How to Assemble Your HelloDisplay Booth

Every HelloDisplay product is designed to be set up by one person with no tools, no specialist knowledge, and no stress. This guide covers assembly for all display types we carry — from a simple outdoor flag to a full 3x6 exhibition booth.

If you are setting up for the first time, read the full section for your display type. If you are doing a repeat setup, the quick-reference checklist at the end of each section is all you need.

Before You Start

A few things that apply to every display type:

• Do a dry run at your office first, not on event morning. Once you have done it once, the second setup takes half the time.
• Lay out all parts on a clean floor before you begin. Check everything is present against the packing list inside the carry bag.
• Having a second person helps on larger displays and protects the fabric from touching the ground, but most setups can be done alone.
• Never force a frame connection. All our aluminium joints are push-fit or bungee-cord. If it is resisting, check the alignment before applying pressure.

Tension Fabric Exhibition Booth (3x3 and 3x6)

This is the flagship product. The aluminium push-fit frame connects without tools, and the stretch polyester fabric pillowcase-slips over the assembled frame in one motion.

What is in the carry bag:

• Aluminium frame poles (labelled 1, 2, 3 by section)
• Corner connectors and top cap pieces
• Printed stretch fabric graphic (folded, not rolled)
• Carry bag with shoulder strap or trolley wheels

Assembly time: 20 to 30 minutes with two people

Step 1 — Connect the Base Frame

Take the labelled bottom horizontal poles and connect them end to end using the push-fit connectors. The poles click firmly into place with a satisfying snap. Lay the completed base section flat on the floor.

For a 3x3 booth the base is a single straight run. For a 3x6, connect two base sections side by side.

Step 2 — Build the Vertical Uprights

Connect the vertical upright poles the same way — each upright is typically two or three poles depending on your booth height. Stand them upright and clip them into the base connectors at the corners and mid-points.

At this stage the frame looks like a bare metal scaffold. This is correct.

Step 3 — Add the Top Horizontal Bar

Connect the top horizontal bar across the uprights to complete the frame rectangle. On a 3x3 this is a single bar. On a 3x6 it spans the full width with a centre support pole joining the mid-point upright to the top bar.

Once the top bar clicks into both corner uprights, the frame becomes rigid and self-standing. Step back and check it is plumb — all corners should be at right angles.

Step 4 — Slip On the Fabric Graphic

The fabric graphic is a large pillowcase. Open the bottom hem first, then work the fabric up over the frame from the bottom, pulling it upward until the top corners locate over the frame corner caps.

Once the fabric is over the frame, it will look slightly loose. This is normal at this stage.

Step 5 — Tension the Fabric

Pull the bottom hem of the fabric down firmly and tuck it under the base bar. Work from the corners inward, pulling and tucking section by section. The stretch polyester will tighten across the frame, pulling the graphic taut.

Walk around the booth and smooth out any remaining wrinkles with your palms — push wrinkles toward the edges. The fabric should be drum-tight with no visible creases on the front face.

Step 6 — Attach Accessories

If your configuration includes a podium counter, LED lighting module, or TV mount, attach these now.

Podium counter: The counter stand has its own separate frame and fabric — assemble it the same way as the main booth (steps 1 to 5) and place it in front of the booth.

LED strip lights: Clip to the top bar of the main frame using the integrated clips. The power cable runs down the inside of the frame channel and exits at the base.

TV mount: Attach the bracket to the frame's pre-drilled mount point, then hang the TV on the bracket. Just one person required for TVs above 32 inches.

Quick Reference Checklist

• Connect base poles (snap fit, lay flat)
• Connect vertical uprights (snap into base corners)
• Add top horizontal bar (frame now self-standing)
• Slip fabric pillowcase up from bottom
• Tension fabric from corners inward, tuck bottom hem
• Attach counter, LED, TV mount if included

SEG Lightbox Backdrop

The SEG lightbox uses a 120mm aluminium extrusion frame rather than the push-fit pole system. Assembly is similar but the frame sections are channel extrusions — the SEG (silicone edge graphic) fabric slides into the channel groove rather than slipping over the frame.

