Types of Exhibition Stands
Whether you’ve heard of these types of stands or not, you will no doubt have seen them in action or happened across bespoke stand types when conducting your search for an exhibition stand. Let’s take a look at the two most common types of stands:
Modular Exhibition Stands
What is a modular exhibition stand?
A modular exhibition stand is an exhibition stand that forms part of pre-made set, usually constructed from metalwork with pre-made boards fixed to the outside face to give the illusion of a custom made exhibition stand.
Modular exhibition stands, however, do come with joins where each panel meets and fixes therefore putting certain buyers off due to this nature. A modular stand can be made into certain pre-selected stand designs and formations; however, limitations start to appear when curves are introduced or complex structures are needed.
For many businesses, these types of limitations are often not considered until it’s too late.
Speaking to a team of exhibition stand designers will help you to understand the limitations of each type of stand, specific to the needs of your business. For example, your business may require a different set of formations based on multiple exhibition events within a short space of team. This would be possible with a bespoke build, however may not be possible with a modular stand construct.
Pop-Up Exhibition Stands
What is a pop-up exhibition stand?
A pop-up exhibition stand is a small basic preformed graphic that can be transported in a travel case and installed by a team of 1 or 2 people for travelling shows. A pop-up, like a modular stand, can be made in a variety of sizes, however limitations start to appear when stand sizes need to be changed thus making the pop up inept should the stand size change for future shows.
Many businesses will often opt for a pop-up stands above a modular or bespoke build, based on the factor of price alone. Whilst it can be easy to go for the cheapest option, it’s necessary to weigh-up the very real limitations that a smaller, most cost-effective stand comes with.
Most notably, the stand cannot be added to or used to build upon at a later date, whereas a bespoke build can be edited and amended as needed. Additionally, exhibitors may not think about the context of their stand in relation to other exhibitors at an event. Will the majority of other exhibitors be opting for a bespoke, modular stand? Will choosing a pop-up stand based on price alone make your business stick out from the competition?
Bespoke Exhibition Stands
What is a bespoke exhibition stand?
A bespoke exhibition stand is commonly a modular exhibition construct, crafted to fully fit the brief of a business. At Focal Exhibitions, bespoke exhibition stands are the types of stands that businesses come to our team for regularly, as they are much more intricate than pop-up and the more basic types of stands.
With bespoke stands, designers will create the stand based on a brief, provided by the client and worked on with a team for designers to ensure the stand is practical, cost-effective, and can be re-used for future events.
From a corporate social responsibility standpoint, bespoke stands are much more environmentally friendly than cheaper options as they can easily be reused, and are constructed from recycled materials such as MDF and chipboard.
Logistically speaking, bespoke stands may take more storage however are built in a way that will make transporting the stand to different events as efficient as possible.
What type of stand should I choose for my business?
This is a very common question, and one that can be broken down into two common factors of which all businesses need to consider when purchasing an exhibition stand that is right for them:
- Money – In an ideal world, the majority of businesses would opt for a bespoke stand build. And, whilst they do provide the greatest return on investment in relation to other types of stands, bespoke builds are naturally more expensive because of the team and work involved behind the scenes of actually designing and building the stand.
With this being said, supposedly ‘cheaper’ types of stands are often very limiting in terms of design possibilities, therefore if a bespoke build is possible for your business it’s certainly the most logical approach to take, and a better investment in the long-term when it comes to exhibiting at multiple events.
- Time – The most important commodity when it comes to exhibiting is time. Providing yourself with enough time to accurately plan and prepare for a show is absolutely paramount to creating a successful show.
You should work to clearly definitely deadlines and set parameters for making decisions so as the show approaches all key components of the stand are taken care of.
If you are choosing a bespoke stand you should be working at least 3 months in advance of the show. If you are going for a more simplistic stand then those time horizons shorten however you should still be looking to work as far ahead of the show dates as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common uses of exhibition stands?
- Industry Events
- Brand Placement in Lobbies & Reception Areas
- Careers Days
- Student Fairs
- B2B Trade-Only Events
- Marketing Material
- Branded Décor (such as backdrops for brand placement opportunities)
Are bespoke exhibition stands expensive?
The cost of a bespoke exhibition stand has to be offset by the potential future business and interest gained by exhibiting at a show. The cost of an initial bespoke build can also be set off and amortised over multiple years to make stands as cost effective as possible.
They are also the most environmentally friendly and customisable type of stand, and this includes at a post-build stage, so that a bespoke stand can evolve with your business.
Opting for a team of professionals to build a bespoke stand for your business
Choosing the right type of exhibition stand is no easy task for businesses new to the world of exhibiting.
Getting advice from a team with years of experience will be the first step to understanding what type of stand will work for your business, and what you need to consider along the way.
At Focal Exhibitions, we’re experts in not only designing and building bespoke stands, but also seeing businesses thrive with their exhibiting processes past the initial event by offering logistics, technology integrations, design consultancy and much more.
Get in touch with our team today on +44 (0)1663 744 066 or head to the contact form to ask a question directly. We look forward to helping your business get started on its exciting exhibiting journey!
