Ultimate Glossary of Backlit Trade Show Display Terms

Backlit trade show displays combine cutting-edge lighting technology with modular construction and advanced fabric printing. Whether you’re new to exhibiting or want a deeper technical understanding, this glossary breaks down all the essential terminology you’ll encounter when working with lightboxes and backlit booths.

💡 Backlit Display Components & Technology

Backlit Display

A modular system that uses internal LED lights to illuminate printed fabric graphics. Backlighting enhances color vibrancy and visibility on the show floor.

Lightbox

A term used interchangeably with “backlit display.” Originally used in signage, it now refers to any LED-lit structure that showcases SEG fabric or acrylic graphics.

SEG (Silicone Edge Graphics)

A dye-sublimated fabric graphic with a silicone strip sewn along its perimeter. The strip fits into an aluminum frame, creating a taut, frameless appearance ideal for backlighting.

LED Module / LED Array

The light source inside a lightbox. LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are arranged in strips or grids to provide even illumination across the entire graphic.

Color Temperature (Kelvin)

The color output of an LED light. Most trade show lightboxes use a color temperature between 5500K–6800K for bright, white, daylight-balanced illumination.

Lumens

A measure of total visible light output. Higher lumen values = brighter displays. BriteBooth lightboxes typically output 4800–5800 lumens per m².

Diffuser

A panel or layer used to spread and soften LED light to prevent hot spots and ensure uniform illumination across the graphic.

Power Supply / Transformer

Converts AC power from a wall outlet to a lower DC voltage (often 24V) safe for LED modules. Includes UL/CE certification for safety.

Edge-Lit vs. Back-Lit

Edge-lit: LEDs are placed along the frame edges.
Back-lit: LEDs are mounted behind the graphic, facing forward, for more even brightness—ideal for large or double-sided displays.

Tool-Free Assembly

Most lightboxes from BriteBooth feature tool-free connectors—allowing easy setup via magnetic or push-button hardware.

🧰 Trade Show Display Structure & Construction

Extrusion Frame

An aluminum frame used in SEG systems. Includes channels for silicone edge graphics and sometimes internal tracks for lighting.

Modular Display

Displays made from interchangeable components that can be reconfigured to fit various booth sizes and layouts.

Tower Display

A vertical lightbox structure used to add height and visibility to a booth. Often 8–12 ft tall and viewable from all sides.

Counter Display

A backlit or standard counter that can be used for greeting visitors, storing materials, or demoing products. Often includes internal shelves.

Hanging Lightbox

A fabric lightbox suspended from the ceiling, often round or square, with internal LEDs for glowing visibility from above.

Case-to-Counter

A shipping case that converts into a usable counter during events. Many BriteBooth counters are backlit and branded.

🎨 Print & Graphic Terms

Dye Sublimation Printing

A process that fuses ink into the fibers of polyester fabric using heat and pressure—producing vibrant, durable, backlight-compatible graphics.

Bleed

Extra printed area that extends beyond the final cut line, ensuring no white edges appear after trimming. Most SEG graphics include a 0.5"–1" bleed.

Color Shift

The perceived change in color appearance when printed graphics are lit from behind. BriteBooth’s proofing service adjusts colors for optimal backlit balance.

Resolution (DPI)

Dots Per Inch. Recommended: 150 DPI at full scale for SEG prints; 300 DPI for logos and fine detail.

🔌 Electrical & Safety

UL Certification

Ensures that a product’s electrical components meet U.S. safety standards. Required by most U.S. trade show venues for powered equipment.

CE Certification

The European Union equivalent of UL certification. Indicates conformity with EU safety standards.

Amps / Voltage

Most displays use 110–120V standard wall outlets and draw less than 2 amps per power supply. Transformers output 24V DC to the LEDs.

Power Drop

The location where show electricians provide electricity within your booth space. Always confirm before setup, especially for backlit configurations.

📦 Booth Operations & Logistics

Drayage

The fee charged by trade show organizers to move your freight from the loading dock to your booth. Backlit displays often reduce this cost due to lightweight components.

Inline Booth

A standard 10x10 or 10x20 exhibit space with one open side and three enclosed walls.

Island Booth

An open exhibit space with four-sided access. Perfect for large-format lightbox setups, towers, and hanging signage.

Portable Display

Lightweight, compact displays that can be hand-carried or transported in shipping cases. SEG lightboxes from BriteBooth are considered portable despite their visual scale.

Need More Clarity?

Still confused about a term? Contact us or browse our backlit display collection to see these terms in action.