You’ve just booked your next trade show and must now work on your exhibition booth stand design. However, there are several types of display stands to choose from, and you’re a little conflicted about which trade fair stand type will make the best impact.
If you can’t decide on the type of expo exhibition stand you need for your next event, we suggest consulting a contractor that makes custom exhibition stands. They should be able to help you clarify which types of display stands will suit your purpose based on the following criteria:
- How much space you have
- Your particular location in the exhibition hall
- What your goal is
- How you envision your space will look like
- What kind of impact you wish to achieve
- How much budget you can allocate to building the stand
Read on for the different types of convention stands. Hopefully, this write-up will help make choosing an expo exhibition stand so much easier.
Types of Exhibition Stands According to Default Structure
Exhibition booths or stands vary according to structure – i.e., its existence or lack thereof. The structure type determines the degree of design customization you can implement.
1. The Shell-Scheme Exhibition Stand
A shell-scheme exhibition stand is a walled exhibition booth. The walls and structure are made of aluminum, and the enclosure clearly defines individual exhibitor spaces. It’s hassle-free and cost-effective because trade show organizers typically provide it ready to use and at little to no extra cost.
The standard exhibition booth size of shell-scheme systems is 3×3 meters (approximately 10×10 feet). Exhibitors who want a large exhibition stand may get two adjacent booths (e.g., 6×3 m or 20×10 feet) for an extra fee.
If you have a pretty standard display and products that can easily fit within the standard shell booth size or it’s your first time joining a trade show, the shell scheme is a good option. Print graphics to cover the interior walls, install shelves and tables, and bring in plants, lamps or other furnishings, and your booth will be ready in no time.
That said, the shell scheme offers minimal customization options. A shell-scheme exhibition stand has a defined space and height as well as fixed walls. Therefore, the shell scheme is not ideal if you require more than the standard space, you’d rather have no constricting walls, or your design vision will not fit inside a shell stand.
2. The Traditional Stand
The traditional stand closely resembles the shell-scheme stand. Like the latter, it is accessible and provides a hassle-free way to exhibit, but the wooden construction looks more elegant and allows for more design customization options. However, it may be more expensive than a shell-scheme stand, and a trade show organizer may charge you extra for one.
3. The Space Only Exhibition Kiosk
In some trade shows, the organizer doesn’t provide exhibitors with shell or traditional stands but allot them bare spaces. Exhibitors get a space with nothing on it, so they can design and build on it as they want.
Space only schemes are more flexible. It’s possible to get as ample an expanse as you need, although you may have to add space in fixed increments. For instance, if the standard exhibition booth size is 10×10 feet and you want a large exhibition stand, you may occupy a bigger area by renting as many adjacent 10×10 feet blocks as you need.
A space-only exhibition kiosk offers design flexibility. You can do whatever you like with your space subject to booth design restrictions (if any) imposed by the trade show organizer or the venue.
If you’re showcasing heavy machinery, you may exhibit your product at the center of your allotted space and leave the surrounding area open for your potential buyers’ inspection. Are you a luxury hotel, resort, or spa? The space-only configuration will let you install an elegant high-end exhibition stand that fits your brand.
Bare-space exhibition stands are the practical choice if you want a custom exhibition stand design. You can even erect a double-decker trade fair stand if you wish. The ground floor can be your showroom, while the upper floor can be a meeting room for discussions with interested buyers or suppliers.
On the flip side, space-only booths can be more expensive to outfit than shell-type stands because they lack a ready-to-use structure. Designing and maximizing a space-only expo exhibition booth also requires more creativity.
Types of Exhibition Stands According to Location
There are different types of display stands according to particular locations on an exhibition floor. They are as follows:
1. Inline Booth
An inline booth, also known as a row stand, is a trade fair stand that is closed or bounded on three sides, either by other exhibitors or an exhibition hall wall. The open side faces an aisle.
2. Two-Side Open Booth
The two-side open exhibition stand design is closed on two sides and open on two others. The open sides allow ingress and egress on two different aisles.
A two-side open booth is located at the end of either a vertical or a horizontal aisle. It sits at the corner or intersection of two perpendicular aisles. Therefore, it is also known as a corner exhibition booth stand.
3. Two-Corner Booth
The two-corner booth, also known as a peninsula stand, is a trade fair stand that sits at the intersection of three aisles:
- One vertical aisle and two horizontal aisles
- One horizontal aisle and two vertical aisles
This configuration gives a peninsula stand its signature three open sides. It’s like two corner stands placed side-by-side.
4. Island Booth
The island booth has no adjacent booths so it’s open and accessible from all four sides. This is the perfect type for a large exhibition stand, an irregular shape or a distinct custom design.
Stand Out From a Sea of Stands
Trade fairs, expos and conventions are excellent avenues for showcasing products and marketing a brand. However, they are often large events, and it’s easy to get lost in the crowd.
To make your attendance count, consider a custom-built exhibition booth stand. Talk to exhibition stand contractors in Dubai to learn about your options and discuss ways your exhibition kiosk can attract more attention.
ArabExpo is an exhibition stand contractor in Dubai. We provide various event and exhibition solutions, including show management, bespoke exhibition booth and country pavilion design, display stand graphics printing and installation, and furniture and marquee/tent rental.
Contact us today so we can help you stand out at your next trade show or event.
