Exhibition stand guide
Exhibition stand layouts: row, corner, peninsula, island and double-deck
Lokman Türkoğlu · Founder & Head of Design · 3 min read · Last updated:
Short answer
What are the exhibition stand layouts?
Exhibition stand layouts fall into five by the number of open sides of the plot: a row stand opens to the aisle on one side, a corner stand on two, a peninsula on three, an island stand on four; a double-deck stand adds a meeting floor on top of any of the four. The layout is independent of the construction type (timber, system, modular); on the same island plot either timber or a system can be built. We read the layout from the organiser’s plot plan and draw the floor plan around the direction the open sides face.
Row and corner
A row stand sits between two neighbours with one side facing the aisle; the most common and most affordable plot at any fair. Closed walls on three sides are mandatory and the message reads from a single face. In this layout we split the depth in two: product and reception at the front, meeting and hidden compartment at the back.
A corner stand has two open sides; it is seen from two aisles and visitors arrive from two directions. We leave the open corner empty: when a counter or wall is placed on the corner the advantage of the layout is lost. The identity tower goes on the corner and the product faces both aisles.
On row and corner plots the construction type is mostly system or modular; at small and medium scale custom timber is applied too. On the stand types page we list the size range of each type.
Peninsula and island
A peninsula has three open sides and one side against a neighbour. The closed side becomes the back wall and carries the brand graphic; the three open sides let visitors in. The product sits not in the centre but along the edges facing the aisles.
An island stand has four open sides and stands in the middle of the hall. There is no back wall; identity is given by height and by a tower hung from the ceiling or rising from the centre of the stand. The meeting area is in the centre, the product on the four edges; visitors must be able to walk through the stand.
The island plot is the layout most subject to hall rules: the height limit, the line-of-sight rule (no wall blocking a neighbour’s view) and rigging permission are read before drawing on this plot. The island and corner layouts are described separately on our design page.
Double-deck stand
A double-deck stand adds a meeting floor on top of an island or peninsula plot. The ground floor holds product and reception, the upper floor closed meetings and refreshments. A structural calculation, a staircase, railings and separate organiser approval are required; the build takes twice as long as a single-deck stand.
This layout doubles the meeting area without doubling the plot rental; it is chosen at large fairs where island plots are expensive. If the hall height limit is under 5 metres, a second deck cannot be built.
Which layout suits you is decided together by looking at the organiser’s plot plan, the budget and the meeting need; we ask for the plot plan at the first briefing. Our way of working is described on our exhibition stand services page.
Is layout the same as stand type?
No. The layout is the shape of the plot (row, corner, island); the type is the construction system (timber, maxima, modular). Any type can be built on any layout.
How much more does a corner plot cost than a row plot?
Organisers charge a surcharge per open side; the rate varies by fair and is in the exhibitor manual. The stand cost stays the same; what changes is the space rental.
Where do graphics go on an island stand without a back wall?
On the central tower, a banner hung from the ceiling or a raised identity panel. A message that must read from four sides is kept to a single line.
Sources
- German trade fair industry association — AUMA
- Venue information — Messe Düsseldorf
- Fair and Congress Center — Tüyap