This trade show display buying guide breaks down every display type by price, booth size, setup time, and experience level to help you find the right fit. Displayit has been manufacturing and printing trade show displays in-house since 1996, serving thousands of exhibitors from our facility in Buford, GA. Use the interactive tool below for a personalized recommendation, or read the full guide to compare all trade show displays side by side.
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How do I choose a trade show display for the first time?
Choosing your first trade show display comes down to four factors: your assigned booth size, your total display budget, how many people will handle setup, and whether you want backlit or standard graphics. Start with your booth size since it determines which products physically fit your space. Then narrow by budget, keeping in mind that every Displayit trade show display includes custom-printed graphics, hardware, and a carry bag or shipping case in the listed price.
- First-time exhibitors on a tight budget should start with a tension fabric backwall or a set of retractable banner stands. These are the lightest, fastest to set up, and lowest cost options that still deliver a professional look.
- Exhibitors attending 3+ shows per year should invest in a multi-frame kit that offers modular reconfiguration. The hardware lasts for years, and replacement graphics let you refresh your branding without repurchasing the frame.
- Exhibitors at major national shows with heavy competition should consider backlit displays, which can capture up to 40% more visual attention than non-illuminated fabric.
What trade show display do I need for a 10 x 10 or 10 x 20 booth?
The 10 x 10 booth is the most common trade show space in the United States, providing 100 square feet for a backwall, counter, banner stand, and two to three staff members. A 10 x 20 booth doubles your footprint to 200 square feet, adding room for multiple wall sections, freestanding displays, and dedicated meeting or demonstration areas.
| Booth Size | Entry-Level Option | Mid-Range Option | Premium Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 x 10 | Helium Backwall ($800 - $1,200) | Ensemble Kit E10J ($2,200 - $3,300) | Prism Backlit P10A ($7,500 - $10,000) |
| 10 x 20 | Ensemble Kit E20K ($3,800 - $5,800) | Graffiti Backlit GB20F ($9,500 - $12,500) | Prism Backlit P20C ($11,000 - $14,500) |
If you attend shows with different booth assignments, look for modular systems like the Ensemble line where components from a 10 x 20 kit can be reconfigured to fit a 10 x 10 space. Browse the full 10 x 10 and 10 x 20 collections to see all available configurations.
What should I look for in a trade show display kit?
A trade show display kit bundles hardware, graphics, and accessories into a single purchase. Not all kits include the same components, so it is important to understand what comes in the box before comparing prices. Here is what to check:
- Custom-printed graphics included: Every Displayit kit includes dye-sublimation printed fabric graphics in the listed price. Some competitors quote hardware-only pricing with graphics as an add-on.
- Shipping case included: Multi-frame kits and backlit kits from Displayit include wheeled shipping cases. Banner stands include carry bags. This matters because aftermarket cases can cost $200 to $500 separately.
- Tool-free assembly: All Displayit trade show displays use tool-free aluminum frames. Verify this before buying from any vendor, as some modular and truss systems require tools and multiple people for installation.
- Replacement graphics availability: Confirm that the manufacturer offers replacement graphics for the display you are buying. This extends the life of your hardware investment by letting you update branding without purchasing a new frame.
- Accessories and add-ons: Check whether counters, monitor mounts, lighting, and shelving are included or available as optional add-ons for the display type you are considering.
How much should I budget for a trade show booth display?
Trade show display costs vary based on booth size, display type, and whether backlighting is included. The ranges below reflect typical purchase prices for complete display kits with custom-printed graphics, hardware, and shipping cases included.
| Display Category | 10 x 10 Price Range | 10 x 20 Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Banner Stands | $200 - $500 per stand | $200 - $500 per stand |
| Backwalls | $765 - $1,500 | $1,495 - $2,500 |
| Pop-Up Displays | $765 - $1,800 | $1,495 - $3,000 |
| Multi-Frame Kits | $1,800 - $4,500 | $3,800 - $8,500 |
| Backlit Displays | $1,500 - $9,000 | $5,000 - $14,500 |
Budget an additional 20% to 30% above the display price for show-related expenses such as shipping, drayage, and electrical (for backlit displays). Lightweight fabric displays from the Helium and Graffiti lines can reduce drayage costs significantly compared to heavier legacy panel systems. See our full analysis: Old vs. New Trade Show Displays: A Weight, Setup & Cost Analysis.
