Frequently Asked Questions | Prairie Display/Chicago

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FAQs

Please explore the Frequently Asked Questions about Prairie Display/Chicago, our products and services.

Do you have a question that you don't see answered here? Email your question to sales@prairiedisplay.com, complete the form under the Contact Us tab or click the Live Chat button in the upper right-hand corner of this page.

How long has Prairie Display/Chicago been in business?

Prairie Display opened its doors in June, 1994, but the principals have been associated with the Nomadic Display product, large format graphic production and the trade show industry since 1983.

Can I visit Prairie Display to see products and examples in person?

We definitely encourage it, when possible! Prairie is a "bricks and mortar" business located in Downers Grove, IL, just southwest of O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and 22 miles west of downtown Chicago. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (CST), Monday through Friday. Please call ahead for an appointment. You will see more in 30 minutes than you can imagine! It's nice to see, touch and feel before you invest.

I can't come to your office. Is a Prairie Display representative available to meet at my office and present samples, materials and displays?

Once again, most certainly! We are located in the Chicago area and can easily travel to Illinois, southern Wisconsin, northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan. We have worked with customers all across the country and beyond, including Canada, Europe, Australia and Central and South America.

Do you have specific dock hours?

Our dock is open from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (CST), Monday through Friday.

Why should I buy from Prairie Display when there are so many options out there in the marketplace?

When selecting a vendor for products and services associated with trade shows and other face-to-face marketing events, choose a partner to drive audience engagement with creative display solutions. With over 30 years of experience in this industry, we truly understand the importance of every detail in your project and marketing program. That means providing best-in-class products and processes, and working with like-minded vendor partners. Your success is our success. We get that.

Does Prairie Display produce all of its graphics in-house?

Depending on the unique requirements of your project, we will recommend the best process and material for your application. Production will be completed by Prairie or one of our trusted vendor partners.

Can Prairie Display design my display and the graphics?

We offer complete design services, but it depends on what makes the most sense for your project. For exhibit properties, we can start with existing kits based on your requirements and make changes from there. Alternately, we can create a custom design based on your market application. For the design of the graphic message (new build or just an update), if you have a favorite designer or need to use your own staff, we will provide guidance, specifications and templates as needed.

Can Prairie Display set up my digital files, ready for print?

Yes, our in-house staff can set up ready to print digital files. An estimate will be provided before we begin, based on your artwork and the project scope.

I am supplying my artwork ready to print. Why am I being charged a file inspection fee?

When it comes to large format printing, it is extremely important to ensure files are set up correctly (size, image resolution, placement, etc.). It's not unusual that there needs to be adjustments to files submitted as "ready to print". Careful inspection before production, rather than after, means potential issues can be addressed, saving time and costly reprints.

How do I upload artwork for my display project?

Click on this link for supplied artwork requirements and instructions to securely upload your files. No log-in or password are required. Make sure you don't close your browser until the upload is complete.

What is your standard turnaround time?

Turnaround times can vary based on the type and size of the display, and the process and materials used to produce a graphic. A simple banner stand can be ready to go in a few days, and a basic inline system in a few weeks. Custom applications take more time, allowing for design, construction and production of the visual message.

I need this really fast! What are your rush charges?

We don't charge rush fees. What you may consider fast, might be standard for us. Let us know when and where the final product needs to arrive and we'll work within those requirements. Additional costs may be incurred if expedited delivery services are necessary. While we can't always work miracles, we're pretty good at moving projects through on short notice.

I've lost my set-up instructions. Can I get another set?

Sure, give us a call or email sales@prairiedisplay.com. If we previously created customized instructions we can send a print or digital copy.

We'd like to see our final display set-up before you ship to our show. Is that possible and is there a charge for it?

Walk-throughs at Prairie Display's showroom are encouraged and highly recommended, and do not cost extra. It's important to make sure everything is set-up the way you want.

We're going to be exhibiting in the Chicago area. Can I rent a display from Prairie Display?

Prairie Display/Chicago offers complete turnkey rental solutions including displays, graphics, installation and dismantle, and shipping. Rental can cost less than purchase, allowing you to spend more of your budget on graphics and messaging. Renting also allows you to change your graphic message for different shows or events. Display accessories such as lights, work stations and counters are also available for rental.

Can I apply the cost of the display rental to purchase?

Not on the hardware/structure portion of the rental. You can, in many instances, reuse the graphics when you rent the same configuration or repurpose for another application.

Since you're located in the Chicago area, do you only offer rentals and services at McCormick Place?

We ship and manage properties all over the U.S. and Canada.

I don't have the space to store my display properties at my office, can you store them for me?

Prairie offers a comprehensive Store and Ship program for your display and graphic properties. Properties are inspected after every event and made ready for the next show. Display and graphic properties last four times longer with consistent maintenance, allowing your budget to go farther. We coordinate your shipping logistics using your preferred carrier, or one of our freight partners. Please contact us for details and pricing customized for your properties.

How do I arrange for set up of our display and other show services like carpet?

If you don't have the staff or time to coordinate show services, Prairie Display can manage any aspect, including installation and dismantle, supervision, carpeting, electrical and audio-visual rental. For installation and dismantle, our labor partner serves as your advocate on the show floor, supervising move-in, I&D, overhead sign assembly and outbound shipping arrangements.

How much should I budget for the purchase of a new "inline" style trade show display? How about for an island display?

According to Exhibitor magazine, the average investment cost for an inline display can range from $300 to $800 per linear foot. For a quality portable/modular or hybrid style display property, that would be $3000 to $8000 per 10' section. Actual cost can vary depending on the materials and processes used, size of the graphic, and the use of shelving, counters or audio-visual. Exhibit rentals are approximately 35% of the hardware purchase cost, plus additional costs for the graphic production.

The industry average for a larger display property is $100-$150 per square foot. For example, a 20'x20' display would cost between $40,000 (400 sf x $100) and $60,000 (400 sf x $150). Renting this same exhibit would be about 35% of the hardware purchase cost.