Creating a cohesive, on-brand event experience doesn’t have to come with a sky-high price tag.  Whether you're managing a large conference or a small off-site field event, there are plenty of creative ways to stretch your signage budget while still delivering a polished and professional experience.  Here are our top tips for making every dollar count when it comes to maximizing your event graphics:

Affordable Alternatives
Costs for traditional signage like foam boards or fabric banners can add up quickly, but opting to forego these event staples doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the visibility they provide.  Instead, swap them for budget-friendly options like wall decals, floor graphics, or tabletop signs.  These lower-cost materials can deliver the same message while offering a more modern, immersive feel and allow you to use underutilized spaces like floors, windows, and tabletops! 

• Wall Decals: Wall Decals are a great replacement for banners, easel signs, or framed (stanchion) prints, especially in narrow hallways or small rooms where traditional signs may be difficult to display.  These easily customizable options are ideal for welcome messages, branding near registration tables, or even sponsor shoutouts in lounges or breakout spaces.

• Floor Graphics: Perfect for replacing your wayfinding banners, meterboards, and easel signs.  Floor Decals are designed to direct foot traffic in high-traffic areas, designate waiting areas, or highlight wayfinding in a visually creative, unobstructive way.  They’re also great for adding a touch of fun or surprise that traditional signage doesn’t offer, like branded “step here” decals for photo ops or arrows pointing to hidden gems at your venue.

• Tabletop Signs: Sometimes, traditional easel signs are overkill for the message you’re trying to convey.  Smaller options, such as Tabletop Signs, offer a cost-effective way to display key information, including Wi-Fi passwords, agenda updates, sponsor promos, or QR codes linking to digital content.  These work well on check-in counters, café tables, or speaker meet-and-greet areas.

Value-Focused Versions
If you need a specific graphic format, like retractable banners, but the high-end version doesn’t quite fit within your budget, opt for a basic or disposable model that can still get the job done.  The easiest way to choose which cost-conscious alternative to go for is to focus on the core purpose of the visual: Does it need to inform?  Brand a space?  Direct traffic?  Once you’ve nailed down the objective, you can usually find a simplified version that hits the same mark for less.  Using our retractable banner example, choosing a low-cost, free-standing banner or a model with fewer hardware features can help you save your budget dollars for higher-end investment pieces in places they’ll have the most impact.  Unsure which banner best suits your needs?  Check out our retractable and free-standing banner shopping guides, or see if your vendor has an easy comparison chart to help you make a more informed decision!

• Do-it-all Decals: For temporary or single-use needs like pop-up stations or last-minute room changes, decals are an easy, budget-conscious way to communicate without investing in hardware.  Their customization options allow them to seamlessly fill any space needed and open the door to a lot of creative, high-impact branding opportunities, like large-scale column wraps or wall-sized sponsor decals in activation and lounge areas.
  
  

  
  

• Back to Basics:  When your signage doesn’t need all the bells and whistles, a budget-friendly, no-frills model can usually do the trick.  Think of swapping retractable banners for more affordable retractables, free-standing versions, or opting for cost-effective short-term signage like foam or eco board rather than plastic.  These budget-friendly alternatives are perfect for short-term use and can often be recycled for a clean, professional look during the event and an eco-friendly end of life after your event!
  
  

  
  

• Yard Signs: An affordable and lightweight option for outdoor needs like parking areas, activity zones, or sponsored check-in points.  These signs can replace bulkier sidewalk signs or heavier wind-resistant banners, making them easier to transport, place, and store. As a bonus, they're weatherproof and recyclable, making them a practical, budget-friendly, and eco-conscious choice, rain or shine!

Reusable Graphics
One of the simplest ways to get the most out of your budget is to opt for graphics you can make use of across multiple events.  Reusable graphics like banners that allow you to replace graphics as needed, easel signs with magnetic SMARTlens that accommodate swappable messages (like agendas, menus, or room assignments), and even sign stickers that can overhaul your existing graphics to align more closely with your event’s theme can all dramatically cut costs over time.  The versatility of these types of signs makes communicating with attendees more streamlined, and can actually reduce the total number of signs needed for your meeting.  These reusable solutions may cost more upfront, but if you're hosting multiple events per year—or even across departments—they can offer strong long-term ROI.

• Interchangeable Banners:  Using one hardware base and simply switching out the graphic inserts depending on the event is a great way to stretch your banner’s lifespan.  Certain models, like The Premium, or free-standing banners like The Flex or The X-tend, even allow you to swap graphics out on-site (without sending them back to the vendor)!

