Pros and Cons of Custom Exhibition Stands

When it comes to showcasing your brand and products at trade shows and exhibitions, the choice of exhibition stand design plays a crucial role. Custom exhibition stands, also known as custom built exhibition stands, offer a unique and personalised approach to stand design, tailored to specific brand requirements.

In this article, we will explore what custom exhibition stands are, the benefits they offer, the potential drawbacks, and whether you should create them yourself or hire a custom exhibition stand builder. Additionally, we’ll provide examples of custom-built exhibition stands to showcase their potential impact on brand visibility and success. 

What are custom exhibition stands? 

Custom stands are unique and bespoke stands created to suit a particular brand’s needs and goals. Unlike modular or system-built stands, custom stands are designed from scratch and can be tailored to specific requirements, creating an entirely distinctive and memorable experience for visitors. These stands are typically constructed using a variety of materials, offering more flexibility in design and layout. 

The use of diverse materials in exhibition stands allows for innovative and eye-catching designs that can showcase a brand’s creativity and uniqueness. From sleek metal structures to eco-friendly reclaimed wood, the possibilities are endless. Moreover, custom stands provide an opportunity for exhibitors to incorporate cutting-edge technology, interactive elements, and multimedia displays seamlessly.  

Whether it’s integrating augmented reality to offer immersive experiences or utilising LED screens for captivating visual presentations, the incorporation of modern technologies can elevate the stand’s overall appeal and engage attendees on a deeper level. By pushing the boundaries of design and incorporating interactive elements, custom exhibition booths can create a dynamic and unforgettable brand experience that resonates with event visitors long after the exhibition ends. 

What are the benefits of choosing a custom exhibition stand design? 

Custom designs for exhibition stands offer unparalleled advantages, allowing brands to showcase their unique identity and create a memorable, engaging experience for event attendees. Here are some of the advantages of opting for a customised exhibit stand: 

1. Uniqueness and Brand Identity: One of the most significant advantages of custom-built exhibition stands is their ability to reflect the brand’s identity accurately. The design can be aligned with the brand’s colours, logo, and overall aesthetics, creating a cohesive and recognisable presence on the exhibition floor. This uniqueness helps the brand stand out from competitors and leaves a lasting impression on visitors. 
2. Flexibility in Design: Customised stands offer unparalleled flexibility in design. Brands can have full control over the layout, incorporating specific features, interactive elements, multimedia displays, and product showcases. This freedom allows exhibitors to create an engaging and immersive environment that captivates attendees, boosting brand engagement. 
3. Tailored to Objectives: Different brands participate in exhibitions with various objectives, such as lead generation, product launches, or brand awareness. Custom-made exhibition stands can be specifically designed to address these goals. Whether it’s creating private meeting areas, product demo spaces, or interactive zones, the design can be aligned to maximise the desired outcomes. 
4. Long-term Investment: While personalised can be more expensive upfront, they often prove to be a more cost-effective long-term investment. Since the stands are reusable and adaptable, they can be modified for different events, saving costs on future exhibitions. 
5. Enhanced Brand Perception: A well-designed custom exhibition stand exudes professionalism, creativity, and attention to detail. Visitors often associate the quality of the stand with the quality of the brand and its products or services. A visually appealing and thoughtfully designed stand can enhance the brand’s perception and credibility. 
6. Improved Visitor Experience: A custom exhibition display provides an opportunity to create a memorable and enjoyable experience for visitors as well push your brand presence up a notch. The thoughtful layout and interactive elements can attract more foot traffic, encouraging attendees to spend more time at your custom stand design, increasing the chances of lead generation and meaningful interactions. 

Disadvantages of Custom Exhibition Stands 

Made-to-order trade show stands also come with certain disadvantages that exhibitors must consider before opting for this approach. From higher initial costs to potential reusability challenges, understanding these drawbacks is crucial for making informed decisions at trade shows and exhibitions. 

