Published on 29/03/2019
This shell scheme conversion for Givex at The Great Hospitality Show is an excellent example of how a shell stand can be transformed into something that looks like a custom design
One of the challenges that shell scheme exhibitors face when exhibiting in a big show with lots of market leaders around them is how not to look like the poor relation.
In other words how can those exhibitors compete with businesses who have bigger budgets for the design and build of their stands.
The great thing about shell scheme is that it’s a low-cost display system.
Shell stands enable a wide range of businesses to get into trade shows.
To test them and to stick with them once exhibiting is proven a success.
On the downside, shell stands aren’t great for highlighting the personality of a business.
They also offer little scope for customisation.
Shell scheme stands are usually grouped together in clusters on the show floor.
That’s because a shell stand is made of standard components which use partition walls to
separate one stand from another.
It’s a very practical system and large areas of shell can be constructed in just a few hours.
From an organiser’s point of view, shell is a highly time-effective display system.
This grouping together of exhibitors can make it harder for visitors to see different companies and products.
For exhibitors there is a danger that stands blend in together especially where there are lots of small stands in one area.
Here are some tips for standing out more clearly to show attendees.
If you exhibit on a shell scheme stand, removing the fascia panel at the front of your stand will make your stand appear bigger and more open.
This openness is an attractive feature for visitors.
They can see what's on display more clearly and your stand won't appear small and pokey.
There is usually no cost associated with doing this.
You just need to advise the show's stand contractor of your wish in advance of the show.
In some cases, the contractor may be unwilling to remove the fascia as removal might de-stabilise the other shell scheme stands on the block where yours is located.
However, this isn't usually a problem.
When you remove your stand's fascia, remember that your stand will appear more open and that's good. Just make sure that your display looks good too (see next point).
The fastest way to improve the quality of your stand graphics is to invest in their design.
That means hiring a professional graphic designer to produce them.
Graphics on small stands are particularly important to get right.
You need to convey your message strongly and for it to be seen clearly amongst your exhibits and stand team.
If you are going to go to the trouble of producing graphics anyway, pay a little extra and get an excellent result. One that will help attract visitors onto your stand.
To do that, attendees must be able to see what you offer quickly before they walk past your stand and move elsewhere in the show.
Having someone on your stand that is skilled at talking to show visitors and engaging them in sales conversations can make a massive difference to your event performance and the number of leads you collect.
Compare the cost of hiring an outside specialist with the value of orders that could be won.
Usually, this makes the decision to hire or not a very easy one to make.
You can hire language specialists, sales specialists, reception staff - all will be used to working in an event environment.
We can recommend individuals and agencies for you talk to.
Lightboxes are popular because they make a great impact for relatively low cost.
You can use them as the rear or side walls of your stand.
They can be very tall or made to fit shell scheme stands.
Shell scheme stands do not help you to be more visible when you exhibit.
They weren't designed for that purpose.
They are a low-cost display system that organisers can offer to their exhibitors.
As such, they work really well but for you, there are better display options available.
To combat the problem of low visibility, we have created a display solution especially for shell scheme exhibitors.
The system is by the way a world first in the field of exhibition displays.
One of biggest challenges in creating this system was that it would have to work with the many and varied brands of shell scheme that are used in trade shows both in the UK and Europe.
Having overcome that challenge, you now also know the system’s biggest advantage.
By the way, I should of course tell you what this display system is called.
The Versaform Flex display system is completely modular and is designed to sit just in front of shell scheme walls.
By snaking around the edges of a shell scheme it can fit into any exhibition space whatever the size of that space.
Each 800mm wide unit of Versaform Flex is joined together by a “Flexi-Link.”
Each link is flexible (as the name implies) up to 180 degrees and it’s this feature that enables endless reconfiguration possibilities.
Bespoke items like shelving, television screens, IPad holders and literature racks can also be added easily and cost-effectively and all hardware supplied comes with a lifetime guarantee.
Transforming how your shell scheme stand looks is a big step towards transforming your exhibiting results.
To see what your stand space could look with a Flex upgrade, let us show you a mock-upped design with pricing.
Get in touch by calling 01702 662 111 or Email [email protected]
Get a FREE stand design and quote for your next exhibition stand
Unit 2 & 3, 50 Progress Road,
Leigh on Sea, Essex. SS9 5PR
t: 01702 662111
e: [email protected]
