So, the exhibitors have offered you two options, either to get “only the space” or the standard “shell scheme” package. And now, you are wondering what a Shell Scheme Booth is.
Truth be told, shell scheme stands are in trend and have become an essential part of exhibitions. Since they are cost-efficient and easy to install, more and more businesses are opting for shell schemes exhibition stands. But to get the most out of the shell scheme booth, you should know the nitty-gritty details.
If you are a newbie eager to learn the basics of shell scheme stands, this article is for you.
You’ll learn:
- What is a shell scheme stand or booth?
- What is a shell scheme stand structure?
- How to transform the shell scheme stands
- 3 key choices to make your shell scheme stand out
What is a shell scheme stand?
A shell scheme stand is an enclosed, interchangeable modular system that we see at exhibitions and trade shows. The shell scheme booth usually has a box-style structure and is provided by event organisers when you book a space. You can add graphics, exhibition accessories, and freestanding displays according to your needs and requirements.
You can modify it on your own or ask a professional exhibition shell scheme provider. They can also help you plan the whole exhibition and provide shell schemes with floor plans.
What is a shell scheme stand structure?
A shell scheme stands structure is made of aluminium poles and individual sections. An exhibition shell scheme usually has one-metre (1m) modules, which you can connect to build a booth. You can make a shell scheme booth of almost any size using the one-metre modules and connecting aluminium poles vertically and horizontally.
Overall, a shell scheme stand structure consists of:
- Walls,
- Flooring,
- Power, and
- Lighting
You can use the series of aluminium poles to construct the shell scheme exhibition stand. Thus, you can build an empty booth and attach shell scheme graphics to increase aesthetics and promote the brand. You can also attach a horizontal fascia board to display the business name.
If you are organising an exhibition, you’ll have to take care of the shell scheme floor plan as well.
Standard shell scheme stand sizes
A shell scheme panel is usually 1m wide and 2.4m tall. However, the range of shell scheme panels varies from 900mm to 1,000mm in width and 2,400mm to 2,500mm in length. The aluminium posts on the sides are interconnected and changeable, so they are practically expandable.
You can make a shell chem booth to cover up to 20m² area space. Of course, it all depends on the space assigned and the specifications that the event organiser has provided you. Typically, exhibition shell scheme stands are available in 1m x 3m, 2m x 3m, 3m x 3m, and 3m x 4m.
However, the 3×2 shell scheme and 3×3 shell scheme booths are the most common.
What’s the difference between a shell scheme and ‘space only’?
A shell scheme and ‘Space Only’ differ in their appearance size. Where the shell scheme is smaller than ‘Space Only’.
Shell scheme
A shell scheme is a pre-built stand provided by the event organisers. It includes walls, flooring, and lighting. It’s a ‘plug-and-play’ for exhibitors, where the basic structure is ready, and all you need to do is add your branding and products.
Is it convenient?
The best part is that you don’t have to construct any stand. The basic structure is ready upon your arrival. It’s the most cost-effective and convenient way to advertise your business.
Pros
We provide everything. This allows you to focus on the content of your display rather than building it. We make sure people come to the staff for registration.
Cons
Since many exhibitors of the same business may use shell schemes, your stand could be hidden in them, making it harder to recognise. Also, once it’s done, you can’t change the structure or dimensions.
Space only
Space Only has an extra space designed for the floor area. Plus, it’s up to you to decide on your stand’s design, building, and furnishing. You have complete control over how the space is used. This process allows it to be a completely customised stand that reflects your brand’s identity.
It can be made as creative as possible and impactful for your audience. The extra space is your ground to play, and it’s the extra where you can make seating space for your visitors or utilise it to display more for your business with such unique stand-out designs.
Pros
The freedom of creating a stand that represents your brand’s image and values. It offers a more personalised experience. A well-crafted stand can draw more attention if it’s large, interactive, or creatively constructed. Plus, the layout is completely adjustable with the space for your needs.
Cons
Using a ‘Space Only’ approach to designing, building, and furnishing a custom stand is more expensive than a shell scheme. You also need to hire contractors, transport materials, and ensure everything is completed and dismantled according to regulations.
How do you make exhibition shell scheme stands look good?
Well, the best you can do is try booking a corner shell scheme stand. This way, your shell scheme booth will appear more spacious and can be seen from a distance. However, there’s a lot that goes into making the perfect exhibition shell scheme. To create a better wow factor, you should:
Plan your shell scheme stand
We recommend you outline the details of your exhibition shell scheme as soon as you get the spot. Since you have plenty of time, you can easily plan all the aspects to get the best ROI. Chalking out a strategy for a shell scheme booth is the same as you plan an exhibition stand.
