Hanging Banners – the best kept secret to increase traffic to your exhibition stand
Posted by Miles | 06/04/2025
Clients frequently come to us for advice on what elements of their exhibition stand provides the best return on their investment. Whilst we always promote the idea of first focussing on the basics of your stand, the next step to elevate your stand above the competition is to consider introducing an exhibition stand hanging banner.
What is a hanging banner?
A hanging banner is a secure structure that is suspended above your exhibition stand, dressed in graphics and usually featuring your branding and logo as large as possible. Hanging banners come in all shapes and sizes, they can be illuminated internally or with downlighting, and they act as a fantastic way of your presence at the show being seen. They are usually raised around 6m above the ground meaning they are seen from all corners of the show hall.
When choosing your hanging banner, it’s worth considering the product you’re promoting and how the banner can link to it. For example, a brand selling their beverage in a round can might want a cylindrical banner, whereas a cuboid banner might be better suited to the sleek branding of a tech company.
Another consideration is that as banners are suspended in the dark ceiling, lighter colours and internal illumination can help the hanging banner pop and become a beacon straight to your exhibition stand.
You don’t have to stop at the banner itself. Underneath your banner you might consider hanging a further element such as an oversized 3D mock-up of your product or some key messaging.
What should I put on my hanging banner?
You’ll first want to decide whether to convey your logo, a message, an image, or all of the above! The benefit of a cuboid banner is that you have multiple surfaces to work with. If your logo lends itself to being enlarged, this clear form of brand identity often wields the best results. If your branding is more subtle, it might be worth making tweaks to your usual colour palette to create a banner that can’t be overlooked. Certainly bright, punchy colours are the most effective, but also consider whether you want your banner internally illuminated.
Lighter colours which are lit will truly stand out against the dark ceiling of your exhibition hall, whereas a darker palette can risk getting lost in the darkness. Also, if you want to convey a message, keep it super short, allowing the text to be as large and legible as possible. Less is often more when it comes to branding hanging banners.
How can I get a hanging banner?
We have a wide range of different hanging banner styles, shapes and sizes for rental here at Graphic Mill.
It’s worth noting that each venue has different rules on hanging assets above your stand and usually they are solely available for space only stands. Some shows may even have a minimum stand size before you’ll be allowed to erect a hanging banner.
Hanging banners will also usually come with a venue rigging fee, and the cost of this will vary depending on the size and shape of your banner. That said, we are always happy to work directly with the venue to submit the relevant paperwork and work their costs into your invoice, making for a smooth and hassle-free process.
Ready to get started?
A free consultation with our team will give you a clear roadmap of costs, timelines, and fresh design ideas guaranteed to make your brand the main attraction.
Ready to start? Book a meeting with our exhibition specialists, Miles 📅 or Ben 📅 at a time that works for you.
Prefer to talk now? Call us on +44 (0)800 4647974 or email us at hello@graphicmill.co.uk
