Trade shows, exhibitions, and corporate events are highly stressful events which require an equal amount of effort to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality presentation. Whether transporting fragile display items, electronic equipment, or large exhibition displays, all items must be transported securely and also presented professionally. Damage or delays in shipments have the potential to impact the entire event and also damage your company’s image. Exhibition flight cases are a vital resource in these situations.
Exhibition flight cases have a professional design and allow your valuable equipment to be protected from damage during transit, while simplifying the logistics of transporting the items to an exhibition and maintaining the items clean and organized while on display at an exhibition. When you attend a trade show, host a corporate event or manage a traveling exhibition, exhibition flight cases will give you confidence at every step along the way.
In this article, we will discuss what exhibition flight cases are, their importance, how they can be used, and tips for choosing the right custom flight case for your exhibition.
What Is a Flight Case for Exhibitions?
A flight case, also commonly referred to as either a fly case or a flight box, is a very robust, safe way to transport your most important items, whether they be sensitive, fragile, or high in value. A special type of flight case is called an exhibition flight case, which is specifically designed to be used for trade shows, events, or exhibitions.
These cases have been made out of:
- Industrial-grade plywood or composite materials
- Aluminum Profile with reinforced edges
- Heavy-duty locks, hinges, and handles
- Custom foam interior lined with a shock-absorbing material
Unlike standard travel cases, the construction of professional flight cases allows them to withstand the rigors of transportation, institutional use, long-term usage, and very rough care.
Why Flight Cases Are Important for Exhibitions
An exhibition takes repeated loading and unloading, transport, and setup of items. An exhibition flight case provides a level of protection for your exhibition items, which can help to mitigate risks associated with exhibition participation and help to improve efficiency as well.
The flight case protects your exhibition equipment from the damaging effects of impacts, vibrations, dust, and moisture. In addition, it provides a quick and efficient setup and breakdown of your exhibition by keeping your equipment and exhibit pieces in order. Finally, it increases the appearance of professionalism in your exhibition area by providing a professional-looking flight case that can be used for both an exhibit display and/or as an exhibit storage container.
For companies that have been exhibiting calendars and shows regularly, investing in flight cases is not an expense, but rather a long-term benefit.
Applications of Exhibition Flight Cases
Exhibition flight cases can be used across many different industries where protection, organization, and professional handling are needed. Below are key uses described in more detail than what you will find in the rest of this guide.
Trade Shows and Commercial Exhibitions
Transportation of booths, product displays, lighting, and other promotional materials for venues from trade shows requires dedicated flight cases to keep all materials protected whilst in transit, as well as help you keep everything organized after they have been transported.
Exhibitors can often travel on a continuous basis, so choosing to use road cases and/or custom exhibition flight cases is a good choice because these types of cases have been built for continual reuse and because they will help to maintain the same appearance across many events.
Corporate Events and Product Launches
When products are launched at events, they need to be displayed in the best light possible, and typically, products are of high value and a sensitive nature. Therefore, a professional flight case will protect these products during transportation and will also keep accessories, cords, and display parts ready to be used afterwards.
With speedy pack-out times provided by custom interiors, setting up will be simple and trouble-free, even on very tight event schedules.
Museums and Traveling Exhibitions
Museums can be a great place for people to visit and learn how to care for delicate objects that need to be carefully preserved, from artifacts to scale models or reproductions. Each museum typically has its own set of display cases specifically designed for flight use, where they will be secured in some way or with specialized foam to ensure that they remain undamaged.
Traveling exhibitions that take place between countries or states commonly use ATA cases, which are designed and built to meet airline specifications and offer safe and secure air transportation for art.
Art Galleries and Installations
Art galleries and artists commonly use custom-built flight cases to transport paintings, sculptures, and installations. These cases are built to ensure that all artwork is protected from any type of potential physical damage caused by vibration or scraping. Additionally, they provide protection against environmental conditions so that the artwork arrives at the destination in perfect condition.
Event and AV Equipment
An exhibition equipment flight case is a common choice when transporting AV equipment such as lighting, sound, LED screens, and control consoles to trade shows and other types of displays. By using heavy-duty flight cases specifically designed for exhibition equipment, these cases not only reduce the risk of equipment being damaged but also help extend the lifespan of the equipment and assist in managing the cables.
Retail Promotions and Brand Activations
Brands exhibit their products through promotional events located in malls. These events generally use flight cases for transporting and storing display items, as well as for providing on-site storage during the event; therefore, it is easy to keep the area surrounding the exhibition free from clutter and organized.
How to Choose the Right Flight Case for Exhibitions
Selecting an appropriate flight case for exhibitions requires thoughtfulness, regardless of how often your organisation transports equipment. Well-selected flight cases will lead to improved safety, increased efficiency, and improved performance at events.
Identify Your Equipment Requirements
First, you need to clarify what equipment you will be transporting. Consider:
- Dimensions and weight
- Fragility and sensitivity
- Number of components
Delicate items require custom foam, while heavy equipment needs reinforced panels and wheels.
Choose Between Standard and Custom Flight Cases
Standard shipping containers do little or nothing to protect your exhibit equipment from damage, while a custom shipping container is constructed with your product in mind to reduce movement and damage due to impact. Not only do custom shipping containers help you package your products, but they also enhance your professionalism when exhibiting at trade and exhibition shows, providing greater efficiency in packing your products.
Select the Right Type of Flight Case
Different transport needs require different case types:
- Road cases for frequent ground transport
- ATA cases for air travel
- Tradeshow display cases for combined transport and display
- Museum display cases for delicate items
Choosing the correct type ensures safety and compliance with transport requirements.
Focus on Build Quality and Materials
A reliable heavy-duty flight case should feature:
- Strong plywood or composite panels
- Aluminum edging and reinforced corners
- Durable locks and hinges
Low-quality cases may fail after repeated use, leading to higher long-term costs.
Check Mobility and Handling Features
Exhibitions require constant movement. Look for:
- High-quality castor wheels with brakes
- Comfortable handles
- Balanced design for easy handling
These features improve efficiency and reduce physical strain.
Consider Storage and Display Use
A professional flight case should have a clean internal finish and an easy opening mechanism. The case can be used as both storage and display during events.
Think Long-Term Investment
A professionally manufactured flight case is a long-term investment. By using a custom, heavy-duty flight case when exhibiting, you will reduce both damage and replacement costs in addition to improving your operational reliability long term.
Final Conclusion
A flight case is much more than just an efficient way to transport your equipment, the support system they provide allows you to protect your gear from damage, improve the efficiency and ease of moving, and present your equipment professionally. By using either a road case, ATA case, or custom flight case for your equipment, you can feel confident while you are at the exhibition events. By investing in heavy-duty, professional flight cases, businesses can protect their assets, enhance efficiency, and deliver a consistent brand experience, no matter the event.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The best solution would be a custom flight case that is designed to hold your equipment, specifically for the purpose of maximum protection and facilitating ease of use.
Yes, a large number of exhibition flight cases can also serve as trade show display cases, counters, or secure storage units during the time of an event.
Yes, while road cases are most suitable when sending shipments by road (via truck), ATA Cases are ideal when sending by air.