Permanent or Temporary? Making your Choice

When preparing for a conference, whether it is an annual event attended only by your employees, or if you are attending a conference full of other businesses, you will need to decide what type of sign you will need.

Signs are typically classified as either permanent or temporary. Permanent signs are made out of aluminum or an aluma-lite and are usually large. These signs are normally permanently displayed outside of a location, but due to the light weight of aluminum, many people display these signs at conferences, conventions or other venues.

Temporary signs are typically made of vinyl. While the material of these signs is durable, they are classified as temporary because they are easy to move and reuse in other locations. Vinyl banners typically have a life of at least five years and allow you greater options for display.

When deciding on the type of material that is best suited for your signage needs, there are a few important points that you will need to consider.

How often do you plan to use this banner? If you need a sign for a one-time event, a permanent sign will not be the best choice for your needs. In this case, a vinyl banner will be more cost effective and easier to remove at a later time.

If you plan to use a banner many times, and you don't need to change the information frequently, an aluminum sign would be a good investment. While these signs are harder to transport, they will be more economical over the long term if you plan to use them frequently.

What information do you need to display? If your sign needs are general in nature, such as your company name, or the name of a product that you intend to keep selling frequently, a permanent sign will work well. The added cost of purchasing the more durable material can be offset by the years of use you will get out of the sign.

On the other hand, if you plan on using a sign for one year or one event only, a temporary solution would be a better fit. This will allow you to display more information about a specific product or a sale, without worrying about having to re-use the sign in the future.

What kind of event will you be attending? If your conference is just for your company, chances are you will be able to get away with a more temporary solution. If you plan on displaying your vinyl banner inside, it will last for several years and be more cost effective.

If you need to attend an event where other companies are using professional signs, or aluminum signs, then it is a good idea to follow suit so that your company does not stick out.