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Exhibitions are a big investment and your print needs to earn its place. Explore our hub for the products, guidance and practical know-how to help your setup look right and work on the day, all backed by in-house print, fast turnaround and free UK delivery.
Exhibitions aren’t just another marketing activity, they’re a serious investment of time, money and effort. Whether you're exhibiting at ExCeL London (just minutes from our Dagenham team), heading to the NEC Birmingham, or setting up a simple display at a local event, your print needs to do more than just look good, it needs to perform. At WTTB, we combine large format print expertise with real exhibition experience to help you show up properly and get results.
From full exhibition stands to simple table setups, we supply everything you need to build a professional presence.
What is exhibition printing?
Exhibition printing covers all printed materials used at events, including banners, signage, display stands and promotional items. These materials are designed to attract attention, communicate your message quickly and withstand transport and repeated use.
What do I need for an exhibition stand?
Most exhibition stands include a main backdrop, supporting displays like roller banners and printed materials such as flyers or business cards. The exact setup depends on your stand size and objectives, but simplicity and clarity are key.
What is a shell scheme and how do I design for it?
A shell scheme is a standard booth structure made from panels and aluminium framing. Artwork must be designed to exact panel sizes and may need to be split across multiple sections to fit correctly.
What is the best display for exhibitions?
Roller banners, fabric displays and printed boards are among the most effective options. The best results usually come from combining multiple display elements rather than relying on a single product.
Do I need to order lighting and internet separately?
Yes, these are usually not included and must be booked through the organiser. Ordering in advance is more cost-effective and ensures availability.
Are exhibition displays reusable?
Yes, many products are designed to be reused across multiple events, making them a cost-effective investment.
What size should my exhibition graphics be?
This depends on your stand type and display system. Always check specifications or templates before designing to ensure a correct fit.
How quickly can I get exhibition printing?
Many large format products are available with fast turnaround and same-day dispatch, depending on artwork approval.
Weather Resistance
Outdoor display materials need to handle rain, wind and prolonged sun exposure without losing colour, structure or finish. Choosing weather-resistant print and durable substrates helps ensure your signage and graphics continue to look sharp and professional, even in unpredictable conditions.
Stability & Fixing
Displays in open spaces must be anchored securely. Without proper fixings or weights, wind or foot traffic can topple signs or damage graphics. Plan for stabilisation with the correct fixings, bases, or weights to keep every element safe, stable, and highly visible.
PVC banners are typically installed using eyelets and bungee cords. Bungee cords:
These simple fixings help your banners stay secure while performing in all outdoor conditions.
Branded gazebos provide structure and shelter, but must be properly anchored. Depending on your setup, you may need:
Proper anchoring keeps your gazebo stable and professional throughout the event.
Flags attract attention but still need a stable base. Choose the right option for your environment:
This ensures your flags, whether crest, feather or quill, stay upright, visible, and safe in all conditions.
Transport & Setup
Outdoor events often require moving equipment from parking or loading areas to your pitch. Lightweight, portable display systems with simple assembly save time and reduce stress. Proper planning for transport and setup ensures your stand is ready to impress without delays.
Visibility from Distance
Open-air environments are larger than indoor halls, so your messaging must be bold and readable from afar. Large-format graphics, striking colours, and clear typography make it easy for visitors to spot your stand and understand your key message quickly.
Plan for the Conditions
Outdoor environments can change quickly. Anything that needs fixing, securing, or stabilising should be planned in advance to avoid delays, damage, or safety issues during your event.
Outdoor Events Still Need the Basics
Even outdoors, fundamentals matter. Visitors need takeaways to remember your brand. Make sure you include:
Providing these ensures your message extends beyond the event itself.
Create your full event setup, from gazebos and flags to banners and signage, all expertly produced in-house.
Fast turnaround and same-day dispatch on key products help you stay event-ready, even when time is against you.
Keep your display working, rain or shine with event gear engineered for maximum stability and visibility.
Count on a perfect result every time with a printing partner trusted by over 70,000 customers
Exhibition setups aren’t one-size-fits-all. The space you’re working in, the type of event and the way people move through it all affect how your print needs to perform.
One of the most common mistakes is treating every event the same. What works in a large exhibition hall can feel excessive in a smaller venue, while a minimal setup can easily get lost in a busy, high-traffic space. Getting the balance right isn’t about doing more, it’s about using the right elements for the environment you’re in. When your display is scaled properly, it becomes easier to attract attention, communicate clearly and create a setup that feels considered rather than improvised.
Exhibition stands aren't one size fits all. Understanding your stand type helps you choose the right graphics, displays and materials for a professional, effective presentation.
Events don’t always follow a template, and neither do we. If you need something beyond our standard range, we offer bespoke print solutions to match any brief. From unique formats to customised display setups, our team will work with you to deliver your vision.
