relaxed conversation spaces on your stand without needing to bring in separate furniture. The 50cm height works well for perching rather than full sitting, which is actually ideal at trade shows because it keeps people engaged rather than getting too comfortable.

How do I get started with mockups and a quote for my exhibition?

Just like in our case study, start by filling out our online form and uploading your logo. We'll send you visual mockups the same day showing exactly how your displays will look with your branding, which makes it much easier to get internal approval if you need to run it past your marketing team or management. Once you've reviewed the mockups and confirmed you're happy with the design, we'll provide a detailed quote including delivery timing options. The whole process takes just a few minutes to get started, and you'll have mockups in your inbox ready to share with your team.