Shell scheme or custom exhibition stand?

8 types

construction types that replace a shell scheme

Stand types

1–10 days

on-site build time of a custom stand

Stand types

What a shell scheme gives and does not

The shell scheme package holds white panel walls closed on three sides, a fascia with the company name, carpet on the floor, two or three spotlights and a socket. Some fairs add a table and two chairs. The price is inside the plot rental; build and dismantling belong to the organiser.

What it does not give: height (limited to 2.5 metres), brand colour and texture, a display drawn to the product, a closed compartment, enough light and a look that stands apart from the neighbour. Seen from the aisle, shell schemes are identical; the visitor reads the name on the fascia and walks on.

There are ways to use a shell scheme better: dressing the panels with printed graphics, adding a product showcase and LED light. We describe this halfway solution together with the portable and modular options on the stand types page.

When a custom stand is needed

In three situations a shell scheme is not enough. First, the product: a machine, furniture or any large-scale product will not pass through the shell scheme door or fit on its floor. Second, the competitors: if the large companies of your sector come with custom stands, a shell scheme puts you a league below. Third, the meeting: a seated, sheltered meeting area cannot be built in a shell scheme.

A custom stand does not always mean custom timber. A maxima system or a modular structure is also drawn for the plot, carries brand colour and height and builds in two or three days. Timber is chosen when brand differentiation and free form are needed.

The usual path runs: first fair shell scheme, second fair a dressed shell scheme or modular, third fair a system or custom timber. At each step size and budget grow together. The process is described on our exhibition stand services page.

Three questions for the decision

First question: should the visitor step into the stand, or is it enough that they look from the aisle and pass? If the product is to be touched or tried, they should step in; a shell scheme does not invite entry.

Second question: what result is expected from this fair? If the goal is only “being there”, a shell scheme is enough; if the goal is meetings and sales, a meeting area is needed, and that means a custom stand.

Third question: how many fairs will the same stand go to? If three fairs a year are planned, designing once and adapting to each plot is less work and a more consistent look than dressing a shell scheme at every fair. We ask these three questions at the first briefing; how we proceed is on our about page.

Can I cancel the shell scheme and take the bare plot?

At most fairs, yes; the “space only” option is a separate line on the participation form and its rate per square metre is lower than a plot with a shell scheme. For a custom stand this option is ticked.

Can graphics be applied to shell scheme panels?

Yes, printed film or hung graphics are applied to the panel size; the panel itself is not drilled and no damage is left at dismantling, otherwise the organiser charges for it.

How much more does a custom stand cost than a shell scheme?

The shell scheme is inside the plot rental; a custom stand is a separate item, and the ratio depends on size and type. We itemise the scope in the quote so the comparison is made on the same items.