Shell Scheme Stand Design Tips for Graphics and Branding at Any Trade Show

Good shell scheme stand design comes down to one move: hide the bare walls behind full-height branded graphics, then add light and a clear front. A shell scheme is the ready-built stand an organiser provides, usually walls, carpet and a name on the fascia. Left bare, it looks like every other booth in the row; dressed properly, it gives a professional look and a strong first impression.

Quick answer: how to transform your shell scheme

1. Get the internal width, depth and clear height from the exhibitor manual.
2. Cover the back wall with one full-height graphic: a freestanding fabric wall in front of the panels, or graphics fixed to them if the organiser allows it.
3. Put your logo and one line about what you do at eye level, not at the top where the fascia already sits.
4. Add light: spotlights from the organiser, or a lightbox if you have a socket.
5. Use a branded counter or tablecloth at the front and keep boxes out of sight.
6. Leave at least half the precious floor space clear so visitors can step in.

What is a shell scheme exhibition stand?

A shell scheme is a pre-built stand that the show organiser puts up inside your booked space. You pay a rate per m², walk in on build-up day and dress it. The alternative is space only: bare floor, where you bring the entire stand or commission a bespoke exhibition stand.

What a basic shell scheme package includes varies by show. Some add lighting, a power socket or a table; others list those as extras. In our research into 202 UK trade shows, only 7 of the 26 shell rate cards that list their inclusions included power, and the shell upgrade over space only had a median of £50 per m² (rates captured 28 September 2026, ex VAT).

Check the manual before you design your shell scheme booths

Most mistakes come from guessing the space. Find these in the manual or ask the organiser:

• Internal width and depth. Wall uprights take up some of the nominal size, so measure to the inside face.
• Clear height under the fascia boards. Freestanding exhibition displays must fit below them.
• Permitted fixings. Many organisers restrict nails, screws, tape or paint on shell scheme panels. For shell scheme graphics fixed to the walls, ask the organiser who supplies them.
• Power. Is a socket included, and where is it?
• Deadlines. Fascia wording, power orders and deliveries all have dates. Our research into exhibitor manual deadlines found most shows set several.

Shell scheme booth design: seven graphic and brand rules

1. One message, readable from the aisle. Company name, what you do and who for, plus your key products.
2. Use the full height. Graphics that stop at 1.5m look half-dressed. Run the back wall graphic from near the floor to just under the fascia.
3. Keep key text above counter height. A counter hides the bottom metre of the back wall.
4. On-brand colours, not carpet colours. Strong colours stop the stand fading into the exhibition hall.
5. Light the back wall. A dark stand looks shut. Aim spotlights or LED strips at the graphic, or add a lightbox to create a standout display.
6. Open the front. Put the counter to one side of the front edge so the stand invites people in.
7. Hide the storage. Boxes and coats go under a covered table or behind a counter.

For hierarchy, lighting and layout, read our guide to designing a trade show booth.

Exhibition graphics and banner stands for a 3m x 2m shell

A 3m x 2m shell normally has a 3m back wall and one or two 2m side walls. These freestanding displays are sized to sit inside one. Prices are live, ex VAT, and include the printed graphic:

Where	Display	Size (W x H)	Price
Back wall	Soft Touch Straight Fabric Display 2.4m	2350 x 2320mm	£356.95
Side wall	Textile Straight Fabric Pop-up Wall 3×2	1525 x 2262mm	£404.95
Front corner	Expovision Roller Banner 850mm	850 x 2000mm	£64.95
Front	Fabric Pop-Up Counter 1m x 1m	1065 x 1020mm	£327.95

Back wall, counter and one banner together come to £749.85 ex VAT. The 2m Soft Touch display (£318.95) makes a matching side wall if the width allows.

Stand branding and lightbox options for a 3m x 3m shell

A 3m x 3m shell has room for a second wall or a central display:

• Complete Exhibition Stand Starter Kit 3×3: a 2.4m Soft Touch back wall (2350 x 2320mm), a freestanding monolith and a square fabric counter, £999.95 ex VAT, with matching graphics.
• Textile Straight Fabric Pop-up Wall 3×3: 2260 x 2262mm on a scissor frame, £524.95. Pair it with the 3×2 version on a side wall.
• Boss Light LED Light Box: a 2000mm-high lit graphic only 60mm deep, £258.95. Confirm power first.
• Printed tablecloth for a 6ft trestle table (£88.95), useful when the package includes a trestle table.

Every item is freestanding. If you plan a next exhibition in a bigger space, a modular system such as our modular exhibition stands lets the same frames fit a shell one month and a larger space the next. FREE artwork design or proofing on every order. Printed and dispatched within 5 days with express options available.

Frequently asked questions

What is included in a standard shell scheme?

Walls, carpet and a name board are most common; lighting, power and furniture are sometimes included and sometimes extra. Check the rate card for your event.

Can I use a pop-up stand inside a shell scheme?

Yes, if it fits. A 3×3 pop up wall (2260mm wide) or a 2.4m fabric wall (2350mm) fits the back wall of most 3m-wide shells; check the internal width and clear height first. See all pop up stands and exhibition walls.

Can I attach graphics to shell walls?

Only as the organiser allows. Some accept Velcro; many ban nails, screws and some tapes. Freestanding fabric walls avoid the question.

Shell scheme or bespoke exhibition stand?

A shell scheme is cheaper and simpler for small spaces; a bespoke build needs a space-only booking. In our research, at all five shows that published both prices, the smallest space-only booking cost 1.3 to 2.1 times as much as a 3m x 3m shell, before any stand build. See our trade show booth cost guide.