Guide to Exhibition Stand Types: Which One is Right for You?
Guide to Exhibition Stand Types: Which One is Right for You?
When it comes to making a splash at an exhibition, choosing the right stand is crucial. But with so many options – bespoke, modular, shell scheme, or island – how do you decide which is best for your business?
Not sure where to start? You’re not alone. Each exhibition stand type has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, depending on factors like budget, branding goals, and the events you plan to attend.
This guide will break down the key differences between the top stand types, helping you decide which one suits your brand’s needs.
We’ll cover:
- Bespoke Exhibition Stands – Tailored designs for maximum impact.
- Modular Exhibition Stands – Flexible, reusable, and cost-effective.
- Shell Scheme Stands – A budget-friendly option, often provided by event organisers.
- Island Stands – Open on all sides, offering maximum visibility and engagement.
Key Takeaways:
- Shell Scheme Stands are the most budget-friendly, ideal for small businesses or first-time exhibitors. Costs usually start from £500 for basic designs, going up to around £6,000 if additional features are added.
- Modular Stands provide a balance between customisation and cost-effectiveness, ranging from £2,000 for basic options to over £30,000 for more intricate setups.
- Island Stands come with a higher price tag, starting at around £10,000 and can easily exceed £50,000 for high-end, complex designs.
- Bespoke Stands offer the highest level of customisation, with costs varying widely based on design complexity. Basic designs start at around £5,000, with high-end, fully customised stands reaching £50,000+.
We’ll explore cost, setup time, flexibility, and visual impact, in more detail to give you the full picture to make an informed decision.
1. Bespoke Exhibition Stands
Bespoke exhibition stands are the ultimate choice for brands looking to make a lasting impression. Unlike modular or portable stands, bespoke stands are custom-built to match your exact brand requirements and event goals.
Why Choose a Bespoke Stand?
The key benefit of a bespoke stand is complete creative freedom. You can tailor every aspect – from the layout to the materials – to create a truly unique experience that aligns with your brand’s identity.
But, bespoke stands aren’t for everyone. They require a higher investment and longer lead times. However, for those looking to stand out in a crowded exhibition hall, a bespoke stand is an excellent investment.
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide:
Feature | Bespoke Exhibition Stands |
|---|---|
| Customisation | 100% tailored to your brand’s needs. |
| Visual Impact | High – unique designs make a strong statement. |
| Cost | Starts at £5,000 and can exceed £20,000 based on complexity. |
| Setup Time | Typically 4–12 weeks, including design, production, and installation. |
| Durability | Built to last – ideal for multiple uses if designed for reusability. |
Benefits of Bespoke Exhibition Stands
- Brand-Centric Design: Fully tailored to reflect your brand’s identity and messaging. No limits on creativity.
- Impactful Presence: A custom design is more likely to attract visitors and leave a memorable impression.
- High Durability: Made from top-quality materials, making them suitable for multiple events if needed.
Drawbacks of Bespoke Stands
- Higher Cost: Expect to pay a premium for custom design and construction.
- Longer Lead Time: Design, approval, and building can take weeks – or even months.
- Requires Professional Installation: Unlike portable stands, bespoke stands often need expert assembly on-site.
Ideal For:
- Established brands with a larger budget.
- Businesses seeking a unique, stand-out presence at major trade shows.
- Companies looking to build brand recognition through a consistent, high-impact exhibition stand.
Bespoke Exhibition Stands: iGuzzini – Bespoke Excellence
iGuzzini’s stand featured a unique design with a high-end finish. We delivered a fully custom stand, meeting specific requirements while incorporating flexibility for design changes.
iGuzzini’s stand showcased bespoke design at its finest, with high-quality materials and a unique layout that perfectly aligned with their brand’s identity. The flexibility in design allowed iGuzzini to stand out while creating a memorable visitor experience.
Thinking a bespoke stand might be right for you? Contact us to discuss your vision, and we’ll bring it to life with our custom design services.
2. Modular Exhibition Stands
Modular exhibition stands offer the perfect balance between customisation and cost-effectiveness. Built using pre-designed components, these stands can be reconfigured to suit different exhibition spaces and events. This flexibility makes modular stands a popular choice for brands that attend multiple trade shows throughout the year.
