Trade shows give you one real shot to make an impression, and what you hand someone matters just as much as what you say. That’s why printing for trade shows (booklets + cards) needs to be sharp, professional, and ready on time. A poorly printed booklet or a flimsy business card can quietly undo the work you put into showing up in the first place. Getting this right means choosing a print provider that understands the stakes.
At Apex Workwear, we produce custom print materials right here in Canada, including booklets, business cards, and a full range of marketing collateral built for events exactly like these. We know what trade show deadlines look like, and we’ve helped small businesses and contractors across the GTA get their materials printed, proofed, and shipped without the runaround. That said, we also believe in giving you honest options to compare.
So we put together this list of the five best Canadian providers for trade show booklets and business cards. Each one brings something different to the table, whether that’s turnaround speed, pricing, or product range. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of what each provider offers so you can make the right call for your next event.
1. Apex Workwear
Apex Workwear is a Canada-based print provider that handles everything from custom apparel to full marketing collateral. For businesses that need printing for trade shows (booklets + cards), Apex offers a straightforward process with honest pricing and local production right in the GTA.
Best for
Small businesses, contractors, and startups that need professional trade show materials without a complicated ordering process will get the most out of Apex. If you want a single provider to handle both your booklets and business cards before an event, this is a practical choice.
Booklet and card options for trade shows
Apex prints saddle-stitch and multi-page booklets alongside standard and premium business cards in a range of finishes. You can choose from matte, gloss, or spot UV coatings depending on how you want your brand to read on the show floor.
Finishing options like spot UV or soft-touch laminate can make your cards stand out when dozens of competitors are handing out the same basic stock.
Turnaround, rush options, and shipping in Canada
Most orders ship within 5 to 7 business days, with rush options available when your deadline is tight. Apex also offers free local delivery within the GTA and ships to the rest of Canada as well.
Design help, proofs, and file requirements
Every file gets reviewed before printing, and Apex provides a digital proof for your approval before anything goes to press. Basic artwork adjustments are included at no extra charge, and their team will flag any resolution or bleed issues in your submitted files.
Pricing, minimums, and what affects cost
Apex carries no minimum order requirements on many products, which works well if you only need a short run of booklets or a small card batch. Bulk pricing kicks in for larger quantities, and your final cost depends on paper stock, finish, and volume.
2. PrintCloud
PrintCloud is an online-first Canadian print company that serves businesses across the country with a broad catalogue of trade show print materials, from booklets to business cards, all ordered through their web platform.
Best for
Businesses comfortable with a self-serve ordering process who want a broad product range at competitive prices will find PrintCloud a practical option. It works well for teams that already have print-ready files and do not need significant back-and-forth with a print team.
Booklet and card options for trade shows
PrintCloud handles saddle-stitch booklets and standard business cards, with multiple paper stock and finish options available. For printing for trade shows (booklets + cards), their catalogue covers the core items most exhibitors need.
A heavier card stock, such as 16pt or 18pt, noticeably improves how your card feels when handed to a potential client.
Turnaround, rush options, and shipping in Canada
Standard production runs 5 to 10 business days, with expedited options on select products. They ship Canada-wide, though delivery times vary depending on your province.
Design help, proofs, and file requirements
PrintCloud operates on a self-serve model, so design support is limited compared to full-service providers. They accept print-ready files and issue digital proofs before production begins.
Pricing, minimums, and what affects cost
Per-unit costs decrease as your order volume increases. Minimum quantities apply to most products, so smaller print runs will generally cost more per piece.
3. Staples Copy and Print Canada
Staples Copy and Print operates physical locations across Canada alongside an online ordering portal. For printing for trade shows (booklets + cards), their wide presence and walk-in option make them a practical fallback, especially for businesses that want to handle things in person rather than through a specialty provider.
Best for
Teams with tight deadlines or no local specialty print shop nearby will find Staples convenient. It suits you best when you have print-ready files and need materials quickly without a lengthy back-and-forth.