Assembly time: 15 to 20 minutes with two people

Step 1 — Assemble the Extrusion Frame

Connect the 120mm aluminium extrusion sections at the corners using the internal corner brackets. The sections slide together and the bracket is secured with the included Allen key (the only tool required in the entire HelloDisplay range).

Step 2 — Install the LED Panel

The LED panel clips into the back of the extrusion frame using the integrated mounting tabs. Connect the power cable. At this point the frame and lighting are ready.

Step 3 — Insert the SEG Fabric

Start at any corner. Push the silicone bead that runs around the edge of the printed graphic into the channel groove on the front face of the frame. Work around the perimeter, pushing the bead in section by section. Use your thumb or a plastic tucking tool — never a sharp object that could cut the bead.

The graphic is fully inserted when the entire bead is seated in the groove and the fabric face is uniformly taut and wrinkle-free across the lit panel.

Step 4 — Power On and Check

Plug in and switch on. The LED panel backlight should illuminate evenly across the entire graphic with no dark spots or unlit edges. If any section appears dim, check the LED panel clip connections at the back.

Hanging Banner

Hanging banners require ceiling rigging access and are subject to venue approval before your event. Always confirm with the event organiser.

Assembly time: 20 to 40 minutes with two people, plus rigging time (venue crew dependent)

Step 1 — Assemble the Frame

Hanging banner frames vary by model — some use a rigid aluminium box frame, others a tensioned ring or halo frame. Connect the frame sections following the included instruction sheet. The completed frame should be rigid before any rigging hardware is attached.

Step 2 — Attach the Rigging Hardware

Thread the rigging cables or straps through the designated attachment points on the frame. Do not attach to the fabric — rigging points are on the frame only.

Step 3 — Slip On the Fabric

The fabric graphic fits over the frame the same way as the exhibition booth — pillowcase method, bottom up, tension from corners inward.

Step 4 — Raise and Level

Venue rigging crew typically handle the lift. Once at height, check that the banner hangs level by eye. If one side is lower, adjust the cable or strap length at that attachment point by small increments.

Outdoor Flag and Feather Banner

The fastest setup in the range. One person, no tools, under five minutes.

Assembly time: 5 to 10 minutes per unit

Step 1 — Connect the Pole Sections

The aluminium pole comes in three or four sections depending on height. Push each section into the next — the bungee cord inside the pole pulls them together automatically once inserted. The pole assembles itself.

Step 2 — Attach the Ground Stake or Base

For outdoor use on grass or soft ground, push the ground stake into the soil at a slight angle into the wind direction, then slot the pole base over it. For hard ground (concrete, asphalt), use the cross base with water ballast bag — fill the bag with water or sand for stability.

Step 3 — Slide On the Flag

The flag has an integrated sleeve. Slide it down over the fully assembled pole from the top. The flag will catch the wind and stand without any tensioning.

EZ Tube Backdrop and Arch Display

Both of these use a bungee-cord tube frame. The tubes unfold like tent poles — connected internally by bungee cord, they spring into position when you let them go.

Assembly time: 10 to 20 minutes with one or two people

Step 1 — Unfold the Frame

Remove the folded frame from its bag. Hold it at the centre and let the sections unfold outward. The bungee cord will pull the sections into position automatically — guide them rather than forcing them.

For an arch shape, the frame naturally curves as the sections unfold. Assist the curve by gently encouraging the outer sections upward.

Step 2 — Connect Any Joining Sections

Larger EZ tube backdrops (U-shaped, T-shaped) have separate frame sections that join at clip-fit connection points. Connect these once each section is unfolded.

Step 3 — Slip On the Fabric

Same pillowcase method as the exhibition booth — work from the bottom up, tension from corners inward.

Counter Stand and Display Rack

Both use the same aluminium tube push-fit system as the main exhibition booth, just at a smaller scale.

Assembly time: 5 to 10 minutes

Step 1 — Connect the Frame

Push-fit the tube sections together following the labelled poles (A for uprights, B for base). The frame will be self-standing once the base and two uprights are connected.

