At a trade show or exhibition, you have seconds to stop someone in their tracks as they walk down a busy aisle. Your stand is competing against dozens — sometimes hundreds — of other businesses for the same eyeballs. Trade show display printing is the difference between a stand that blends into the background and one that commands attention, drives footfall, and generates qualified leads throughout the event.
Pull-Up Banners: The Trade Show Staple
The roller banner (also called a pull-up or retractable banner) is the single most commonly used piece of exhibition print. At 800mm × 2000mm, it is tall enough to be seen across a crowded hall, lightweight enough to carry in a shoulder bag, and quick to assemble in seconds. Tips for an effective pull-up banner:
- Lead with your company name and a single, clear value proposition in large type
- Include a supporting image that reflects your product, service, or brand personality
- Keep body copy minimal — visitors scan, they do not read at a glance
- Include your website and a QR code linking to a specific landing page or offer
- Use your brand colours consistently — your banner should be instantly recognisable as yours
Pop-Up Display Walls and Backdrops
For businesses that attend exhibitions regularly or want a more premium stand presence, a pop-up display wall or fabric backdrop creates a dramatic, immersive brand environment. Options include:
- Curved pop-up displays: Lightweight aluminium frames with magnetic graphic panels — fast to assemble, impressive visual impact
- Straight modular displays: More architectural, often combined with shelving or counters
- Fabric tension displays: Printed fabric stretched over a frame — lightweight, wrinkle-resistant, and easily updated with new graphic skins
- Step-and-repeat banners: Repeat logo backdrops ideal for photo opportunities and brand visibility in event photography
At Gravitfy Studio, we supply full exhibition display systems including hardware, printed graphics, and carry cases for transport.
Printed Tablecloths and Counter Covers
A plain folding table looks generic and unfinished. A custom-printed tablecloth in your brand colours instantly transforms your stand into a professional, branded environment. Printed tablecloths are available in fitted stretch fabric or flat print-and-drape options. Counter covers for reception desks or product display counters work the same way — turning a standard surface into a branded asset.
Brochures, Flyers, and Handout Materials
Every visitor who leaves your stand with a well-designed brochure is a warm lead who has taken your brand home with them. Trade show handout materials should:
- Communicate your core offer clearly on the front page
- Include case studies, testimonials, or key statistics
- Feature a clear call to action: visit the website, book a call, request a sample
- Be printed on quality stock — 170 GSM silk for flyers; 250 GSM cover with silk inner pages for brochures
- Include a QR code linking to a post-show landing page or special offer
According to Exhibitor Magazine, 76% of trade show attendees say printed materials influence their decision to follow up after an event.
Branded Merchandise and Giveaways
Branded giveaways extend your stand’s reach beyond the event floor. Popular trade show merchandise includes pens, tote bags, notebooks, reusable water bottles, and lanyards. Choose items relevant to your industry and useful enough that people will keep and use them — every use is a brand impression. Ensure your logo, website, and a tagline appear prominently on all items.
Post-Show Follow-Up Print
The work does not stop when the exhibition ends. A personalised follow-up mailer sent to leads collected at the show keeps your brand top-of-mind and converts warm contacts into clients. Print a short series of branded postcards or a premium letter on headed paper to follow up within 5 business days of the event.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I order trade show print?
Order at least 3–4 weeks before the event for display systems and custom backdrops. Flyers and brochures can usually be turned around in 5–7 working days. Always build in time for a proof approval before printing at volume.
What size pull-up banner should I use?
Standard width is 800mm. Double-width (1600mm) banners are available for larger stands or to flank both sides of a display wall. Height is typically 2000–2100mm for maximum visibility in exhibition halls.
Can display graphics be reprinted if our branding changes?
Yes — most modular display systems are designed so the graphic skins can be updated without replacing the hardware frame. This makes them a long-term investment that can adapt as your brand evolves.
Ready to Own the Room at Your Next Exhibition?
Gravitfy Studio supplies complete trade show print packages — banners, displays, brochures, tablecloths, and merchandise — designed to make your stand impossible to ignore.