Shell Scheme vs Space Only: Trade Shows Explained

Have you ever come to book your spot at an exhibition and been asked the question, “Would you like a space only or a shell scheme exhibition stand?”

Over the years, we’ve found that many of our clients – especially those that are new to the exhibiting world – are stumped by this question. After all, without full information on both, it’s nearly impossible to know which would work most effectively for you when it comes to promoting your products or service.

The only way to determine which would be best is to understand the differences between the two, and this guide will help you make an informed decision next time you’re asked the question.

What is a shell scheme?

A shell scheme is a basic walling system supplied by the event organisers with your shell scheme booking. The most common form of shell scheme is a series of aluminium posts and rails with Foamex inserts to create the wall structure. 

At this point, it’s important to note that not all event organisers offer shell scheme displays. Even those that do have hugely varying systems and packages depending on which event you are attending.

You can usually book a shell scheme at the point when you secure your place at the show.

As with all bookings, you should always check the details to be completely confident about what you are signing up to. But more often than not, you can expect to receive the following with your shell scheme booking:

• A marked-up space in the exhibition venue
• Carpet – although, colour options are not always available
• Walling – there are many different systems so never assume that it will be the same at each of your events
• Your company name on a fascia
• An electric socket

And you will often find that graphics and furniture are optional extras to your shell scheme display.

Shell schemes are offered at most exhibitions for event organisers as an alternative to booking a space only stand. Some events only offer shell scheme stands, but these tend to be for conferences style events and smaller shows. 

Shell schemes are used at the International Cheese and Dairy Awards Expo held at Staffordshire County Showground, where we are the official stand contractor and shell scheme supplier. We also supply shell schemes for BlasCymru/TasteWales, held in Wales.

If you are an event organiser, here at RDW, our shell schemes are available as a lightweight (Marler Haley Multiscreen) or heavyweight system (Marler Haley GearEdge). With lightweight systems, you have greater flexibility when it comes to the design and build times are much quicker. On the other hand, heavyweight systems provide a more prestigious feel to your event.

Take a look at our exhibition stands for NSSCW for an example of our shell schemes. 

Below, we’ve outlined the pros and cons of shell scheme exhibition stands.

Benefits of shell scheme stands

• Easy to book – Shell schemes can be ordered directly through the organiser at the same time as booking your stand space, giving you peace of mind that everything is sorted
• Cost effective – They can often be more cost-effective for various reasons. One example of this is that they remove the requirement for a separate contractor to build your stand
• Simple – Thanks to the clearly defined space, installations are often quick and easy to set up, as the structure of the stand is already there, making it simple to plan the space. Not only that, lights and electrics are already installed, and graphics can be applied easily

Disadvantages of shell scheme stands

• Limited flexibility – If there is something specific you want included within the design, the limitations of a shell scheme mean this may not be possible
• Not as competitive – Because shell schemes are fairly uniform across an event, it becomes harder to stand out from your competitors and therefore trickier to attract visitors – especially if you find your spot is in a remote location
• Not always possible to reuse – Different systems are used at each event so re-using graphics and other elements may not always be possible

How to make your shell scheme stand out?

As we’ve mentioned, shell schemes can be limiting when it comes to standing out from the crowd. But with careful thought, there are still ways to turn your spot into something memorable.

• Plan out your stand beforehand and be sure to include eye-catching colours and graphics to capture the attention of your audience
• Our shell schemes are available with a nylon covering (various colours available) meaning graphics or products can easily be Velcroed to the surface. The finish can even be customised to create extra impact
• Optimise the floor area of your spot by creating an accurate to-scale plan that can be altered in line with your changing requirements
• By using a choice of lighting systems and colour coding, you can achieve a customised feel, or differentiate between certain areas

What are some shell scheme design options?

Here are a few design options you could explore to upgrade your shell scheme and create something unique to your business:

• Impactful graphics – Using professionally-designed, eye-catching shell scheme graphics (such as inset, seamless or tension fabric graphics) ensures your stand can be seen across a busy venue. They also set you apart from your competitors and, with a high quality finish, they can convey your brand’s message quickly and effectively
• Accessories – Incorporate additional features, such as counters, furniture and audiovisual elements that shake up the norm, and give your stand a unique edge
• Fabric shell scheme exhibition stands – If you’re after something that’s portable and sustainable, fabric shell scheme exhibition stands are easy to use, easy to move and can be reused at multiple events
• Shell clad panels and clips – These remove any issues when it comes to attaching graphics to your display. Simply clip the adaptor over the aluminium pole to create a flat surface on which to display your graphics
• Pop-up display stands – Sometimes, less is more, and coupled with a large-format and impactful graphic as a backdrop, a simple pop-up stand will still bring in the crowds. They are also extremely portable and easy to use
• Banner stands – These freestanding displays are a great way to add graphic focal points within your set-up, either on front corners – to attract attention – or several areas to form a larger backdrop

Examples of shell scheme exhibitions

What is space only?

