How to Choose the Right Exhibition Stand for Your Event

Your Stand Makes the First Impression

At any exhibition or trade show, attendees make snap judgements about which stands to visit and which to walk past. Your display does not need to be the biggest or the most expensive in the room, but it does need to look professional and communicate what you do within a few seconds.

The right stand depends on your space, your budget, how often you will use it, and what you are trying to achieve. Here is a breakdown of the main options.

Roller Banners

Roller banners (also called pull-up banners or retractable banners) are the most popular choice for a reason. They are affordable, lightweight, and set up in under a minute. The banner graphic rolls up into a metal base, and the whole thing fits into a padded carry case.

The standard size is 850mm x 2000mm. One or two roller banners can frame a table or stand area well, and they are easy to swap out if your message changes. If you are exhibiting for the first time or working with a limited budget, a pair of roller banners is a solid starting point.

We have a full guide to roller banner options and pricing if you want to explore this route.

Best For

• First-time exhibitors
• Small stand spaces (2m x 2m or 3m x 2m)
• Businesses that attend multiple events and need something portable
• Tight budgets

Pop-Up Exhibition Stands

Pop-up stands use a concertina frame that opens out and locks into position, with printed panels that attach to the front. They create a large, continuous backdrop that covers the full width of your stand space.

Common sizes are 3x3 (roughly 2.2m wide) and 3x4 (roughly 3m wide). The printed panels can be replaced without buying a new frame, which is useful if your branding or messaging changes. Pop-up stands come with a wheeled carry case and usually include spotlights that clip to the top of the frame.

Best For

• Shell scheme stands where you need to cover the back wall
• Businesses wanting a polished, professional backdrop
• Product launches or presentations where the backdrop needs to look sharp in photos

Fabric Display Stands

Fabric displays use a tension fabric graphic stretched over an aluminium frame. The fabric is usually printed using dye sublimation, which produces vivid colours and a smooth, crease-free finish. The graphic pulls over the frame like a pillowcase.

These stands are lighter than pop-ups and the fabric graphics can be machine-washed, which is a genuine advantage if you are using them regularly. They also look very clean in photos because there is no glare from lighting hitting a PVC surface.

Best For

• Frequent exhibitors who want a premium look
• Photography-heavy displays where print quality matters
• Businesses that travel to events by air (fabric packs down much smaller than PVC panels)

Tabletop Displays

If you only have a table rather than a full stand space, a tabletop display sits on the table and gives you a branded backdrop at a smaller scale. Options include mini roller banners (typically around 500mm wide), tabletop pop-up stands, and simple A-frame displays.

These are common at networking events, smaller trade fairs, and conferences where exhibitors are given a trestle table rather than a booth.

Best For

• Networking events and smaller trade fairs
• Conference exhibition areas with table-only spaces
• Supplementing a main stand at a larger event

Choosing Based on Your Space

Before you order anything, check what your exhibition organiser is providing. Key questions:

• What are the stand dimensions? Know the exact width and depth so your display fits properly.
• Is it a shell scheme or space only? Shell scheme means you get back and side walls. Space only means you need to bring everything.
• Is a table included? If not, you may need to hire or bring one.
• Are there height restrictions? Some venues limit stand heights, especially for interior stands that are not against a wall.

Budget Considerations

Here is a rough guide to what you might spend, depending on the type of display:

• Single roller banner: The most affordable option. Good for testing the waters at your first event.
• Pair of roller banners plus a tablecloth: A step up that gives you a more complete look without a big investment.
• Pop-up stand: Mid-range. The frame is reusable, and you only need to reprint the panels if your design changes.
• Fabric display: Higher initial cost, but durable and lightweight for regular use.

If you are attending three or more events a year, investing in a proper display system pays for itself quickly compared to hiring each time.

What Comes with Your Order

When ordering from Belfast Print, all our exhibition stands come with a carry case for transport. Roller banners include the base unit, graphic, pole, and carry bag. Pop-up stands include the frame, printed panels, lights, and a wheeled case.

If you are unsure which option suits your next event, get in touch and we will help you work it out.