What is the difference between a pop-up, backwall, and multi-frame display?
These are the three most common trade show display types for 10 x 10 and 10 x 20 booths. They differ in how the frame assembles, how the graphics attach, and how much flexibility they offer for different show layouts.
| Feature | Pop-Up | Backwall | Multi-Frame Kit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frame Type | Accordion-style or push-button expanding frame | Tube-frame poles that connect together | Multiple tube-frame sections that combine |
| Graphics | SEG (silicone edge) or pillowcase fabric | Pillowcase-style tension fabric | Pillowcase-style tension fabric per section |
| Setup Time | 10 - 15 minutes | 10 - 15 minutes | 30 - 45 minutes |
| Reconfigurable | No, fixed layout | No, single wall | Yes, rearrange panels between shows |
| Depth/Dimension | Flat or slightly curved backwall only | Flat backwall only | Three-dimensional booth with varying heights |
For a deeper dive on how these display types perform in a 10 x 10 or 10 x 20 space, see our comparison: Pop-Up vs. Backwall vs. Multi-Frame Trade Show Displays.
Do I need a backlit trade show display?
Backlit trade show displays use internal LED lighting behind translucent fabric graphics to create a glowing, high-contrast effect. They cost more than standard displays and require electrical access at the venue, but they deliver significantly more visual impact in crowded exhibition halls.
- You should consider backlit if: You exhibit at large national shows with hundreds of booths competing for attention, your brand benefits from a premium or high-tech appearance, or the convention hall has dim ambient lighting where standard fabric may appear flat.
- You can skip backlit if: You attend smaller regional events with fewer competitors, your budget is under $2,000, or you need a display that one person can set up in under 15 minutes.
- Important: Backlit frames are engineered specifically for LED integration. You cannot add backlighting to a standard frame later. If backlighting is something you may want in the future, it is more cost-effective to start with a backlit system rather than buying standard now and replacing it later.
For a full cost, setup, and impact comparison, see: Backlit vs. Standard Trade Show Displays: Cost, Setup & Impact Analysis.
Trade show display buying checklist
Before purchasing a trade show display, confirm each item on this checklist to avoid surprises and ensure the display fits your show requirements.
- Confirm your booth size and configuration. Contact show management to verify whether your space is 10 x 10, 10 x 20, inline, corner, or island. This determines which displays physically fit.
- Set a display budget separate from your total show budget. Industry guidelines suggest your display should represent approximately 10% to 15% of your total trade show investment. Budget an additional 20% to 30% for shipping, drayage, and electrical.
- Decide how many people will handle setup. If you are the only person setting up, stick with banner stands, backwalls, or pop-up displays that one person can assemble in under 15 minutes.
- Determine if you need electrical access. Backlit displays require a power connection at the venue. Electrical hookups are an additional show service cost, typically $150 to $500 depending on the venue and number of connections required.
- Check what is included in the kit price. Confirm that custom-printed graphics, hardware, and a shipping case are included. Some vendors quote hardware-only pricing.
- Verify replacement graphics are available. Your hardware should last five or more years. Replacement graphics let you refresh your messaging at a fraction of the original cost.
- Plan your graphic design early. Production typically takes 4 to 7 business days after artwork approval. Rush production is available but may add cost. Displayit offers affordable design services if you need help creating print-ready files.
- Consider future growth. If you may expand to a larger booth space, choose a modular system like the Ensemble line where components can be reconfigured or combined for larger layouts.
Ready to find the right trade show display for your business? Browse the complete Displayit trade show display catalog to find the perfect fit for your business.
About the Author
Adam Chait is the CEO of Displayit, a U.S. based trade show display manufacturer that has been helping companies exhibit with confidence since 1996. Displayit designs, prints, and ships custom trade show displays from its facility in Buford, GA, serving thousands of exhibitors across every major industry. Adam leads a team of display specialists who work directly with exhibitors to match the right booth solution to their space, timeline, and budget. For personalized guidance, schedule a free consultation with the Displayit team.