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Buying a Trade Show Display Online Is Easy. Here’s How.
Welcome to the world of trade show displays!
If you are feeling overwhelmed, you are not alone. Booth sizes, fabric types, curved or straight walls, hanging signs, dye-sublimation printing, shipping deadlines. It can feel like a lot, especially when your event date is fast approaching.
Take a breath.
Ordering a trade show display online does not have to be complicated. With the right information and a clear process, it can actually be straightforward and efficient.
At Ace Displays, we have been designing and manufacturing trade show displays since 2006. Over the years, we have streamlined our process to make online ordering simple, reliable, and stress-free. This guide breaks the process into four clear steps so you can order with confidence and keep your project moving forward.
Step 1: Choose the Right Trade Show Display
The key to choosing the right display comes down to two things: your budget and your booth space.
Without these details, it is nearly impossible to make an informed decision. Once you define them, your options become much clearer.
Start With Your Budget
Check out our guide on How to Choose the Right Display for Your Event Goals. Ask yourself:
- - Are you focused on lead generation?
- - Are you launching a new product?
- - Are you building brand awareness or credibility?
Some exhibitors invest more in pre-show marketing and choose a simple 10x10 backdrop or banner stand. Others need a strong visual presence on the show floor and invest in modular displays, full booth kits, or hanging signs. With so many options to choose from, the right choice is the one that aligns with your objectives.
Know Your Booth Space
Your booth size and location will guide your display selection.
- - Small spaces often work best with banner stands, tabletop displays, or 10x10 backdrops.
- - Medium booths allow for modular walls, counters, and kiosks with TVs and tablets.
- - Large booths open the door to immersive layouts with shelving, meeting rooms, and multimedia elements.
- - Outdoor events may require different solutions entirely, such as tents, flags, or sandwich boards.
Consider Your Functional Needs
Think about how your booth will be used:
- - Will you display products?
- - Do you need space for tablets or monitors?
- - Will you distribute brochures or catalogs?
- - Are you creating a photo opportunity or demo area?
Making a short list of functional requirements helps narrow your options quickly and prevents decision fatigue.
Step 2: Prepare Your Artwork Correctly
Artwork preparation is one of the most important steps in the process. It directly affects print quality, production time, and delivery schedules. For full guidelines on artwork read more here.
Each of our displays includes downloadable templates that show exact dimensions, safety, trim, visible edge, and bleed areas. Using these templates ensures your graphics appear exactly as intended when printed.
Key artwork requirements include:
- - Resolution set to maximize output quality
- - Correct final dimensions
- - Accepted file format - high resolution PDF is highly recommended, but JPG or TIF files are acceptable
- - Colors provided in CMYK
Following these guidelines allows our printers to produce the highest-quality graphics and keeps your order on schedule.
If you work with a designer, share the template and instructions early. It saves time and prevents costly revisions later.
Step 3: Upload and Approve Your Graphics
Our Artwork Upload and Proofing System is designed to eliminate guesswork.
You can upload your files, preview placement, and approve your graphics directly online. What you see on screen is what goes to print, which makes careful review essential.
Before approving, double-check:
- - Image clarity and resolution
- - Text placement and spelling
- - Proper alignment with the template
- - Correct file format
Most graphics go into production quickly to meet shipping deadlines, so take your time during this step. If your display includes multiple graphics, the upload process allows you to review each one individually.
If questions come up, our team is available to help before you approve.
That’s It. You’re Officially a Pro!
With a few well-planned steps, your trade show display can be selected, customized, proofed, and shipped without unnecessary stress. The key is clarity, preparation, and using the tools available to you.
If you have questions, need guidance, or want help choosing the right display, the Ace Displays team is here to support you every step of the way. Connect with our experts through live chat or give us a call to get professional advice tailored to your event.
About Ace Displays
In 2006, Ace Displays was founded in Southern California with the desire to provide quality products at competitive prices with the fastest delivery times in the industry. We believe purchasing an event display and its accessories should be an easy and exciting experience. Leveraging our short lead times to differentiate ourselves, we exist to connect people by providing event solutions that create conversations and lasting impressions.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide the best event & trade show displays at budget-friendly prices with unparalleled service to ensure we exceed our clients expectations and to foster an environment our employees are proud to work in.
The Ace Method
We are excited to work with you - from meeting your budget to meeting your deadlines - we will help you create a display that looks great and asserts your presence. To aid in what can be a rather laborious process, Ace has developed a 6-step method to get you a display quickly and easily so you can focus your time on other areas of your business and upcoming events.