If you’re planning to participate in your first trade show, congratulations — it’s an excellent opportunity to showcase your brand, connect with new customers, and make a lasting impression. But before you start printing flyers and setting up your booth, there’s one key element that can truly set you apart: your fabric display.
At Benchmark Imaging and Displays, we’ve helped countless businesses create stunning, professional displays that attract attention at trade shows, live shows, and local events. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you choose your first fabric display with confidence.
Step 1: Understand Your Space and Setup Needs
Before you start designing anything, find out how much space you’ll have at the event.
1) Will you have a small tabletop setup or a full booth?
2) Is it indoors or outdoors?
3) Will you have access to power for lighting or digital screens?
Once you know your space, you can decide which display type best fits — from fabric backdrops and pop-up walls to SEG (Silicone Edge Graphic) frames and hanging banners.
💡 Tip: Fabric displays are lightweight and easy to transport — perfect for quick setup and tear-down at trade shows.
Step 2: Choose the Right Type of Fabric Display
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to displays. Here are a few popular options:
- Pop-Up Fabric Displays: Quick to assemble and ideal for small booths.
- SEG Fabric Frames: Offer a sleek, seamless look with backlit options that make your visuals glow.
- Table Covers and Banners: Great for branding your table area and reinforcing your company identity.
- Outdoor Fabric Graphics: Durable, weather-resistant materials for open-air events.
Step 3: Design with Purpose
Your display should tell your brand story in seconds.
Keep these points in mind:
- Use large, readable fonts and vibrant imagery.
- Highlight one or two key messages — too much text can overwhelm.
- Include your logo, tagline, and website prominently.
- Match your display design with your other marketing materials for consistency.
Need help bringing your ideas to life? Our in-house design experts at Benchmark can assist you with custom layout and printing guidance to make sure your visuals stand out beautifully.
Step 4: Consider Portability and Reusability
If you plan to attend multiple trade shows, invest in a display that’s durable, easy to pack, and reusable.
Fabric displays from Benchmark are:
- Lightweight and wrinkle-resistant
- Machine washable
- Easy to update with replacement graphics
This makes them a wise long-term investment that keeps your brand looking fresh event after event.
Step 5: Think About Installation and Support
Even the best display won’t shine if it’s challenging to set up. Benchmark offers professional installation services and can guide you through the entire process — from design and printing to assembly and display management.
If you prefer a DIY approach, we also provide detailed setup instructions and customer support, so you’ll feel confident using your display anywhere.
Step 6: Partner with the Right Printing Team
The quality of your display depends on the printing. With decades of experience in large-format printing and finishing, Benchmark Imaging & Displays guarantees:
- Crisp, color-accurate printing
- Fast turnaround times
- Competitive pricing
- Dependable customer service
Our Chicago-based team takes pride in delivering displays that help brands shine — whether it’s at a live show or a national trade show.
Ready to Get Started?
Choosing your first fabric display doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right partner and a clear plan, you can create a setup that draws people in and effectively tells your brand story.
👉 Let Benchmark help you make your first event a success.
Call us today at 847.290.0002 or request a quote online to start planning your custom fabric display.
