Exhibition Stand: Types, Benefits, Uses, Pros and Cons

Trade shows offer various opportunities for buyers and sellers from around the world. These are the places where one can find all the parties involved in trade. Whether it is a manufacturer, supplier, logistics provider, or buyer, all of them come under one roof to connect for global and local trades. What the companies, usually manufacturers, need is exhibition stands.

They need them because of the prime applications of exhibition stands. These temporary stands provide an opportunity to promote, exhibit, offer services, and conduct product trials, as well as facilitate trade opportunities for countless companies at a trade show. If you are a company willing to join trade shows, here is what you need to know.

Types of Exhibition Stands

There are five main types in the trade show sector, and companies choose them based on a few key factors. Budget capacity, space format, visibility, and design flexibility are the main factors behind their selections. You can explore our exhibition stand, and you will find out about them below, along with their pros and cons.

Pop-up Stand

The simplest and standard type of exhibition stand is a pop-up stand. Its collapsible frame allows the companies to install them anywhere. They are open stands because there is no specific wall or enclosed structure, unlike the other types. These aluminum structures simply require banners to market the company, which effectively attracts visitors at a trade show.

Pros

• A pop-up stand is a cost-effective solution for companies with limited budgets. For this reason, many companies prefer this type, which is the most affordable option.
• It is a lightweight stand due to its one-dimensional format. Just place it at the back and side of the space you get at the trade show to get medium-level visibility. 
• Its open design and simple appearance make it easy to install anywhere, whether it is a trade show or a roadside promotional activity.
• Companies can replace banners for different promotions, making it an invaluable feature for them.

Cons

• There is a lack of variety in pop-up stands. 
• They have fewer features, especially when one needs a captivating booth. Companies have limited options in a highly competitive environment where others might have way more advanced types.
• This one-dimensional design has less creativity and visibility.

Shell Stand

One of the most popular types of exhibition stands is a shell stand. This type is a versatile one and is usually found everywhere at trade shows. From its name, you can have an idea of how it appears. It has a cubical form, which you must have seen at least once in every trade show anywhere in the world.

Pros

• Their simple design enables companies to install them at most trade shows easily. 
• It is due to its cubic appearance that it provides an enclosed environment, offering better noise resistance from the other booths.
• Moreover, the cubical shape promotes the brand better since all the sides have printed banners. This high visibility creates a substantial impact on the target audience in a trade show.
• Since they are cubical, it is easy to install them. It makes the assembling and disassembling process simple since all the components are easy to connect.

It is also a low-cost solution, as it involves minimal customization and greater standardization. Most trade shows prefer to have shell stands to provide an equal opportunity for every participant.

Cons

• There is a lack of variety in shell stands, and companies must deal with limited sizes.
• This type may seem less captivating for startups and new product lines. Companies will have to adjust to this standard type by having some creativity in the banner prints.

Dual Floor Stand

Then there is a rare but imposing type, which is a dual-floor stand. It is among the rare exhibition stands with an eccentric format. What makes it different from other types is the multiple-floor setup. For better in-depth creative booth design ideas, try out these ideas. The application of a dual-floor exhibition stand accommodates more visitors in a standard space. Additionally, it helps promote more services and products due to the space it provides in various floor systems.

Pros

• The dual floor stand offers more space to exhibit and promote every feature of a product or service.
• It offers more variety and high flexibility to enhance visibility.
• This is why it has high visibility since most stands have single floors. 
• Advanced features, such as stairs, windows, and a lighting system, make these stands hard to resist. 
• High customization is available in this type, making it a perfect choice for companies seeking to stand out at a trade show.

Cons

• It is a costly choice since the cost of production and customization is very high. Most companies avoid this type because they are tight on budget.
• Some designs consume a lot of space, as these dual-floor stands are significantly larger than standard types of exhibition booths.
• This type may not be compatible with specific trade show formats due to either space limitations or the need for uniform format compliance across all companies.
• Another problem with them is their installation and disassembly process. They take more time, expertise, and cost in the overall installation and wind-up processes.

Reusable Stand

Next comes a reusable exhibition stand, which is particularly useful for companies that frequently attend trade shows. These are like a one-time investment mode that you can reuse for every trade show without worrying about design or space. There are different types of exhibition stands, but a reusable stand is one of the fewest types that companies choose for a cost-saving solution.

Pros

• It is a versatile choice for most trade shows. Companies often use the same design in every trade show, as this type has standard dimensions that fit every format.
• Consider it a cost-effective solution and suitable for low-budget companies. Even if it has a high initial cost, the ROI is good enough.
• Another advantage is that it is easily assembled and transportable for all trade shows. It takes less time since the installation team is accustomed to connecting all the components due to their reusability.
• Its reusability and consistent appearance create a symbolic identity for the brand at every trade show.

Cons

• It has limited flexibility and may appear outdated compared to modern designs. That could make your stand appear less creative in this case.
• You will have to keep it maintained, which means incurring maintenance costs and dealing with a maintenance team.

Custom Stand

Then, some companies opt for custom exhibition stands. They are not like standard ones, and companies choose them to get the most visibility among standard types. The applications of exhibition stands like this one are creating more leads, promoting products, and increasing awareness in the market. Startups and companies with something new go for a custom type of exhibition stand.

Pros

• It has the most unusual and creative appearance compared to other types. This is what makes it stand out in a competition at trade shows.
• The same applies to his visibility, which is exceptionally high. A custom stand typically receives more attention due to its customized design, color, and format.
• A custom stand is also suitable for places where a small size with limited dimensions is required. Custom designs help you achieve your objective of securing space in a trade show using aluminium profiles.

Cons

• It is a very costly option because of its customized design and features. Very few companies go for it until they really need it.
• Additionally, production takes more time since different molds and processing systems are used.
• Sometimes, it is even challenging to transport and install because the components differ from standard types. Moreover, it works with only a few exhibition formats due to its custom design.

It may not be an environmentally friendly option because of the materials and features used in its production. Read about the detailed comparison of Modular vs. Custom Booths from this article.

Comparison Table

Although the applications of exhibition stands are similar in most trade shows, they are used to promote the brand, services, and products. Yet, companies select the types of exhibition stands that meet their requirements. Since different types have pros and cons, you can find a clear comparison that helps you make a better decision.

Conclusion

After knowing about all the types of exhibition stands, you can decide better than before. Some types offer cost-effective solutions, while others are packed with features and high visibility. You can select them based on your requirements, as different companies and their services have varying needs. Both standard and custom options are available in the industry, which means companies will not run out of options.