A pop up display is a collapsible trade show booth that assembles into a full-width backwall in minutes without tools. Pop up booths are the fastest-assembling display type on the market, which is why they remain one of the most popular choices for exhibitors at trade shows, conferences, and expos of every size. Displayit manufactures pop up displays in two frame styles, accordion and push-button, with every pop up booth including custom-printed graphics, hardware, and a shipping case in the listed price. Below, we compare pop up display types, frame styles, sizes, and pricing to help you choose the right pop up booth for your next event.
What is a pop up display and how does it work?
A pop up display is a portable trade show booth built on a collapsible aluminum frame that expands or connects into a full-width backwall. The term "pop up" comes from the accordion-style frames that literally pop open from a compact folded position into a 10-foot or 20-foot wall in seconds. Push-button tube frames also fall under the pop up booth category because they share the same core advantage: fast, tool-free, one-person assembly.
Pop up displays use two main frame styles:
| Feature | Accordion Frame (Graffiti / Quick-Up) | Push-Button Frame (Ensemble) |
|---|---|---|
| How It Works | Entire frame unfolds outward from a collapsed position in one motion | Individual tube poles connect together with push-button fittings |
| Graphic Attachment | SEG (silicone edge graphics) press into a channel for a frameless look | Pillowcase-style fabric slides over the frame like a fitted sheet |
| Setup Time (10ft) | 5 - 10 minutes | 10 - 15 minutes |
| Backlit Option | Yes (Graffiti Backlit line) | No |
| Graphic Finish | Seamless, frameless edge (premium look) | Clean finish with slight fabric wrap at edges |
| Weight (10ft) | ~43 lbs | ~25 lbs |
| 10ft Price Range | $765 - $1,550 | $800 - $1,200 |
Choose an accordion frame pop up display if you want the fastest possible setup, the cleanest graphic finish, or the option to upgrade to backlit in the future. Choose a push-button frame pop up booth if minimizing weight is the priority. The Ensemble Helium backwall is nearly half the weight of an accordion frame, which reduces shipping costs and makes air travel easier. For a broader comparison that includes multi-frame kits and other display types, see: Pop-Up vs. Backwall vs. Multi-Frame Trade Show Displays.
Which pop up booth is best for a 10 x 10 trade show space?
The 10 x 10 booth is the most common trade show space, and a pop up display is one of the most popular ways to fill it. A 10-foot pop up booth covers the full rear wall of a 10 x 10 space with a single frame and a single graphic, creating a clean branded backdrop that one person can assemble in minutes. Here are the 10 x 10 pop up booths available from Displayit:
| Pop Up Display | Frame Type | Setup | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10ft Helium Backwall | Push-Button Tube | 1 person, 10 min | $800 - $1,200 | Lightest weight, budget-friendly |
| 10ft Graffiti SEG Pop Up | Accordion (SEG) | 1 person, 10 min | $1,050 - $1,550 | Seamless graphic finish, upgradeable to backlit |
| 10ft Graffiti Backlit Pop Up | Accordion (Backlit) | 1 person, 30 min | $2,500 - $3,700 | Maximum visual impact with LED backlighting |
- First-time exhibitors on a budget should start with the Helium Backwall. At under 25 lbs and under $1,200, it is the most portable and affordable full-width pop up booth you can buy.
- Exhibitors who want the cleanest look should choose the Graffiti SEG pop up display. The silicone edge graphic creates a seamless, frameless finish that tension fabric cannot match.
- Exhibitors at large or competitive shows should consider the Graffiti Backlit pop up. The internal LED lighting makes your graphics glow, which is visible from across a crowded exhibit hall. For more on choosing between backlit and standard displays, see: Trade Show Backdrops: How to Choose the Right Backdrop Display.
Are there pop up displays for 10 x 20 booths?
Yes. Displayit offers 10 x 20 pop up displays that cover the full 20-foot rear wall of a double booth. The 20-foot pop up booths use the same frame styles as the 10-foot models but are wider and typically require two people for setup.
| Booth Size | Entry-Level Pop Up | Mid-Range Pop Up | Backlit Pop Up |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 x 10 | Helium Backwall ($800 - $1,200) | Graffiti SEG ($1,050 - $1,550) | Graffiti Backlit ($2,500 - $3,700) |
| 10 x 20 | 20ft Ensemble ($1,495 - $2,200) | 20ft Graffiti SEG ($2,200 - $3,000) | 20ft Graffiti Backlit ($5,000 - $8,000) |
A single pop up display does not resize. A 10-foot frame is always 10 feet and a 20-foot frame is always 20 feet. If you attend events with different booth sizes, consider a modular system like the Ensemble multi-frame kits where components from a 20-foot setup can be reconfigured to fit a 10-foot space.
