In short
A 30×30 island offers 900 square feet and four frontages. It needs a real plan: a core with rooms and storage, active faces on each side, and a sign that identifies you from a distance. It can also support a small theatre. At this size, a project manager on site is a necessity, not a luxury.
Key points
- 30×30 ft is 900 sq ft, or 9.14 × 9.14 m (83.6 m²).
- Usual type: island.
- Rigging, labor and electrical become big line items.
- Delivery order matters: plan the sequence.
A 30×30 booth in numbers
| 30×30 | |
|---|---|
| Area | 900 sq ft (83.6 m²) |
| In metres | 9.14 × 9.14 m |
| Usual type | Island |
| Meeting rooms | 2 |
| Demo stations | 6–8 |
| Theatre | Small, for 12–20 |
| Hospitality | A coffee point |
| Staff | 8–12 people |
Who a 30×30 booth suits
A 30×30 suits market leaders at a major show, and companies launching a product. It needs a budget for design, rigging and labor that goes far beyond the space itself, so run the numbers before you take it. Ask what the same money would buy on a well-placed 20×30.
What the rules usually say
Island rules usually apply, often with greater height limits. Multi-level structures may need engineered drawings and approval.
Rules differ by show, so read the US booth rules guide, then check your show's exhibitor rulebook.
Layouts that work
- Core and faces: rooms in the middle, with different activity on each side.
- Theatre island: a stage on the main approach, with demos around.
- Double-deck: meetings upstairs, if the rules allow it.
What to watch for
- Rigging, labor and electrical become big line items.
- Delivery order matters: plan the sequence.
- Consider a staged quote so that you can trim.
Show services are often a large part of a US budget. See trade show booth cost.
A brief you can adapt
Try writing your brief like this: "Design a 9.14 × 9.14 m island booth. Include meeting rooms: 2; demo stations: 6–8; theatre: small, for 12–20. Keep the tallest elements within the show's height limit." Add your brand website, your products and the show's rules.
Lay it out at real size
Frequently asked questions
01Is a 30×30 booth worth double-decking?
Only if meetings need it and the rules allow it. Compare against a single-floor plan first.
02What is the size of a 30×30 booth?
900 square feet, or 9.14 × 9.14 m (83.6 m²).
03How many staff suit a 30×30 booth?
Usually 8–12 people. Use the [staff calculator](/tools/booth-staff-calculator) to check.
04Can I use a European stand design on a 30×30 booth?
Only after checking dimensions and rules: 30 ft is 9.14 m, not a round metric size, and US height rules are different.
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.