When deadlines are tight, you need print you can rely on. Whether you’re preparing for a last-minute exhibition, event or promotion, we offer fast turnaround across a wide range of products, all produced to a high standard and delivered when you need them. Choose your product below and get your event print sorted without the stress.
Planning an exhibition stand or event display involves more than just ordering print and turning up on the day. From lighting and power to storage, setup time and hidden costs, there are practical details that aren’t always obvious when booking your space.
Understanding these early helps you avoid common exhibition mistakes, manage your budget more effectively and ensure your stand looks professional, runs smoothly and performs as expected.
Outdoor events come with a different set of challenges to indoor exhibitions. From festivals and markets to trade shows and brand activations, your print needs to handle the environment as much as the audience. The right setup helps you stay visible, stable and professional throughout the event, without constant adjustments on the day.
Outdoor events come with a few extra considerations compared to indoor exhibitions. Planning ahead helps you avoid issues on the day and keeps your setup stable, visible and easy to manage.
Need some guidance? We're here to help! Explore our FAQs to find answers to common questions about exhibition and event printing with Where The Trade Buys (WTTB).
At exhibitions, you're competing for attention in a busy, crowded space. People won't read everything, they'll scan, glance and move on. Your display needs to catch the eye and communicate your message at a distance.
Large format graphics form the backbone. Whether roller banners, exhibition stands, pop-up systems or PVC banners, these elements help define your space and create a clear focal point, making your brand visible from across the hall.
Getting this right is what turns passing footfall into people actually stopping at your stand.
Not everything at an exhibition is about grabbing attention, some of it is about making your space easy to understand. Signage helps visitors quickly see who you are, what you offer and where to look, especially in busy halls where people are moving quickly between stands.
Materials such as Foamex, Dibond and Correx are often used to shape and support your display, from branded panels and product boards to directional signage and supporting graphics. They help give your stand definition, keep your messaging consistent and create a more polished, organised look.
Whether you’re working with a full stand or a smaller space, these elements make sure your display is clear, easy to navigate and works from every angle.
Not every event comes with a full exhibition stand. Many setups are built around a table, a small footprint or a shared space, but that doesn’t mean your presence should feel like an afterthought.
Simple elements like branded tablecloths, strut cards and counter displays can quickly turn a basic setup into something that looks considered and professional. They help frame your space, highlight key messages and give visitors a clear place to engage, even in more compact environments.
For smaller events, pop-ups or local venues, it’s often these details that make the biggest difference.
Once someone stops at your stand, they need something to take away. Printed materials like flyers, leaflets and business cards help carry the conversation beyond the event, giving people a simple way to remember your brand and follow up later.
In busy exhibition environments, not every interaction turns into an immediate decision. Clear, well-designed handouts keep your message in people’s hands, reinforce what you offer and make it easier for them to come back to you after the event.
Even a simple flyer or card can turn a quick conversation into a future enquiry.
Exhibitions aren’t just about being seen, they’re about being remembered. Branded merchandise, promotional products and giveaways give people a reason to engage with your stand and something tangible to take away.
From stickers and printed items to clothing and branded merchandise, these products help extend your presence beyond the event itself. They keep your brand visible after the conversation ends and can turn a quick interaction into something more lasting.
Used well, they add personality to your stand and create more opportunities for people to connect with your brand.
If you're exhibiting at major venues like NEC Birmingham, Olympia London or ExCeL London, you’re competing in a large, high-traffic environment where people are constantly moving between stands.
In these spaces, visibility isn’t optional. Your exhibition display needs to communicate clearly at a glance, with large format graphics and strong visual anchors that can be understood in seconds. If someone has to stop and work out what you do, you’ve already lost momentum.
There’s also the practical side. Build times are limited, access can be tight and everything needs to perform as expected on the day. Reliable, easy-to-assemble displays remove friction and help your setup run smoothly from the start.
For larger exhibition stands, you need:
The most effective stands are simple, bold and built to work in fast-paced exhibition halls.
Not every event calls for a full exhibition stand, and trying to scale one down often works against you. Smaller spaces reward clarity, not complexity.
At pop-ups, local events or table-based setups, visitors are already close to your stand. The goal isn’t to compete at a distance, it’s to present something clear, approachable and easy to engage with.
A smaller setup still needs structure. Without it, your space can feel inconsistent or easy to overlook, even in quieter environments.
For smaller setups, focus on:
This combination is often enough to create a professional, consistent presence without overcrowding the space. In these environments, doing less, but doing it well, delivers better results.
A shell scheme is a pre-built exhibition stand provided by organisers, typically made from aluminium framing with panel walls, a fascia board and carpet.
These stands come in different layouts depending on position, with more open designs increasing visibility but also requiring stronger, well-planned graphics.
Best for: first-time exhibitors and standard event setups
What you’ll need: shell scheme graphics, roller banners, printed materials
Typical cost level: £ (entry-level)
Modular stands are flexible systems made from reusable panels that can be reconfigured for different layouts and sizes.
