In short
A 9 × 9 m (30 × 30 ft) island is big enough for several meeting rooms, a theatre or stage and many demo points. Treat it as a small building: a central core, active edges on all four sides, a feature that rises above the crowd, and routes that let visitors cross without walking through meetings.
Key points
- 9 × 9 m is 81 m², about 872 sq ft (30 × 30 ft).
- Staff: 5–8; about 27 visitors at once in comfort.
- Meeting space: One or two rooms, or an upper deck where approved.
- Storage: 3–5 m², ideally in a central core.
9 × 9 m in numbers
| 9 × 9 m | |
|---|---|
| Area | 81 m² (about 872 sq ft) |
| Nearest US size | 30 × 30 ft |
| Staff | 5–8 |
| Visitors at once | About 27, allowing about 1.5 m² of open floor each |
| Meeting space | One or two rooms, or an upper deck where approved. |
| Storage | 3–5 m², ideally in a central core. |
| Shell scheme or space only | Space only. |
What fits on a 9 × 9 m stand
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Reception counter | 1 |
| Demo points | 3–5 |
| Meeting rooms | 1–2 |
| Theatre or presentation area | Optional |
| Store | 3–5 m² |
| Bar | 1 |
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 centre: a central stage with demo points on the edges and meeting rooms in two corners.
- Double-deck option: meetings upstairs, demos and reception on the ground floor, subject to approval.
- Four themes: one product theme per face, linked by a central bar.
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 9 × 9 m
At 81 m² a double-deck becomes worth considering if meeting demand is high; see double-deck stands.
Frequently asked questions
01Should a 30 × 30 island be double-deck?
Only if you need more meeting space than the floor allows and the organiser permits it. It adds engineering, approval and cost.
02How many people can staff a 9 × 9 m stand?
5–8. More staff leave less room for visitors; plan about one staff member per activity point.
03How big is 9 × 9 m in feet?
About 30 × 30 ft: 81 m² is roughly 872 sq ft. Use the organiser's exact dimensions for graphics and drawings.
04Can a 9 × 9 m stand have a meeting room?
One or two rooms, or an upper deck where approved.
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.
