Stand, booth or shell scheme: exhibition terms explained

7 stand types

Systems we compare side by side

Stand types

4 open sides

Defines an island plot; a row plot has one

Stand types

Stand and booth: where the words come from

The same object goes by different names in different markets. In Europe, the Middle East and Türkiye it is a “stand”; in North America it is a “booth”. Both terms are understood everywhere, and neither is more correct than the other. Contracts and organiser correspondence follow whichever term the venue uses.

Turkish has a further wrinkle: the word appears both as “stand”, borrowed directly from English, and as “stant”, spelled the way it is pronounced. Both are in use and both are understood; the industry itself generally writes “stand”.

The real confusion is not the spelling. In the same fair, the word is used for the empty plot you are allocated, for the structure built on it, and for the ready-made cabin the organiser hands over. Those are three very different things, and mixing them up puts the budget together wrongly.

Space only, shell scheme and custom build

Space only. You rent the floor from the organiser: the area, its number and an electrical connection point. What goes on it is up to you. This is the item most often confused when comparing quotes; the space rental is separate from the stand and is paid to the organiser.

Shell scheme. The organiser hands over standard panel walls, carpet, a fascia name board and basic lighting, already built. It is fast and inexpensive, but it looks identical to your neighbours; the only way to distinguish your brand is through graphics and furniture.

Custom build. The space is taken empty and the stand is designed and produced from scratch. Height, materials, lighting and internal layout are open — within what the hall regulations allow. We compare the systems on our stand types page.

Plot types: row, corner, peninsula, island

How many sides of the plot are open changes what the same floor area can do. A row plot has one open side; the back and both sides face neighbours. The whole design is read from a single face, which concentrates graphics and the entrance into one point.

A corner plot has two open sides and visitors arrive from two aisles. A peninsula has three, an island four. On an island there is nowhere to hide behind, so storage and technical space have to be solved inside the stand itself.

This is why “how many square metres should we take” has no answer on its own. Starting to draw before the number of open sides is known usually means drawing again.

Other terms you will meet in a quote

Rigging. Anything suspended from the ceiling — a hanging sign, a lighting bridge, a drape. It needs a separate permit and is not allowed in every hall.

Fascia. The band along the top edge of a shell scheme where the company name is printed.

Platform. The raised floor of a stand. It hides cable runs but makes stepping on psychologically harder.

Build-up and dismantling window. The hours the organiser gives you to build and take down. A missed window cannot be recovered.

ATA Carnet. The temporary admission document for a stand taken abroad; it stands in place of a customs deposit. We cover this on our service page.

Should I say stand or booth?

Both are understood. “Stand” is standard in Europe, the Middle East and Türkiye; “booth” is standard in North America. Follow whichever term the organiser of your fair uses in its documents.

What is the difference between shell scheme and custom build?

A shell scheme is handed over ready-built by the organiser: standard panels, carpet, a fascia name board and basic lighting. With a custom build the space is taken empty and the stand is designed and produced from scratch. Shell scheme is fast and cheap but looks like your neighbours.

Is the space rental included in the stand price?

No. The space is rented from the organiser and paid to them; stand design, production and installation are a separate item. Check this distinction when comparing quotes — it is the most commonly confused point.