They offer a step up from shell schemes, allowing a more premium and versatile presence at multiple events.
Best for: regular exhibitors and growing brands
What you’ll need: fabric graphics, backdrops, supporting signage
Typical cost level: ££ (mid-range)
Custom stands are designed entirely around your brand and objectives. These high-impact setups are usually created by specialist contractors and may include unique structures, integrated lighting, and premium finishes.
Best for: large brands, high-profile events, and exhibitions where maximum visual impact is critical
What you’ll need: large format graphics, custom panels, full branding elements
Typical cost level: £££ (premium)
Space only stands provide a completely empty floor space with no walls, power, or pre-installed structures.
These require a full custom setup from scratch, giving you the freedom to create a standout exhibition space, but also requiring careful planning and logistics.
Best for: experienced exhibitors or those commissioning full custom builds
What you’ll need: stand structure, graphics, flooring, lighting, power
Typical cost level: ££–£££ (varies depending on build)
Portable, lightweight display solutions like roller banners and pop-up fabric stands.
These are cost-effective, easy to transport, and quick to assemble, perfect for small events, pop-ups, or first-time exhibitors who want a professional look without a huge investment.
Best for: entry-level small events and first-time exhibitors
What you’ll need: banners, display stands, printed materials
Typical cost level: £ (low-cost, high-impact)
Large open stands accessible from all four sides, allowing maximum visibility and foot traffic.
These setups require 360° branding and central displays to make an impact in high-traffic areas.
Best for: large exhibitions and high-traffic events
What you’ll need: central displays, full branding, large format graphics
Typical cost level: £££ (premium)
Lighting is rarely included as standard at exhibitions and usually needs to be booked separately. Relying on minimal lighting can leave your stand looking flat, making it harder to attract attention in a busy exhibition hall.
Well-planned lighting improves visibility from a distance, highlights key products and helps your exhibition display feel more professional and considered, especially in larger venues or high-traffic environments.
Basic setup items such as tape, hook and loop (Velcro), extension leads and tools are often available at events, but usually at a premium.
Bringing your own equipment keeps costs down and ensures you have everything you need to build, adjust and maintain your exhibition stand without delays or compromises.
Most exhibition packages do not include essentials like electrical sockets, Wi-Fi, additional lighting or furniture hire. These are typically added as extras and can increase costs quickly if not planned in advance.
If your stand relies on card payments, digital displays or live demonstrations, securing power and internet ahead of time ensures everything runs smoothly and avoids last-minute issues on-site.
Storage space is often limited, restricted or only available at an additional cost. Without a clear plan, packaging, stock and personal items can quickly take over your stand space.
Planning where everything will go helps maintain a tidy, organised and professional appearance, which directly impacts how visitors perceive your brand.
Exhibitions operate on strict setup and breakdown schedules, often with limited access windows. Arriving without a plan can lead to delays, stress and an unfinished setup.
Preparing your layout, organising materials and understanding your space in advance helps you set up efficiently and ensures your stand is ready to perform from the moment the event opens.
Simple preparation can significantly improve how your exhibition setup runs in real-world conditions. Using a folding trolley makes transporting equipment easier, while clearly labelling boxes speeds up setup and reduces confusion.
Planning your stand layout in advance and thinking about storage early helps create a more efficient workflow, saving time during setup and keeping your display looking clean and professional throughout the event.
Outdoor setups need to account for conditions you don’t deal with indoors.
You’ll need to consider:
Getting these right early avoids the most common on-site issues.
Outdoor displays need to work harder. You’re not competing in a contained hall, you’re working in open space where attention is spread out.
That means your display needs to:
Large graphics, bold messaging and materials are what make the difference.
Choosing the right base for your outdoor flags can make all the difference in real-world event conditions. A ground spike provides a secure, rock-solid setup on grass or soft ground, while a drive-on car foot uses vehicle weight for instant stability in busy outdoor environments.
For harder surfaces or windy conditions, a large water base offers portable, heavy-duty support. Small decisions like these help ensure your outdoor event display stays secure, visible and working exactly as it should throughout the day.
Keeping your gazebo secure is just as important as the structure itself, especially at busy outdoor events where conditions can change quickly. Tent weights provide a simple, effective solution for stabilising your setup on flat surfaces where pegs aren’t practical.
Designed to slide on easily, they add reliable weight without slowing down your setup time. While a single weight can help, using all four corners is recommended for maximum stability. Small additions like this help ensure your gazebo stays safe, secure and performing as expected throughout the day.
How your banner is fixed can have just as much impact as the material itself, particularly for outdoor PVC and mesh banners. Bungee cords provide a flexible, secure fixing method that helps maintain consistent tension while allowing natural movement in the wind.
This reduces strain on eyelets and helps prevent damage over time. Commonly used for event branding, construction fencing and outdoor advertising, they offer a simple, reliable solution for keeping banners looking clean, professional and properly positioned throughout the day.
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