Popular Uses for Printed Event Shelters

Printed event shelters are used wherever organisations need covered space that also works as branding. From motorsport paddocks to charity fundraisers, the structure itself becomes part of the message, not just protection from the weather.

While printed gazebos, inflatable shelters, star shades and branded marquees all fall under the same broad category, they suit very different environments once you factor in print area, visibility, durability and setup requirements.

Below, we explore the most common uses for printed and branded event shelters, and how different structures are typically applied in each scenario.

Motorsport and trackside environments

Motorsport is one of the most demanding environments for printed event shelters. Structures are often erected repeatedly, exposed to wind, rain and vehicle movement, and expected to represent sponsors professionally throughout the season.

Printed shelters in motorsport are commonly used for:

• Pit and paddock setups

• Vehicle cover and preparation

• Tool, tyre and equipment storage

• Team briefing and working areas

Branded marquees are widely used by teams that require maximum strength, large covered areas and long-term durability, particularly where vehicles or hospitality areas are housed beneath the structure. These marquees offer extensive print coverage across walls and roof sections, making them ideal for sponsor branding.

Printed gazebos are also extremely popular within motorsport, particularly among privateers and support teams. They offer a more compact footprint, quicker setup and excellent branding through printed canopies, valances and walls, while still standing up well to challenging outdoor conditions when properly weighted.

Promotional events and roadshows

Printed event shelters play a central role in promotional activity, where visibility and brand recognition are often more important than enclosed space.

Common uses include:

• Product launches and demonstrations

• Sampling stations

• Touring roadshows

• Brand awareness events

Inflatable shelters are frequently chosen for these applications due to their distinctive shapes and strong visual impact, making them effective in busy outdoor environments.

Printed gazebos remain a popular alternative where a more traditional structure is required, offering strong branding while remaining practical for repeated use across multiple locations.

Trade shows and outdoor exhibitions

At trade shows and exhibitions, printed shelters act as temporary stands. Branding clarity, print quality and overall presentation matter just as much as weather protection.

Printed event shelters are commonly used for:

• Exhibition stands

• Product showcases

• Information and registration points

• Covered meeting areas

Printed gazebos work well where modular layouts or smaller footprints are required, allowing organisations to create a clearly branded space that aligns with wider marketing materials.

Branded marquees are often used where a more substantial, enclosed and professional exhibition environment is needed, with extensive print coverage helping reinforce brand identity across large areas.

Retail pop-ups and temporary selling spaces

Printed shelters are widely used in retail environments where businesses need a temporary but professional-looking storefront.

Common applications include:

• Pop-up retail units

• Seasonal promotions

• Market stalls and town centre trading

Printed gazebos are particularly well suited to this use, offering a balance of affordability, branding impact and ease of setup. Fully printed walls, valances and canopies help create a recognisable retail presence, even in busy public spaces.

Inflatable shelters may also be used where speed of deployment and standout appearance are priorities, particularly for short-term promotional retail activity.

Charity events and community engagement

For charities and community organisations, printed event shelters help build trust while ensuring visibility in public settings.

Typical uses include:

• Fundraising events

• Community days and fairs

• Awareness campaigns

• Information and outreach points

Printed gazebos are commonly chosen due to their practicality and value, allowing organisations to deploy branded shelters that volunteers can erect quickly. Star shades are sometimes used where visibility from distance is important.

Festivals and outdoor hospitality

Large-scale events require printed shelters that can cope with high footfall, long operating hours and changing weather conditions.

Printed event shelters are often used for:

• Sponsor and activation zones

• Wayfinding and information points

• Hospitality and VIP areas

• Covered seating or rest spaces

Star shades and inflatable shelters are frequently used to create highly visible branded landmarks, while branded marquees are preferred for hospitality areas where enclosed space, durability and presentation are critical.

Corporate events and professional branding

Printed event shelters are also widely used in corporate settings, where consistency of branding and professional appearance are key.

Common uses include:

• Corporate hospitality

• Product launches

• Branded reception areas

• Staff and guest meeting points

Branded marquees are often selected for premium corporate events due to their scale and finish, while printed gazebos provide a flexible solution for smaller or more mobile corporate setups.

Temporary workspaces and operational cover

Beyond events and promotions, printed shelters are often used as functional, temporary covered spaces.

Applications include:

• On-site inspections

• Temporary storage

• Covered work areas

• Operational overflow space

In these scenarios, heavier duty printed gazebos and branded marquees are typically used, prioritising strength and reliability over visual impact alone.

Choosing the right printed event shelter

Printed gazebos, inflatable shelters, star shades and branded marquees all offer different advantages. The right choice depends on how often the shelter will be used, how far it needs to be transported, how exposed the location is, and how important branding visibility is to your application.

All printed event shelters perform best when matched to the right environment. Understanding those requirements first will always lead to a better long-term investment.

If you are planning an event, promotion or trackside setup and are not quite sure which printed event shelter will work best, the easiest next step is to talk it through with someone who supplies them every day. At Gala Graphics, we design and print customised event shelters for real-world use, not just for show. Whether you need a compact printed gazebo, a high-impact inflatable, a standout star shade or a heavy duty branded marquee, we can help you choose a structure that suits your environment, budget and branding goals. Either read up our article on choosing the best event shelter for you, or get in touch on 01709 911948 to discuss your requirements and we’ll point you in the right direction.