Shell Scheme vs Custom Stand: Which Should an Exhibitor Choose?

A shell scheme is a pre-built modular stand package — walls, fascia with your company name, carpet and lighting — while a custom stand is designed and built specifically for one exhibitor. Choosing between them is the first decision every exhibitor makes, and the right answer depends on budget, timing, stand size and what the show needs to achieve.

What is a shell scheme stand?

A shell scheme (also called a modular or system stand) is a standard package provided through the show’s official contractor: modular wall panels, a fascia board with your company name and stand number, and typically carpet and basic lighting, with furniture, graphics and extras ordered on top. It is the fastest, most predictable way to exhibit: you order a package online, arrive at a finished structure and focus on your own presentation. Shell schemes suit first-time exhibitors, smaller stands and companies exhibiting at many shows a year.

What is a custom stand?

A custom stand is designed from scratch around your brand — unique architecture, meeting rooms, storage, double-height elements, bespoke lighting and AV. It delivers maximum visibility and hospitality, and it costs more and takes longer: budget for design time, approvals against the show’s stand-building regulations, and a bigger build-up window. Custom stands suit larger spaces, launch moments and exhibitors for whom the stand is a core part of the brand experience.

How to choose: five questions

• Budget — a shell scheme package is a fraction of a custom build; custom stands add design, construction and logistics costs.

• Stand size — below roughly 12–18 m² a shell scheme is usually the practical choice; large island spaces almost always warrant custom.

• Lead time — shell schemes can be ordered close to the show; custom stands need months for design and approval.

• Brand impact — if the stand must host meetings, demos or hospitality, custom earns its cost; strong graphics can make a shell scheme punch above its weight.

• Show circuit — exhibitors following a travelling congress across countries often standardise on shell scheme plus a strong graphics kit, reordering the same setup in every city.

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Whichever you choose — don’t forget the services around the stand

The stand itself is only half the order. Before the deadline, every exhibitor should check:

• Electricity — mains connection and sockets sized to your equipment.

• Rigging — hanging banners or lighting from the venue ceiling.

• AV and IT — screens, sound and a reliable wired or WiFi connection.

• Graphics — printed panels and fascia artwork, delivered to spec and on time.

• Furniture and carpet — counters, seating and floor finish beyond the standard package.

• Water, compressed air and waste — for demos, machinery and stand cleaning.

• People and upkeep — hostesses, security, daily cleaning and stand greenery.
  

At shows managed by EA Exhibitions, exhibitors order all of this in one place: the show’s official webshop and digital Exhibitor Portal, with a live floorplan, clear deadlines and a 24-hour email response commitment — and an on-site service desk from the first day of build-up. Check the upcoming exhibitions to see where EA is the official contractor next.

Frequently asked questions

What is included in a shell scheme package?

A shell scheme package typically includes modular walls, a fascia board with your company name and stand number, carpet, and basic lighting. Electricity, furniture, graphics, and AV are usually ordered separately through the show’s official shop.

Each exhibition is different, so always check the details of the available stand packages. With EA Exhibitions, you will find a clear overview of all package inclusions in the Exhibitor Portal, where you can also purchase additional services online. You can also contact the team for advice based on your needs and objectives.

When should an exhibitor choose a custom stand?

A custom stand is a good choice when the space is large, when brand impact is especially important, such as for a launch or flagship congress, or when the stand needs to function as a meeting and hospitality space.

For the best results, allow several months for design, approvals, and build planning.

How do I order electricity, rigging, or WiFi for my stand?

These services are usually ordered through the show’s official general contractor or exhibitor webshop.

At EA Exhibitions events, all stand services, including electricity, water, compressed air, rigging, AV, IT and WiFi, furniture, graphics, cleaning, security, and more, can be ordered through the digital Exhibitor Portal. The EA service desk is also available on site during build up to provide support.

Read next: What is an exhibitor portal? — where you actually order your stand package and everything around it, and when the deadlines close.