In short
A 20 × 20 m island (400 m²) is among the largest stands at most shows. It operates like a temporary venue with multiple rooms, a theatre, hospitality and several product worlds. Note that this is 400 m², about twenty times larger than a US 20×20 ft booth. Design it as a sequence of spaces, with one landmark to tie them together.
Key points
- 20 × 20 m is 400 m², about 4306 sq ft (66 × 66 ft).
- Staff: 8 or more, allocated by zone; about 133 visitors at once in comfort.
- Meeting space: Several rooms, often on an upper deck.
- Storage: 6 m² or more, plus a small kitchen or prep area.
20 × 20 m in numbers
| 20 × 20 m | |
|---|---|
| Area | 400 m² (about 4306 sq ft) |
| Nearest US size | 66 × 66 ft |
| Staff | 8 or more, allocated by zone |
| Visitors at once | About 133, allowing about 1.5 m² of open floor each |
| Meeting space | Several rooms, often on an upper deck. |
| Storage | 6 m² or more, plus a small kitchen or prep area. |
| Shell scheme or space only | Space only, often with rigging and a hanging sign. |
| Usual build | Temporary venue with its own project team |
What fits on a 20 × 20 m stand
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Reception | 1–2 points |
| Demo zones | 4+ |
| Meeting rooms | 2–4 |
| Stage or theatre | 1 |
| Bar and lounge | 1 |
| Store and kitchen | 6 m² or more |
Each piece of furniture removes floor that visitors would stand on. Start with the minimum and add only what serves the stand's objective.
Layout ideas
- Stage-led: a central stage with product worlds around it.
- Multiple decks: meetings and hospitality above an active ground floor.
- Village: small pavilions under a single overhead canopy.
By number of open sides
| Stand type | How it changes the layout |
|---|---|
| Row (one open side) | Rare at this size; a long frontage with closed rooms at the back. |
| Corner (two open sides) | Two entrances; put the tallest element where the closed walls meet. |
| Peninsula (three open sides) | Back wall for storage and meeting space; activity on three faces. |
| Island (four open sides) | No back wall: a central core or feature with activity on every face. |
See exhibition stand types for what each type means and how organisers classify them.
Things specific to 20 × 20 m
Rigging, power, staffing and logistics are major projects at this size. Engage the venue's technical team early.
Four hundred square metres needs a project team and a staged programme. Treat the logistics as a project in itself.
Frequently asked questions
01Is a 20 × 20 m stand the same as a 20×20 booth?
No. A 20 × 20 m stand is 400 m². A US 20×20 booth is about 37 m².
02How many people can staff a 20 × 20 m stand?
8 or more, allocated by zone. More staff leave less room for visitors; plan about one staff member per activity point.
03How big is 20 × 20 m in feet?
About 66 × 66 ft: 400 m² is roughly 4306 sq ft. Use the organiser's exact dimensions for graphics and drawings.
04Can a 20 × 20 m stand have a meeting room?
Several rooms, often on an upper deck.
Put it into practice
Design your trade show booth in 3D before you brief the builder
Design a trade show booth in 3D at your exact booth size, from a 10x10 inline to a 20x20 island, with renders and drawings for your builder.
Guidance here reflects common practice. Venues, organisers and countries set their own rules: always check the exhibitor manual and work with a qualified stand builder and engineer for structures.
