Portable trade show displays are becoming more popular with exhibitors because of the low cost of shipping and drayage, but picking the right exhibit for your company can be a tough project. There are hundreds of different models available on the internet, and which one you pick will depend on your marketing budget and what types of accessories you need. No matter what type of trade show display you choose, the goal is to make a huge impact with your exhibit space and leave a lasting impression on visitors.

There are many types of portable trade show displays, and below is a list of the most common styles:

Tabletop Displays

Tabletop displays are typically used at small, local trade shows. Companies that exhibit locally tend to devote their marketing efforts toward small display systems that provide a large graphic area. Tabletop displays are often complimented with table covers branded with a company logo, which helps companies to identify themselves. Tabletop displays can cost anywhere from $300 - $2,000, but most systems cost around $800.

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Pop Up Displays


Pop up displays have been a mainstay in the portable trade show display industry for over 30 years. These unique systems use aluminum frames that collapse down very small, but can expand to form large back wall displays. Fabric or graphic panels can be added to the frame once it has been set up, allowing you to display a seamless image across the entire width of your booth. Pop up displays typically range between $1,000 and $4,000.

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Modular Displays

Modular trade show displays can be used in multiple exhibit spaces with the exact same hardware. There is no need to purchase different displays depending on the size of the booth you need to exhibit in, modular displays allow you to quickly change out your hardware and use your booth in multiple settings. If you know that your company will need to exhibit in multiple spaces, modular trade show displays are definitely the way to go. Modular displays typically range between $5,000 and $15,000.

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Hybrid Displays


Hybrid displays are accessory friendly exhibits. Adding monitor mounts, literature holders, and counter systems is easy thanks to innovative display technologies. One exhibit system can support countless accessories and many configurations, which allows exhibitors to have a great deal of flexibility without paying an exorbitant price for a custom exhibit. Typically hybrid displays range between $2,000 and $10,000.

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Banner Stand Walls


Banner stand walls are an economical way to exhibit in a 10 x 10 space. These simple systems are very lightweight, but have a very large graphic area. The graphic retracts into the base when not in use, which allows it to remain protected in transportation and shipping. The banner stand wall as pictured can be fully set up within 10 seconds, making it one of the easiest displays to use on the market. Typically banner stand walls run between $800 and $2,000.

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Investing in a Portable Exhibit
Purchasing a trade show display can be a big step for a company, but the investment usually pays off big. Here are some things you should look for when purchasing a trade show exhibit to make sure that you’re getting the best deal:

• Make sure your display carries a lifetime warranty. You don’t want to be left holding the bag when your display is destroyed in a cross-country shipment or damaged by careless I & D personnel.
• Make sure your display is assembled in the United States. Chinese-made products are inferior, have longer turnaround times, and usually do not carry any type of warranty.
• Make sure your portable display is approved for the show you are attending. Trade shows have strict regulations and policies, and many exhibitors arrive only to find out that their type of trade show display has been banned by the show organizers.
• Make sure you save money for accessories. Literature racks and product shelving are important parts of any display system, so don’t forget about these items when ordering your trade show exhibit.