5 Types Of Exhibition Stands: Which Type Is For You?
There are different types of exhibition stands to suit various purposes. Organizers of trade shows and country pavilions typically offer a choice among five primary types: row, tunnel, corner, peninsula, and island. Understanding the distinctions and uses of each will help you choose the best setup for your next trade show or event.
1. Row Stands
Row exhibition stands, also known as inline booths, are the most common type. These stands are positioned in a straight line, closed off on three sides, and bordered by neighboring stands, walls, or a combination of stands and walls.
Inline booths or row stands have only one side open, and this side faces an exhibition hallway or aisle. This is the only way in and out for exhibition guests and the only way through which they can see inside.
Advantage: You have three walls to use for design.
Disadvantage: Inline booths have limited visibility as they exist in a row among similar-looking booths, and you have only one side open.
2. Tunnel Stands
Tunnel stands typically merge two back-to-back spaces in a row of stands. They’re like inline booths that exist in a row flanked by neighboring stands. However, unlike inline stands, they have two walled sides and two open sides. The walled sides are adjacent to other exhibitors, while the remaining two sides open to an aisle. Thus, a tunnel stand will let guests enter through one aisle and exit through a parallel aisle.
Advantage: Tunnel stands have visibility from two aisles.
Disadvantage: A tunnel stand has no central wall you can use as a focal point.
3. Corner Exhibition Stands
Corner stands, also known as two-side-open booths, are found at theend of a row, at the corner of an exhibition aisle. They have two closed and two open sides. The two closed sides are perpendicular to each other and border neighboring exhibitors. The two open sides face two intersecting aisles.
Advantage: Corner stands have visibility on two sides. Their corner location gives them excellent visibility and higher foot traffic than row stands. Additionally, corner spaces in trade shows offer greater design flexibility.
Disadvantage: Corner stands are more expensive and more challenging to decorate than row stands.
4. Peninsula Exhibition Stands
Peninsula stands have three aisle sides and only one closed side. The closed side corresponds to the back wall, which borders one or two exhibitors. Each of the open sides faces a different aisle; two of these aisles are parallel, and the other aisle is perpendicular to the other two.
Like a corner stand, a peninsula stand exists at the end of a row. Think of it as a combination of two corner stands. This is why peninsula stands are also known as two-corner stands.
Advantage: Peninsula stands enjoy maximum visibility and traffic from three aisles without losing a focal wall for display. Their end-of-the-row location also gives them more design versatility and flexibility.
Disadvantage: Peninsula stands may be difficult to book because of the competition and the cost.
5. Island Exhibition Stands
Island stands do not exist in a row of stands but are the sole occupant of a specific section of the exhibition hall or floor. They have ingress and egress from all sides; in a rectangular or square island, that’s four hallways or two sets of parallel aisles.
Island exhibition booths naturally stand out because they are so open. Additionally, they are highly flexible. You can set up a double-decker stand since you’re not obscuring a neighbor. You can also build a custom structure if you want.
Advantage: Island stands are highly flexible and versatile. They naturally stand out and attract attention, and their openness makes them more inviting.
Disadvantage: Island stands are costly. They may also be challenging to design; you want to maximize access by keeping the sides open. However, this means you must be creative about design to optimize use of the available space. Additionally, you must be careful to get an island stand at a suitable location; otherwise, it may not yield your expected returns.
Tips for Maximizing the Impact of Your Exhibition Stand
How can you attract attention and make your booth stand out? Follow the tips below.
1. Choose the best type of stand for your needs and budget.
An island booth is the best type, of course. However, choose it only if you can justify its high cost. You want a stand that delivers the best results at the least cost.
2. Choose a good location.
The entrance has the most foot traffic. However, this can work to your disadvantage, as people might feel pressed to move along because of the crowd density – and that would be such a waste because booths at the entrance are expensive. A better option might be to set up a stand (particularly a corner, peninsula or island stand) near the center of the exhibition floor, particularly those close to the event stage, food concession stands, and other high-traffic areas.
Note: If your booth is near the stage, make sure to consider the event design in your exhibition stand concept and structure.
3. Consider perspective.
What’s the traffic flow going to be like? Consider how and where your guests are likely to come from and how they’ll engage with your stand, and design a booth that showcases your products or brand from all open sides.
Make Your Presence Count
Trade shows provide valuable exposure to a niche audience. However, they are competitive, so you want a booth that stands out. As such, choose the right type of stand and the best location for your goals and budget, and make sure to design your stand to maximize its impact.
