The Complete Trade Show Booth Checklist

A booth that looks professional is really just a few well-chosen pieces that match. Here's the checklist we walk exhibitors through, part by part, with the Apex product for each. You can buy any of these on its own — nothing here forces you into a bundle.

1. Shelter or backdrop

Outdoors: a custom canopy tent is the whole booth — shade plus branding overhead. Choose 10×10, 10×15 or 10×20 and add printed walls.
Indoors: you don't need a tent — a step & repeat backdrop anchors the booth and gives you a branded photo wall.

2. Table cover

A custom table cover turns the folding table into branded space. Match it to your table size (6 ft vs 8 ft) and pick a style (pleated vs stretch).

3. Signage

Banner stands pull people in from the aisle. A full-height retractable at the booth entrance, a tabletop banner on the counter, or an economical X-Stand for secondary messages.

4. Branding and artwork

One logo, applied consistently across every piece, is what makes a booth look "designed" rather than assembled. Send print-ready files or add our design service — see the artwork guidelines. Every order includes a free proof before production.

5. The small stuff

Weights or sandbags for an outdoor canopy (most venues require them), a carry bag for each display, and a plan for power and lighting if your booth needs it.

Putting it together

Want the whole booth in one place? Our trade show booth packages group these pieces into ready-to-shop combinations — and you can still buy each item individually.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a canopy indoors? No — indoors, a backdrop and table cover usually anchor the booth; canopies are for outdoor shows.

Do I have to buy a package? No — every product is sold individually. Packages are just recommended combinations.

How much does a full booth cost? It depends on the pieces — see how much a trade show display costs.

Start with all trade show displays, or jump to canopies, banner stands, table covers or backdrops.