How to Design Printed Marquees That Truly Stand Out at Aussie Events

Let’s face it—Aussie events are a visual feast. Whether you’re strolling through a bustling Sunday market, queuing at a food truck festival, or navigating a jam-packed trade show, there’s one truth we can all agree on: if your stall doesn’t stand out, it disappears.

And that’s precisely why marquees are more than just shelter—they’re your stage, billboard, shopfront, and personality all rolled into one. So grab your creative hat, fire up your imagination, and explore the best design tips to make your marquee gazebo the highlight of every event—rain, hail or blazing 40-degree shine.

1. Keep It Simple, Keep It Smart

We know—you’ve got a million things to say. But your branded gazebo isn’t the place for your company bio or full-service menu. Instead, focus on bold, simple messaging that’s legible from across a field or a crowded expo centre.

Here’s what should be on your printed marquees and where:

  • Your logo – high-res, bold, and always on the roof and valance
  • Your tagline – short, clever, and easy to remember
  • Contact details – a website or social handle is plenty
  • Colours – stick to 2–3 primary colours from your brand palette
  • Call to action – subtle but unmistakable, like “Try It Free” or “Let’s Chat”

2. Think Like a Drone: Use Your Roof Wisely

Your roof isn’t just for keeping sunburn at bay—it’s a prime advertising space. In fact, attendees often see the first part of your marquee gazebo for outdoor events.

Have you got someone flying a drone? Are there photographers taking aerial shots for socials? Great—make sure they’re capturing your logo from above. Use high-contrast colours and big, bold text so your branding stands out against the event chaos with marquee sales. 

3. Colour Psychology Is Real—Use It

Colours don’t just look good; they make people feel things. And those feelings can nudge people right into your stall. Want to evoke excitement and energy? Red and orange are your go-to. Calming and trustworthy? Blue does the job. Environmentally conscious? Greens and earth tones send the proper signal.

While black may look sleek, it also absorbs heat, so maybe save it for the text rather than the whole roof. After all, this is Australia. No matter how stylish it looks, you don’t want to bake your customers alive in your printed marquee.

4. Go Beyond the Marquee: Use the Whole Space

Your printed marquees are the centrepiece—but don’t stop there. Think about how your whole setup works as a branded experience. Integrate:

  • Pull-up banners flanking your entry points
  • A media wall behind your main table for Insta-worthy photo ops
  • Branded tablecloths, flooring, and counter covers
  • Flags or banners that rise above the crowd

And don’t forget to design with flow in mind. Where will customers stand? Where do you want them to look first? Create “zones” inside your marquee gazebo so visitors naturally move from curiosity to conversation to conversion.

5. Always Always Use High-Quality Images and Printing

Here’s the golden rule of event gear: if your branding looks blurry, cheap, or faded—it makes your business look the same.

Premium marquee sales might seem pricey, but consider the long-term value. You’ll get:

  • Better durability in extreme Aussie conditions
  • Cleaner visuals that look sharp in photos
  • Longer lifespan (goodbye, replacing fabric every year)
  • More event invites thanks to your standout presence

Trust us, when you’re under a gazebo marquee in the middle of a scorcher, you’ll thank yourself for not going cheap.

Authentic Aussie Brands That Got It Right

1. The Melbourne Smoothie Truck

Instead of parking and putting up a generic stall, this health brand invested in a custom-printed marquee that looked like a tropical smoothie bar. Bright colours, playful fonts, fruit graphics, and a lush media wall turned their stall into a photo magnet. They saw a 50% spike in foot traffic at every event they attended that summer.

2. The Regional Tech Startup

At a Brisbane trade show, one small tech startup used a sleek navy-branded gazebo with minimalist white graphics. Combined with sharp lighting and clear signage, it looked so premium that people assumed it was a national brand. The startup gained 200+ leads and was featured in the event recap video.

3. The Byron Bay Candle Company

This boutique brand used soft pastel tones, handwritten-style fonts, and floral accents on its printed marquees to match its handmade vibe. Combined with rustic décor and relaxing tunes, its gazebo became an oasis at every crowded market. Their brand awareness? Through the (scented) roof.

Make Room for Versatility

Design your printed marquee so it can be used for multiple event types. Festivals? Tick. Farmers markets? Tick. Corporate events or local sporting matches? Absolutely.

That means:

  • Keep the design professional but not too niche
  • Avoid dated taglines or specific event names unless easily replaceable
  • Choose materials and frames that are engineer-certified, wind-resistant, and compatible with walls, banners, or lighting kits

Using your setup repeatedly—without losing relevance—becomes a powerful, portable asset.

Final Thoughts: Design for Impact, Build for the Long Haul

A great printed marquee is more than just a shelter—it’s a brand statement, a customer magnet, and your calling card.

Whether selling candles in Byron, pitching software in Sydney, or handing out samples at a sports day in Adelaide, your branded gazebo needs to be sharp, intense, and unforgettable. And while it costs more than your average quick-buy setup, you’re investing in something that pays for itself in visibility, professionalism, and opportunity.

Ready to Stand Out at Your Next Event?

Explore our premium range of printed marquees, marquee gazebo solutions, and accessories built for Aussie conditions and designed for lasting brand impact. Whether you’re preparing for festival season or the subsequent prominent marquee sales activation, we’ve got you covered—literally.

Visit us and discover how you can turn your stall into a showstopper.

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