Planning an exhibition stand can feel overwhelming. This guide answers the most common questions about exhibition stand design, costs, planning, installation and sustainability, helping you make informed decisions for a successful event.

Everything You Need to Know to Plan a Successful Exhibition

Trade shows and exhibitions remain one of the most effective ways for businesses to meet customers face-to-face, launch new products and generate high-quality leads. Whether you’re exhibiting for the first time or planning your tenth exhibition, the decisions you make before the event can have a significant impact on your return on investment.

At GH Display, we’ve been designing, manufacturing and installing exhibition stands for 50 years. During that time we’ve delivered hundreds of exhibition projects throughout the UK and Europe, from compact shell scheme displays to large custom-built exhibition stands for international brands.

This guide brings together everything we’ve learned over decades of exhibition stand design and build, helping you understand the process, avoid common mistakes and make informed decisions for your next event.

What Is an Exhibition Stand?

An exhibition stand is a temporary branded space designed to showcase your business at a trade show or exhibition. It is often the first impression visitors have of your company and plays a vital role in attracting attention, starting conversations and generating leads.

Exhibition stands vary in size, style and complexity depending on the event and your objectives.

The four main types are:

• Custom-built exhibition stands
• Modular exhibition stands
• Shell scheme exhibition stands
• Portable display systems

Choosing the right option depends on your budget, marketing goals, the frequency of exhibiting and whether your stand will be reused.

Which Type of Exhibition Stand Is Right for You?

Custom Exhibition Stands

Custom exhibition stands are designed from scratch around your objectives, branding and available exhibition space.

They offer complete design freedom and allow features such as:

• Bespoke architecture
• Meeting rooms
• Demonstration areas
• Hanging banners
• Integrated AV
• Product displays
• Storage rooms
• Hospitality areas

Custom stands create the greatest visual impact and are ideal for businesses wanting to maximise visitor engagement and reinforce their brand.

Best suited for:

• Major product launches
• International exhibitions
• Annual flagship events
• Businesses wanting maximum impact

Modular Exhibition Stands

Modular exhibition stands combine reusable aluminium framing with custom graphics and accessories.

They offer an excellent balance between flexibility, sustainability and cost.

Benefits include:

• Reusable components
• Easy reconfiguration
• Reduced storage requirements
• Lower long-term costs
• High-quality appearance

Shell Scheme Exhibition Stands

Many exhibitions provide exhibitors with a shell scheme package consisting of aluminium framework and wall panels.

A professionally designed shell scheme can be transformed using:

• Printed graphics
• Fabric graphics
• Flooring
• Furniture
• Lighting
• Display counters
• Shelving
• AV equipment

A well-designed shell scheme often delivers exceptional value for smaller exhibition budgets.

Portable Display Systems

Portable displays are lightweight exhibition solutions designed for easy transportation and self-installation.

Examples include:

• Pop-up displays
• Banner stands
• Fabric backdrops
• LED lightboxes
• Portable counters

These systems are ideal for roadshows, recruitment events, conferences and smaller exhibitions.

How Much Does an Exhibition Stand Cost?

One of the first questions exhibitors ask is, “How much does an exhibition stand cost?”

The answer depends on several factors, including stand size, build complexity, materials, lighting, AV requirements and installation.

Custom exhibition stands can cost as little as £5,000, with the sky being the limit depending on the scale, design complexity and features required.

Typical considerations include:

• Exhibition space size
• Design complexity
• Bespoke manufacturing
• Printed graphics
• Furniture hire
• Flooring
• Lighting
• Audio visual equipment
• Installation
• Breakdown
• Transport
• Storage

Rather than focusing solely on initial cost, consider the value generated through lead generation, brand awareness and the potential to reuse components for future events.

How Long Does It Take to Design and Build an Exhibition Stand?

Planning ahead always delivers the best results.

While we have, in the past, successfully turned around exhibition stands in as little as one week, allowing more time for planning, design and refinement will always lead to better results. In most cases, a realistic lead time for a high-quality exhibition stand is around 3–12 weeks depending on the complexity.

A typical custom exhibition stand follows a general process:

Early Planning Stage

• Book exhibition space
• Define objectives
• Set budgets
• Choose your exhibition partner

Design & Development Stage

• Initial concepts
• 3D visualisations
• Budget refinement
• Material selection

Production Stage

• Artwork approval
• Manufacturing
• Graphic production
• Ordering furniture and electrics

Final Preparation Stage

• Final quality checks
• Packing
• Logistics planning
• Installation scheduling

Starting early allows greater flexibility and helps avoid unnecessary costs.

How Is an Exhibition Stand Designed?

Successful exhibition stand design is about much more than making a stand look attractive.

The most effective stands begin by asking questions such as:

• Who is your target audience?
• What products should be showcased?
• How will visitors move through the space?
• What actions do you want visitors to take?

Professional exhibition designers then combine creativity with practical considerations including visitor flow, structural engineering, lighting and branding.

What Makes a Successful Exhibition Stand?

Over the years we’ve noticed that the most successful exhibition stands have several things in common.

Strong Branding

Visitors should understand who you are within seconds.

Clear Messaging

Avoid clutter. Focus on one or two clear messages rather than trying to communicate everything at once.

Effective Lighting

Lighting highlights products, creates atmosphere and helps your stand stand out from surrounding exhibitors.

Open Layout

Inviting spaces encourage visitors to enter rather than walk past.

Interactive Features

Product demonstrations, touchscreens and live presentations encourage engagement and increase dwell time.

Comfortable Meeting Areas

Providing somewhere to sit and have meaningful conversations often results in better-quality leads.

Sustainability in Exhibition Stand Design

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important within the exhibition industry.

Modern exhibition stands can significantly reduce environmental impact through:

• Reusable frameworks
• Recycled materials
• Sustainable print media
• Efficient transport planning
• Stand storage for future reuse
• Energy-efficient LED lighting

At GH Display, sustainability forms an important part of our design and manufacturing approach, helping clients reduce waste while maintaining high-quality exhibition environments.

Why Choose GH Display?

Choosing an exhibition partner is about more than simply building a stand.

With 50 years of experience, GH Display offers a complete in-house service covering:

• Exhibition stand design
• Manufacturing
• Large-format printing
• Project management
• Transport and logistics
• Installation
• Breakdown
• Storage

By managing every stage of the process, we help ensure quality, consistency and reliable delivery for exhibitions across the UK and Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I start planning?

Ideally as early as possible to allow time for design, approvals and production, although experienced contractors can often deliver successful projects within shorter timescales.

Can exhibition stands be reused?

Yes. Many of our exhibition stands are designed to be reused, helping reduce costs and support a more sustainable exhibiting strategy.

Do you install stands across the UK?

Yes. We install exhibition stands at venues across the UK and Europe, managing everything from delivery and installation to breakdown.

Can you store exhibition stands?

Yes. We offer secure exhibition stand storage, keeping your stand safe and ready for your next event.

What information do you need before designing my stand?

Typically:

• Stand dimensions
• Event location
• Objectives
• Budget
• Branding guidelines
• Product information
• Existing marketing assets

Ready to Plan Your Next Exhibition?

Whether you’re exhibiting for the first time or looking to refresh your existing stand, careful planning and an experienced exhibition partner can make all the difference.

If you’re preparing for an upcoming exhibition, our team would be happy to discuss your objectives, explore ideas and recommend the most effective solution for your budget and event.

Contact us today to start planning an exhibition stand that attracts attention, engages visitors and delivers measurable results.