Conference Delegate Signage for Large Manchester Venues: Foam Board and Pull-Up Banners
Table of Contents
Old Trafford isn't just about sport. The conference venue at the cricket ground joined the Association of British Professional Conference Organisers in 2025, according to Meet in Manchester. It's one more sign of how many big Manchester venues now host conferences, not just matches.
Large venues are great for big events. But they can be confusing for delegates. Long corridors. Several floors. Rooms with names nobody remembers. On a busy morning, everyone arrives at once and nobody knows where to go.
That's where good conference delegate signage earns its keep. This guide is for conference organisers and venue teams. It covers what delegates need to see, which signs to use, and when to order so it's all ready for set-up.
What delegates need to see
Think about a delegate's day from the moment they arrive.
- Arrival. "Am I in the right place?"
- Registration. "Where do I get my badge?"
- Cloakroom and coffee. "Where can I leave my coat? Where's the coffee?"
- Main room. "Where's the keynote?"
- Breakout sessions. "Which room is Session B in?"
- Lunch, toilets, exits. The everyday questions that come up all day.
At every step, a sign can answer the question before they have to ask.
The golden rule
If a delegate has to ask a member of staff where something is, that's a sign you're missing. Watch where people stop and look confused during set-up or the first hour. That's where the next sign goes.
Start with the venue
Ask the venue team early:
- Where can signs go?
- Can anything be fixed to walls?
- Do they have easels or sign holders?
- When can you get in to set up?
- Are there any branding rules?
They know the building. Their answers will shape your whole sign plan.
Directional and welcome signs
A welcome board at the entrance
- An A1 foam board (594 x 841 mm) makes a clear welcome sign. Event name, logo and an arrow to registration.
- It's rigid, light and stays flat. It's for indoor use, which suits a conference venue.
Event directional signs
- An A2 foam board (420 x 594 mm) is ideal for direction signs and room names.
- Use the same design on every sign, with a big, clear arrow.
- Put them at every junction, at the top and bottom of stairs, and by lifts.
Foam board conference signs: good habits
- One message per sign. "Main Hall" with an arrow. Nothing else.
- Big text. People read signs while walking.
- Same colours and fonts on every sign. Delegates learn to spot your signs fast.
- Number your signs on the back to match a floor plan. Set-up is much quicker.
Our foam boards are printed only
Stands and easels aren't included. Check what the venue can provide, or plan to bring your own.
An agenda on the wall
- An A1 poster by registration or the coffee area works well for the day's agenda.
- Delegates check times and rooms without needing to ask.
- If the agenda might change, print it close to the event, or keep times off the poster and use a printed handout instead.
Pull-up banners at registration
Registration is the first real moment of your event. It should look organised and welcoming.
- A pull-up roller banner (800 x 2000 mm) behind the registration desk tells delegates they've found the right spot.
- Use one or two to mark the start of the event space.
- Put one by the stage or main room entrance for photos and branding.
Pull up banner for conferences: design tips
- Event name and logo in the top third. That's what people see from across the lobby.
- Keep it simple. A strong design and few words.
- Leave dates off if you run the conference every year, so the banner can be reused.
Business cards for the team
Give your event team business cards so delegates and sponsors can contact the right person after the event.
Order timeline
Here's how timing works for conference signage sent to Manchester.
- Standard UK shipping is 2 to 3 working days of production, then about 2 days for delivery.
- Working days are Monday to Friday.
- Same-day delivery is only for London and inside the M25.
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 6 weeks before | Walk the venue or get a floor plan. Ask about display rules. |
| 4 weeks before | Map every sign: where it goes and what it says. |
| 3 weeks before | Designs finished and approved. |
| 2 weeks before | Place your order. |
| A few days before | Signs arrive. Check every one against your sign map. |
| Set-up day | Put signs up in order. Walk the delegate route yourself. |
Delivery to the venue
Some venues accept deliveries for events, some don't, and some only on set days. Check first. If not, send everything to your office and bring it with you.
Treat these dates as a guide, not a promise.
Checklist
Run through this before you order.
- ☐ Venue rules checked. Where signs can go, fixings, easels, set-up times.
- ☐ Delegate route walked, or traced on a floor plan.
- ☐ Sign map made. Every sign numbered, with its location and message.
- ☐ Welcome board designed.
- ☐ Directional signs designed, with clear arrows and room names.
- ☐ Agenda poster designed, or a plan for last-minute changes.
- ☐ Registration banners designed, with no dates if you'll reuse them.
- ☐ Spelling checked. Especially room names and speaker names.
- ☐ Order placed at least two weeks before the event.
- ☐ Delivery address confirmed.
- ☐ A few spare signs saying "This way" with blank space, for surprises on the day.
Help every delegate find their way
Clear conference delegate signage means fewer lost people, fewer questions at the desk and sessions that start on time. And delegates who never get lost remember your event for the right reasons.
Choose your boards and banners, upload your designs and we'll print and send them to you. Want help planning? Call us on 020 7701 2515. You can also read more about our poster printing in Manchester City Centre.
