Among the many trade show display choices is a category we refer to as banner stands. There are about three different types of banner stands that are currently available commercially. We'll discuss each, their advantages, disadvantages, costs and relative merits.

Spring Back Banner Stands -- Spring back banner stands are made from extruded steel or aluminum hardware and printed graphics usually laminated to a vinyl or polycarbonate for added durability. Most spring back banner stands are very light weight, about 25" to 35" wide and range in height from 76" to 88" at the most. Some can have various heights.

Advantages of the spring back are: very light weight, usually very inexpensive, pack in a small tube usually about 4-5" diameter by 35"-40" long.

Disadvantages of the spring back are: not very durable, graphic is not well protected during shipping.

Retractable Banner Stand -- Retractable banner stands have an aluminum housing that contains a spring loaded drum to which the graphic attaches. This housing is generally about 3"-4" in diameter and 35-55" long. There is a shock corded pole that is assembled and goes in the aluminum housing, then the graphic is pulled out of the aluminum housing against the spring loaded resistance to a height of generally about 76" - 88". These retractable banner stands come in varying sizes from 19" wide including 33.5", 39.5" up to 48" wide.

Advantages of the Retractable Banner Stand are: more durable, graphic is fully protected when not extended and during shipping, more stable when assembled because of the aluminum drum base.

Disadvantages of the Retractable Banner Stand are: more costly, graphic is not easily replaceable, retractable drum mechanism is more complex and may malfunction more easily.

Retractable/Replaceable Banner Stand -- Retractable/Replaceable Banner Stands are similar to retractable banner stands except that the aluminum housing is designed to accept a replaceable cartridge that holds the graphic in it. There currently are 3 sizes available - 19", 33.5" and 39.5". It works the same as the retractable except that the graphic is housed in a removable cartridge.

Advantages of the Retractable/Replaceable Banner Stand are: Easily replace the image in a few minutes. Graphic is well protected in the removeable cartridge. Very attractive, high quality hardware.

Disadvantages of the Retractable/Replaceable Banner Stand are: Most expensive, heavier, however those are about the only disadvantages.

There are numerous ways to display you message using banner stands, each one with advantages of the others. The most important thing to keep in mind regardless of which banner stand you choose is the content of your message is more critical that anything else.