Booking a space only exhibition stand does exactly what it says on the tin – you are allocated a marked-out space within the exhibition hall or outdoor area in which you can build your stand from scratch. The available set-ups for this space include:

• Modular exhibition stands – If you exhibit multiple times a year, this reusable and cost-effective method is a great way to promote your brand at any event
• Custom exhibition stands – Perfect if you’re after a completely unique look. A custom-built design that promises to deliver the ‘wow’ factor
• Outdoor exhibition stands – Durable, attractive and eye-catching set-ups that take advantage of the extra space that comes with exhibiting outdoors
• Sustainable exhibition stands – An eco-friendly way to promote your brand. These stands can be reused and reconfigured at multiple events to create an impact, and resonate with your target audience

Most exhibitions will offer space only stand bookings, which allows you the flexibility to do anything within your space. We supply and build exhibition stands for space only stands at many venues across the UK, such as NEC Birmingham, ExCeL London, Telford International Centre and many more.

Whilst some events may vary, more often than not, you will need to book all services in addition to the space booking. You’ll also need to organise your exhibition stand yourself – here are a few things you will need to consider:

• Additional costs – For services such as electrics, internet/WiFi, catering, lifting etc.
• Design – The actual design of your exhibition stand must be carefully thought-out in order to maximise your impact at the event
• Flooring – Do you want carpet, a wood effect, or something customised to your brand?
• Walling – Again, how are you going to make yourself stand out, as walling can have a massive visual impact?
• Furniture – Do you want seating for people to feel comfortable when speaking with you? Or tables for product display?
• Graphics – High quality and well-designed exhibition graphics can do wonders for encouraging visitors to your stand and they can really help set you apart from everybody else

But don’t panic – whilst this may all seem daunting at first, there are plenty of professional exhibition design companies who can help you with this. Our experts, for instance, will take you through the entire process step-by-step, meaning everything is taken care of, down to the last detail. All you need to worry about is turning up on the day, showcasing your brand effectively and getting people interested in what you have to offer.

Take a look at our exhibition stands for Lely at UK Dairy Day and Pacific West at the Lunch! Show for examples of space only set-ups. 

Benefits of space only?

• Consistent – Space only stands enable you to create a unique design that is consistent, creating uniformity at each event you attend and making your brand highly recognisable
• Flexible – You have the ability to create original designs to ensure you stand out and the freedom to customise the allocated space as you desire
• Reusable – If you are using the same set-up, you also have the ability to re-use graphics from previous events
• Competitive – With better design options, you can highlight precisely what sets you apart from your competitors, making it easier to attract visitors

Disadvantages of space only?

• Not as cost-effective – Depending on the size and style of your set-up, space only stands can be more expensive 
• More complex – A designer and exhibition stand builder is required as more planning is needed to co-ordinate all the different elements of the stand
• More time consuming – They are not as quick to design or build
• Additional costs – As mentioned above, to achieve the biggest impact at your event, there may be additional elements you wish to add to your stand that come at an additional cost
• Additional factors – When the space is yours to sort out, you need to consider additional factors. For example, do you need your own electricity and lighting?
• More logistics involved – You need to consider how you will transport your stand and how it will be installed once it’s at the venue

An exhibition stand contractor can help you with many of the above mentioned points.

What are some space only design options?

As we’ve already mentioned, the possibilities are endless when it comes to a space only design. The additional flexibility means you have so many more options, and here are just a few of the things you could consider:

• Use an island – The use of an island in the stand is a great way to engage with more people. It offers visitors more accessibility to see your stand in full, and increased visibility means they can view and access all sides. This achieves maximum customer exposure for your products or service
• Add interactive features – By including dynamic features within your set-up, such as interactive audiovisual elements, you are more likely to capture attention and draw in the crowd
• Different areas – It can sometimes be easier to invite visitors and appear more welcoming if your set-up has different areas for people to explore. Why not consider a demonstration space? Or a one-to-one area to discuss your product or service more intimately, for example?
• Overhead graphics – Depending on a venue’s height restrictions, you could make sure you stand out across a larger area by installing banners or graphics higher on your stand. This also works perfectly when exhibiting outdoors where there are fewer limitations

Examples of RDW space only exhibitions

Our expert thoughts

Booking a space only stand really does give you the best of both worlds, whether it’s a simple back wall you’re after or a custom-made stand.

That being said, if you are an organiser, we can supply shell schemes for smaller events or if you feel it is the most appropriate choice for your brand and event. If you’ve already booked a shell scheme, we offer solutions to upgrade your package through the organisers, such as adding graphics, furniture or product display lockable counters, for example.

But when it comes to space only, we truly believe the possibilities are endless. This set-up offers the flexibility that allows you to do anything within your stand space. If you attend multiple events throughout the year, we can supply you with an exhibition stand design that is consistent with your brand every single time.

With so many stand design options available, you have multiple ways of promoting your brand offerings. Just take a look at our portfolio to see the stand designs we’ve created over the years.

FAQs

How much does an exhibition space cost?

We strongly recommend contacting an exhibition stand contractor directly to obtain a specific quote that meets your requirements. After all, a basic cost is just for the space itself and does not include the additional amount for any added extras, such as graphics and accessories.  

What makes a good exhibition space?

In a nutshell, a good exhibition space is one that captures attention, highlights your USPs, sets you apart from your competitors and draws in the crowd. To achieve this, really think about your layout and what you want to achieve from exhibiting, use high quality, impactful graphics, and consider working with a professional exhibition stand contractor who will help guide you throughout the process.

What are shell scheme graphics?

Professionally-designed and high quality shell scheme graphics convert any set-up into an eye-catching display that will entice crowds to discover more about your brand and what you have to offer.

Contact RDW

If there is anything else you want to know about shell schemes or space only exhibition stands, we are only a phone call away. 

Get in touch – our friendly team is happy to answer any questions you may have.