27 questions
Exhibition stand questions, answered.
Short answers to what exhibitors ask most, each with a link to the guide or calculator that goes further.
The basics
- What is an exhibition stand?
- A branded space at a trade show where a company meets visitors. It may be a simple shell scheme or a custom structure. See exhibition stand types.
- What is the difference between a stand and a booth?
- None, really. Stand is the usual word in Europe and the Gulf, booth in North America, and stall in India.
- What is shell scheme?
- A package from the organiser with walls, a name board, carpet and lights. See shell scheme or space only.
- What is space only?
- Empty floor. You bring or build the whole stand, under the show's rules.
Cost and budget
- How much does an exhibition stand cost?
- It depends on size, build type and country. The cost calculator gives a planning range for the whole show.
- What is usually left out of a budget?
- Power, internet, rigging, handling, cleaning and staff costs. See hidden exhibition costs.
- Should I hire or buy a stand?
- Hire for occasional shows, and buy a kit if you'll reuse it often. Use the break-even sum.
- How do I work out if a show paid off?
- Compare gross profit from show-sourced deals with the whole cost. Try the ROI calculator.
Size and layout
- What size stand do I need?
- Add up the floor your activities take, using the stand size calculator.
- How big is a 10×10 booth?
- 10 × 10 ft is about 3.05 × 3.05 m, or 9.3 m². See the booth size converter.
- How many staff should I bring?
- Work it out from your conversation target with the staff calculator.
- Where is the best position on the floor?
- On the route your buyers will walk. See choosing a stand position.
Rules and approvals
- How high can my stand be?
- The show sets the limit by hall and stand type. See stand dimensions and heights.
- Do I need approval for my stand?
- Space-only stands usually do. See submitting drawings for approval.
- Do materials need to be fire rated?
- In most venues, yes. See fire safety and materials.
- Do I need a risk assessment?
- Many venues ask for one. See risk assessments and method statements.
- Can I hang a sign above my stand?
- Often, through the official rigger. See ceiling and rigging plans.
Drawings and files
- What drawings does a stand need?
- Usually a plan and elevations, plus sections, setting-out and other sheets as the stand gets more complex. See technical drawings.
- What is a setting-out plan?
- A sheet that shows the crew where everything goes, from one reference point. See the setting-out guide.
- What is a quantity take-off?
- A list of materials measured from the drawings, used for pricing. See quantity take-offs.
- What file should I send a stand builder?
- A PDF of the drawings and a DXF in millimetres. Most CAD software opens DXF.
AI and Studio
- Can AI design an exhibition stand?
- It can produce a concept quickly. A builder and the organiser still handle structure, approvals and safety. See AI stand design.
- Is the render the same as the drawing in Studio?
- Both come from one 3D model. AI renders can vary small visual details, so use the drawings for dimensions.
- What does Studio cost?
- New workspaces get 5 free credits. An AI design costs 5 credits, a change to one selected item 1 and a render 5. Packs start at 25 credits for $5. See pricing.
- Do I have to use AI in Studio?
- No. You can place items from the ready-made library by hand, with no credits used.
- Does Studio produce certified drawings?
- No. They're concept drawings. Structure, rigging, electrics and approvals remain with your builder and engineers.
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