Why Choose a Modular Stand?
Modular stands are all about adaptability. You can use the same core structure across various events, simply tweaking the layout or graphics to fit each space. This reusability makes modular stands a sustainable and budget-friendly option.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the pros, cons, costs, and timescales:
Feature | Modular Exhibition Stands |
|---|---|
| Customisation | Limited – uses standard components, but graphics can be tailored. |
| Visual Impact | Moderate – clean and professional, with branding flexibility. |
| Cost | Typically ranges from £2,000 to £10,000, depending on size and accessories. |
| Setup Time | 1–3 weeks for design and production; 1–2 days for on-site assembly. |
| Durability | Designed for repeated use with proper care and storage. |
Benefits of Modular Exhibition Stands
- Cost-Effective: Cheaper than bespoke stands. The initial investment is lower, and you can reuse the structure for multiple events.
- Flexible Layouts: Adaptable to different booth sizes and configurations. Perfect for brands that participate in a variety of shows.
- Quick Setup: Modular stands are designed for easy assembly. Most can be installed in 1–2 days, saving you time and labour costs.
- Reusable and Sustainable: Use the same components across events, reducing waste and making modular stands an eco-friendly option.
Drawbacks of Modular Stands
- Limited Customisation: While you can adjust the graphics and layout, the core structure remains standardised. Less freedom to create unique shapes.
- Moderate Visual Impact: While professional, modular stands may not be as eye-catching as fully bespoke designs.
- Storage and Maintenance: Requires proper storage between events to maintain its condition for future use.
Ideal For:
- Growing businesses that attend multiple exhibitions throughout the year.
- Brands looking for a versatile, cost-effective solution.
- Companies that want a balance between customisation and reusability.
3. Shell Scheme Stands
Shell scheme stands are one of the most common and budget-friendly exhibition stand types. Provided by event organisers, these stands come in a modular format, usually resembling a “shell” or cubicle. They offer a straightforward, professional look, making them a popular choice for businesses participating in trade shows or conferences for the first time.
Why Choose a Shell Scheme Stand?
Shell scheme stands provide an easy-to-set-up solution without the need for extensive customisation. You get a basic structure – usually a framework of panels – which you can personalise with your branding elements. While they may not offer the complete freedom of bespoke or modular stands, shell scheme stands are a cost-effective and hassle-free option for many exhibitors.
Here’s a breakdown of the pros, cons, costs, and timescales:
Feature | Modular Exhibition Stands |
|---|---|
| Customisation | Limited – usually involves custom graphics and signage. |
| Visual Impact | Moderate – provides a clean, professional appearance. |
| Cost | Starting from £500 to £2,500, depending on size and extras. |
| Setup Time | 1–2 days – quick assembly by the event organisers. |
| Durability | Suitable for short-term use at specific events. |
Benefits of Shell Scheme Stands
- Budget-Friendly: Typically included in the exhibition package, or available for hire at a low cost. Ideal for small businesses and first-time exhibitors.
- Quick and Easy Setup: Event organisers usually handle the setup, allowing you to focus on decorating your space.
- Customisable Graphics: While the structure is fixed, you can personalise the stand with custom graphics, posters, banners, and promotional materials.
- Professional Look: Offers a clean, standardised appearance, giving a professional edge without requiring a large investment.
Drawbacks of Shell Scheme Stands
- Limited Customisation: The structure is predefined, which means fewer options to tailor the layout to your brand.
- Lower Visual Impact: May not stand out as much as bespoke or modular stands due to its standardised design.
- Restricted Space: Usually comes in fixed sizes, such as 3×3 metres, limiting flexibility in floor space and layout.
Ideal For:
- Small businesses or start-ups looking for a cost-effective exhibition solution.
- Brands that need a simple, standardised display.
- First-time exhibitors who want to test the waters without a major investment.
4. Island Stands
Island stands are the showstoppers of the exhibition world. Open on all four sides, these stands offer maximum visibility and endless possibilities for creative, immersive displays. Island stands are perfect for exhibitors with large budgets and the desire to make a strong, eye-catching impression. Positioned in the centre of the exhibition hall, they allow visitors to approach from any direction, maximising engagement.
