Every exhibitor will own a portable trade show display at some point. And they should. Portable trade show exhibits fulfill multiple needs for exhibitors like ease-of-assembly, affordability, no hassle shipping, and flexible marketing goals. Fortunately, there’s a range of portable (and portable modular) displays for most budgets and exhibition needs.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 portable inlines in six categories. These will include lightweight pop-up displays with attached graphics, tube systems with pillowcase graphics, and portable modular systems, like Symphony, which can expand and adapt as your trade show needs change. In this way, you’ll have a much better understanding of your portable display options.
Remember this: there’s no perfect portable booth. Each solution has its strengths and weaknesses, features and benefits. Take the time to explore your display options and consult with an exhibit professional before making a purchase. Buyer’s remorse is a real thing, especially when buying online. It pays to do your research and ask questions.
Portable Trade Show Exhibits That Combine Simplicity and Impact
Many exhibitors expect more from a portable display than just a big graphic at the back of the booth. They want a monitor or tablet option, storage, wireless charging, and even dynamic backlit graphics to attract attendees to their booth. At the same time, they don’t want a heavy, complicated display that requires union labor to set-up or one that packs in a wood crate.
Fortunately, there are portable systems, like Symphony, which offer a broad range of design configurations and accessories. These include not only the accessories previously mentioned, but also floating graphics, shelves, LED lights, and vibrant tension fabric graphics.
And while they assemble and ship like a portable, they “show” like an upscale modular, blending the best of both. The (3) examples below are just the tip of the iceberg of design possibilities. The VKN-4048 has an added benefit… It’s a Quick Ship Display when style and speed are required.
Examples:
1. SYKN-1046 w/ Monitor Mount & (2) Counters
2. SYKN-2021 w/ Floating Graphic, iPad Stand, & Locking Storage
3. VKN-4048 QS w/ 20 ft. Inline with Backlit Fabric Graphics
The Best Portable Trade Show Exhibits for Small Teams
Banks, non-profits, realtors, and healthcare professionals (and many others) often participate in community events, Chamber of Commerce shows, and open houses. They need a lightweight portable display without all the bells and whistles but one that’s quick to set-up, durable, reusable, and attractive.
All too often however, these types of portable displays are borderline disposable. But they don’t have to be. The examples below are exceptional portable displays with solid warranties and a history of proven reliability. After all, every trade show or event is an opportunity to elevate your brand and promote your products and services. A high-quality portable display, like a banner stand or pop-up, can be the difference between showing off and simply showing up.
Examples:
4. SYKN-1036 w/ Large Format Fabric Graphic & Tool-Free Assembly
5. BBN-003 Banner Stand 39” Wide by 88” High Banner Stand
6. X1 8 ft. 3×3 H Lightweight Pop-up Display with Attached Graphics
Portable 10×10 Trade Show Exhibits That Maximize Every Inch
To some exhibitors and trade show professionals, “portable” is a pejorative term, which is neither fair nor true. Portable simply means the display can ship via UPS or FedEx or be carried into the exhibit hall. Most 10 and 20 ft. inlines are portable or portable modular.
Long gone are the days of “rectangles are us” designs. Portable trade show displays now feature sexy curves, modular reconfigurability, layered structures and visuals, and even backlit graphics. All features of more expensive exhibits.
Portables are what you make them. The (3) designs below are excellent examples. They have curves, backlighting, wireless charging, and even sustainable construction. No compromises… just lightweight displays, easy assembly, and beautiful designs.
Examples
7. SYKN-2040 w/ Clever Curves w/ Practical Accessories & Storage 
8. ECON-1087 Sustainable, Eco-friendly, & LED Backlit Graphics
9. VKN-1232 Lightweight Portable that Punches Above Its Weight
Pop Up Trade Show Exhibit Ideas That Work in 2025
The ultimate portable for 30+ years is the pop-up display. Quick, easy, and affordable, the pop-up comes in a variety of sizes and shapes. Many have attached graphics, making assembly effortless. Switching graphics is simple, so exhibitors can rebrand themselves at different events or as their marketing changes.
Modern pop-up displays include basic monitor mounts, shelves, and LED lighting. Choose from one large fabric graphic or multiple smaller graphics.
Examples:
10. X1 Backlit SEG 100% Recycled Fabric w/ Radiance Backlighting
11. NEXT 10 ft. A Modular Pop Up Display with an SEG Fabric Graphic
12. X1 10 ft. 4x N Individually Attached Fabric Graphics and LED Lights
Modular Trade Show Exhibits That Adapt as You Grow
What’s the distinction between a portable vs. a portable modular system? Generally, portable displays don’t scale, meaning while you can add accessories, the size and configuration can’t change. Portable modular systems assume reconfigurability. Not only can a 10 ft. inline grow to a 20 ft. inline, but the frames can be repositioned. In some cases, the existing framework can be a building block for a future island exhibit.
Symphony is a perfect example of a portable modular system. There are 8 modular frame shapes, 12 counters, and practical accessories like monitor mounts, iPad clamshells, literature trays, etc. These can all be added later as a company’s trade show requirements evolve. In other words, you’re never “locked in” to a design or required to purchase a brand new display because your marketing needs changed.
Symphony Portable Modular Displays include over 90 unique pre-configured designs and 1000s of design possibilities.
Examples:
13. SYKN-1004 w/ Tool-less Assembly, Wireless Charging Pads, & SEG Graphics
14. SYKN-2018 Convenient Modular Construction & Practical Accessories
15. SYKN-2025 Distinctive Peak Design w/ Multiple Workstations
Easy Setup Portable Trade Show Exhibit Options for Frequent Exhibitors
Some exhibitors have 50, 100, even 200 trade shows every year. Most are smaller events which don’t require a large custom exhibit. With that many shows, simplicity, durability, and lightweight are key factors. Their portable exhibit should be affordable to ship, easy to assemble, and engineered to last.
And yet, they still want a professional-looking portable display, not a flimsy basic backwall. No exhibitor wants to arrive at a trade show and discover the portable display is broken or missing components. Quality matters, which includes not only the display but also the packaging materials. All too often, inexpensive portable displays are packed in disposable packaging, making it impossible to ship the display securely to the next location.
Always request to see examples of the packaging and the setup instructions. They’re just as important as your new lightweight portable display.
Examples:
16. TFN-510 Easy Push-button Tube Assembly w/ Convenient Pillowcase Graphic
17. SYKN-1005 Attractive Curved Design, Backwall Workstation, & LED Lights
18. VKN-2313 Seamless SEG Fabric Graphic on a Lightweight Aluminum Frame
Need Help Choosing the Right Portable Trade Show Exhibits?
So what works best for your goals? When it comes to portable displays, there’s never a one size fits all solution. At Exhibits Northwest, we not only understand portable and portable modular displays, but we also build them too in our Portland, OR factory. Our Symphony, Sacagawea, and SuperNova display lines, all built in the USA, are designed for North American trade shows and backed by the strongest warranty in the industry.
Your trade show marketing program isn’t one-dimensional. It has layers, which is why conversations matter more than clicks when choosing the right exhibit.
Our convenient location makes us the ideal choice for local companies exhibiting throughout North America and for exhibitors participating in a trade show in Portland or Oregon. Experience the Exhibits Northwest difference today! Call or click for an appointment.