Hi Redblu Community!

We are here to answer all of your questions regarding everything Shell Scheme and Space Only..

So you have booked a plot at your next show and this plot has a backwall, it is open on 3 sides. Do you stick with the shell scheme or is it worthwhile exploring what a space only stand would look like and how the costs compare?

We are going to tell you now…

Open 3 sides shell 👇(slide to see more)

It’s a question we get asked (a lot) from exhibitors. They are mainly interested in using these trade shows as a meeting place for existing customers and to lead gen their next ones. Exhibitors want to minimise cost, they also understand that it may be a good investment so spend a bit more getting something that will work better for them.

Gauging ROI on a show is hard to do. Check out our articles on ROI – Maximise Exhibition ROI and How to Increase my ROI at my next exhibition. It’s sometimes not as easy as the B2C shows where you have a widget and if you sell 100 widgets you brake even, more your into profit.

B2B sales cycles take longer. You may get 1 quality lead but that lead could turn into a customer that makes your business double, triple or quadruple in size. You may get 100 leads and of those leads you convert 20% of them which go onto becoming long term customers who generate ‘000’s in revenue and profit.

Open 3 sides (space only) 👇

6m x 3m Medtronic exhibition stand @BSG24
large exhibition stand with blue and green walls at the back. A lit counter with two stools and some chemical equipment are set in front of the rear wall

So how do you make a judgement call?

We know from experience that you need to market your presence at a show, telling everyone you know you are attending. Customers, prospect lists, SHOUT! But when you are at the show there may be visitors that are interested in your product or service but don’t know about YOU. So this is where the stand design shout comes in.

  • You can build a sign and hang it from the rooftops (aka hanging banner which is rigged from the ceiling) This comes at a cost as rigging is notoriously expensive – at least £1000 to hang a simple banner plus the cost of that banner.
  • You can use your height. Did you know that simple space only stands can be built up to 4m in height? (over that and you have to get structural engineers to sign off stand designs which come at a cost and most stand builders don’t like over 4m builds)

On a 3m stand it makes sense to have visibility on all three sides, so maybe the stand design should use a high fascia (header board) that can be seen from 3 sides.

Use your graphics to tell everyone who you are and what you do – so when the attendees are walking down the aisle they can see your logo and strapline from a distance.

Make your stand welcoming and really ensure you have enough staff to catch the possible future customer as they walk by. Eye contact a hi and a big smile work wonders! 😊

Below (On the left) is a shell stand against (On the right) a space only stand with extra height and backwalls internally lit. Which one looks more welcoming? Which stand is likely to attract more attention?

We will let you guys decide..

2 open shell2 open Lightbox stand

The Takeaway..

Choosing between a shell scheme and a space-only stand depends on your goals, budget, and how you want to present your brand. While a shell scheme keeps things simple and cost-effective, a custom space-only stand can help you STAND OUT and maximise your ROI.

Exhibitions are all about making the right impression and generating quality leads. So investing in the right setup can make all the difference.

Need help deciding? Get in touch with the team at Redblu, and we’ll guide you through the best options for your next show!

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