The Complete Trade Show Booth Checklist
Short answer: A complete trade show booth is a canopy or backdrop, a printed table cover, one or two banner stands, and your artwork ready to upload. Order the pieces together from one supplier so the colors match, and allow 6–8 business days production (2–3 with rush) plus transit before your event.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum I need for a 10x10 booth?
A backdrop or fabric wall, one or two retractable banner stands, and a printed table cover. Add a canopy only if part of the event happens outdoors.
What should I buy first on a tight budget?
A retractable banner stand — it is the cheapest item that still stops someone in the aisle. A table cover second, because almost every booth has a rented table. A full backdrop third.
How far ahead should I order?
Work backwards from move-in day. Production is 6-8 business days after proof approval, or 2-3 with rush, and transit is added on top — so allow time for artwork approval, production and shipping rather than ordering in the final week.
Can I reuse a booth kit at the next show?
Yes, and that is the point of buying rather than renting. Every display here uses a replaceable graphic on a reusable frame, so the hardware carries across years and only the printed graphic changes.