Trade show floor graphics
Check the floor before you design anything. Exhibition aisles are often carpeted, and the temporary floor vinyl most people picture is made for smooth, hard surfaces.
Whose floor is it?
Inside your stand, the floor is usually yours to dress, within the rules. Beyond your stand line it almost certainly is not. Aisles, entrances and registration areas belong to the organiser and the venue, and floor branding there is often sold as a sponsorship package. Ask early, as those spaces can go months ahead.
| Position | Who to ask | Good use | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| On your own stand | Check the exhibitor manual | Logo in the centre, or a route through a demo area | Keep it clear of furniture feet |
| Aisle outside your stand | Organiser | A short message that draws people in | Keep clear of emergency routes |
| Entrance or registration | Organiser, usually as paid sponsorship | Large brand message | Book early |
| Trail of arrows or footprints | Organiser | Leading people to a far corner of the hall | Repeat at each junction |
Carpet or hard floor?
On a sealed concrete or smooth hard floor, 3M temporary floor graphics are a natural choice. On carpet, ordinary adhesive vinyl tends not to hold well. Find out exactly what will be under your feet, including whether the aisles will be carpeted after the build. For a stand laid with its own flooring, ask us what is possible.
Designing for someone walking
- Pick the main direction. Text has a right way up, so decide which aisle most people arrive from. A circular logo or an image with no words works from any side.
- Remember the angle. People see the floor at a slant from a few paces, so short, bold words work best.
- Expect feet. A crowd will cover part of it. Repeat a small graphic rather than relying on a single large one.
- Leave the fine print out. Nobody stops to read the floor.
Order of work on build-up day
- Heavy kit, forklifts and stand structure go first.
- Clean and dry the floor thoroughly.
- Lay the graphic, working out air bubbles from the centre.
- Bring in furniture, lifting and not dragging.
- Check the edges again before the doors open.
Safety and removal
Slips and trips are the concern. Edges must lie flat, and a suitable floor laminate is part of the product. Ask the organiser what certification or evidence they need, and follow their answer and not this page. Check who removes the graphic at the end too, as halls can charge for residue left behind.
Prices by size
| Size | Price |
|---|---|
| A2 | £30 |
| A1 | £40 |
| A0 | £78 |
| 30in x 20in | £35 |
| 40in x 30in | £62 |
| 60in x 40in | £120 |
Guide prices from our price list. They exclude VAT and delivery and assume print-ready artwork.
Graphics underfoot.
Your questions.
Can a floor graphic be used at more than one show?
Generally not. Temporary floor graphics are designed to be laid once and lifted. Plan to print new ones for each event.
Can you make a floor graphic larger than 60in x 40in?
Yes, larger areas are usually laid in sections. Tell us the size and the floor type, and we will quote and advise on joins.
Can it be laid over a raised stand floor?
It depends on the surface and how smooth it is, and where the joins fall. Send us the stand builder's details and we can look at what will work.