Blog & Guide Category: Design

If you’re not used to designing exhibition stand graphics, it might be a daunting prospect. But it need not be. Simplicity is often the key.

Below we offer a series of useful tips for you to use yourself, or share with a designer, when creating the layouts and artwork for your exhibition stand.

First off, we’ll let you know that we supply a host of artwork templates for many of the stands we supply. These are available on the individual product pages. If a particular template is not available, you can usually find sizing information on the product pages either within the descriptions or via a product spec sheet.

Position important information towards the top of the stand

Positioning information, such as the company name or the key text line, towards the top of your exhibition stand graphic helps it stand out.

To start with, if the stand is in a busy area, the top part of the stand will be above everybody’s heads. So if you add the first part of your info higher up, chances are it will catch people’s eye and their interest.

Keep the messaging simple

An exhibition stand aims to capture attention. One simple line can be an effective way to open the conversation with your audience.

This line could be
1. Product or event information
2. An intriguing question
3. A statement about quality
4. Service-driven
5. Your USP (Unique Selling Proposition/Point)

Use eye-catching imagery

Even if people cannot initially read all the text, an impactful image can also spark interest and draw people in.

Useful info to share

Think about what your graphic needs to share.

Could you use any of the following –
1. Headline message text
2. Website address
3. QR code pointing to specific website pages
4. Phone number
5. Key company offerings
6. Important details your stand is promoting, such as product or service details, dates and times, location, pricing, etc.

Remember

Try to keep it simple. Exhibition stands generally act as a supporting role to the main event, used to give an overview of the story. Whether this is for advertising or as a backdrop, try to make an immediate impact and catch people’s attention.

Once your stand has been designed…

Then hopefully you’re ready to go. Please provide artwork using the guidelines and help points on our artwork guide page. Artwork is uploaded at the checkout stage.

Roller banner stands are a type of exhibition display used to promote businesses, products and events in a wide range of locations. They are commonly found at trade shows, conferences and exhibitions, as well as in retail spaces, hotel reception areas, book or product launches, railway stations and shopping centre promotional events. Because they are portable, quick to assemble and easy to transport, roller banners are one of the most versatile types of display stand available.

If you are new to this type of display, this short guide explains where roller banners work best, what to consider when designing your graphic, and why they remain a popular choice for event and retail marketing. For pricing and product options, you can browse our full range of roller banner stands.

What is a roller banner stand?

A roller banner stand (sometimes called a pull‑up or roll‑up banner) is a freestanding display made up of a printed graphic panel that retracts into a base cassette. A support pole holds the graphic upright when it is in use, and the whole unit typically packs down into a compact carry bag for transport.

Because setup is quick and requires no tools, roller banner stands are ideal when you need eye‑level branding or messaging in venues where space, time or staffing are limited.

Where can you use roller banners?

Roller banners are designed to work in many different environments, including:

• Business trade shows and exhibitions
• Conferences, seminars and training events
• Retail stores and pop‑up shops
• Hotel reception areas and lobbies
• Book launches and product launches
• Railway stations and shopping mall promotional events

Wherever you need a temporary but professional‑looking display, a roller banner can provide instant branding and directional messaging.

Sizes and space considerations

When choosing a roller banner, start by thinking about the space you have available and how far away your audience will be standing.

Our roller banner stands are available in a variety of widths, from compact 850 mm units through to larger displays up to 3 m wide. This range gives you options for everything from narrow aisles to wide, open exhibition stands.

For extra flexibility, our Piccadilly roller banner includes an adjustable height mechanism, allowing the graphic to extend up to an impressive 3 m. This can be useful in venues with higher ceilings or when you need additional impact at distance.

Designing an effective roller banner graphic

There are a few simple “unofficial rules” that can help ensure your roller banner stands out and remains legible in busy environments.

Put your logo and key message at the top

In crowded venues, the top of your stand is often the only part visible above people’s heads. Place your logo or headline message towards the top of the display so it is the first thing people see. This helps with brand recognition and makes your stand easier to spot across the room.

Use strong imagery and colour to stand out

Think about how your banner will look from a distance and against other displays. Use bold, high‑quality imagery and a clear layout to draw attention. One strong hero image is often more effective than several smaller pictures competing for attention. Consider high‑contrast colours and simple backgrounds so your text and graphics remain readable.

Include clear contact details

Make sure your contact information is easy to find and read. This might include your website, social media handles, QR codes, email address or phone number. These details are often placed towards the bottom of the display, but avoid positioning them so low that they are hidden behind furniture or blocked by people standing nearby.

Ease of use and assembly

One of the main advantages of roller banner stands is how easy they are to use. With the exception of very large 3 m wide roll‑up stands, most of our banner displays can be assembled by a single person in a few simple steps. The same applies to packing them away after your event.

Even our largest stands are supplied with an easy‑to‑carry bag, so transport and handling are straightforward for most users.

Transport and storage

When packed away, roller banners are surprisingly compact. Most of the smaller widths will fit comfortably into the boot of a standard car, while larger widths may require a larger boot area or small van. Although the packed unit is relatively long, the height and depth of the carry case are modest, which makes it easier to load and store with other event materials.

Proper storage between events will help protect the cassette and printed graphic, keeping your banner looking professional for longer.

Roller banners as “instant messaging”

A roller or roll‑up banner is essentially a physical form of instant messaging for your brand. It is quick to transport, fast to set up and immediately starts communicating your key message to people around you.

These stands have been used for many years because they are simple, practical and cost‑effective. With multiple options across sizes and budgets, roller banners remain a reliable way to get your message seen in busy environments without complex installation or large structural builds.

Explore our roller banner stands and display products

If this brief guide has helped you understand how roller banner stands work and where to use them, you can explore our full selection of products:

• View our full range of roller banner stands

• • Browse our complete product range for complementary exhibition and display solutions