How to Choose the Right Printed Event Shelter (Without Getting It Wrong)

If you are choosing a printed event shelter, you are making a trade-off somewhere. Space, strength, visibility, portability and cost all pull in different directions. The key is knowing which compromises are acceptable for your use, and which ones will come back to bite you.

Our guide will help you to figure out which type of structure is best for your event, and then narrow down which of those structures is most suited. Read on to learn more!

Step one: choose the right type of printed event shelter

Before size, print or budget, you need to choose the correct structure. Get this wrong and no amount of specification tweaking will fix it.

Choose a printed gazebo if…

You want a shelter that works almost everywhere.

A printed gazebo is the default choice for most buyers, and with good reason. If you attend multiple events per year, need something that can handle wind better than inflatables, and want a professional branded setup that does not dominate your transport space, a gazebo is almost always the safest option.

You should choose a printed gazebo if:

  • you attend regular events

  • you operate in exposed or unpredictable weather

  • you need a structure that can be erected repeatedly

  • you want controlled, professional branding

  • you do not want to rely on constant supervision

If you are unsure which shelter type to choose, a printed gazebo is usually the correct starting point.

Choose an inflatable shelter if…

Your priority is impact and speed, not structural mass.

Inflatable shelters are not chosen because they are stronger than gazebos. They are chosen because they are faster to deploy and visually louder. If your goal is to stop people in their tracks at a promotional event, inflatables do that very well.

You should choose an inflatable shelter if:

  • brand visibility matters more than enclosure

  • you operate in controlled environments

  • you want fast setup and pack down

  • the shelter will be attended while in use

If you regularly deal with strong winds or leave equipment unattended, a rigid structure is usually a better choice.

Choose a star shade if…

You need to be seen before you need to be sheltered.

Star shades are landmarks. They are not designed to enclose equipment or create workspaces. They exist to draw attention from distance and create a branded presence in open spaces.

You should choose a star shade if:

  • you want maximum visibility

  • the site is open and spacious

  • the shelter is mainly for shade and branding

  • you are not housing equipment underneath

If you need walls, storage or weather protection, a gazebo or marquee will do the job better.

Choose a branded marquee if…

Failure is not an option.

Branded marquees are chosen when strength, space and professionalism matter more than portability or cost. If vehicles, equipment or staff need to operate under cover for long periods, a marquee is the correct tool for the job.

You should choose a branded marquee if:

  • you need large, uninterrupted covered areas

  • the site is exposed

  • the setup is professional or semi-permanent

  • the shelter will be used heavily and frequently

If you are weighing up a marquee, you already know a gazebo is unlikely to be enough.

Printed Gazebos: Which one is right for you?

Printed gazebos are the most common choice because they cover the widest range of uses. The key decision here is frame strength, not just size.

Pro 40 – light to moderate commercial use

Choose the Pro 40 if:

  • you attend events occasionally

  • you are often erecting the gazebo on your own

  • transport weight matters

  • sites are generally sheltered

Typical uses:

  • charity events

  • school and community events

  • small retail pop-ups

  • karting or bike setups where conditions are calm

This is a good option if ease of handling matters more than extreme strength.

Pro 50 – regular commercial use

Choose the Pro 50 if:

  • you attend events regularly

  • you want a strong, reliable all-rounder

  • the gazebo will be erected and packed down frequently

  • sites may be exposed at times

Typical uses:

  • professional motorsport teams

  • regular market traders

  • exhibitions and outdoor trade shows

  • brand activations that move location often

For most commercial buyers, this is the sweet spot. It balances strength, weight and long-term durability.

Pro 60 – extreme or professional use

Choose the Pro 60 if:

  • the gazebo will be used heavily throughout the year

  • sites are exposed or unpredictable

  • failure is not an option

  • the structure may be left standing for long periods

Typical uses:

  • top-level motorsport paddocks

  • professional hospitality setups

  • long-duration outdoor events

  • situations where maximum frame rigidity is required

If you are debating whether you need a Pro 60, the answer is usually yes.

INFL8 Inflatable Shelters: Which size works best?

Inflatable shelters are chosen for impact and speed, not structural mass. Size directly affects how people interact with the space.

INFL8 3m x 3m

Choose the 3m x 3m size if:

  • space is limited

  • the setup is in a town centre or tight footprint

  • people will enter in ones or twos

  • you need fast setup and pack down

Typical uses:

  • sampling stations

  • information points

  • compact brand activations

This works best when the shelter is attended at all times.

INFL8 4m x 4m to 5m x 5m

Choose 4m x 4m or 5m x 5m sizes if:

  • you want people to dwell longer

  • small group interaction matters

  • you need room for tables or displays

Typical uses:

  • product demonstrations

  • interactive promotions

  • sponsor zones at events

These sizes strike a balance between impact and usability.

INFL8 6m x 6m

Choose the 6m x 6m size if:

  • you want a fully enclosed brand space

  • activities or experiences are taking place inside

  • you need room for staff and equipment

  • the shelter is a focal point of the event

Typical uses:

  • major brand activations

  • experiential marketing

  • busy outdoor events

This size creates presence, but requires appropriate anchoring and site selection.

Star Shades: Which one should you choose?

Star shades are chosen almost entirely for visibility and presence.

Smaller star shades

Choose a smaller star shade if:

  • the site is constrained

  • branding needs to be visible but not dominant

  • shade is the main requirement

Larger star shades

Choose a larger star shade if:

  • you want to be seen from a distance

  • the event space is open

  • the structure needs to act as a landmark

If visibility is the goal, bigger is almost always better with star shades.


Branded Marquees: When do you step up?

Branded marquees are not a halfway house. They are chosen when gazebos are no longer sufficient.

Choose a branded marquee if:

  • vehicles or large equipment need shelter

  • the setup is professional or semi-permanent

  • the site is exposed

  • multiple zones are required under one roof

Size guidance:

If you are regularly pushing a gazebo to its limits, a marquee is the correct upgrade.

The honest buying advice

  • If you want flexibility and reliability: choose a Pro 50 printed gazebo

  • If you work alone or use it occasionally: choose a Pro 40

  • If you operate in harsh conditions: choose a Pro 60

  • If you want fast setup and attention: choose an INFL8 inflatable

  • If you want a landmark: choose a large star shade

  • If you need space and strength: choose a branded marquee

And in almost every case:
buy one size bigger than you think you need.

That single decision avoids most regrets.

Ready to Build a Branded Space That Actually Turns Heads?

Choosing the right printed event shelter is about more than just picking a size. It’s about creating a branded environment that works for your team, your audience and your goals. It's about how you use it. Whether you need a fast-deploy printed gazebo for local activations, a fully immersive inflatable event space, a towering star shade for maximum visibility, or a heavy-duty branded marquee built for serious commercial use, the right structure will elevate how your brand shows up in the real world.

If you’re not sure which route to take, speak to our team. We’ll help you balance size, strength, portability and print finish so you invest in something that performs properly for your setup.

Explore our full range of printed event shelters and start building a space your customers won’t forget.



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