To make the shell scheme stand out, you should work on the following:
- Layout of your stand or booth
- Space for furniture and decorations
- Area for your staff members
- Free space for moving around
- Promotional stuff that you want to display
All in all, it depends on what type of ‘flow’ you want to offer as a business or organisation. The deciding factor is the targeted audience that you want to engage.
Invest in shell scheme graphics
The event organisers assign you an empty space or a simple shell scheme booth. It is up to exhibition participants to add graphics onto the shell scheme panels. The easy way is to hire Shell Scheme graphics services and print your custom designs.
To create an enticing booth, you can easily install seamless shell scheme graphics onto the panels. Empty shell scheme booths are usually made of Velcro-friendly fabric panels. Many participants use magnetic tape or hook-and-loop tape to stick their designs on these panels. It’s cheaper to create a branded look than to buy custom-built panels for exhibitions.
However, getting custom shell scheme graphic panels is better if you aren’t short on budget. You can purchase either PVC or Foamex panels and use them at your convenience. What’s intriguing about these panels is that they look more professional and can make your booth stand out.
Integrate brand identity
At exhibitions, the shell scheme stands only for 2-4 seconds to grab passing visitors’ attention. Creating inspiring visuals is the best way to make visitors look and attract people to stand.
Think outside the box to get the most out of your shell scheme space. Instead of confining and constraining yourself, try making a bold, innovative statement. You can be creative with the shape of your shell scheme stand to engage more people. But don’t forget to integrate your brand identity while you are making decisions about the designs.
To get the design right, cover either 25% or 100% of your shell scheme panel with the visuals. You can also use custom-printed bunting, pop-up stands, or roller banners to stand out.
Light up your shell scheme stand
Exhibitions and trade shows have overhead lighting, which is usually evenly distributed. However, there are few drawbacks associated with the exhibition lighting. It often fails to illuminate the shell scheme booth, which can make it look gloomy. But another weakness is that it makes all the exhibition stands look the same.
People are attracted to and love visiting shell scheme stands that are brighter and decorated with lights. By adding LED Par Cans or uplighters, you can easily draw attention to your shell scheme booth.
Add AV elements to the shell scheme booth
Another way to make your shell scheme exhibition stand is by adding AV elements. Like lighting, audio visual equipment can offer an interactive experience to visitors. You can add LED screens and run promotional or demonstration videos about your brand, products, and services. You can also hire laptops or projectors to display visual content and make people stay longer at your stand.
3 key choices to make for your shell scheme stand out
Hopefully, you have a good idea of what the shell scheme stands are and how to transform them. But there is more to Shell Scheme Booth than meets the eye. Here are 3 important decisions that can improve the overall aesthetics of your shell scheme booth.
Choosing shell clad panels and clips
Shell schemes are ideal solutions for exhibition stands but they also have a weakness. Aluminium pools aren’t equally flat as compared to adjacent panels and, thus, take a toll on graphics.
The solution to this specific issue is shell-clad clips.
You can easily attach shell-clad clips to aluminium polls, ensuring a shell scheme booth with smooth graphics. They typically come in 800mm lengths, and you’ll need three clips per pole to achieve the 2,400mm height. Thus, they provide a flat back wall onto which you can easily attach vinyl or fabric graphics.
Picking the right graphics materials
You’ll have to make this decision when you decide on shell scheme graphics. There are two types of material that you’ll come across, i.e. fabric and vinyl.
Fabric graphics
The biggest benefit of fabric shell scheme graphics is perhaps the greater range of colours. Thanks to dye-sublimation, you will get rich, crispy visuals on your shell scheme panels. Above all, fabric graphics are lightweight, easy to transport, stretchable, and cost-effective. These are reusable because they are less likely to crease, and you can easily iron out the wrinkles.
Vinyl graphics
Vinyl graphics are difficult to fold and should always be rolled up to avoid wrinkles. However, they are ideal for outdoor exhibitions and can withstand external climate factors. Vinyl graphics are suitable for rigid structures but reflect glares during photoshoots.
Including exhibition stand accessories
We have discussed audio visual elements and lighting, but don’t forget traditional media such as brochures, flyers, and leaflets. Paper materials can draw attention and work as a source of post-event branding. You should also have business cards ready with your up-to-date contact details and social media handles.
If possible, place booklets, case studies, and success stories at your shell scheme stand. People would love to know what you are doing, and if you don’t know anything, you can distribute them as free giveaways.
Additionally, your shell scheme booth should have furniture items, bean bags, or cube seating. You can also add decorations, such as flowers, branded cookies, and pop-up displays. Such soft furnishing creates a cosy environment for meetings, and prospects would love to get into discussion.
What are my Shell scheme design options?
When the trade shows or events are on the exhibition with shell schemes, you still have plenty of creative options to make your stall stand out. It doesn’t matter if you are aiming for something functional, eye-catching or innovative.
Here are all the styles suitable for making your shell scheme more attractive and functional.
