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Quality Check: How to Tell If Your Trade Show Display Is Built to Last
Trade shows are one of the biggest investments brands make each year — and when done well, they’re also some of the most profitable. A great display helps you attract the right buyers, build trust, start conversations, and make a serious impression.
But with so many inexpensive (and sometimes suspiciously cheap) displays floating around online, exhibitors are asking a simple question more than ever:
“Is this display actually built to last?”
We hear horror stories all the time: thin frames that bend after one show, graphics that wrinkle instantly, cases that crack in transit, or displays that look nothing like their photos. If a deal feels too good to be true… it usually is.
To help you avoid costly mistakes, here are five key things to look for when choosing a trade show display that will hold up for the long haul.
1. Renting vs. Buying: What Actually Makes Sense for Your Team?
Before you look at materials or frames, start with the big question: Should you rent your display or buy it?
Renting is great if:
- - You’re a first-time exhibitor
- - You’re testing new show formats or booth sizes
- - You want to try different layouts before committing
- - You only exhibit once or twice a year
- - You don’t have storage space
Rentals let you “test-drive” displays without a long-term investment.
Buying makes sense if:
- - You exhibit multiple times a year
- - You need consistency across events
- - You know which booth sizes work for you
- - You want to save on long-term rental costs
If you already know your show schedule, buying can be a smart investment that pays for itself quickly.
2. Know Your Display Types (and How They Affect Durability)
Not all displays perform the same. The right choice depends on how often you travel, how quickly you set up, and how long you want the display to last.
Lightweight, easy to assemble, and very portable. Made with accordion-style frames that “pop” into place. Great for frequent travel.
One of the most popular modern options. Sleek designs, dye-sublimated graphics, lightweight aluminum hardware, and extremely durable. Easy to swap graphics without buying new hardware.
Similar accordion-style pop-up frames with printed vinyl panels and magnetic application. They look clean and professional, but can be heavier and more complex to assemble.
Compact, simple, and perfect for highlighting product features or promotions. Can be used as supporting pieces or in place of full display walls!
Great for smaller booths or local events. Easy to transport, low-cost, and surprisingly eye-catching in tight spaces.
All-in-one solutions that bundle your key pieces—backwall, counters, lighting, and sometimes flooring—into a coordinated setup. Ideal for teams who want a polished, branded look without piecing components together individually. Display kits save time, ensure everything works seamlessly together, and are available in a range of price points depending on size, materials, and included accessories.
3. Materials Matter — A Lot
High-quality materials are what separate a display that lasts 1 show from one that lasts 10.
Look for:
- - High quality aluminum frames: Our Tru-Fit line uses heavy-duty 43mm aluminum framing vs. the thinner, less durable 30mm frames many competitors rely on.
- - Connectors built to last: Most of our tension fabric displays use 15mm push button connectors that last through multiple shows, instead of 5mm connectors that many competitors use.
- - Dye-sublimated fabric graphics: Most of our graphics are fully dye-sublimated for rich color and exceptional durability; cheaper heat-pressed prints from other brands fade faster and show wear quickly.
- - Durable panel coatings: We finish our panels with premium coatings, whereas lower-cost displays often ship with uncoated or lightly coated surfaces that show damage almost immediately.
Also consider:
- - How will the fabric clean?
- - Does the material resist creasing in storage?
- - Will the graphics match your brand colors accurately?
Cheaper materials may look fine online, but they rarely survive shipping, setup, and teardown.
4. Don’t Ignore the Case: It’s the Real MVP
Your display’s case does more work than any other component. It’s the bodyguard of your entire investment.
A display built to last should include options for a case that is:
- - Durable enough for repeated shipping
- - Impact-resistant
- - Sized for airline travel
- - Easy to lift, roll, and store
Soft-shell cases are fine for lightweight banners. But for full backdrops, lighting kits, or hybrid systems, a hard-shell rolling case is a must.
If the case quality looks questionable… that’s a warning sign.
5. Choose a Supplier With a Reputation You Can Trust
A great display is only as good as the company behind it. Before buying, look for suppliers that offer:
- - A clean, modern, easy-to-navigate website
- - A wide range of display types and modular systems
- - Real customer reviews
- - U.S.-based printing and support
- - Clear warranties and guarantees
- - Fast production times and predictable shipping
- - Helpful blogs, guides, and exhibitor resources
If a supplier checks all of these boxes, they’re much more likely to deliver a display that performs well show after show.
The Bottom Line
A trade show display isn’t just something you buy, it’s something you rely on. Choosing a long-lasting, high-quality system saves you money, reduces stress, and helps your team show up with confidence.
A little research now can prevent a lot of headaches later.
If you’re shopping for a new booth or feel overwhelmed by the options, we’re here to help. Our team can walk you through:
- - How to choose the right display for your event
- - Understanding different materials and how they can effect you
- - What accessories make the most impact
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.