How to Set Up a Pop-Up Exhibition Stand

Pop-up stands are designed for self-assembly without specialist tools. Setup typically takes 15-30 minutes for a 3m x 3m stand – but the difference between a smooth setup and a stressful one is preparation.

Step 1: Choose your stand footprint for the venue. Confirm the stand space dimensions, available power points, and any height restrictions with the venue or event organiser before you travel.

Step 2: Configure the frame. Assemble the full frame structure before attaching any graphic panels. This lets you confirm the frame is square and stable.

Step 3: Attach the graphic panels. Magnetic or hook-and-loop graphics are designed to attach cleanly. Allow 5-10 minutes per panel for crease-free application.

Step 4: Add lighting and accessories. Clip-on or integrated LEDs go on after graphics. Position spotlights to avoid casting shadows on key brand messaging.

Step 5: Final brand check. Walk 5 metres back and assess your stand as a visitor would see it.

London-specific setup tips: Build-up windows at ExCeL and Olympia can be as short as 2-4 hours for smaller spaces, so pre-check all components the night before. Loading bay access at ExCeL requires advance booking via the event organiser. Pop-up stands self-assemble inside a shell scheme bay without contractor approval at most major UK venues.

Benefits of Popup Display Stands

Designed for easy self assembly with our self locking system and easily reusable, our pop up display stands help to drive the costs of exhibiting down. Our portable exhibition stands are also fully reconfigurable, giving you the opportunity to easily make changes to your bespoke exhibition stand design without breaking the bank, quickly and affordably giving it a new look and feel. The portable nature of our pop up exhibition stands create an easy way to promote your brand on the move; removing the need for big teams of people to undertake a complicated installation process at every stop! With fast turnaround times on all of our portable display stands, reach out to our dedicated team of in house exhibition stand builders, exhibition stand contractors and designers to discuss your project.

Our team has conceptualised, designed and built pop up display stands for businesses big and small throughout Europe, so you can be sure you’re in safe and experienced hands when you choose us for your portable exhibition stand. If you’re not sure what direction to take with your design, don’t hesitate to reach out and let one of our dedicated account managers help you discuss the best way to achieve the ideal portable display stands for your business! Additionally, we offer a range of options such as small display stands, large display stands, hanging displays, and display counters to complement your exhibition stand.

Pop-Up vs Custom Exhibition Stand: Which is Right for You?

The choice between a pop-up stand and a custom-built stand isn’t primarily about budget – it’s about how often you exhibit and what you need the stand to do.

If you exhibit three or more times a year at different venues with a compact footprint, a pop-up delivers better logistics ROI – you can ship and assemble it without a contractor. If you’re exhibiting at a flagship event and need maximum brand impact, a bespoke stand is the smarter long-term investment. Used across four events over two years, the per-show cost falls below the cost of renting equivalent shell scheme builds.

Many clients run both: pop-up stands for satellite events, and a bespoke stand for their flagship show.