Why Choose an Island Stand?
Island stands provide the ultimate flexibility in design. With no walls restricting you, there’s plenty of room to create unique sections, whether it’s a lounge area, meeting space, or interactive product displays. The open layout also makes it easier for your team to engage with multiple visitors simultaneously, creating a dynamic and inviting atmosphere.
Here’s a detailed look at the pros, cons, costs, and timescales for island stands:
Feature | Modular Exhibition Stands |
|---|---|
| Customisation | Unlimited – tailor every aspect, from layout to branding elements. |
| Visual Impact | Very high – open design catches attention from all directions. |
| Cost | £10,000 to £50,000+ depending on size, design, and materials. |
| Setup Time | 4–8 weeks – longer for bespoke designs with complex features. |
| Durability | High – built with quality materials, ideal for multiple uses. |
Benefits of Island Stands
- Maximum Visibility: With 360-degree access, island stands are visible from all angles, making them highly effective for drawing in crowds.
- Customisation Freedom: Create bespoke designs with interactive features, large displays, or separate zones for product demos, meetings, and hospitality.
- Engagement Opportunities: Open access allows your team to interact with visitors freely, facilitating more conversations and brand engagement.
- Brand Statement: A well-designed island stand projects a strong brand presence, highlighting your company’s commitment to quality and innovation.
Drawbacks of Island Stands
- Higher Cost: Premium design and materials come with a higher price tag, often starting from £10,000 and extending well beyond.
- Complex Setup: Requires professional assembly and more setup time, usually ranging from 4–8 weeks for design, construction, and installation.
- Space Requirements: Need to secure a large area on the exhibition floor, which may not always be available.
Ideal For:
- Large businesses and well-established brands looking to make a bold statement at major trade shows.
- Companies wanting to showcase multiple products or create distinct areas for interactive experiences.
- Exhibitors seeking maximum visibility and engagement with visitors.
Island Stands Example: Deliveroo – Immersive and Open Design
Deliveroo’s island stand featured an open layout, maximising engagement and visibility. The design included various zones for interaction, branding, and product display.
Deliveroo’s island stand exemplified a dynamic layout, utilising open access on all four sides. With dedicated zones for branding, product display, and interaction, it became a focal point in the exhibition space, drawing visitors in from every angle.
Interested in creating an island stand for your next event? Reach out to us to discuss your vision, and let’s design a space that captivates your audience from every angle.
Checklist: How to Choose the Right Exhibition Stand
- What is your budget?
- £500 – £6,000: Shell Scheme Stands
- £2,000 – £30,000: Modular Stands
- £10,000 – £50,000+: Island Stands
- £5,000 – £50,000+: Bespoke Stands
- How much customisation do you need?
- Low: Shell Scheme
- Medium: Modular
- High: Island
- Unlimited: Bespoke
- What is your goal for the exhibition?
- Visibility: Choose Island Stands for 360-degree exposure.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Opt for Shell Scheme or Modular Stands.
- Brand Statement: Go for Bespoke Stands to create a unique, branded experience.
- How often do you exhibit?
- Occasionally: Consider Shell Scheme for simplicity.
- Frequently: Choose Modular or Bespoke Stands for durability and reuse.
- Major Events: Invest in Island Stands to maximise impact.
- What space is available at the venue?
- Small, standard spaces: Shell Scheme or Modular Stands.
- Central, open areas: Island Stands.
- Flexible size requirements: Bespoke Stands tailored to fit any space.
- How important is setup time?
- Minimal Time: Shell Scheme (often set up by organisers).
- Quick and DIY: Modular Stands.
- Professional Installation: Island and Bespoke Stands (requires 4–12 weeks of planning).
Making the Final Decision
Use the checklist to prioritise what matters most for your exhibition strategy. By matching your budget, goals, and space requirements with the appropriate stand type, you’ll ensure a successful event that aligns with your brand’s needs.
Still not sure which stand is right for you? Contact us for a personalised consultation, and we’ll help you find the perfect fit!