• Versatile Easel Signs: Reusable signs outfitted with a magnetic SMARTlens are an easy way to maximize the functionality of your signage.  From on-site updates or rotating content like session agendas, lunch menus, or room assignments, these signs are especially useful for venues where flexibility is key and content may change daily.

• Sign Stickers: A quick, budget-friendly way to refresh existing signage and even banners, by covering outdated info or adjusting for a new theme.  These Sign Stickers are perfect for seasonal overlays, sponsor updates, or even rebranding between events.  They’re a great way to keep your existing signage relevant and evergreen, no matter how your graphic needs change!

Double Duty Signage
You wear multiple hats at your event, so why shouldn’t your graphics?  One of the smartest (and easiest) ways to save on signage is to make every piece do more.  Double duty signage is all about maximizing the value of your graphics by designing them to adapt; whether that means swapping out content mid-day to use the same banner you did to welcome guests to registration to spotlight the evening cocktail menu, seamlessly navigating surprise or last minute locations changes, or rebranding a space with just a quick update.  This approach not only reduces the total number of signs needed but also provides the flexibility to keep your messaging relevant and fresh throughout your entire event timeline. 

• Interchangeable Graphics for Banners: Free-standing banners like our Flex and X-tend or our Premium models allow you to switch out printed graphics with ease, even during the event!  Start the morning with a sponsor spotlight, then swap in a new insert to promote your afternoon breakout or happy hour.  You get multiple messages from a single hardware investment.

• Versatile Accessories:  Use a magnetic SMARTlens to quickly update content on your easel signage.  These versatile and easy-to-use accessories can be applied to both disposable and reusable boards to streamline changing agendas, speaker lineups, or directional information throughout the day.  Sign stickers can be applied over existing visuals to refresh branding, update room assignments, or turn a general sign into a sponsor shoutout, all without replacing the core graphic.

• Mobility Matters:  Don’t forget to factor in how easily a sign can move when considering double duty.  Lightweight options like freestanding banners, tabletops, or easel boards can be repositioned throughout your venue as your needs evolve.  Work with venue staff ahead of time to coordinate signage movement or updates, especially for multi-purpose spaces that shift functions during the day.

Get Creative with Placement
Sometimes the smartest savings come from rethinking how your signage can be used.  Can a podium sign double as a breakout session ID if mounted outside the door?  Can one bold archway at the entrance replace multiple directional signs inside?  Using smaller, more affordable graphics that don’t diminish the impact of your visuals can help you maintain a cohesive atmosphere at your event, keep attendees informed, and help you save on your graphics budget.  If you’re unsure of all the options for creatively repurposing signage, be sure to ask your vendor about ways you can maximize the impact of your graphics without expanding your order list.

• Double-Duty Podium Signs: Replace traditional easel signs with more polished, more affordable Podium Signs outside your breakout rooms!  It’s an easy and creative way to cut costs while still delivering professional branding that keeps your guests informed.

• Bold Entryway Graphics: A single branded archway or oversized welcome banner at your event entrance can set the tone and reduce the need for multiple smaller directional signs inside.  These don’t have to be massive installations to still get a massive impact, either! Small-scale Wall Banners or Podium Signs with grommeted corners make great hanging entranceway additions to even smaller breakout rooms.  These types of graphics capture attention and cover multiple bases, from first impressions to wayfinding.

• Strategic Tabletop Placement: Use small-scale signs on café tables, registration counters, or lounge furniture to share important reminders, QR codes, or sponsor messages.  These often-overlooked spaces offer great visibility without requiring additional signage structures or installation.

Consolidate When You Can
It’s likely no surprise that fewer signs mean less cost.  Incorporate this strategy into your planning efforts by combining content where possible.  Instead of printing multiple signs for speakers, sponsors, and schedules, consider a single well-designed piece that houses all of the above.  Not only does this save on printing and materials, allowing you to stretch your budget a bit further, but it can also save you some stress when on-site.  Fewer signs also means fewer graphics to place and manage on-site, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your attendee experience.

• Multi-Purpose Event Boards: Design your banners or wall decals to communicate multiple topics at once.  Graphics that seamlessly include visuals like your agenda, sponsor logos, and speaker lineup make smart additions to high-traffic zones like registration or coffee stations.

