A Full Reference for First-Time Exhibitors On the Different Kinds of Exhibition Booths You Can Use At Your Event
Are you going to a European exhibition but don’t know how to get your exhibition stand ready? You’re not the only one.
For a lot of managers and executives, getting into the world of live events can seem like a scary thing to do.
Words like “modular stand” or “custom design” could sound technical or hard to understand. Don’t worry; we’ll go over everything.
Your brand’s physical representation at a trade show is an exhibition booth. It’s where you meet people who might buy from you, launch new items, make collaborations, and get new leads. Your choice of the type of exhibition stand can have a big effect on how well you do. We’ll go over the various types of exhibition booths in this post, talk about their benefits and cons, and help you pick the one that will help you reach your event’s goals.
Shell Scheme Booths or Frame Booths
Exhibition organizers provide shell scheme booths as their most basic choice. They are made up of a pre-made structure with walls (typically white panels), lights, and sometimes carpet and signs.
Who’s it for:
- Exhibitors for the first time
- Businesses with few employees
- Businesses that don’t have a lot of money.
Pros:
- Low cost
- Simple to set up
- Provided by the person in charge of the event, usually as part of the package for participants.
Disadvantages of this stand design:
- Few choices for modification
- Exhibition stand design that isn’t as impressive.
For example, a tech business that was going to its inaugural event in Berlin deployed a shell scheme exhibit to show off its SaaS service. They brought portable roll-up banners, a laptop for demos, and a few tablecloths with their logo on them. This was enough to get people to look without investing a lot of money.
Modular Exhibition Stand
Modular stands are made up of parts that can be switched out, like aluminum frames, fabric panels, and graphics with your company’s name on them. They can be changed and rearranged for different events because they are reconfigurable.
Who is it for:
- Businesses that go to a lot of trade shows each year
- Exhibitors of medium size
- Brands that require some changes but don’t want to pay for a whole new design.
Benefits:
- Reusability and the ability to grow
- Price on average, cost-effective
- A professional look for a reasonable price.
Cons:
- Might not look as special or important as a custom design
- Installation and dismantle may need help from an expert.
For example, at the Medica trade show in Düsseldorf, a European firm that makes medical equipment employed a modular exhibition display. They changed the layout a little bit so that they could show off their products. Branded backdrops and clean lines made for a powerful visual presence at a reasonable expense.
Custom Exhibition Stands
Custom stands are totally personalized to your brand. They are created and made from the ground up, which opens up endless creative options.
Who it’s for:
- Big businesses
- Brands from around the world
- Exhibitors that have a clear idea of what they want to show or who focus on the experience of using their products or services.
Pros:
- Most visual impact
- Personalized features like meeting rooms, demo areas, storage space, and more
- Being different and easy to remember.
Cons:
- Costly
- Not able to be used again or in a different way
- More time to plan and build
A premium vehicle company showed off a new model at the Geneva Motor Show on a custom-built display with LED walls, interactive panels, and a lounge area. People lined up to go inside the stand, which was made to look like the car itself in a classy and new way. It is an effective exhibition stand solution.
Pop-Up Displays And Portable Exhibition Stands
These are easy-to-carry and lightweight stand types, including pop-up backgrounds, pull-up banners, and folding supports. Pop-up display can be easy to reuse at different trade fairs or other events.
Who it’s for:
- Individual exhibitors to showcase their products
- Conferences or gatherings that aren’t formal
- Companies trying out a new market.
Advantages:
- A very cheap choice
- Easy to set up and quick
- Easy to carry because they are small and light.
Cons:
- Not much of an effect on people in a bustling exhibition hall
- Not good for showing off big things
- Can’t make your stand customized.
For example, a single consultant at a tech conference in Amsterdam used a branded folding wall and tabletop display to show off what he could do. The portable exhibition stand made it easy to get there and go, and the messaging was effective at drawing in potential buyers.
Hybrid Exhibition Stands
Hybrid exhibition stands are a mix of custom and modular parts. Hybrid types of stands have a modular base but also include custom parts that make them work better.
Who it’s for:
- Companies that are getting bigger and have more money to spend on events
- Companies that are moving from modular to custom stands
- Attendees that desire a sophisticated look without having to pay for specialized fabrication.
Pros:
- More flexible than modular
- Less expensive than totally bespoke exhibition stands
- Balance between being able to use something again and being creative
Cons:
- Requires careful planning to maximize modular elements
- Still higher cost than basic modular stands.
A financial company that was at the Money 20/20 expo in Amsterdam employed a hybrid trade show display with movable walls and meeting booths that were made just for them. This let it show off its technology while keeping a clean, professional look.
Double-Decker or Two-Story Stands: Stands With Two Floors
Double-deckers are multi-level booths that provide you the most area and exposure. These constructions are very complicated and make a significant impression. They are created by exhibition stand designers..
Who it’s for:
- Big brands
- High-profile presentations or product debuts
- Events with not much room but high ceilings
Pros
- Most visibility
- A private meeting room on the second floor
- The best way to show off your brand
Cons
- Design and building that cost a lot of money
- Needs permission and approval from the exposition center’s management
- Difficult logistics at exhibition area
- Single-use construction.
For example, a multinational telecommunications company deployed a two-story booth at MWC Barcelona to offer media briefings on the top floor. The bottom floor space was accessible for product demos and networking. There was no other way to get as much attention and respect.
How to Pick the Best Exhibition Stand for Your Event
Now that you know the different types of exhibition stands, how do you pick the best one? These are the first questions you should ask:
- What do you want to happen at your event? Are you looking for potential customers? Do you intend to showcase your products? Raising brand awareness? You should choose a stand based on your aims.
- How much money do you have? Be honest. Think about how much it will cost to design, build, move, put together, and take apart.
- How often will you be in exhibitions? A reusable modular or hybrid booth can save you money in the long run if you go to a lot of events.
- How many exhibition spaces do you have reserved? Your booth should be the right size for the space so that it doesn’t look too empty or too full.
- What are the rules for branding? Some brands need a style that is fancy and theatrical. Some people do better when things are simple and clear.
So, picking the right exhibition stand means making sure it fits with your brand’s needs and your event plan. Your stand is your stage, whether you’re showing for the first time or coming back with a bang. It conveys your story, gets people interested, and makes them want to buy something.
If you’re still not sure what kind of stand to get for your next European display, our team of professionals can help. We’ll help you with everything from design to logistics so you can focus on what really matters: making an impression. We offer different exhibition stand designs to meet your business goals.
Do you need help with your exhibition stand? Let’s have a conversation.