PopUp Displays are currently the most common form of low priced trade show and event display. They are used extensively for trade shows, in-store displays, conventions and even political events to create an attractive backdrop. They are so popular because they are very reasonably priced, and can be set up and taken down in minutes.

A typical popup displays has only two main components, with a number of other popup display accessories available from most suppliers. The main part of a popup display is the folding frame. This frame is like the skeleton of the display and is normally made of either fibreglass or alumnimum tubes.

Once the frame is erected it is covered with display panels -- either velcro-ready fabric panels that come in a variety of colors, or graphic panels made of a material like Duralex. These are durable lexan panels that have already been printed using a high resolution large format printing process.

When shipped the frame is folded down to a unit approximately 8" square by 30" wide. When it is unfolded, this unit "pops up" to create a frame approximately 8' (or 10') wide by about 8' high. The frame itself normally weighs about 15 lbs. When erected like this it is stable enough to sit on the floor. Usually no anchoring or external support is required.

The panels that cover the frame are either made of a special fabric that accepts velcro, or they are printed graphic panels. They are normally about 30" wide by 8' high. There are usually between 4 and 8 panels required to cover the frame, with extra "end cap" panels made of the same material to wrap around the ends of the frame.

The panels are flexible enough to be rolled up so they fit in the lightweight carrying case that comes with the display. They are usually mounted on the frame by means of magentic strips applied to their back surface. These magnetic strips adhere to the magnetized bars that are part of the skeleton frame. The display becomes even more stable once the panels are put in place.

If your popup display has printed graphic panels, then it is complete once the panels are in place on the frame. If you use fabric panels, then you will probably have a number of graphics that are adhered to the fabric with velcro strips. These graphics can be printed on a flexible lexan material, or they can be flexible vinyl -- essentially indoor vinyl banners. You can also use graphics that are printed on paper and laminated so they are both flexible and durable. The prerequisite for graphic panels is that they are able to be rolled and unrolled many times without breaking down, creasing, or fallin apart.

Often the display is finished off with two or three halogen lights that attach to the top of the frame and illuminate your graphics.

The entire display is constructed so all part will fit into a sturdy, lightweight carrying case. This carrying case usually has wheels so it can be moved from location to location by one person. And the carrying case often doubles as a podium or display counter, often decorated with wrap-around graphics that match those used on the popup display.

A normal case for an 8' or 10' display is small enough to fit in the trunk or back seat of most cars. The entire package, including the display case usually weighs around 40 lbs., depending on the type of graphics and accessories included.

One of the major advantages of popup displays is the ease with which they can be setup and taken down. Usually a popup display can be assembled by one person of average height in about 20 minutes. If you are shorter than about 5'6" you may need a small ladder to reach the top. Normally a chair works too.

If a popup display seems like overkill for your display situation, you may want to consider an alternative like a number of Banner Stands or retractable displays. These units come in their own lightweight "over the shoulder" carrying cases and can normally be set up in less than one or two minutes.

No matter what your special display marketing requirements are you are likely to find an economical display unit that is both portable and easy to install, and will greatly enhance the impact of your marketing efforts.