About the Then & Now Content Series
The Then & Now series written by Kerstan Szczepanski was originally published in the Exhibit City News 30 Year Anniversary book. The series is a collection of aspects of the show floor that have changed over the last 30 years. The content covers an overview of the last 30 years and is not intended to be an insight into every change, but a broad overview. Many things have changed over the last 30 years and will continue to change.
To see the original layout of this article, please visit page 159 of the 30 Year Anniversary book.
The Evolution of Pipe and Drape
When you think of tradeshow innovation, your mind probably jumps to flashy digital displays or VR demos. But there’s an unsung hero in the world of exhibition design that’s been quietly transforming how we build spaces: the humble pipe and drape system. Let’s pull back the curtain and see how these versatile setups have evolved from basic space dividers to critical players in creating immersive brand experiences.
The ‘90s: Function Over Form
Think back to a tradeshow in the early ’90s. Amid the buzz of fax machines and the glow of CRT monitors, you’d find row after row of identical booths, separated by simple metal pipes and drapes. Pipe and drape systems were the workhorses of the exhibition world: sturdy, reliable, and about as exciting as a beige filing cabinet.
It was all about function. Aluminum pipes held everything together, and polyester or velour drapes in a few basic colors gave exhibitors the bare minimum of customization. But setting these simple-looking systems up was no small feat, it took muscle and patience, with crews wrangling heavy materials into place.
The 2000s: Lighten the Load
As the 2000s rolled in, exhibitors breathed a sigh of relief. Innovation hit the pipe and drape scene, and suddenly, things got lighter—literally.
Aluminum frames slimmed down without losing strength, making setup less of a workout. Adjustable systems became more common, allowing exhibitors to shape their booths without a hassle. The fabric options exploded. A company could now choose from a rainbow of colors and textures, with flame-retardant materials becoming the standard to keep things safe.
The 2010s: Modular Marvels
The 2010s took pipe and drape to a whole new level of creativity. Modular systems hit the scene, and exhibitors could now think beyond straight walls. Curved setups, angled corners, and multi-level displays gave booth designs a modern edge.
Quick-connect and tool-free assembly systems were game-changers. What once took hours could now be done in minutes, no wrenches required. This shift opened up high-impact booth design to smaller companies without breaking the bank—or their backs.
As branding became more central to marketing strategies, pipe and drape rose to the occasion. High-quality fabrics and custom printing transformed backdrops into immersive brand experiences. These systems weren’t just dividing space anymore, they were helping tell a company’s story.
2020s: Smart, Sustainable, and Stylish
Just when we thought pipe and drape couldn’t get any better, the 2020s arrived. Sustainability took center stage, with recycled aluminum frames and eco-friendly fabrics leading the charge. Green innovations are everywhere, and tradeshow setups are no exception.
But the real leap forward? Tech integration. Today’s pipe and drape systems support integrated lighting, massive LED screens, and all kinds of high-tech gadgetry. These once-basic structures
are now the backbone of cutting-edge booth designs.
Customization is at an all-time high. Whether it’s a towering 20-foot wall curving around your booth or a setup that can shift from a private meeting space to an open product showcase in minutes, the possibilities are endless—limited only by imagination (and budget).
The evolution of pipe and drape mirrors the changing face of tradeshows. Flexibility, sustainability, and seamless tech integration are key. What started as a utilitarian solution has become an essential tool for creating memorable, adaptable spaces. Sometimes, innovation isn’t about reinventing the wheel, it’s about refining and adapting what works to meet new challenges.
Behind every stunning display and interactive demo, there’s probably a pipe and drape system working its magic. Who knew curtains could be so cool?
