CES Trade-Show Print Kit: Brochures, Booth Graphics & Leave-Behinds for Gadget Launches

Launch Week, Not Launch Panic: A CES-ready Print Kit for Tech Exhibitors

If you’re presenting a smart lamp, wearable, or consumer gadget at CES, the last thing you need is a print supplier you can’t rely on. Long lead times, confusing paper options, unpredictable colors and minimum order headaches cost time and momentum. This ready-to-order exhibitor print kit is built for product launches: high-impact booth graphics, concise sell sheets, branded pocket folders and art-quality product brochures—all optimized for quick turnaround printing in 2026.

Why this kit matters now (2026 trends that changed the game)

• CES 2026 momentum: Smart lighting, compact wearables and AI-enabled consumer gadgets dominated late-2025 product announcements. Exhibitors now need materials that match high-res product imagery and short lead windows.
• Expanded-gamut and variable-data print: In late 2025–early 2026, more commercial printers adopted 7-color and expanded-gamut presses. That improves skin tones and vivid gradients for gadget renders—so use providers that offer expanded-gamut or Pantone verification when color fidelity matters.
• Sustainability expectations: Buyers now ask for FSC/PEFC and post-consumer recycled stocks. Offerings increased in 2025, so this kit includes certified eco options without sacrificing finish.
• Shorter windows, higher stakes: With tradeshow calendars compressed, fast, reliable quick turnaround printing and direct-to-booth shipping (show-site delivery) became essential operational capabilities.

What’s in the CES Trade-Show Print Kit

The kit is designed for product-centric tech exhibitors who need design-forward, small-quantity runs with predictable delivery. Each item is available a la carte or as a bundled order with a prioritized production queue.

Core kit components

1. Banner vinyl (primary backwall + step-and-repeat)
   • 13–18 oz PVC scrim for indoor backwalls; blockout 18 oz available for double-sided headers.
   • Hemmed edges, grommets, and pole pockets included. Option for seam-welded, dye-sublimation fabric for wrinkle resistance.
   • Standard sizes: 8' x 8' (10x10), 8' x 20' (10x20), custom headers. Provide vector files for tidy cut lines.
2. Roll-up banner (retractable)
   • Portable hero for demo areas—24" x 78" common size. Lightweight bases and carry cases included.
   • Matte finish recommended to reduce glare from show-floor lighting and demo LEDs.
3. High-quality product brochures — small-run, art-grade
   • 8–24 page brochures perfect for premium wearables and flagship gadgets.
   • Paper options: 150–170 gsm uncoated or silk text for interior pages; 300–350 gsm cover stock with soft-touch matte lamination for a premium tactile finish.
   • Binding: saddle-stitch for <24 pages; perfect bind for 24+ pages. Small runs from 50–500 copies supported.
4. Sell sheets (one-page product spec sheets)
   • 8.5" x 11" or A4, single or double-sided. Crisp tech specs, product shots, QR code to preorder or demo sign-up.
   • Paper: 120–170 gsm satin or silk for durability and accurate color reproduction.
5. Pocket folders & press kits
   • 9" x 12" folder with two interior pockets and business-card slits—14–16 pt uncoated or coated stock.
   • Includes options for insert tabs and a die-cut window to showcase a sample device or card.
6. Leave-behinds: postcards, stickers, and sample cards
   • 4" x 6" postcards for giveaways; removable sticker sheets for swag walls; sample cards for finishes & colorways.
7. Optional extras
   • Floor graphics, table throws, fabric tension walls, and direct-to-substrate signage for demo stands.
   • Show-warehouse delivery and on-site reprint options.

Production Specs You Need to Lock Before You Order

Nothing delays a trade show printing order like a missing bleed or an embedded font error. Use this checklist when prepping files for banners, brochures, and sell sheets.

