Trade shows shock on electric bills? You are not alone. A lot of exhibitors were shocked to discover that their backlit signs that were used in the past were energy vampires. That has changed today, and the new alternative is the LED backlit displays. Not only do they produce bright, clean images, but use up to 75 percent less energy than the old fluorescent signs, so your business is blazing, and your electric bill is cool.
The Energy Revolution in Backlit Displays
Old vs. New Backlit Displays
The conventional fluorescent systems can be compared to gas guzzling cars. They consume power and blast heat. The current technology, LED backlit displays, however, are the technology Teslas that halls desire. LEDs consume much less energy, and yet they emit sharp, full-spectrum light. Since LEDs use electrical energy to emit light at a 85-90 percent rate of efficiency, much of the energy awakens as visible light rather than heat.
Real-World Energy Savings
During an 8-hour trade show day, a traditional backlit display draws 400 watts (3.2 kilowatt-hours). An equivalent LED backlit display uses only 100 watts (0.8 kilowatt-hours). For 10 trade shows annually, that's 24 kilowatt-hours difference. At $0.12 per kWh, one panel saves nearly $30 yearly. Multiply by multiple backlit displays for serious savings.
Top Energy-Efficient Backlit Display Options
SEGO Lightbox Systems
SEGO lightbox systems lead in energy savings. The SEGO modular tension fabric lightbox display system uses a fraction of power compared to traditional lightboxes. A typical 10x10 SEGO display uses less than 100 watts – lighting your whole booth with household lamp consumption.
SEGO mobile lightbox systems feature intelligent design with quality LED strips positioned for optimal light coverage and maximum energy efficiency. The modularity maintains proportionate power efficiency with each additional panel.
Wavelight Backlit Solutions
Wavelight backlit displays represent platinum-level energy conservation. These systems use energy intelligently with smart power management that adjusts automatically based on ambient light levels. Outdoor trade shows benefit from automatic adjustments – full power in bright sunlight, reduced output in evening conditions.
The Wavelight system offers zoned lighting, illuminating only required areas for additional energy savings of 30-40%.
Tension Fabric Displays
Backlit tension fabric displays excel through lightweight design and light diffusion capabilities. The fabric serves as a natural diffuser, allowing LED strips to be spaced farther apart without dark spots. Fabric backlit displays require 40% fewer LED strips than rigid panel displays.
Such systems are cooler than the traditional air-cooled systems. They are more efficient when they are cooler and this cools them even more. The new system uses lighter fabric material reducing the cost of shipping and simplifying setup.
Cost-Saving Benefits Beyond Energy
Maintenance Savings
Traditional fluorescent systems require bulb replacement every 6-12 months. LED backlit displays have lifespans 25-50 times longer than fluorescent options – 50,000 hours versus 2,000 hours. For companies doing 10 trade shows yearly, this means replacing bulbs once per decade instead of annually.
Vector frame light box systems feature front serviceable LED modules easily replaceable in the field – a 5-minute job versus service calls.
Transportation & Setup Costs
LED backlit displays weigh 1.2-1.4 pounds per square foot less than fluorescent systems. Backlit tension fabric displays roll up smaller than rigid lightboxes, often shipping in standard cases rather than requiring separate crates.
SEGO displays and Wavelight displays feature tool-free assembly. What once required specialized crews and tools can now be done by regular show staff in half the time, reducing labor costs and increasing prospect engagement time.
Specialty Applications for Maximum Efficiency
Inflatable and Custom Options
Backlit inflatable towers provide high-impact vertical presence without bulky structures. The self-inflating design requires minimal power, while LED lighting operates efficiently. These systems function on portable battery packs or small generators for outdoor events.
Air inflatable backlit rectangular counters serve dual purposes: counter space and attention-grabbing display, eliminating heavy framework while using minimal LED power.
Vector Frame Systems
Vector frame light box systems use aluminum lightbox extrusion ensuring even light distribution with low power consumption. Tension fabric lightbox arrangements stretch fabric perfectly, using fewer LEDs for even illumination.
Modular lightbox systems offer flexible technology – power only required sections for 20-30% energy savings compared to all-or-nothing systems.
Making the Smart Switch
Implementation Strategy
When selecting high impact areas initially, the most used backlit displays or those on the best walls are the best candidates. Many of the current display systems can be upgraded using LED lights. This saves your current hardware and reduces your power costs.
Consider starting with 8x10 SEG backlit backdrop frames. Large format displays show the most significant LED conversion savings and maximum attendee impact from improved light quality.
ROI Calculations
A company using three backlit panel displays at 10 trade shows annually: Traditional fluorescent systems (400 watts per display, 8 hours per show) consume 288 kilowatt-hours yearly. LED backlit displays (100 watts per display) consume only 72 kilowatt-hours.
At $0.12 per kilowatt-hour, that's $25.92 annual electricity savings alone. Add maintenance savings and reduced transportation costs for over $500 yearly savings, plus potential trade show electrical fee reductions.
The higher quality light and color consistency in LED display systems engage more people, draw more visitors, and capture more leads – returns beyond your electric bill.
Modern LED backlit displays provide the perfect combination of high-impact visuals and energy efficiency. Whether you choose SEGO lightbox systems for modular flexibility, Wavelight backlit systems for intelligent power consumption, or fabric backlit displays for excellent light diffusion, you're investing in exhibits that provide long-term returns.
With energy savings up to 75% and dramatically reduced maintenance costs, this technology doesn't just illuminate your booth – it brightens your bottom line.
Ready to Transform Your Trade Show Display?
Don't let outdated, energy-draining displays hold back your success. 123Displays offers the complete range of energy-efficient backlit solutions – from SEGO lightbox systems and Wavelight backlit displays to Tension fabric displays and vector frame light box systems. Our expert team will help you choose the perfect combination for maximum impact and minimum energy costs.
Take the first step toward brighter displays and bigger savings. Contact 123Displays today at (877) 744-4404 or email sales@123displays.com to discover how our energy-efficient backlit displays can illuminate your brand while protecting your budget. Your accountant and your marketing team will thank you!