Can I get a backlit pop up display?
Yes. A backlit pop up display combines the fast-assembling accordion frame of a standard pop up booth with internal LED light arrays that illuminate the graphic from behind. The result is a glowing, high-contrast pop up booth that stands out on crowded exhibit floors. Displayit offers backlit pop up displays in the Graffiti Backlit line for both 10 x 10 and 10 x 20 booths.
| Factor | Standard Pop Up Display | Backlit Pop Up Display |
|---|---|---|
| 10ft Price | $765 - $1,550 | $2,500 - $3,700 |
| Visual Impact | Relies on ambient hall lighting | Self-illuminated, visible from across the exhibit floor |
| Electrical Required | No | Yes ($150 - $500 per show for venue power) |
| Setup Time | 5 - 15 minutes | 20 - 30 minutes |
| Graphic Type | Standard dye-sub printed fabric | Translucent backlit fabric designed for LED illumination |
A backlit pop up booth is the fastest way to get LED illumination into your trade show space without investing in a premium multi-frame backlit system like the Prism line. Exhibitors already familiar with the standard Graffiti pop up can add backlighting without learning a new assembly process since the frame mechanics are the same. For a detailed cost and impact comparison between backlit and standard displays, see: Backlit vs. Standard Trade Show Displays: Cost, Setup & Impact Analysis.
How do pop up booths compare to other trade show display types?
Pop up booths sit in the entry-to-mid price range for trade show displays. A pop up display costs more than a standalone banner stand but less than a multi-frame kit or premium backlit system. The main advantage of a pop up booth over other display types is the combination of full-width booth coverage and fast setup time. Here is how pop up displays compare across the full range of trade show displays:
| Display Type | 10 x 10 Price Range | Setup Time | Reconfigurable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banner Stands | $200 - $500 per stand | Under 2 min | N/A (single panel) |
| Pop Up Displays | $765 - $1,550 | 5 - 15 min | No (fixed layout) |
| Multi-Frame Kits | $2,200 - $4,500 | 30 - 45 min | Yes (rearrange panels) |
| Backlit Systems | $2,500 - $10,000 | 30 - 60+ min | Varies by model |
Pop up displays offer the best combination of full-width booth coverage and fast setup at a mid-range price. They are ideal for exhibitors who want a complete branded backwall without the setup complexity of a multi-frame kit. If your priority is reconfigurability across different booth sizes, a multi-frame kit is the better long-term investment. If your priority is speed and simplicity, a pop up booth is the way to go. For a personalized recommendation based on your booth size and budget, try our interactive Trade Show Display Buying Guide.
Can I replace the graphics on a pop up display without buying a new frame?
Yes. Every Displayit pop up display frame is designed to last through years of repeated use, and replacement graphics are available for every model. This means you can update your branding, messaging, or campaign visuals on your pop up booth without purchasing a new frame.
| Option | What You Get | Typical Cost (10ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement Graphics Only | New custom-printed fabric graphic for your existing pop up frame | $300 - $700 |
| New Complete Pop Up Display | New frame, new graphic, new shipping case | $765 - $1,550 |
The average pop up display frame lasts five or more years with proper care. Graphics typically show wear after one to two years of regular use. Ordering replacement graphics at a fraction of the original pop up booth price is one of the most cost-effective ways to keep your exhibit looking fresh. For a full cost analysis on refreshing vs. replacing your display, see: Old vs. New Trade Show Displays: A Weight, Setup & Cost Analysis.
For more on how pop up booths work and why exhibitors choose them, see our overview: What Is a Pop Up Trade Show Booth and Why Exhibitors Love Them. To compare every display type side by side, see: What Type of Trade Show Display Is Right for My Business?
Ready to choose your pop up display? Browse the full 10 x 10 pop up display and 10 x 20 pop up display collections, or schedule a free consultation with the Displayit team.
About the Author
Jen Smithson is the VP of Marketing & Websites at Displayit, a U.S. based trade show display manufacturer that has been helping companies exhibit with confidence since 1996. With 20 years of experience in the trade show industry, Jen works across the entire organization to connect exhibitors with the right display solutions, from first-time buyers choosing their first pop up booth to enterprise teams outfitting national conference circuits. Displayit designs, prints, and ships custom trade show displays from its facility in Buford, GA. For personalized guidance, schedule a free consultation with the Displayit team.