Exhibition Booth or Space Only Stand? A Guide for Exhibitors
If you’re planning to exhibit at a trade show or expo, one of the first decisions you’ll face is choosing between a standard exhibition booth and a custom “space only” stand. Understanding the difference can make a big impact on how your brand shows up on the show floor and how effectively you attract visitors.
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What Is an Exhibition Booth?
An exhibition booth, also known as a shell scheme booth, is the standard display space provided by the event organiser.
These booths typically include:
– Basic wall panels
– Exhibition Hall Flooring (usually carpet)
– A fascia board with your company name
– Basic lighting or power
The common booth sizes are:
– 3m × 3m booth
– 6m × 3m booth
These are simple and cost-effective options, but they can often look very similar to neighbouring booths.
Turning a Standard Booth into a Custom Stand
Many exhibitors assume that custom stands are only possible for large spaces – but that’s not true! Even smaller booths can be transformed into impactful custom displays.
For example:
3m × 3m Booth
A standard booth can become a custom stand with:
– Branded feature walls
– Integrated screens or product displays
– Custom joinery and lighting
– Small meeting zones or demo counters
6m × 3m Booth
A slightly larger space allows for:
– Stronger architectural elements
– Product zones or demo areas
– Lounge seating or meeting spaces
– Integrated storage and digital screens
With the right design approach, even compact footprints can create a premium presence on the show floor.
5 Benefits of a Custom Exhibition Stand
Working with a design and build partner like Colab Design Group offers several advantages.
1. Stronger Brand Presence
Custom stands create a unique visual identity that differentiates your business from neighbouring exhibitors.
2. Better Visitor Flow
Thoughtful layouts guide visitors through the stand, making it easier to showcase products and start conversations.
3. Interactive Experiences
Digital displays, demonstrations and immersive design elements encourage people to engage with your brand (and increase their time spent on the stand!).
4. Professional Project Management
Colab Design Group can manage every part of the process, including design concepts and 3D visualisation, production and fabrication, organiser approvals, logistics, installation and dismantle.
This allows your team to focus on networking and generating leads during the event.
5. A Stand Designed for Your Objectives
Every exhibition stand is designed around your goals – whether that’s product launches, meetings with buyers, demonstrations or brand awareness.
To view custom exhibition booths by Colab Design Group, please visit our Projects page.
Colab Design Group
Colab Design Group designs, creates and builds award-winning exhibition experiences. When you need an exhibition stand design that will make a big impression, talk to us! We’ve delivered hundreds of impactful, bespoke exhibition display stands for global and local brands since we launched in 2012.
Call us to discuss your project needs and book a site consultation.
Ready to start?
Let’s chat.
At Colab, we don’t just design spectacular custom exhibition stands and booths, retail pop-ups, brand activations and event displays; we create experiences! As an independent, design and construction team with decades of combined experience, we offer a complete service, from initial concept to design, build and installation.
Let our expert team of exhibition display builders bring your designs to life for creative exhibition display stands for expos, events and tradeshows. We design and build retail kiosks, fitouts and brand displays. Our experienced project management team will ensure that we deliver your vision on time and within budget.
Get in touch today to discuss your project vision and we’ll begin bringing it to life!
