If you’re booking your first exhibition space or comparing stand options, you’ve likely encountered the term “shell scheme stand.” But what exactly is a shell scheme stand, and how can you make the most of this popular exhibition option? This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about shell scheme stands.
A shell scheme stand is the basic framework, which also may be referred to as a booth, provided by your organiser and their officially appointed stand contractor when you book exhibition space. Think of it as a ready-made framework – a blank canvas that you can transform with your branding and messaging.
Unlike space-only stands where you start with just an empty floor space, a shell scheme comes with the basic infrastructure already in place. This makes them the most common type of exhibition stand at trade shows and exhibitions across the UK and beyond.
When you book a shell scheme stand, you typically receive:
The Basic Structure
Standard Amenities
The shell scheme structure is constructed using one-metre panels, which can be combined to create stands of various sizes. This modular system allows exhibition organisers to efficiently divide hall space into individual stands.
Shell scheme stands are typically available in the following dimensions:
The standard height for shell scheme stands is 2.5 metres, which is an important constraint to consider planning your design and display elements.
When booking exhibition space, you’ll often choose between shell scheme and space-only options. Here’s how they compare:
Shell Scheme Stands
Space-Only Stands
For many exhibitors, particularly those new to exhibitions or working with modest budgets, shell scheme stands offer the perfect compromise between cost and professional presentation.
The key challenge with shell scheme stands is that they can look quite plain and institutional in their basic form. However, with the right approach, you can create a striking, professional display that attracts visitors and stands out from competitors.
The most effective way to transform a shell scheme stand is through high-quality graphics. You have several options:
Seamless Graphic These are custom-printed panels that fit perfectly over your shell scheme walls, creating a continuous branded backdrop with no visible joins or aluminium poles. This professional finish makes your stand look cohesive and polished.
Individual Printed Panels Cost-effective printed panels that attach to each section of your shell scheme using Velcro, magnetic strips, or hook-and-loop tape. These are reusable and easy to transport. Professional print services ensure high-quality, colour-accurate graphics that make your stand look polished.
When designing your graphics, remember these golden rules:
Beyond graphics, consider these additions to elevate your shell scheme stand:
Lighting Spotlights, LED strip lights, or freestanding lightboxes can dramatically improve your stand’s visibility and create an inviting atmosphere. Good lighting makes your stand more attractive than dimly lit competitors.
Furniture Counter units, stools, tables, and comfortable seating create functional zones for conversations and demonstrations. Look for convertible storage units that double as display surfaces.
Display Systems Shelves, literature stands, product plinths, and tablet holders help you present information effectively without overcrowding your space.
Digital Elements Mounted screens or tablets can showcase videos, presentations, or digital catalogues, adding a modern, interactive element to your display.
Flooring Upgrades While basic carpet may be included, upgrading to premium flooring or branded carpet tiles can enhance your stand’s overall look.
Effective space planning is crucial for shell scheme success. Consider:
Traffic Flow How will visitors enter and move around your stand? Ensure there’s enough space for people to move comfortably without feeling cramped. A 3x3m stand should accommodate 2-4 people comfortably at once.
Focal Points Identify what you want visitors to notice first. This might be a product display, demonstration area, or key messaging on your back wall.
Functional Zones Depending on your stand size, create distinct areas for:
Storage Solutions Plan where you’ll store coats, bags, spare literature, and boxes. Nothing spoils a professional look more than clutter visible in the corner of your stand.
Corner Stands If possible, book a corner shell scheme. These benefit from increased visibility (two open sides) and often feel more spacious than inline stands.
Order Graphics Well in Advance Allow sufficient time for professional design, proofing, printing, and delivery. Rush jobs often lead to compromises in quality.
Measure Carefully Obtain the exact specifications from your event organiser, including panel dimensions and any structural quirks. Different shell scheme systems (Octanorm, Quad, etc.) have slightly different measurements.
Plan Your Storage Arrange for secure storage of unnecessary items. Many venues offer lockable storage areas, or invest in furniture pieces that provide hidden storage such as a counter.
Arrive with Everything Ready Ensure all graphics, displays, and promotional materials are prepared and packed logically for quick setup.
Keep Your Stand Tidy Maintain a clutter-free, organised appearance throughout the event. Regularly tidy literature, remove empty cups, and ensure cables are hidden.
Engage with Purpose Position staff where they can welcome visitors without blocking the entrance. An inviting, open stance encourages people to enter.
Collect and Secure Leads Have a clear system for capturing visitor information and keep sensitive materials secure.
Shell scheme stands are typically more affordable than space-only options, but costs still add up. Budget for:
As a general guide, you can create an effective 3x3m shell scheme display from around £1,500 up to £3,500 for graphics and basic enhancements, though this varies considerably based on your requirements and whether you’re buying reusable assets.
Leaving Panels Bare Never exhibit with plain shell scheme panels visible – it looks unprofessional and suggests you haven’t invested in your presence.
Overcrowding the Space Resist the temptation to cram everything into your stand. White space is valuable for creating an uncluttered, professional appearance.
Poor Quality Graphics Low-resolution images, spelling mistakes, or amateur design work will damage your brand perception. Invest in professional design services.
Ignoring Height Restrictions Don’t plan to display anything that exceeds the 2.5m height limit. That oversized prop or tall display unit could be rejected on setup day.
Marking the Structure You cannot permanently fix items to shell scheme panels with screws, nails, or pins. Stick to Velcro, magnetic fixings, or double-sided tape to avoid fines.
Designing in Isolation If you’re not an experienced exhibition designer, work with professionals who understand what works in busy exhibition halls.
Modern exhibitors increasingly consider environmental impact. Shell scheme stands can be quite sustainable when approached thoughtfully:
Whilst some exhibitors manage shell scheme graphics themselves, many choose to work with specialist exhibition contractors who offer:
The right contractor takes the stress out of exhibition participation, allowing you to focus on engaging with visitors and achieving your event objectives. For organisations attending multiple shows throughout the year, having a reliable exhibition partner who understands your brand and objectives becomes invaluable.
A shell scheme stand offers an accessible, cost-effective way to exhibit at trade shows and exhibitions. Whilst the basic structure is uniform and functional, with thoughtful planning and professional graphics, you can create an impressive, engaging display that effectively represents your brand and attracts the visitors you want to meet.
The key to shell scheme success lies in:
Whether you’re exhibiting for the first time or looking to improve your exhibition presence, understanding shell scheme stands empowers you to make informed decisions and create displays that deliver genuine return on investment.
At Full Circle Events, we’ve spent over a decade helping exhibitors transform basic shell schemes into standout exhibition experiences. Our comprehensive shell scheme services include everything you need to make an impact:
We also offer our Show Ready service for exhibitors who want a complete, hassle-free exhibition package. And if you’re ready to move beyond shell schemes, explore our custom build stands for complete design freedom.
Get in touch with our team to discuss your next exhibition and discover how we can help you create a shell scheme stand that delivers results.
