The quest for the perfect college fair table drape

I spent two days last week on campus with new Stein client, Centenary College. Besides the admission campaign we will be developing over the next 12 weeks (yes, very tight turnaround!) they asked us to replace the table runners that the admission staff uses at dozens of college fairs every year. Since Stein will be responsible for the creative concept on these materials, we will also coordinate with vendors to develop these secondary materials.

So today we met with Neal Zucker, president of Southern Tailors. They produced the table drape that graced the Stein booth at SACAC, some for our clients and for many other schools besides. Like this one for Stetson. The reason Centenary asked us to investigate a replacement set is because they were unhappy with the color of the runner matching the actual school color, more of a red than maroon. Their drape is laid out here under the Coke banner.

Neal explained to us that their current runner is nylon and that nylon only comes in so many colors. What he recommended is to print the colors in CMYK directly on another fabric. (The Coke sample is on poplin, which is machine washable and the most durable.) This means endlessly more color options, although he warns that color is always approximate.

In order to really do his job well, Neal has attended college fairs so he can observe counselor behavior! He started to say something about what a crazy bunch they seemed to be, when I interjected and warned him that he should be careful because that's where I come from!! We talked about the need for set up to be easy, for the drapes to be low maintenance and then griped some about all the inevitable wrinkles. Neal's advice? ROLL your drape!

Centenary also asked about some portable displays that they can use for on-campus events or programs held at hotels that would welcome students and families to admission events. Neal showed us the retractable banner displays they can do. Shown here in a sample for Atlanta Public Schools.


What struck me was the vivid color in these photos. Apparently retractable displays printed on fabric absorb color better than similar displays made of vinyl or paper. Neal demonstrated set up and portability for us and said that if you take care with the stand, these can last for a LONG time. So long in fact, that you might update the image and reuse the infrastructure. I'm confident in recommending these to my client.

Neal said some schools are ordering wide displays with a college seal and using them as a backdrop for a photo opportunity. He does a lot of business with commencement and alumni banners and gonfalons! Check out this podium hanger from Georgia Perimeter College (former Stein client)

Incredible how they can print such detail on fabric. This is ATL mayor, Shirley Franklin!

For anyone whos had to stand behind a table in a high school cafeteria, you understand that we don't need to give students any reason to judge your school before they even open their mouths to talk to you. An attractive display with consistent branding certainly can't hurt, right? Especially once paired with an admission counselor's charm and charisma! (and willingness to answer the silliest questions!)

Have a great weekend!