From choosing the best stand type to hiring a designer, David Kelley answers your exhibition design queries
Which exhibitions should I attend?
Trade and professional journals will give you a good idea which exhibitions are suitable for your business.
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For contact details of organisations that can help visit
Where next?
How much will it cost to exhibit?
This will depend on the size of the stand, the location of the venue and on whether you take the organiser's shell-scheme package or space only. Shell-scheme packages at UK exhibitions typically cost between £250 and £450 per square metre. For purpose-designed solutions, you can expect to pay anything between £250 and £1,000 per square metre -occasionally more, depending on the complexity of the brief/solution.
Shell scheme package or purpose-designed solution?
The shell-scheme package - typically comprising back and side walls, a fascia for the brand name, carpet and rudimentary lighting, power and furniture - is generally the cheapest solution. However, packages can vary. Also bear in mind that what they save in money they often lack in style, flexibility and individuality. Moreover, shell schemes will rarely be appropriate for stands in excess of about 12m².
A purpose-designed solution, on the other hand, is designed specifically to meet your objectives. It will offer flair, style, brand reinforcement and all the other benefits one associates with good design.
How do I choose an exhibition designer?
There is no organisation that specifically represents exhibition designers, but there are numerous marketing and design directories and websites that list exhibition designers.
It is usual to invite a few design companies that you have pre-selected to pitch for a project, but beware of getting in too many companies as this makes unnecessary work for you.
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Visit
Where next? for information about online directories and websites that can help you find an exhibition designer
What should I include in the brief?
A good brief should be succinct. It should provide background information, state your objectives and detail the physical requirements. It should also explain the target audience and of course provide a budget. Try and avoid being too prescriptive, as this could suppress the designer's creativity, or too vague, which is just unhelpful.
In more depth
Find out what’s makes for
the perfect brief in our expert article by Peter L Phillips
I am thinking of exhibiting abroad. Should I use a UK design company or a local one?
Most UK exhibition design companies operate on an international scale and will be able to provide you with a turnkey solution. They will know which services to source locally and which to provide from the UK.
Can I get a grant for exhibiting?
There are no Government grants available to UK businesses exhibiting in the UK. However assistance is provided to UK businesses exhibiting abroad.