Step 2 — Attach the Top Panel (Counter Stand only)

The MDF top surface clips onto the top of the frame. Press down firmly at all four corners until all clips engage.

Step 3 — Slip On the Fabric

Pillowcase method from the bottom. Tension from corners. Tuck the hem under the base bar.

Tube Banner Stand

Single-pole retractable or tube-frame banner. Fastest branded display in the range.

Assembly time: 5 to 10 minutes

Step 1 — Assemble the Pole

Connect two or three pole sections end to end. The top section has a hook or clip for the banner.

Step 2 — Attach the Base

Slot the bottom pole section into the base unit. On retractable models the base also houses the rolled banner — simply pull it up and hook the top bar.

Step 3 — Attach the Banner

For non-retractable tube banner stands, slide the banner's top sleeve over the top bar, then attach the bottom tensioner rod through the bottom sleeve to keep the graphic taut.

3D Backdrop

The most complex setup in the range. This is a modular layered system — multiple frame depths create a three-dimensional stage effect with foreground and background panels.

Assembly time: 30 to 60 minutes with two people

Plan your layout before you start. The 3D backdrop includes a floor plan diagram in the instruction sheet that shows exactly which frame connects where. Follow it section by section rather than trying to build the whole thing at once.

Step 1 — Build the Back Wall

Assemble the rear flat panel first, exactly as you would a standard exhibition booth (steps 1 to 5 above). This is your anchor point.

Step 2 — Add the Depth Layers

Connect the forward-projection frame sections to the base of the back wall. These sections extend outward (toward the audience) and are shorter in height, creating the layered look. Connect each depth layer independently before adding the next.

Step 3 — Add the Fabric Skins Per Layer

Each depth layer has its own fabric graphic. Apply them in back-to-front order — start with the rear panel fabric, then work forward. This prevents you from having to reach behind an already-dressed layer.

Step 4 — Final Check

Walk around the completed 3D backdrop and check that all fabric faces are taut, no frame connectors are visible through the fabric, and the layered sections are parallel to each other.

Troubleshooting

Fabric has wrinkles on the front face after setup

Pull the hem tighter under the base bar. Work from the wrinkle outward toward the nearest corner, smoothing with your palm as you go. On warm days the fabric relaxes naturally after a few minutes once tensioned.

Frame pole is stiff to connect

Check that the pole ends are aligned and the connector is fully open. Do not force. A slight rotation while pushing usually seats it cleanly.

LED strip has an unlit section

Unclip and reseat the affected LED panel section. Check that the power cable connector is fully pushed in at both ends.

Fabric graphics look different from the digital proof

Dye-sublimation printing on polyester fabric reads slightly warmer and more saturated than screen. This is normal and expected — the print is correct.

Frame will not stand plumb

Check that all base poles are fully connected. On uneven floors, adjust the base feet if your model has them, or use rubber matting under one corner to level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need any tools to assemble a tension fabric exhibition booth?

No tools are required for any tension fabric booth, outdoor flag, EZ tube backdrop, counter stand, display rack, arch display, or tube banner stand. The only exception is the SEG lightbox, which requires an Allen key (included) to secure the corner brackets.

How many people do I need for setup?

Most displays can be set up by two people. A counter stand or outdoor flag can be managed alone. For a 3x6 exhibition booth or a 3D backdrop, two people is the minimum recommended. Having a third person available for the fabric-tensioning step makes things noticeably easier on larger configurations.

Can I reuse the display after the event?

Yes. All HelloDisplay displays are designed for repeated assembly and disassembly. Fold the fabric carefully — do not ball it — and store the poles in the carry bag. Most customers get dozens of uses from a single display.

What if a pole or connector is damaged?

Contact HelloDisplay directly. Individual frame components are available as spare parts. You do not need to replace the entire display if a single section is damaged.

Can the fabric graphic be reprinted with a new design?

Yes. The aluminium frames are reusable. Order a new fabric graphic with updated artwork and it fits the same frame. This is a common approach for businesses that exhibit at multiple events with different campaign messaging.

Every HelloDisplay product includes an assembly instruction sheet in the carry bag. Video guides for each product type are also available. Browse the full range at hellodisplay.shop