Fabric shell scheme exhibition stands
A fabric shell scheme is an excellent way to express creativity. With this, you can create an amazing stand. Instead of rigid panels, the fabric can be stretched across the walls of your stand, providing a sleek finish.
You can also print high-quality graphics on this fabric, making sure your branding is bold and professional.
Advantages:
- Lightweight and easy to transport.
- No glare, which can be an issue with glossy panels.
- Sleek, wrinkle-free appearance with proper tensioning.
Disadvantages:
- Limited durability compared to solid materials.
- Can be prone to damage if not handled with care.
Shell clad panels and clips
Shell clad systems are designed to transform the standard shell scheme walls into a customisable display. Using clip-on panels, you can cover the original shell walls with branded graphics, making your stand more customised. The panels are easy to install and can be removed without damaging the shell structure.
Advantages:
- Quick and simple to set up.
- Offers a highly professional finish with custom graphics.
- It can be reused at different exhibitions.
Disadvantages:
- Less flexible for incorporating interactive elements.
- You may still be limited by the fixed structure of the shell scheme.
Pop up display stands
Pop-up stands are a great option for exhibitors who want to add dimension to their shell scheme without committing to a full custom build. These portable stands can display branding, images, or key messages and are easily assembled on-site.
Advantages:
- They are compact and portable, making them ideal for quick set-up.
- It can be reused across multiple events.
- Adds depth to your stand layout.
Disadvantages:
- Limited design options, primarily focusing on vertical space.
- It might not offer the same level of impact as a custom-designed stand.
Banner stands
Banner stands are a versatile addition to any shell scheme. These freestanding displays can be positioned anywhere within your stand space, allowing you to feature additional branding, product images, or important information. With various sizes and designs available, banner stands are highly flexible and affordable.
Advantages:
- Budget-friendly and highly customisable.
- Easy to transport and quick to set up.
- It can be used to fill empty spaces or direct visitors.
Disadvantages:
- Less of a showstopper compared to larger displays.
- It may become cluttered if overused within a small space.
Exhibition stand accessories
Accessories can make or break the overall appeal of your shell scheme. Items such as literature holders, branded counters, and even lighting can help enhance your stand’s visual impact. The right accessories add functionality, making your space more engaging and interactive for visitors.
Advantages:
- Enhances functionality by adding useful elements like leaflet holders.
- Improves aesthetics with personalised counters and podiums.
- Flexible options for upgrading your stand.
Disadvantages:
- Accessories can easily lead to clutter if not carefully curated.
- Some accessories may be costly, especially if custom-made.
7 of the most common shell scheme mistakes
Displaying your business stalls in exhibitions is a great investment, while the shell schemes offer a fortunate solution. But there are some common mistakes that exhibitors can be a part of. Let’s look into them and find out what is there to solve and avoid when setting up your shell scheme in a trade show.
More information on the shell stand (Overloaded)
One frequent mistake is trying to cram too much information on the stand because many visitors can fall back from a stall like that. Overloading your display with photos, texts, and logos can make it feel cluttered and hard to digest. It’s better to keep your message clear, crisp, and impactful.
Poor lighting choices
Relying on standard event lighting is not recommended. This approach can make your shell stand look dull in front of your visitors, which might decrease their number. Some exhibitors forget the importance of proper lighting, which is best for making your display pop at the event.
Therefore, adding extra lighting is a genius idea for engaging more space and highlighting key areas of the stand. But don’t go overboard with lighting. It might ruin this, too.
Importance of floor space
Many exhibitors focus on the walls and yet forget about the floor. An uninspired floor can detract visitors from your stall/stand. Consider hiring branded flooring from us, as we provide attractive floor graphics to make your space feel more inviting.
Lack of brand consistency
It is important to show how your brand will shine in the exhibition, adjust the logos, and display your brand perfectly for your visitors. The exhibitors must ensure that every element is aligned with your overall branding strategy.
Neglecting visitors interaction
Some exhibitors often focus on the display form of the stand and lack in visitor interactions. It’s important to aim for the stall and encourage visitors to engage with your brand.
Poor use of space
Shell schemes are often compact, so how you use your space is crucial. Inefficient layouts, such as oversized furniture or obstructive displays, can make your stand feel cramped. Plan your layout carefully, ensuring there’s plenty of room for visitors to move around comfortably.
Forgetting to personalise the shell scheme
Many exhibitors stick with the default look of the shell scheme, which can lead to a bland and generic stand. Customising the walls with branded graphics, adding unique accessories, or even using innovative display solutions like pop-up stands can help differentiate your stand from others around you.
Final Note
A shell scheme stand or booth is your brand representation at exhibitions and trade shows. It’s an enclosed space built with panels and aluminium poles to provide distinctive space. It is up to you to transform the empty box, decorate it, and show the best side of your business to visitors.
