Banner Stand Buyer’s Guide

A banner stand is a type of exhibition stand that displays a printed company logo, message or design on a vinyl, polyester-based or fabric material.

They are most prominent in shell schemes at trade shows and exhibitions, although they can also be widely seen in retail areas, hotel lobbies, reception spaces and pretty much any setting where an organisation wants to increase its brand visibility or display some useful information to visitors.

What other names are there for banner stands?

• Pull up banners

• Pop up stands

• Pull up signs

• Displays to go

• X Banners

• Vertical banners

Roller banners, also known as pop up or retractable banners, are the most popular type of banner due to their easy portability and quick assembly.

The printed graphic is protected in the base during transport, and can be pulled up easily on a spring-based roller mechanism.

It is possible to replace the graphic once it becomes worn or outdated but due to the difficulty in doing this and low cost of many stands, most suppliers will suggest buying a new stand altogether.

Please check with your supplier first though as replacement graphics may be offered for higher value roller banner stands.

They are suited for exhibitors with one or two shows a year, start-up businesses looking for a cost-effective banner display or anyone who wants an easily-assembled accompaniment for a public space.

Simple but effective low-cost options include the 800mm wide Swift Roller Banner, if you want a wider stand (up to 2.4m) check out the Swift Plus or Swift Premium.
If you want graphic visibility from both sides, you may want to consider a double-sided banner stand or for displaying outdoors, a weatherproof outdoor banner stand.

Advantages

• Cost-effective

• Easy to Transport

• Simple to assemble

Disadvantages

• Graphic generally can’t be changed by end-user

• Some suppliers value price over quality, meaning the stand and print quality can be compromised

• Roller mechanism can malfunction

Fabric banner stands are a popular alternative to conventional banner stands as they offer lightweight, seamless graphics available in an array of different designs.
They also have the benefit of being extremely easy-to-assemble, with the graphic pulling over the frame in a matter of minutes.

The design is printed on the graphics using dye sublimination – a modern printing technique which products brilliant colour and definition in the display.

Another advantage of fabric banner stands is that can be folded in transit, meaning they take up hardly any space and could even be taken on public transport if required. In addition, the fabric graphics can washed on a low temperature to remove any stains that occur during use.

Advantages

• Eye-catching

• Lightweight

• Washable graphics

Disadvantages

• Graphics can fade over time

• Higher cost than conventional roller banners

• Less stable than classic banner stands

Tension banners are a visually striking banner, well-suited to experienced exhibitors. Unlike a roller banner, the graphic is held in place by a tension cable or pole system, which generally helps avoid curl on the sides of the display.

The benefits of this system are that the graphic can be removed easily from the frame and, providing it is handled carefully, reattached when the time is right. This also means a number of graphics can be easily replaced over a series of shows, with no need to purchase new hardware. Tension banners are a great trade show display for exhibitors who want to have the ‘wow’ factor at a marketing event. Some types of tension banner stand can be fixed together to create a wider, flexible display that is perfect for exhibiting in different-sized shell schemes with the same display.

The most popular type of tensioned banner system is the Twist banner system – an extremely versatile display which can be used for creating large, complex backwall-type displays. Another very popular alternative being the Bannerbow Event Arch which can can inject that little bit of extra flair you are looking for.

Advantages

• Graphics can be changed without the need for new hardware

• Taught graphic is visually impressive

• Some types can be joined to make different-sized displays

Disadvantages

• Can be costly

• Graphics need to be carefully replaced to avoid wear and tear

• Can be difficult to assemble

Cassette banners are an ideal solution for exhibitors who want a roll up display with easily-changeable graphics.

A cassette banner stand case holds a removable graphics cassette, which can be swapped with other cassettes if you need to change your marketing message. Changing the graphics is far easier than on a tension banner stand, so much so that you can even swap your message during a marketing event if needed.

Cassette banners are an excellent exhibition display for exhibitors who want to change their display regularly. They have a sturdy design, making it a good choice for exhibitors who attend a large number of shows or who often damage their display.

Advantages

• Graphics can be quickly and easily interchanged

• Sturdy design and graphic protected by base in transit

• Cost-effective for exhibitors who want a number of different graphic displays

Disadvantages

• Can be expensive for single-time use

• Limited widths available

• Roller mechanism can malfunction