The availability of exhibition space is consistently limited; therefore it is advisable to secure a stand at the earliest opportunity. Bookings are typically processed on a first come, first serve basis, which can be advantageous or disadvantageous for exhibitors. It is beneficial when they can select their desired location, but can be detrimental when they must settle for less. A prime exhibition space not only attracts a larger audience but also offers a greater opportunity to explore creative exhibition stand design concepts.

To secure the ideal exhibition space, it is recommended to plan and book early. By booking early, you can take advantage of early bird discounts and secure a prime location with your preferred orientation and size at a reasonable cost. We encourage you to contact the event organizers for a floor plan and promptly make your selection to secure your stand without delay.

In this blog, we will provide you with the details and checklist on how to select the right size stand space.

Understand your goals

Regardless of the size of your company, it is important to establish clear objectives for your exhibition participation. This is crucial not only for choosing the appropriate exhibition stand space but also for determining the design.

Some considerations to bear in mind –

• When establishing your objectives, it is important to consider aspects such as introducing a new product, introducing a new brand, rebranding the company, holding private client meetings, conducting live product demonstrations and so forth.
• When showcasing multiple products and machinery, it is essential to factor in the allocation of floor space, wall space, posters, and branding opportunities.
• The space required for engaging with booth visitors should also be taken into account.
• Depending on your goals, provisions may need to be made for conducting meetings, a reception area, meeting spaces, pantry, storage space, etc.
• It is important to ensure that both customers and staff can navigate the stand freely.
• If you are planning interactive activities such as a VR screening or a lucky draw, it is advisable to allocate space for these crowd-attracting events, with a stage being a suitable option.

In instances where the primary goal of exhibition participation is to enhance brand awareness, a smaller stand with limited floor space may be sufficient

• Differences in pricing for exhibition space are common within the industry.
• Choosing the appropriate booth size and location can significantly affect your budget, as well as the success and ROI of your participation.
• It is important to consider this factor, particularly if you have a custom exhibition stand design that requires a specific size and layout.

• To select an optimal space that aligns with your specific requirements – carefully consider the traffic patterns within the hall, encompassing entries, exits, traffic flow, and various routes to convenience and conference areas.
• Typically, a consistent flow of visitors can be expected near the cafeteria, meeting rooms, business lounges, conference areas, waiting areas, restrooms, and other key locations. By carefully analyzing the floor plan, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of the layout and strategically choose an optimal location.
• Keep in mind the positioning of the hall pillar, electric poles, staircases, and other obstacles. A pillar obstructing the view is not visually appealing and can interrupt the display and movement within the space.
• When determining booth placement within the hall – front, middle, or back – it is crucial to resist the urge to position your stand directly next to or near the entrance in an attempt to maximize visibility. Studies have shown that booths located further away from the entrance tend to attract more foot traffic, as visitors often bypass the first few booths they encounter.

There are many types of stands available at different shows and events, so it is advisable to choose one that offers you the most benefits. Let us explore the various types of stands that are currently available –

• An island stand provides an open and inviting space from all sides, allowing visitors to enter and exit with ease. There is the option to partially cover the open sides with walls for displays and posters, enhancing the professional appearance of the stand.
• The inline stall, situated between two stalls in a row with a single entry/exit point, offers three walls for product display and branding.
• The corner stand, positioned at the end of the row, is a modified version of the inline stall with two open sides, providing a balance between openness and product display advantages.
• A tunnel stand, as indicated by its name, consists of two open and two closed parallel sides. This option is the least desirable and should only be chosen as a last resort.

• Always consider attending the previous year’s exhibition to familiarize yourself with the event and begin planning.
• Reach out to the organizers to express your interest in participating and inquire about booking prices.
• Determine your level of participation, required space, and budget allocation.
• Negotiate with the organizer to secure a space and request a floor plan.
• Identify entry/exit points, high traffic areas, and plan your stand design accordingly.
• Choose at least 3 potential stand options, ensuring there are no obstructions in the chosen locations.
• Confirm availability with the organizer and finalize the agreement based on the offered rate.

Floor space is a significant part of your overall budget, so you want to make sure you are using it effectively and utilizing every cubic meter. If you need assistance in determining the right stand size and planning your displays on paper, you can contact a stall designer in Mumbai.