Among dozens of other booths, a roll-up banner is often the first (and sometimes only) point of contact with a passer-by. A good design makes that person slow down, remember your logo, or even walk over to your booth. The tips below are based on how people actually move through a trade show floor: quickly scanning, from a distance.
Large Format Printing
4 min read
July 9, 2026
A roll-up banner for your next trade show: 5 design tips that stand out
At a trade show, you often only have a few seconds to catch a passer-by's attention. A thoughtfully designed roll-up banner makes all the difference. Five tips for designing one that really stands out.
1
Design for the top third
On a busy trade show floor, the bottom part of a roll-up is often blocked from view by people, tables or other booth furniture. So place your main message, logo and visual eye-catcher in the top third of the banner.
2
One message, not your entire offering
A roll-up is not a brochure. Don't try to fit every product or service you offer onto it. Choose one core message or value proposition that sparks curiosity — you can tell the rest of the story in person at the booth.
3
Large letters, readable from 3 to 5 metres
Test your design by viewing it from a few metres away, not just zoomed in on your screen. Text that looks perfectly legible on a computer can become completely unreadable from a distance on the trade show floor.
4
Contrast over decoration
A busy trade show floor is full of stimuli. Strong colour contrast between text and background makes your banner stand out faster among the other booths, more than decorative elements that actually distract from the message.
5
Think about reuse
Don't include date-specific information (such as "Trade Show 2026") unless necessary. A timeless design with your logo and core message can be used across multiple events in a row, significantly lowering the cost per use.
Tip: plan a quick quality check of your banner after each use. A creased or damaged roll-up detracts from a polished first impression.
Frequently Asked Questions
Roll-up banners: your questions
Which roll-up banner size should I choose?
85 x 200 cm is the most common standard size and fits any standard booth. A wider 100 x 200 cm model offers more room for image and text, but also needs more floor space.
How much text should be on a roll-up banner?
As little as possible. A roll-up is viewed from a distance, usually within a few seconds. Stick to a title, your logo and optionally a short call to action.
Is a roll-up banner easy to transport?
Yes, a roll-up comes with a carry bag and can be set up and rolled back in within a few minutes, ideal for trade shows at different locations.
Can I use the same roll-up for multiple trade shows?
Yes, provided the design doesn't contain date-specific information. A timeless design with your logo and message can be used at multiple events for years.
Can I also order a double-sided roll-up?
Yes, that's possible and can be useful when your booth is visible from multiple directions, for example in the middle of an aisle.
More to read
Ready for your next trade show?
We design and print a roll-up banner that stands out from the rest.
More about large format printing