Creating an exhibition stand that wows an audience is tough, especially when everyone else is trying to do the same thing.
There are thousands of exhibitions happening throughout the world day-to-day, and we’ve been scouring the web for the stands that create an impact.
We’ve categorised them for you as well, so you can get a feel for what could work for your business. Here’s our pick of the best exhibition stands in the world:
Outer Shoes is a Brazilian shoe brand that aims to create unique, contemporary designs that blend the natural and urban worlds.
Staying true to their brand’s purpose, they commissioned designers Kube to create a sustainable, 100% recyclable exhibition stand.
There were two entrances to the stand from the centre and right, as well as a minibar to the left. There were also high tables for quick service and smaller tables for comfort.
Top-tip for green/natural stands: be careful with objects and colours, too much green(ery) could be distracting.
Desktop Metal is a company dedicated to redefining the way manufacturers and engineers produce and manufacture metal parts.
They went to FormNext to show the exhibition audience how this is happening. They wanted to make an impact, and they certainly did that with their two-storey exhibition stand.
The stand was created with a cantilever, which makes it look like it’s free-standing or standing without any major structural support.
Prospects could engage with members of staff on the bottom floor, or walk up the stairs onto the upper deck where there was a comfortable sofa area and small meeting-style rooms.
Top-tip for modular stands: remember that a stand needs to function, it isn’t all about what looks good.
Vitra is a furniture designer and manufacturer based in Switzerland, the company works with many internationally renowned designers and architects – who design their products and their working premises.
They commissioned Japanese architects Schemata to create their exhibition stand – and they delivered in a true offbeat, quirky fashion.
Schemata created the stand with wooden pallets; they aimed to change the design language of the event and reflect the temporary nature that events hold.
The stand was open which created a welcoming and relaxed environment, as some enclosed stands can create feelings of claustrophobia for staff and visitors.
Top-tip for wooden exhibition stands: ensure it doesn’t get wet and get help handling if you have heavy wood.
This isn’t an exhibition stand as such, but pop-up shops are becoming popular among retailers wanting to try out new locations and online retailers wanting to create brand awareness in physical locations.
Adidas unveiled their shoebox shop in 2014 in Shoreditch, London as they launched their Stan Smith collection.
The store contained a ‘Stan Yourself’ section which allowed customers to print their face onto the shoe, and a 3D printing station where they could customise their laces.
Adidas didn’t have the competition of 50 other exhibitors at a trade show, but it goes to show what you can achieve with a little flair and creativity.
Top-tip for pop-up shops: you need to make yourself stand-out, otherwise you’re another store on a busy high-street.
You don’t need the biggest, most expensive stand to make a positive impact at an exhibition, just ask Nothin’ But!
They create snacks that are both healthy and indulgent and are quite transparent about the fact you need a little bit of both to be happy.
The stand was made to showcase the brand and allow visitors to interact with the company easily, which it does.
The freestanding counter resembles a kitchen counter and adds to the foodie-feel.
Top-tip for small exhibition stands: use your space wisely because you won’t have much of it, cut anything that doesn’t add value.
Fresh gourmet is a food topping producer who provide various toppings for salads, soups and other foods.
The company wanted to establish an identity in the industry and needed a stand that would help them achieve this goal.
The company also wanted to create a space that was bright, edgy and modern, and showcased how their products support fresh produce in-store.
The result was a big rectangular sign to give 360-degree brand awareness, a supermarket shopping aisle product showcase, and ‘fabric walls’ which gave the stand a unique look.
There was also a semi-private conference space and reception on either side of the stand.
Top-tip for fabric/textile stands: ensure your fabric works with other materials, there’s nothing worse than finding out you have to change material because of a clash.
As we’ve discussed in this article, there’s a lot more to a top-quality stand than design. Functionality, size, space, and what your company stands for all contribute to the end product.
Before your next event, consider what you want to achieve and work with a company that can deliver it.
Have we missed any? If there’s any type of exhibition stand you want us to analyse, leave a comment below.