Preparing for a Trade Fair: From Roll-Up Banner to Business Cards

The trade fair is approaching, your stand is booked, but the roll-up banner, flyers and business cards are still not ordered. Leave it too late and you are left with a bare back wall or handing out materials with an outdated logo. This checklist helps you prepare for a trade fair in the right order: which roll-up (also called a pull-up banner) to choose and what should not be missing from your stand.

Planning backwards from the day of the fair

Autumn trade fair, Christmas market or next spring's fairs: start from the event date and work backwards. The delivery time for each product is shown before you order; also allow time for design work, internal sign-off and any corrections.

• Know your stand: width, height and back wall determine how many roll-ups fit and how wide they can be.
• Set the message: what should visitors understand at a glance? An offer, a benefit, a logo.
• Prepare the files: roll-up, flyers and business cards in the same visual identity.
• Order and check delivery: the price in CHF is shown instantly in the configurator, the delivery time before you confirm the order.
• Do a trial run: set the roll-up up once at the office to check it reads well from a few metres away.

Choosing the right roll-up system

Roll-ups differ less in print quality than in structure: the cassette, foot, height and carry bag determine how often and how long you can use it.

The Roll-Up Starter is the entry model for one-off use: 85 x 200 cm, 400 g budget banner fabric, delivered assembled. The Roll-Up Basic suits occasional trade fairs, with a height of 200 cm, several widths, two fold-out feet and a case in silver or black. The Roll-Up Classic is built for regular use: several heights and widths, a central foot, an interchangeable banner and, for example, 500 g PVC banner fabric with an optional partial UV varnish finish.

If you exhibit often, the Roll-Up Comfort is the one to reach for: 215 cm high, with an especially wide footprint, adjustable feet and a padded deluxe carry bag. The Roll-Up Color (85 x 200 cm) comes with a cassette and clamp bar in six colours to match your company's look, while the Roll-Up Black keeps things simple in black. For a large stand, the Roll-Up XXL offers a width of 200 cm and a height of 170 to 300 cm. For outdoor events, the Roll-Up Duo Outdoor is printed on both sides on weatherproof PVC banner fabric, is B1 certified, and stays firmly in place thanks to its adjustable feet.

Design and print files for the roll-up

A roll-up is read standing up, from a few metres away. Put your logo and core message in the top third, at eye level. The lower section often disappears behind tables, leaflet stands or people, so keep anything important out of it. Choose large, easy-to-read type, strong contrast and few words; save the detail for the flyer. A QR code takes visitors straight to your website or your trade fair offer.

Set up the print file in the exact format of the system you have chosen, in four-colour CMYK. As a rule, one design is possible per order; if you need several designs, order them separately. Handy for companies with several locations: on some models, such as Classic, Comfort or Starter, you can choose up to 10 delivery addresses per order. For a new campaign, simply order a replacement print later and swap the banner over.

Flyers and business cards: the materials people take with them

The roll-up sparks interest; the printed materials are what make people remember you. Classic flyers come in A4, A5 or A6, in paper weights from 60 to 500 g, with varnish or lamination finishes, from 10 pieces. For more content, roll-fold leaflets offer 6 to 16 pages, and the accordion fold makes a clear, easy-to-read programme. For site plans, schedules or tournament brackets, the pocket planner folds flat to fit in any pocket.

For business cards, the classic size is 8.5 x 5.5 cm, on 300 g matt gloss paper with dispersion varnish. To stand out, choose a finish such as varnish or embossing, a speciality material with a pearl shimmer, metallic sheen or linen texture, or a natural paper such as grass paper. Folded business cards also give you room for opening hours, a trade fair offer or an appointment note. Order enough: if the cards run out on the second day of the fair, it is often your most important contact who misses out.

Other eye-catchers and what else to pack

A roll-up on its own is rarely enough. A beach flag in front of the hall entrance or on the outdoor grounds draws visitors towards you; for indoors, there is the drop-shaped indoor beach flag with a metal base plate and carry bag. The Stand Display Basic, made from 10 mm flexible foam board and printable on both sides, stands tool-free on two aluminium feet. Light rigid or flexible foam boards work well as a price board or wayfinding sign at the stand, and premium stickers make a popular small gift for visitors. Finally, pack tape, cable ties, spare flyers and a business card holder.

Frequently asked questions about trade fair preparation

What size is a roll-up banner?

A common format is 85 x 200 cm, for example on the Roll-Up Starter or the Roll-Up Color. The Roll-Up Comfort is 215 cm high, other models come in several widths, and the Roll-Up XXL reaches 200 cm wide with a height of up to 300 cm.

Can I replace the banner on my roll-up?

Yes. Replacement prints are available for Classic, Comfort, Color, Black and XXL. On the Roll-Up Classic, the replacement print is delivered rolled; on the Roll-Up Comfort, you swap the banner over in just a few steps, handy for a new logo or a new campaign.

Does a roll-up work outdoors?

Most roll-ups are designed for indoor use. For an outdoor event, choose the Roll-Up Duo Outdoor with weatherproof PVC banner fabric and adjustable feet, or add a beach flag to your set-up.

How many flyers and business cards do I need for a trade fair?

Base it on the number of visitors you expect and how many conversations you can hold in a day, then add a margin. Flyers are available from 10 pieces, and the price for each quantity is shown instantly in the configurator, so you can compare print runs at a glance.

For your next event, find every system under roll-up banners, plus matching flyers and leaflets and our range of business cards. We deliver across Switzerland, whether to Zurich, Geneva, Basel or your own region.