In short
Farnborough is a major aerospace trade event, and its value lies in meetings. Large companies use chalets and pavilions to host customers, while suppliers use hall stands to meet programme buyers. A good stand offers a real component, a clear position in the supply chain and privacy for discussions. Start a custom stand about 9–15 months ahead and confirm dates, height limits and rules in the exhibitor manual.
Key points
- Where and when: Farnborough, every two years, in even years.
- The audience is mostly aerospace primes.
- Private hosting space.
- A real component to look at.
- Plan a custom stand about 9–15 months before the show.
Farnborough International Airshow for exhibitors
Aircraft on the flight line draw the attention, but the business takes place in halls and chalets. Delegations and government visits are common, and security is tight.
| Farnborough International Airshow | |
|---|---|
| City | Farnborough |
| Venue | Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre |
| Sector | Aerospace |
| Cycle | Every two years, in even years |
| Main stand activity | Pre-booked meetings |
| Custom stand lead time | 9–15 months |
Who you are designing for
Aerospace primes, suppliers, airlines, government delegations and defence buyers.
What matters most on a Farnborough International Airshow stand:
- Private hosting space.
- A real component to look at.
- Clear supply-chain positioning.
- Presentable VIP areas.
Layouts for pre-booked meetings, by stand type
Most Farnborough International Airshow exhibitors build around pre-booked meetings. How that works depends on how many sides of your plot are open. If you are unsure which type you have, see exhibition stand types.
| Stand type | Open sides | What works |
|---|---|---|
| Row (inline) | 1 | A welcome counter at the front and two bar tables; book longer meetings in the venue's meeting rooms. |
| Island | 4 | Meeting rooms in a central core or on an upper deck, with reception and a short demo on the busiest aisle. |
Stand ideas for Farnborough International Airshow
- A machined part with a cutaway.
- A closed meeting room for programme talks.
- A supplier capabilities wall with certifications.
Planning, approvals and logistics
Airshow access and security are strict, and delivery slots are limited. Plan passes and deliveries well ahead.
Allow about 9–15 months for a custom stand. The exhibitor manual sets height limits, open-side rules and service deadlines; see venue approval and technical drawings.
Where the budget goes at Farnborough International Airshow
Passes, security clearances and hosting costs add up quickly. Budget for them with the stand, not as an afterthought.
Mistakes we see at Farnborough International Airshow
- No private space for sensitive discussions.
- Late security clearances for staff.
An example Farnborough International Airshow brief
A 6 × 6 m hall stand with a machined component on a plinth, a certifications wall and a closed meeting room for programme talks.
Replace the size and the zones with your own. The plot and height limit come from your contract and the exhibitor manual.
Try your Farnborough International Airshow layout in 3D
ExhibitionBase Studio turns your plot size, open sides and a brief about pre-booked meetings into an editable 3D stand for 5 credits, renders it and exports a plan for your builder. New workspaces get 5 free credits.
Frequently asked questions
01How often is Farnborough held?
Every two years, in even years, alternating with the [Paris Air Show](/guides/paris-air-show-stand-design).
02What is a chalet?
A private hospitality building on the show site, used for hosting customers.
03How early should I start designing a Farnborough International Airshow stand?
For a custom stand, about 9–15 months ahead: long enough for design, organiser approval, production and shipping. Shell scheme stands can be planned in weeks.
04Can I reuse my Farnborough International Airshow stand at other shows?
Often, if it is modular. Design the core (walls, counters, pre-booked meetings area) to work on several plot sizes, and swap graphics per show. See [modular vs custom stands](/guides/modular-vs-custom-exhibition-stands).
Put it into practice
From a client brief to a 3D stand concept in minutes
An editable 3D exhibition stand concept from a written brief and the brand's website, at your exact size.
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.
