How to Create Eye-Catching Trade Show Backdrops 

With dynamic backdrop designs, your trade show display can be transformed from run-of-the-mill to dazzling, attracting new leads and allowing you to make valuable connections. Backdrops bring a new element of design that boosts brand recognition, showcases your professionalism, and elevates your display. Take your backdrop to conventions, trade shows, company events, and more to communicate your message in an impactful and unique way.  

Why Choose Custom-Printed Backdrops

Trade show displays are notoriously two-dimensional. Think of the standard table set with brochures and signs. These types of displays allow passersby to quickly glance over everything and decide if they want to learn more. Unfortunately, after a sea of similar tables, event attendees usually keep strolling by. It all starts to look and feel the same.

So, what transforms a trade show booth from a two-dimensional display into an immersive attraction that requires more than a passing glance? A branded, custom-printed backdrop can draw focus and attention further into your booth and encourage curiosity and conversation. 

Backdrop Design Tips

When designing something as big as a backdrop, it can be a little extra intimidating. It’s a central figure for your booth or event. It needs to send the right message. When you are designing an eye-catching trade show backdrop, pay attention to the little details because they make the biggest impact. We always recommend using a professional print shop to ensure you get the best quality product.  

Stay on brand. Color match your design to coordinate with all other aspects of your marketing seamlessly. Building brand awareness is closely tied to colors, fonts, designs, and copywriting. Your backdrop should be a clear representation of your brand. 

When it comes to text, less is more. Determine your most captivating and relevant message to display on your backdrop. You might even want to consider different messages for different events (i.e. community events vs. trade shows and conventions). 

Speaking of text, use a readable font that can be read from far away. The goal is to attract attention and pique curiosity, so make sure the message is readable from a distance. Put the most important information in the largest font and at the top of your block of text. 

Choose an enticing call to action (CTA). This might not work for every backdrop, but if you want to include a CTA, make it clear and concise. It might be as simple as “visit our website” or “request a free quote.” Align your CTA with your trade show goals. 

The best backdrop designs use high-contrast colors to create a polished, professional look that is clear and readable. That being said, don’t be afraid to include white space in your design. If it is part of your trade show booth, there will be other elements and people moving in front of your backdrop, so don’t be afraid to leave plenty of white space. 

To take your design and trade booth design to the next level, use lighting and multimedia. Backlit displays, spotlights, and LED lighting are just some of the ways you can draw more focus to your backdrop. You can’t always control the lighting at an event, so incorporating lighting into your display means that you’ll always be visible. You can also use projectors or QR codes to incorporate video and visual effects into your backdrop.  

Display Types

Once you have an idea of what design you would like to display, consider the dozens of options available for customizing your backdrops. 

Portability is a big factor when it comes to trade booth designs. Vinyl and fabric backdrops are easy to store and can print beautiful, full-color, high-resolution images. You can use pole pockets or grommets for hanging (or choose both!); it just depends on the best way for you to display your backdrop. Professionally printed backdrops are suitable for indoor and outdoor use and can be printed in any size. The most popular size is 8’x8’, but you can really customize your backdrop to fit your booth display. 

Other Ways to Use Custom-Printed Backdrops 

Trade shows and conventions aren’t the only places you can use backdrops. They can make an impact at a variety of events for a standout spot to share a message or welcome guests.

• Hosting a convention? Backdrops and banner stands are the perfect way to welcome guests to big events. Set the stage with an engaging design that gets people excited about the upcoming itinerary.

• Create a social media hotspot. User-generated content (images and videos posted by influencers and individuals rather than businesses) is a fantastic way to build trust, grow brand awareness, and reach new audiences. If you can design a unique backdrop that screams “Take a selfie!” then you’ll be the must-see spot and get hundreds or thousands of new eyes on your businesses from social media. 

• Annual events like employee or customer appreciation days are great places to display a backdrop that says, "Thank you!” You can highlight major achievements or accomplishments or restate your commitment to customer service. In both cases, you are making a big statement in an impactful and professional way. 

• Training or hiring events are a great place to highlight your internal mission and values to a positive company culture. Use your backdrop to display the advantages of joining your team and the impact you have in your industry. 

• Want to make a statement at your next party? Use a custom-printed backdrop to welcome guests with photos celebrating a 50th anniversary, or create a photo-op that ties into your party theme.   

Where To Find Backdrops for Your Next Las Vegas Convention

If you’re heading to Las Vegas for a convention, the pros at AlphaGraphics know exactly how to make your trade show booth and event marketing stand out. With the latest print technology and hundreds of options, you can get backdrops, signs, brochures, and swag to maximize your trade show investment and grow your business.