• Room Signage with Rotating Content: Use the versatility of your signage accessories, like the magnetic SMARTlens, to transform any graphic into a communication powerhouse.   With these powerful add-ons, you’re able to swap out pre-printed inserts that list daily sessions, speakers, and QR codes for live updates, all in one place.  No room for a magnetic SMARTlens?  No problem!  You can accomplish this same functionality by opting for dry-erase laminate on your decals or signs as well!

• Multi-Tasking Sponsor Signage: Enhance sponsor logos' value by incorporating them into signage that serves a dual purpose, such as wayfinding Floor Decals, stage backdrops, or event agenda boards.  This not only maximizes visibility but reduces the need for standalone sponsor signage, helping you do more with less!  

Offset Signage Costs with Sponsorships
Stretching your signage budget is easier when you don’t have to navigate it alone!  Sponsors are often eager to invest in branding opportunities that go beyond the simple logo loop, and your signage is the perfect canvas to boost their visibility and make them part of the event experience.  By tying sponsor recognition into your event graphics, you can deliver real value to your partners and ease some of the financial burden on your budget.  Want more ideas for leveraging signage and giveaways to drive sponsor ROI? Check out our Graphics for Sponsor Visibility blog here.

• Branded Signage Footers or Stickers: Add sponsor logos to Sign Stickers to rebrand your existing signage into billboards for your sponsors!  Using the same sign stickers at the bottom of your signs to include QR codes or social handles at the bottom of existing graphics drives measurable interaction for your sponsors as well.  It’s an easy, unobtrusive way to boost visibility and turn essential signage into added-value real estate with no extra hardware required.

• Sponsor-Supported Activation Areas: Turn high-traffic areas like entrances, lounges, or photo booths into branded experiences by letting sponsors underwrite your signage. Large-scale wall decals and fabric displays with co-branded messaging can elevate the attendee experience by creating social media-worthy photo ops, extending the reach of your sponsors to the digital sphere, and covering some of your production costs.

• Reframe Signage as a Value Add: Don’t just use signage—sell it!  Work signage into your sponsorship tiers, offering branded Floor Decals,  Podium Signs, column wraps, or as premium add-ons.  Many sponsors are looking for creative ways to stand out, and unique signage options deliver memorable, high-impact visibility where it matters most.  If you’re looking for ways to elevate your attendee experience and incorporate your sponsor while doing so, be sure to check out our Graphics to Enhance the Attendee Experience blog!

Prioritize and Plan Ahead
Prioritization is key when working on a tight budget.  This idea goes far beyond just visuals, and identifying your “must-haves” early in the planning process allows you to allocate your available funds wisely.  When it comes to graphics specifically, start by sorting your needs into categories—such as directional graphics, sponsor recognition, or reusable pieces—and focus on what’s essential for a smooth and successful communication on-site.  Once you’ve got your priorities in place, it’s easier to determine where a more affordable version will do the trick, where you’d like the flexibility of a versatile sign, or where it’s worth investing in something reusable or more custom.  Here are some tips to help you prioritize:

• Directional Graphics: Ensuring your attendees know where to go to make use of your event’s content is crucial to a successful event.  As such, a good place to start when prioritizing is with wayfinding signs.  Visuals like Floor Decals, hanging arrows, or reusable easel boards are a cost-effective way to help attendees navigate your venue smoothly and should be among the first pieces you finalize.

High-Impact Zones: Identify your high-impact zones where branding and photography opportunities are most visible (like your event entrance or main stage) and elevate these areas by investing in big impact signage, like a branded archway, large-scale wall decals, or fabric backdrops.  These areas can also make use of strategic retractable banners.  See if you’re able to utilize basic models in lobbies or hallways to save higher-end versions with interchangeable graphics for reusable placements like sponsor recognition or recurring session signage.

Work with Your Vendor: Starting the process sooner gives you more flexibility to explore affordable materials, reuse strategies, or consolidate print runs, avoiding last-minute rush charges and limited design options.  Don’t forget to include your vendor partner on the product discussions, especially if you have a hard budget you’re trying to work within, to see what budget-friendly alternatives are at your disposal.

Smart Branding Doesn’t Have to Break the Bank
With a little strategy, creative thinking, and proactive planning, you can stretch your branding efforts without stretching your budget!  Whether it’s swapping materials, choosing reusable pieces, or thinking outside the traditional signage playbook, small adjustments can actually lead to big savings.  When in doubt, include your vendor partner in the brainstorming session to see what cost-conscious options you may have that align with your event’s goals and your bottom line.