In 2024, portable display backwalls are still the most popular trade show solution. Many exhibitors love all of the available options, however many exhibitors get overwhelmed when shopping for their new display system. Multiple frame styles, brands, and price points make it hard to discern the best option. This is especially difficult for first time exhibitors that are unfamiliar with the trade show industry. In this post we will help you figure out How to Choose the Correct Portable Display in 2024. There isn’t one particular display that is the “best” overall, however there is a display that is the best for your company. This can include factors like overall appearance, price point, durability, and assembly time. After reading this post, contact us to get more information and professional guidance!

How to Choose the Correct Portable Display in 2024

Choosing the Correct Frame System

Currently in 2024, there are a variety of frame systems available for portable modular backwall displays. These frame systems include:

  • Accordion Style Pop Up Systems
  • SEG Pop Up Systems
  • Tubular Aluminum Frame Systems
  • Aluminum Extrusion Frame System
  • Fast Frame Extrusion Displays
  • Backlit Frame Systems

In order to choose the best frame system, it is important to first understand the details of the frame systems along with their pros and cons. We offer multiple options because each exhibitor is different. Review our detailed descriptions to get a better idea of which system is best for your company!

Accordion Style Pop Up Systems

Coyote Set Up ImageThe accordion style pop up display is the original, and is still the most popular display system frame structure. Even first time exhibitors have had some experience with an accordion pop up frame at some point. This frame system uses a combination of aluminum rods, plastic hubs, and connectors to create a frame that essentially “pop’s up” to provide a display wall in a matter of seconds. However, it is not that simple! Pop up frames offer a variety of styles and graphic options which effect assembly time and overall appearance of the backwall. These include:

Each of these options offer distinct differences in appearance and set up procedures. For example, the 3D multi-panel displays and Velcro stretch fabric displays offer the ability to leave the graphic attached to the frame for almost instant assembly time! In contrast, rollable panel and SEG pop up displays use channel bars and require the graphics to be attached and detached during each set up. SEG pop up displays offer a seamless appearance and are the most recent addition to the pop up display line up. Rollable panel displays are the original, but are slowly becoming obsolete with new printing technology. To make things easy, below are links to set up videos for these different style display systems so you can see exactly how these frame systems compare!

If you have additional questions, please contact Creative Imaging Displays to talk to an expert!

Tubular Aluminum Frame Systems

Formulate Master 10ft Straight Displays S6 LiveAccordion style pop up frames have their downsides. One of which is the tendency of the movable components to break during set up by hasty exhibitors trying to meet the show site time restrictions. This can result in your backwall looking less than ideal for your show, or make it impossible to assemble. As an alternative, the tubular aluminum frame system was brought to market to offer a solution to this problem! The benefit of tubular aluminum frames is the lack of moving parts which make the frames very hard to damage. This ensures your display will work show after show, even if it is mishandled. It does not make it indestructible, however they are more durable than accordion pop ups. Some of the display systems that utilize this frame system include:

Check out the products and their corresponding set up videos to find out more! Tubular aluminum frames offer unique abilities, like the ability to bend and shape the frame. Systems like the Formulate Designer Series show how we can use tubular aluminum to create a custom looking display that is affordable and portable! They do take longer to assemble, but in most cases this is an addition 15-20 minutes depending on the frame system.

Aluminum Extrusion Frames

WaveLight Infinity Light Box Banner Stands Edge LitExtrusion and SEG (silicone edge graphic) is all the rage these days in the trade show industry. Extrusion displays offer the “high end” appearance most exhibitors are looking for in 2024. The clean lines, slim frame profile, and seamless SEG graphics make extrusion displays a no brainer! Due to the increase in popularity and recent technology advancements, these displays are now affordable and attainable for most exhibitors! Best of all, extrusion displays offer the most extensive backlit options of any display system! Below is a list of extrusion style display systems:

The downside to extrusion displays is the assembly time, when compared to other modular frame systems. Some systems require Allen tools and multiple parts to complete the assembly. However, recently systems like the BrightLine and Vector Fast Frame Light Box are bringing set up times down and eliminating the need for tools! Check out the post “Introducing the Vector Fast Frame” for more info! Extrusion framing is overall the most practical type of portable display system. It is ultra versatile so it can be reconfigured. Accessories are endless due to the channels in the extrusion which allow mounting points throughout the frame work. Shelving, monitor mounts, waterfall accents, and storage rooms are all options with extrusion based displays!

Backlit Display Systems

Formulate Backlit Ring Tower Side ViewTo wrap up this post, its important to cover the best systems if you are looking for a backlit display wall. Right now, the best frame systems for backlit displays are the tubular aluminum frame and extrusion frame display systems. The WaveLight series of display systems utilize a revolutionary light array to create an evenly lit wall with a frame that is under 2″ thick! They are easy to set up and very durable! Configuration options are endless and you can use a combination of backlit and non-backlit panels to create great contrast within your both space!

Extrusion frame systems like the BrightLine series of backlit displays are the best solution for a professional and versatile light box display. The integrated lighting that is built into the frame makes assembly fast and easy! The tool-less assembly process makes it possible to assemble this display yourself! In addition, the Vector Fast Frame Light Box takes easy assembly to the next level! This collapsible frame system rivals the set up time and convenience of an accordion style pop up frame!

Did this post help you figure out How to Choose the Correct Portable Display in 2024? Reach out to Creative Imaging Displays for a free expert consultation on your next display system! We are here to help! Our no pressure sales team is here to pair you with the best display system for your needs and budget!