Banner stands are convenient, portable stands that showcase banners and graphics used to advertise for businesses. They’re perfect for trade shows, because they’re simple to set up, take down, and carry. It should also be easy to change the graphic display on a good banner stand. There are many different banner stand displays on the market today. Here’s a breakdown of the most common ones you’ll find.

Roll-up banner stands are similar to a portable projector screen—they include a mechanism that rolls the graphics automatically into the base of the unit. These are among the easiest types to set up, as they simply roll out and snap into place. This design also automatically protects the graphics during transport, because they roll into a chamber at the base. However, the roll-up mechanism makes these banner stands heavier than other models, and they can be more expensive as well. Some come with adjustable height poles, so you can change the size to suit your display.

Pole banner stands come without the recoil mechanism, so the graphics don’t roll automatically into the base. You’ll have to remove the graphics and roll them separately by hand. With many pole banner stands, a carry case or tube is included to protect the graphics during travel. Pole banner stands tend to be very light and portable, and are usually the more economical option. There are many different shapes and sizes, but most consist of a base and one or two poles that attach easily, without the need for tools. Some include literature racks, and most can be adjusted for height.

Display banner stands, sometimes called “tension stands,” are a step up from basic pole banner stands. They are often grouped together with pole banner stands in manufacturers’ catalogues, but they use a heavier base—usually steel—for added stability. Display banner stands come in more exotic designs, and are more likely to use curved poles and tension to support the graphic material. These stands are usually paired with fancier fabrics to make a more high-concept display, and are used as a trade show display’s centerpiece or in a retail setting. They’re more expensive than the more basic pole banner stand designs, but the overall effect is a bit more stylish.

Countertop banner stands are simply smaller-scale banner stands that can be used on a countertop or tabletop. They come in pole or roll-up models, and usually have adjustable poles so the height can be changed. Some full-sized pole and roll-up models are adjustable enough to work for a countertop banner stand as well; look for one that can be adjusted down to at least 100 cm. These banner stands are lightweight and cost-effective, and are perfect for adding a professional look to a table or countertop display.

Outdoor banner stands are the workhorses of the banner stand industry. They tend to be much larger than indoor stands, with heavier components and tougher fabrics for the graphics. Less emphasis is put on portability with this design; you’re expected to leave the banner stand out in the elements for a longer period of time than you would with an indoor stand. Outdoor banner stands are designed to withstand wind and weather. Some models come with a hollow base that can be filled with sand or water for extra weight and stability. The base is usually oversized in outdoor models—the more portable ones have a reduced base size, but be aware that this may make your banner stand less stable.

Hanging Banner Stands are a high-impact display that does a great job catching customer attention. Hanging banner stands are usually three or four-sided frames that support graphics and hang over a trade show booth. These banner stands are highly effective because they can be seen from a long way off, and present advertising graphics on all sides. They’re perfect for attracting attention at trade shows. Most hanging banner stand manufacturers go out of their way to make these models easy to assemble, and a good one will have a simple snap-in-place design for easy installation. Despite this, however, these banner stands are still more complex to set up than the typical floor banner stand, take more time to install, and are heavier and less portable.

When considering which banner stand is right for you, think about ease of set-up, portability, and the environment the banner stand will be in. What’s your tolerance for a complex set-up? How much weight can you carry? Bear in mind that if you’re using your banner stand to augment a larger display, you’ll have a lot to carry and should lean towards more lightweight design. Do you have a large sales team using this banner stand, or will it be just you? If you have a group, weight may not be as much of an issue. Will this banner stand be traveling a lot, used for on-location displays, or used outside? All of these considerations make a difference in which banner stand works best for you.