File and color essentials

• File format: Provide PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4 for best interoperability. TIFF or flattened PSD for large assets if requested.
• Bleed: 0.125" (3 mm) bleed on all sides for print items; 0.5–1" edge tolerance for large-format graphics on rollups and vinyl.
• Color profile: Convert images to CMYK using the printer’s recommended profile. In 2026, ask about expanded-gamut capabilities—many printers now accept RGB PDF/X-4 to preserve wider color if their press supports it.
• Pantones & brand colors: Supply Pantone (PMS) references for logos. When exact brand matches are critical, request a press check or print a color-match proof.
• Resolution: 300 dpi for sell sheets and brochures. For large-format banners, 100–150 dpi at final size is acceptable; focus detail where the viewer stands closest (product hero areas should be higher resolution).
• Fonts & transparency: Embed or outline fonts. Flatten transparency or use PDF/X-4 for transparency-safe workflows.
• QR codes & scannability: Make QR codes at least 0.8" square and test printed versions to ensure they scan under show-floor lighting.

Material & finishing guide

• Brochure covers: 300–350 gsm smooth or silk with soft-touch matte lamination for a premium unboxing feel. Order a sample pack when testing finishes under exhibit lighting.
• Interior pages: 150–170 gsm coated or uncoated text paper depending on the aesthetic (coated = crisper images; uncoated = better for annotations).
• Sell sheets: 120–170 gsm silk or gloss; gloss for vibrant imagery, silk for upscale tech products with fingerprint resistance.
• Pocket folders: 14–16 pt (approx. 350–400 gsm) cover stock; consider matte aqueous coating for fast turnaround and recyclability.
• Banner vinyl: 13–18 oz indoor PVC scrim; finish with matte or satin lamination to control glare from LED demo lighting.

Ordering & Logistics: Fast, Predictable Fulfillment

The difference between a successful CES and a missed opportunity is shipping reliability. Here’s how to create a fail-safe plan for quick turnaround printing and delivery.

Order timeline (recommended minimums)

1. Proofing & approvals: 24–48 hours (soft proof). Allow 48 hours for a hard proof if exact color is required.
2. Production:
• Sell sheets (short run): 2–4 business days.
• Small-run brochures (50–500): 3–7 business days depending on binding and finishing.
• Banner vinyl & roll-ups: 2–5 business days for standard; 24–48 hour rush available with expedited shipping.
3. Shipping: Choose direct-to-show warehouse delivery where possible. Expect 1–3 business days transit from U.S. west-coast printers to Las Vegas when couriered; plan buffer for customs if shipping internationally.

Direct-to-show vs hotel delivery

• Direct-to-show warehouse: Recommended—most reliable for large banners and crate items. Add handling/Drayage fees to budget.
• Hotel delivery: OK for brochures, folders and leave-behinds. Risk: hotel receiving policies vary and can delay arrival. Build contingency plans (see outage & contingency playbooks) if a primary shipment is delayed.

Design & Messaging — What Converts on the Show Floor

Design for attention and follow-up. Gadget buyers at CES move fast; your materials must tell a clear story in 3–7 seconds and make it easy to act.

Sell sheet structure (high-converting template)

1. Hero shot (top 25% of page) — real product in context or use-case photo.
2. One-line value proposition — 6–10 words, bold.
3. Quick specs — bullet list of 6–8 key features (battery life, sensors, connectivity, price points, SKU variations).
4. Call-to-action — QR code to preorders or contact form and a short promo code for show-only discounts.
5. Footer — social icons, web, legal disclaimers, FCC/CE marks if applicable.

Brochure copy & structure (art-quality)

• Use generous imagery, but keep copy scannable: an intro paragraph, 3–4 feature spreads, a spec sheet page, and a final CTA spread for orders and press contact.
• Include a technical appendix or QR link to datasheets—keeps the brochure clean but gives engineers depth.

Case Study: Fast Turnaround for a Smart Lamp Launch (Fictional, but realistic)

Scenario: A 10-person startup needs 150 brochures, 500 sell sheets, a 8'x8' backwall and 2 roll-ups for CES, with 10 days before show unload.

