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So, you're gearing up for your next trade show, craft show, or event, and you're wondering how to make your booth pop? Forget boring, cookie-cutter signs—we've got you covered with 10 trade show signage ideas—most of which we've personally used and loved.
Need something that stands out from the crowd and showcases your brand’s personality? Say less!😉
What’s Inside:
- Vinyl Banners
- Backdrops
- Retractable Banner Stands
- Sandwich Boards
- Feather Flags
- Neon Signs
- Table-Top Banners
- Mounted Poster Boards & Stands
- Adjustable Sign Holders
- Sky Hanging Banners
Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means that we may receive a commission if you make a purchase using third-party links.
#1 - Vinyl Banners
Image Source: BannerBuzz
You can’t go wrong with a vinyl banner. It's like the comfy jeans of trade show signage—affordable, versatile, and always ready to make a statement.
Grab one with grommet holes, and you can hang it anywhere—like a table, a canopy, a wall, and more. Plus, they’re easy to switch up for different shows.
You can get high-quality vinyl signs from BannerBuzz. Need something last-minute? FedEx Office has your back with lightning-fast turnaround times.
One of our trusty vinyl signs during an indoor show.
#2 - Backdrops
Image Source: BannerBuzz
Backdrops can make your booth feel like a red carpet—they instantly elevate the whole vibe. Sure, they are a bit on the pricey side, but if you can swing for it, it will make you look that much more professional.
We’ve used them for step-and-repeat logo banners (perfect for photo ops). Plus, they’re great for hiding those not-so-glamorous storage boxes behind the scenes.
#3 - Retractable Banner Stands
Image Source: BannerBuzz
Retractable banner stands are sleek, portable, and always ready for prime-time. They’re a breeze to set up and take down, which can really save you time when setting up the booth.
Just a little tip: handle them with care! Invest in quality stands to avoid any mishaps like rips or broken pieces during an important show.
We love using them in our classes because they go up and down in a snap. Plus, there’s plenty of space to showcase QR codes or any other eye-catching info. Since they’ll cost you a little bit, pick a design that you can use again and again.
#4 - Sandwich Boards
Image Source: BannerBuzz
Sandwich boards are like your personal hype-squad—they shout out your special deals to everyone who walks by.
We love them because they’re durable, portable, and can handle all kinds of weather. Plus, you can easily swap out the graphics to keep things fresh.
Marc’s parents use one at their food truck to showcase the menu and daily specials!
26 Outdoor Vendor Booth Ideas for Crafters & Artists
#5 - Feather Flags
Image Source: BannerBuzz
These feather flags are perfect for mounting up high to draw eyes from across the show floor. Just keep the message short and sweet—think of it as a visual tweet for your brand.
Marc’s parents use these to point hungry customers toward their best-selling items, like hotdogs and ice cream! 🌭🍦
#6 - Neon Signs
Image Source: BannerBuzz
Neon signs create a vibrant glow that you can’t get with any other sign. They’re guaranteed to turn heads and create a buzz.
Just be prepared to pay a bit more to make them, and make sure you have access to electricity at events.
#7 - Table-Top Banners
Image Source: BannerBuzz
We’re big fans of table-top banners. They’re great at welcoming visitors and explaining what you’re all about. With this sign, you can stand behind the table and talk through it to customers.
We used a table-top banner for this Make & Take station.
They’re easy to set up, look super classy, and help people understand your products even from a distance. Just be aware that they can be a tad pricey.
Image Source: BannerBuzz
An alternative is the full table top display, which blocks you from standing behind the table but can still capture lots of attention and frame your products nicely.
The full table top display helps showcase our product line-up.
#8 - Mounted Poster Boards & Stands
Image Source: Amazon
Mounted poster boards and stands are budget-friendly. Because you can swap out the poster inside, you can change it up for different events without paying much extra.
We love how the stands are adjustable, so you can put them on the floor or on tables. Plus, they accommodate a variety of poster sizes.
Image Source: Fedex Office
We like to print 18” x 24” foam boards at Fedex Office for ours! See all the options you have here.
We printed our current deals onto posters and displayed them with these signs.
#9 - Adjustable Sign Holders
Image Source: Amazon
These sign holders are a dream come true! They’re easy to assemble, affordable, and perfect for displaying 8.5” x 11” or 11” x 17” prints. Not to mention it’s cheap to print pages in those sizes over and over again.
You can use them on the floor, adjust them to eye level on tables, and even tilt and swivel them however you need! Just remember: they’re one-sided, so angle them strategically!
Can you spot the adjustable sign holder in this pic?
#10 - Sky Hanging Banners
Image Source: BannerBuzz
Sky hanging banners are show-stoppers—they command the attention of the entire show floor. But they come with a hefty price tag.
You’ll need to factor in the cost of rigging them up and taking them down, which can add up.
But if you want to make a major statement and leave a lasting impression, sky hanging banners are the way to go.
Here’s one of our sky hanging banners in action!
Final Thoughts
We hope you found some ideas for your next trade show, expo, craft fair, or other big event!
If you’re a craft business owner, join us in our Official MakerFlo Facebook Community to share your booth setup and get inspired by the wider crafting community. See you inside!
