You have decided to participate in a trade show. You soon have to choose a stand that fits you and your organization. With this article we help you choose the right stand shape.
Compare it to a large shopping street. Department stores are located at the most central locations in the most beautiful buildings. Smaller stores choose a smart spot around it in a row or on a corner. It is the same as it works on a trade fair.
Which type of stand fits best?
To determine which type of stand fits best, it is important to clearly identify in advance what your objectives are, what message you want to tell and which target group you are aiming for. Because every type of stand has its advantages and disadvantages. But they also all contribute in a unique way to a successful participation during the exhibition.
We list the different types of stands for you:
The stand in a row
The most common option is a position in a row, the intermediate position. This stand can only be accessed from one side and has a fellow exhibitor on both left and right. If you do not often participate in an exhibition, this is the most logical and affordable choice. The three walls in an intermediate position give you a lot of room for communication and knowledge transfer, but it also means that you are one of the many stands in a row, often have a smaller surface at your disposal and therefore your stand is “crowded” faster.
The advantages and disadvantages of a position in a row:
+ relatively affordable
+ plenty of room for visuals and displays
– less accessible to visitors
The walk-through stand
A comparable type is a walk-through position. The walk-through position has no rear wall and is often somewhat deeper than an intermediate position. Visitors literally walk through the stand to the next aisle. This ensures a lot of interaction, because visitors pass from two sides, but also requires extra attention from the stand staff. The (wall) surface area is also limited.
The advantages and disadvantages of a walk-through stand:
+ plenty of room for visuals and displays
+ many spontaneous visitors and lots of interaction possible
– stand staff must be able to filter well and quickly
The corner stand
A corner position catches the eye quickly. By opening two open sides you stimulate visitors to enter from two intersecting aisles and even keep them ‘imprisoned’. This shape gives an open, inviting character and there is enough room to creatively decorate your walls. It is of course important to take the positioning into account for every position, but above all for a corner position. You do not want to be put “in the corner” and disappear between your competitors.
The advantages and disadvantages of a corner stand:
+ a lot of traffic due to intersecting aisles
+ often in a strategic location
– are often more expensive places
The head stand
The end position is a position where one side is closed. Thanks to three open sides you create an open, accessible character and you meet visitors from three aisles. A disadvantage may be that there is only one wall available for presentation material, expressions and displays. But this wall is ideal for a large video screen, for example, or as a wall behind the bar during drinks.
The advantages and disadvantages of a head stand:
+ accessible nature
+ visitors from 3 aisles
– only one wall is available for messages and display material
The island stand
Finally, there is the island stand. This type is open on four sides and often has a larger surface. This ensures a lot of visibility and accessibility. For companies looking for networking opportunities, the island stand is extremely suitable. The stand is open and inviting and you can receive many visitors. But because this stand has no walls, you must use separate presentation furniture to be able to present products or other content.
The pros and cons of an island stand:
+ very accessible and accessible
+ open and inviting
– no wall available for content
But … it’s not just about the form!
After choosing the right shape, the stand design and the rest of the preparation will of course follow. The success of your participation in the exhibition does of course not only depend on the shape of your stand. Organizing a successful exhibition participation is an incredible amount of work with tough deadlines and an endless “things to do list”. We know everything about it and are happy to help you!
Do you want to know everything about the perfect stand shape and more? Then contact us!
Do you want inspiration in the field of stand shape and stand design? View stands in all shapes here!