Recommended workflow we used with several clients in late 2025–early 2026:

1. Day 1–2: Finalize assets. Provide a layered source file and export PDF/X-4.
2. Day 2: Soft proof returned; client approves color. For brand-critical colors, we printed a 1-sheet hard proof overnight.
3. Day 3–6: Production—sell sheets and brochures printed; binding and finishing scheduled. Vinyl printed on an expanded-gamut press for richer RGB-leaning product renders.
4. Day 6–7: QA, packing, and shipping to show warehouse with tracking and delivery confirmation to the exhibitor.
5. Result: Materials arrive two days before booth set-up, allowing team time to stage and correct one minor logo alignment with a free reprint to the hotel for on-site use.

Key wins: predictable timeline, color-matching to product renders, and a backup on-site reprint plan.

Budgeting & Small-Run Pricing Strategies

When buying for CES, mix high-impact, lower-volume premium pieces with economical leave-behinds to control cost without losing perceived value.

• Produce art-quality brochures in short runs (50–250) for press kits and investor meetings—premium feel and limited editions can create perceived scarcity.
• Print sell sheets in larger quantities (300–1,000) for floor distribution and partner outreach—these are cheaper per unit but crucial for demos.
• Banner vinyl is a fixed cost—invest here for booth identity. Retractable roll-ups are more cost-effective for portable demos.
• Bundle discounts: Many printers offer bundled savings for ordering multiple SKU types together. Ask for a CES exhibitor package to lower per-item costs and speed processing.

Sustainability & Certifications — What Buyers Ask in 2026

Expect procurement teams to ask about certifications and recyclability. Include these options in your kit and make them visible on sell sheets.

• Offer FSC-certified stocks and recycled cover options (30–100% post-consumer content).
• Recommend aqueous coatings or soft-touch lamination over PVC laminates where possible for recyclability.
• For banners, consider fabric dye-sub or PVC-free alternatives—many venues now support textile graphics that fold and ship in soft cases.

Preflight Checklist: Prepare Files That Print Right the First Time

• PDF/X output, fonts embedded or outlined.
• Bleed + crop marks applied; safe text margins respected.
• Color profile confirmed with your printer—ask whether to convert to CMYK or deliver RGB for expanded-gamut presses.
• High-res imagery at the correct dpi for final sizes.
• All logos as vector EPS or SVG; specify Pantone numbers for brand colors.
• Include a one-page spec sheet in your order with destination (show warehouse address), ship dates, and contact person.

Pro tip: Order a small sample pack (papers and finish swatches) 30 days before final print. Hold it under exhibit lighting to catch glare and color shifts before mass production.

Final Takeaways — How to Use This Kit for a Successful Launch

• Start early, but plan for fast turns: Prepare print-ready files two weeks before you need materials; book prioritized production in your vendor’s schedule.
• Prioritize color fidelity: For flagship products use Pantone references and request a press check or hard proof when possible.
• Mix premium and scalable pieces: Premium brochures for press & partners; sell sheets and postcards for general attendees.
• Choose show-friendly formats: Matte or satin finishes reduce glare under demo lighting. Use roll-ups for portability and vinyl backwalls for bold visuals.
• Plan logistics: Direct-to-show warehouse delivery is safest for large pieces; hotels work for small packs but are a risk.

Next Steps — Ready to Order Your CES Trade-Show Print Kit?

Order a pre-configured kit built for gadget launches, or customize quantities and finishes. We offer sample packs, expanded-gamut printing, FSC options, and show-warehouse delivery to Las Vegas. Need a fast quote and a production timeline aligned to your show date? Contact our trade-show print specialists and get a guaranteed ship date within 24 hours.

Call to action: Request a free sample pack and prioritized quote for your CES launch materials today—get reliable banner vinyl, sell sheets, pocket folders and small-run art-quality brochures on a schedule you can count on.

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