Display systems: a guide to types and applications
Display systems are everything you can build an exhibition stand, promotional point or event backdrop from: walls, roll-ups, counters, stands, flags and ready-made builds. The choice is wide, and products from different groups look similar in photos. This guide sets out the main types of systems, shows what they're used for and links to guides where we describe them in more detail.
Where to start
Before you browse the catalogue, answer four questions:
- Where will the system stand? An exhibition hall, conference room, shop or outdoor space each have different requirements.
- How much space do you have? A 2×1 m stand needs a different system from a 6×4 m one with a storage room.
- Who will assemble it, and how often? Self-assembly every week has different requirements from once a year with a crew.
- How will it be transported? The weight and size when folded determine whether the set will fit in a car.
Types of display systems
| System | What it's for | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Roll-up | A single message, quick setup, conferences and points of sale | How much does a printed roll-up cost |
| Fabric wall | Stand and stage backdrop, lightweight structure, replaceable graphics | Single- or double-sided |
| Pop-up wall | Classic trade show and conference backdrop, curved or straight | Straight or curved |
| LED backlit wall | Illuminated graphics visible from afar, stands and showrooms | LED BOX™, LUNIX™ and BACKLIGHT |
| Exhibition stand | Complete build from 6 to 36 m², with counter, storage room and lighting | Modulate™, Vector, Fastframe™ or MEGA SEG™ |
| Counters and podiums | A place for conversations, tastings and product presentations | Backlit or standard counter |
| Brochure stands | Catalogues and leaflets at the stand, reception and point of sale | A4, A3 or A5 format |
| A-boards | A message at the entrance, menu, daily special | Outdoor A-boards and wind |
| Advertising flags | Visibility from afar, outdoors, at the entrance to an event | How to choose an advertising flag |
| Outdoor systems | Weatherproof banners and stands | Outdoor advertising stands |
| Queue barriers | Queues, VIP zones, marking passages | Barrier post with belt or rope |
Systems for the exhibition hall
For a small in-line stand, a fabric or pop-up wall as a backdrop, a counter with graphics and a brochure stand are often enough. Such a set is light, packs into bags and is usually assembled by one or two people. How many people you actually need depends on the system, as we explain in our guide How many people does it take to assemble a display wall.
For stands from 9 m² upwards, it's worth considering a ready-made modular build. Stands from the Modulate™, Vector, Fastframe™ and LUNIX™ systems come with matched walls, a counter and lighting. For later trade shows they can be rearranged for a different area. We describe how to increase traffic to your stand without extending the build in our guide How to increase traffic to your exhibition stand.
Systems for conferences and the office
At a conference you most often need a stage backdrop or a photo wall, for example a curved fabric display wall, a few roll-ups at registration and a stand for materials. Fabric walls look good in photos because the fabric reflects less light from lamps and flashes. In an office or showroom, a fabric wall can stay up permanently as decoration. You'll find ideas for such designs in our guide Fabric walls for showrooms, offices and points of sale.
Outdoor systems
Outdoors, wind resistance, a stable base and the graphic material matter. Flags cope well with gusts, banner stands give a large area, and outdoor A-boards work at the entrance. Before choosing a system, check the permitted wind strength in the specification.
Graphics and their durability
In most systems only the graphic is replaced, while the structure lasts for many campaigns. SEG fabric prints and covers can usually be cleaned, but always according to the instructions for the specific product, as we describe in our guide How to wash, store and care for fabric wall graphics. You'll find a comparison of materials in the article Materials for display walls.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy just the structure without a print?
For many systems, yes. The no-print variant is marked on the product page. When you order a print from us, you'll get a template with bleed matched to the structure.
Do you help with graphic design?
We don't design graphics. You or your designer prepare the design, and we check the finished file before printing.
How do I match a system to my budget?
First decide what must be on the stand, for example a backdrop, a counter and space for materials. Then choose a system that meets these needs and will last for several events. A cheaper system that has to be replaced every year often costs more than a more durable structure with replaceable graphics.
Summary
A good display system is chosen to suit the location, area, assembly method and transport. Start with the table above, go to the guide on the chosen product group, and if you still have doubts, send us the stand dimensions and a description of the event. We'll help you put the set together.