Smart Use of Space: Design Effective Exhibition Layouts with Print in Mind
Expert tips to design effective exhibition layouts, optimise shell schemes, and enhance brand visibility with impactful print solutions.

Imagine yourself in the middle of a busy UK trade exhibition, with a sea of exhibitors competing for your attention. Amidst the chaos, how do you ensure your stand doesn't just blend into the background? The answer lies in strategic design, clever use of space, and, most importantly, impactful print.
The goal of showcase layout design is to create an experience, not only one that is visually pleasing. From the materials you choose to the flow of foot traffic, every detail matters. Let's delve into how you can make the most of your exhibition space, ensuring your brand stands out and leaves a lasting impression.
Attract Attention with Bold Graphics
Stand Out
Vibrant, superior visuals can make the difference between a potential customer and a bystander. Foamex, a popular choice for exhibition printing, offers a smooth surface that delivers crisp, vibrant prints. Its durability ensures your graphics remain pristine throughout the event, making it an ideal choice for impactful displays.
Clarity is Key
While boldness attracts, clarity retains. Avoid cluttering your graphics with excessive text. Instead, focus on key messages that convey your brand's value proposition.
Prioritise Print for Message Delivery
Print Materials
Selecting the right print materials is crucial. Foamex boards, available in various thicknesses, offer versatility and durability. They're lightweight, easy to install, and provide a professional finish that enhances your brand's image.
Clear and Concise
Your printed materials should communicate your message effectively. For speedy information delivery, use infographics, bullet points, and succinct writing. Remember, attendees often have limited time; make every second count.
Calls to Action
Make sure that your printed advertising include clear calls to action (CTAs). Whether it's "Visit our website," "Sign up for a demo," or "Grab a brochure," CTAs guide attendees on the next steps, facilitating engagement and lead generation.
Optimise Space for Traffic Flow
Plan Your Layout
An effective layout guides visitors through your stand, ensuring they engage with key elements. Take into account the positioning of interactive stations, product samples, and displays to establish a logical flow.
Consider Access
Ensure your stand is accessible from multiple entry points. Steer clear of creating dead ends or obstacles that can turn off guests. An open floor plan in exhibition design fosters a sense of spaciousness and encourages visitors to explore more freely.
Strategic Placement
Position high-interest items or interactive elements at eye level and towards the front of your stand. This strategy draws interest and encourages participants to learn more about your products.
Leverage Technology (If Applicable)
Interactive Displays
Integrating technology can elevate your exhibition stand. Touchscreen displays, virtual reality experiences, or interactive product demos can engage visitors and provide memorable experiences.
Digital Signage
Digital screens offer dynamic content opportunities. From promotional videos to live social media feeds, digital signage can convey information effectively and adapt to different audiences throughout the event.
Maintain a Consistent Brand Identity
Logo and Branding
Consistency is key. Ensure your logo is prominently displayed and that your stand's design aligns with your brand's colour scheme and typography. This uniformity reinforces brand recognition.
Consistent Visual Style
Maintain a cohesive visual style across all materials. From banners to brochures, consistency in design elements fosters a professional image and strengthens brand identity.
Table: Comparison of Exhibition Print Materials
Material |
Durability |
Weight |
Finish Quality |
Cost |
Ideal Use |
Foamex |
High |
Light |
Excellent |
££ |
Indoor/Outdoor signage |
PVC |
Medium |
Medium |
Good |
£ |
Banners, temporary signage |
Acrylic |
High |
Heavy |
Excellent |
£££ |
High-end displays |
Cardboard |
Low |
Light |
Fair |
£ |
Short-term displays |
Disclaimer: Material suitability may vary based on specific exhibition requirements.
Understanding Exhibition Shell Schemes
When stepping into the world of exhibitions, especially in the UK, you'll often come across the term "shell scheme." But what exactly does it mean?
A shell scheme is a modular stand system provided by exhibition organisers, offering a ready-made framework for exhibitors. Typically constructed from lightweight aluminium poles and panels, these stands come in standard sizes, such as 3x3m or 3x4m, providing a blank canvas for businesses to showcase their brand.
Key Features of Shell Scheme Stands:
- Modular Design: Crafted from 1-metre modules, these stands offer adaptable configurations, allowing exhibitors to tailor layouts to specific event spaces.
- Standard Inclusions: Typically equipped with walls, flooring, lighting, and a fascia board displaying your company name, providing a ready-to-use setup.
- Cost-Effective: More affordable than custom-built stands, making them ideal for startups or businesses on a budget.
- Fast Setup: Shell designs, which are made to be assembled quickly, save setup time so that exhibitors may concentrate more on interacting with guests and less on construction-related problems. Particularly useful in hectic trade show settings is this efficiency.
- Professional Appearance: Shell schemes offer a clean and uniform look, providing a polished backdrop that enhances brand presentation. This consistency across the exhibition floor helps in establishing credibility and attracting potential clients.
Benefits of Using a Shell Scheme:
- Ease of Use: With a pre-built framework, exhibition shell schemecan swiftly be set up, allowing them to concentrate on branding, product displays, and engaging with potential clients.
- Flexibility: The modular design permits easy adjustments in size and layout, enabling exhibitors to tailor their stand to specific event requirements and spatial constraints.
- Accessibility: Ideal for first-time exhibitors or those participating in multiple events, due to their simplicity and reusability.
- Enhanced Branding Opportunities: While the structure is standard, there's ample opportunity to personalise the space with graphics, banners, and other branding materials.
An exhibition shell scheme offers a practical and economical solution for businesses looking to make an impact at trade shows and exhibitions. By understanding its features and benefits, exhibitors can effectively utilise this setup to promote their brand and engage with potential clients.
Conclusion
Designing an effective exhibition layout is a blend of art and strategy. By focusing on impactful print materials, optimising space, integrating technology, and maintaining brand consistency, you can create a stand that not only attracts attention but also fosters meaningful engagements. At VC Print, we understand the nuances of exhibition design and offer tailored solutions to bring your vision to life. From high-quality Foamex printing to innovative display options, we're here to ensure your brand stands out in any exhibition shell scheme.
What's Your Reaction?