Booklet and card options for trade shows
Staples produces saddle-stitch booklets and standard business cards through both in-store and online channels. Finish and stock options are narrower than specialty providers, but they cover the basics most exhibitors need.
In-store pickup is worth considering when shipping timelines are too tight for an online order to arrive in time.
Turnaround, rush options, and shipping in Canada
In-store orders can be ready within 24 hours at most locations. Online orders ship across Canada, with standard production at around 5 to 7 business days.
Design help, proofs, and file requirements
Staples provides basic design templates online, and in-store staff can assist with simple file adjustments. Digital proofs are available on most online orders before printing starts.
Pricing, minimums, and what affects cost
Pricing is listed upfront on their website, so estimating your order cost is straightforward. Minimum quantities apply, and per-unit costs tend to run higher than specialist providers at lower volumes.
4. Influence Print
Influence Print is a Canadian online print provider that focuses on delivering professional marketing materials for businesses across the country. Their catalogue includes the core products you need for printing for trade shows (booklets + cards), with a clean ordering process designed around speed and quality.
Best for
Marketing teams and small businesses that want a dedicated print specialist rather than a general retailer will find Influence Print a solid fit. It suits exhibitors who need reliable quality on booklets and business cards without managing a complex custom order.
Booklet and card options for trade shows
Influence Print offers saddle-stitch booklets and business cards in several stock and finish options. You can choose from matte or gloss finishes to suit how your brand presents at the booth.
Consistent paper stock across your booklets and cards gives your trade show materials a more cohesive, professional look.
Turnaround, rush options, and shipping in Canada
Standard turnaround runs approximately 5 to 8 business days, and they ship across Canada. Rush production options are available on select products when your event date is close.
Design help, proofs, and file requirements
Influence Print accepts print-ready files and issues digital proofs before production. Design assistance is limited, so having your files prepared to their specifications in advance saves time.
Pricing, minimums, and what affects cost
Volume pricing applies, with costs dropping as your quantity increases. Minimum order requirements vary by product, and your final price depends on paper stock, finish, and page count.
5. Exhibition Printing Exhiprint
Exhibition Printing Exhiprint is a Canadian print specialist that focuses on trade show and event materials. Their catalogue is built around exhibitor needs, so when you need printing for trade shows (booklets + cards), you are working with a provider that understands what the environment demands.
Best for
Exhibitors and event teams that want a specialist rather than a general print shop will find Exhiprint a natural fit. Their focus works best for businesses and exhibitors that need event-specific print quality across both booklets and cards.
Booklet and card options for trade shows
Exhiprint produces saddle-stitch booklets and business cards with multiple paper stock and finish options. Selecting the right finish helps your materials hold up through a full day on the show floor.
A trade show-focused provider is more likely to flag common layout issues before your files go to print.
Turnaround, rush options, and shipping in Canada
Standard production timelines run in line with most Canadian specialists, and they ship nationally. Rush options are available when your event date is close.
Design help, proofs, and file requirements
Exhiprint issues digital proofs before production starts. Submit your files to their print-ready specifications to keep the process moving without delays.
Pricing, minimums, and what affects cost
Volume discounts apply as your order quantity increases. Your final price depends on paper stock, finish, and total quantity ordered.
Next steps
Each provider on this list handles printing for trade shows (booklets + cards) differently, so your best choice comes down to what you actually need: turnaround speed, design support, order volume, or local delivery. Run through what your event timeline looks like and whether you have print-ready files or need someone to review your artwork before anything goes to press.
If you are based in the GTA or shipping across Canada and want a provider that handles both booklets and business cards with no minimum orders, free local delivery, and a team that checks your files before printing, Apex Workwear is worth a look. You get a digital proof before production starts and straightforward pricing whether you need ten cards or a thousand.
Get in touch with the Apex Workwear team for a quote and have your trade show materials sorted well before the event.
