Shell scheme, space only, modular or custom: which exhibition stand fits your Dubai show
Most exhibition stand questions start with the wrong choice: a brand books bare floor, then finds it has three weeks to design and build a stand. Knowing the four stand types first saves weeks and budget.
Short answer
Shell scheme is the organiser's ready-made booth, the cheapest and quickest option with little design freedom. Space only gives you bare floor and a contractor builds a custom stand, which needs drawings approved by the organiser. Modular is a reusable kit with your graphics, and a good fit if you exhibit several times a year. Choose by how many shows you attend, how much the design matters and how much time you have.
| Shell scheme | Organiser walls, fascia and basic services. Fast, low effort, limited design |
|---|---|
| Space only | Bare floor. Fully custom build, drawings approved by the organiser |
| Modular | Reusable kit with your graphics. Reused across shows |
| Custom build | Made for one brand and one show. Most design freedom, longest lead time |
| Check first | The organiser's exhibitor manual: height, double deck, power, deadlines |
Shell scheme
A shell scheme is a booth the organiser supplies: walls, a name board and often a basic furniture and power package. You add graphics, a counter and your products. It suits first-time exhibitors, small budgets and short lead times.
The limits are the standard height and layout, and a look that resembles the neighbouring booths. Specifications differ from show to show, so read the manual rather than assume. As an example of how manuals describe it, one GES exhibitor manual sets a standard shell height and says the walls and structure remain the contractor's property.
Space only
With space only you rent bare floor. A stand contractor designs and builds the stand to your brief, and the organiser reviews the drawings before fabrication. Larger and double deck stands usually face the strictest review. This is the route for flagship stands, product launches and anything that must look like nothing else on the floor.
Plan the schedule around the organiser's drawing deadline, not around the build time. Our stand design and build checklist for Dubai shows lists the steps, and what decides exhibition stand cost explains how size and open sides change the quote.
Modular
A modular stand is a reusable system of frames and panels. The structure stays the same and the graphics, lighting and furniture change from show to show. It works well for brands that exhibit several times a year and for road shows that move between venues, see the road show planning checklist.
A modular stand can still look distinctive when the graphics, finishes and lighting are designed for it. The trade off is fewer unusual shapes and structures.
Custom build
A custom stand is designed and built for one brand at one show: unusual shapes, feature walls, a second level, integrated screens. It gives the most freedom and takes the longest, with design, approvals, fabrication, install and dismantle all on the clock. Reuse the parts that can travel, such as graphics frames and furniture, to spread the cost over more shows.
How to choose
- How often do you exhibit? Several shows a year points to modular. One flagship show points to space only with a custom build.
- How long do you have? Under about a month usually rules out a full custom build at a large show.
- What must visitors do on the stand? Demos, meetings and sampling all need floor planning that a standard booth may not allow.
- What does the manual allow? Height limits, double deck rules, power and rigging all differ by show.
Send the builder the same brief for each option and compare the quotes line by line. If you want a view on your show, send us the dates and the stand size.
Questions
What is the difference between shell scheme and space only?
A shell scheme comes with organiser built walls and basic services. Space only is bare floor where a contractor builds your own design, after the organiser approves the drawings.
Is a modular stand cheaper than a custom stand?
A modular system is usually cheaper per show when you reuse it, because the structure stays the same. A custom stand built for one show usually costs more per use. Compare quotes for your own stand size.
Can a shell scheme stand look good?
Yes, with strong graphics, lighting, furniture and a clear message. The structure is standard, so the design work goes into what you add.
Where do I find the stand rules for a show?
In the organiser's exhibitor manual. It sets height limits, double deck rules, power and the deadlines for drawings.