1. Higher Cost: One of the primary drawbacks of custom-fit stands is the higher initial cost of the entire process compared to modular stands. The bespoke design, premium materials, and construction expenses can significantly impact the budget, making it less feasible for smaller businesses or first-time exhibitors with limited resources. 
2. Time-Consuming: Custom exhibition stands require more time for design, fabrication, and installation. In some cases, this process can take weeks or even months, which can be challenging for exhibitors with tight deadlines or frequent participation in multiple events. 
3. Limited Reusability: While custom stands can be adapted for future events, their reusability might be limited due to varying booth space configurations or event-specific requirements. Exhibitors must carefully assess their exhibition schedule and objectives to determine the feasibility of investing in a customized stand. 
4. Potential Design Issues: With complete creative freedom comes the possibility of design errors or misinterpretations. If the design is not well-thought-out or lacks proper communication between the brand and the exhibition stand builder, it can lead to a suboptimal stand that fails to meet the brand’s expectations. 
5. Maintenance and Storage: Customised exhibit displays often require specialised storage and maintenance between events. This adds additional costs and logistical challenges for exhibitors who may not have access to suitable storage facilities or the expertise to maintain the stand properly. 

Should you build your own or hire a custom exhibition stand builder? 

When considering a custom exhibition stand, exhibitors must decide whether to build it themselves or hire a professional custom exhibition stand builder. Each approach has its own set of advantages and challenges: 

Building Your Own Custom Stand: 

Pros: 

• Total control over the design process and implementation. 
• In-house teams may have a better understanding of the brand’s requirements. 
• Professional expertise and experience in exhibition stand design and construction. 
• Access to a wide range of resources and materials. 
• Minimised risks of design errors and timely delivery of the finished stand. 

Cons: 

• Requires expertise in design, construction, and project management. 
• Time-consuming, especially if the team lacks experience in exhibition stand construction. 
• Higher risk of errors or design issues without professional guidance. 
• Hiring a Custom Exhibition Stand Builder. 
• Higher upfront costs compared to getting displays solutions. 
• Less direct control over the construction process. 
• Reliance on the builder’s communication and understanding of the brand’s vision. 

Ultimately, the decision depends on the exhibitor’s budget, timeline, and capabilities. Hiring a professional custom exhibition stand builder ensures a smoother and more polished process, ideal for those with larger budgets and less experience in exhibition stand design. 

Examples of Custom Built Exhibition Stands 

Explore the impressive world of custom-built exhibition stands through these captivating examples crafted by Expo Centric. These visually stunning booths demonstrate the power of bespoke designs in creating unique brand experiences at trade shows and events. 

Best International Design 

Exhibitor: Laminex, a division of Laminex Group Pty Ltd. 

Design/Fabrication: Expo Centric Pty Ltd.

Exhibitor: Pandrol Global
Design/Fabrication: Expo Centric Pty Ltd. 

Exhibitor: Pega
Design/Fabrication: Expo Centric Pty Ltd. 

Exhibitor: Square Enix
Design/Fabrication: Expo Centric Pty Ltd. 

Final Thoughts 

Custom exhibition stands offer a myriad of benefits for brands looking to make a lasting impact at trade shows and exhibitions. Their uniqueness, flexibility in design, and alignment with brand objectives make them an attractive choice for many exhibitors. However, the higher costs, potential reusability challenges, and the need for professional expertise should be considered carefully. 

Whether a brand chooses to go with modular, portable displays or hire a professional custom exhibition stand builder depends on their specific circumstances and priorities. Whichever option they select, a well-executed custom exhibition stand has the potential to elevate brand visibility, create a memorable experience for visitors, and achieve their exhibition objectives successfully.  

For exhibitors with larger budgets and a desire for a professionally crafted stand, hiring a custom exhibition stand builder offers numerous advantages. These experienced professionals have the expertise, knowledge, and resources to design, and construct stands that align with the brand’s vision and objectives. By collaborating with a skilled team, exhibitors can ensure that their custom stand is visually stunning, functional, and delivered on time. 

Ultimately, the decision of whether to opt for a custom-built exhibition stand or a modular alternative depends on the brand’s specific goals, budget, and expertise. For those with ample resources and a desire for a truly unique presence, custom exhibition stands offer a remarkable opportunity to showcase their brand in an unforgettable way.