6 Types of Exhibition Stands: Choose the Right Booth for Your Event

Choosing between the different types of exhibition stands is an important part of planning a trade show or business event. The right booth should fit the allocated space, present your brand clearly, support visitor movement, and suit your project requirements.

For companies exhibiting in Dubai and across the UAE, available options may include custom exhibition stands, modular stands, shell scheme stands, island booths, peninsula booths, corner booths, and double-decker structures.

DXB Advertisement LLC provides printing, signage, branding, and display solutions for businesses. This guide explains the main exhibition stand formats and the factors to consider when selecting a booth for your next event.

1. Custom Exhibition Stands

Custom exhibition stands are designed around a particular business, event, and space. Their layout and graphics can be planned to suit the brand’s visual identity and display requirements.

Custom designs may include branded walls, counters, product displays, meeting areas, graphics, and other elements, depending on the brief.

Consider a custom stand when:

• You have specific branding or display requirements.
• The booth needs to fit a particular floor plan.
• You want the layout to reflect your products or services.
• Your event objectives require a tailored presentation.

The final design should follow the organiser’s technical requirements and any applicable approval process.

2. Modular Exhibition Stands

Modular stands use components that can be assembled into different configurations. Depending on the system, the same components may be adapted for different booth sizes or event layouts.

They may suit businesses that attend several exhibitions and want flexibility across their display arrangements.

Potential advantages include:

• Configurable layouts.
• Options for replacing or updating graphics.
• Potential reuse across events.
• A structured approach to transport and storage.

Before choosing a modular system, confirm its available dimensions, compatible graphics, assembly requirements, and suitability for your intended venues.

3. Shell Scheme Stands

Shell scheme stands are provided within a framework arranged by the event organiser. The exhibitor generally works within the supplied booth dimensions and rules when planning additional graphics and displays.

This format can suit businesses using a standard exhibition package.

Before ordering printed panels or additional branding, check exactly what the organiser provides. Confirm the panel dimensions, permitted attachment methods, electrical arrangements, and any restrictions on modifications.

4. Island Exhibition Booths

An island booth is generally open on multiple sides, allowing visitors to approach from different directions. This layout may provide room for displays, demonstrations, meeting points, and branded graphics.

It can be suitable for businesses that have a prominent floor location and need to accommodate several visitor interactions.

Planning should consider clear routes through the booth, the placement of displays, visibility of the main message, and the organiser’s technical requirements.

5. Peninsula and Corner Booths

Peninsula and corner booths provide alternatives to a fully open island layout.

Peninsula Booths

A peninsula booth is generally open on several sides, with one side adjoining another stand or boundary. It may suit businesses that want a visible presentation while working within the exhibition floor plan.

Corner Booths

A corner booth typically opens onto two aisles. This creates opportunities to position branding toward visitors approaching from either direction.

For both layouts, place the primary message where it is easy to see, and ensure counters or displays do not unnecessarily obstruct visitor movement.

6. Double-Decker Exhibition Stands

Double-decker stands have two levels and may provide additional space for meetings, displays, or hospitality where permitted.

They require more detailed coordination than a single-level booth. Structural design, access, venue approval, installation planning, and safety requirements must be addressed by the appropriate professionals.

Confirm whether the venue permits a double-decker structure before investing in the design.

Other Exhibition Stand Options

Depending on the event and supplier, businesses may also consider portable stands and outdoor exhibition stands.

Portable exhibition stands may suit smaller displays, presentations, and promotional activities where transport and setup convenience are important.

Outdoor exhibition stands need to account for weather exposure, ground conditions, anchoring, visibility, and venue restrictions.

Choose the format based on the actual environment and intended use rather than appearance alone.

How to Choose the Right Exhibition Stand

Start with Your Event Objectives

Decide whether the booth is intended to introduce your company, demonstrate products, host meetings, distribute information, or support a promotional campaign.

Check Your Available Space

Confirm the stand dimensions, open sides, height limits, neighbouring booths, access points, and any restrictions imposed by the organiser.

Consider Visitor Movement

A booth should allow people to approach, view the displays, and speak with your team without unnecessary obstruction.

Plan the Branding

Prioritise the logo, main message, and key graphics. Make sure text remains legible from the intended viewing distance.

Review the Production Requirements

Different stand formats require different materials, components, graphics, transport, and assembly arrangements. Confirm what is included in the proposed solution.

Set a Realistic Budget

Include design, printing, fabrication where required, furniture, delivery, installation, dismantling, and any additional venue charges applicable to your project.

Exhibition Stand Design and Branding in Dubai

A booth is more effective when its structure and graphics work together. Use consistent colours, typography, logos, and messaging across the stand, counters, printed materials, and displays.

Large-format graphics should be prepared according to the supplier’s specifications. Confirm artwork dimensions, bleed, safe areas, image resolution, and material requirements before approving production.

For exhibition projects in Dubai, also review the organiser’s technical manual and submission deadlines early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which type of exhibition stand is best?

There is no single best format. The choice depends on your allocated space, event objectives, brand requirements, budget, and the organiser’s rules.

What is the difference between island and corner booths?

An island booth is typically accessible from multiple sides, while a corner booth generally opens onto two aisles. The actual configuration depends on the event floor plan.

Are modular exhibition stands reusable?

Some modular systems are designed to be reconfigured and reused. Confirm the system’s specifications, storage requirements, and compatibility with future booth layouts.

Can I customise a shell scheme stand?

Additional graphics and displays may be possible, but the event organiser’s rules determine what can be attached or changed. Confirm the permitted options before production.

Are double-decker exhibition stands suitable for every venue?

No. The venue must permit the structure, and relevant technical, structural, access, and safety requirements must be addressed.

What should I provide when requesting a booth quotation?

Provide the event name, venue, dates, booth dimensions, layout preference, brand assets, display requirements, and installation schedule.

Find the Right Exhibition Display Solution

DXB Advertisement LLC supports businesses with printing, signage, branding, display, and advertising requirements in Dubai and across the UAE.

Before choosing an exhibition stand, compare the available layouts, confirm the venue rules, and define what the booth needs to achieve. These details help establish a suitable project scope.

Visit DXB Advertisement LLC to explore the company’s services and discuss your exhibition display requirements.

The right exhibition stand combines an appropriate layout, clear branding, and practical planning to support your business objectives at the event.