So you've rented a 10' space at a trade show, and now you want to create an interesting and professional looking graphic backdrop. At this point most people who know anything at all about trade show displays will opt for a "popup display". But in spite of the popularity of "standard" popup displays, there are other alternatives you might consider.

Here is a very brief introduction to 3 different methods of creating a graphic backdrop for your trade show display area.

1. Standard PopUp Display

Standard popup displays are very popular. They usually come in 8' or 10' widths and are approximately 8' high. You are likely to see a standard graphic popup display behind the podium at most conventions, special events, or announcements. Especially if it is a short term event, or a series of announcements that moves around from location to location.

The folding frame of a popup display is normally made of either fibreglass or alumnimum tubes. The frame is covered with display panels either velcro-ready fabric panels, or printed graphics. Graphic panels are made of a material like Duralex which are specially printed lexan panels that are then laminated or coated for protection.

Before the frame is made to "popup" it comes folded down to a unit approximately 8" square by 30" wide. When it is unfolded, the frame "pops up" to a skeleton approximately 8' (or 10') wide by usually) about 8' high. This frame normally weighs about 15 lbs. and is stable enough to just sit on the floor without any anchoring or external support.

The panels that cover the frame are about 30" wide by 8' high. They are normally adhered to the frame by means of magentic strips applied to their back surface. Once the panels are applied to the frame the display gains even greater stability. When they are taken off the frame, the panels are flexible enough to be rolled up so they fit in the lightweight carrying case. The carrying case also serves as a shipping case.

2. Fabric Wall Displays

The fabric display represents an evolution of the popup. It uses the same kind of folding frame as the standard popup display. But it does not need additional graphic panels, or a mechanism to attach them to the frame.

Instead, the fabric display comes with a specially-printed fabric graphic that is already attached to the frame. So all you have to do is take the unit out of the carrying case and pull it up so it is fully unfolded. The brightly-printed durable fabric stretches smooth as it unfolds.

This is about as easy as it gets.

Like standard popup displays, fabric displays are available in 8' and 10' widths. But you can also buy narrower ones in 4' widths that can be used instead of banner stands.

This super-portable billboard-in-a-bag knocks down into a nylon duffel for easy transport. Perfect for new product intros, event marketing, lobby signs, virtually anywhere you need to make a big statement. They are normally printed with a process called dye-sublimation where the color is transferred right into the fabric. That makes them very stain and scuff resistant and guarantees that they will retain their striking appearance for several years.

3. Vinyl Banner Backdrop

The Vinyl Banner Backdrop is a low cost solution for creating a graphic wall for the back of your trade show space. It consists of an adjustable tubular frame that telescopes from between 3' and 8' wide and between 4' and 8' high. Larger frames can be purchased as well, but the 8' x 8' (fully extended) model is the most popular.

A full color vinyl banner is mounted on the frame by using pole pockets at the top and bottom, and the frame sits on the floor. For easier handling and shipping, the large vinyl banner is produced in 4' widths and held together when assembled with a product called "mag-edge". In other words, the two edges in the middle are held together by magnets -- a solution that works surprisingly well.

Although this system is a bit more difficult to assemble than a fabric popup, it is only about half the cost.