We’ve talked before about the drawbacks of shell scheme. These simple stand systems have been a mainstay of exhibitions and expos for decades.
While they were fresh and exciting when first introduced, the events industry has moved on massively, and shell schemes are now stuck in the past.
In our opinion, they’re restrictive, rigid and enclosed and, if not thought out properly by event organisers, can negatively impact visitor flows and footfall.
They can limit what you can do from a design perspective and often encourage unimaginative thinking or taking the safe option. For example, how often have you been to an event where the exhibitors have just rocked up with a couple of pull-up banners and a desk for their marketing literature? Not very inspiring, right?
And, with the current shift toward virtual and digital technology at events, shell scheme can often prohibit – or severely restrict – the impact brands are looking to make and the event experience they want to deliver.
In a previous blog, we explored the different options on the table for anyone looking for an alternative to shell scheme.
But what if it’s the only option – many event organisers still offer shell scheme as the only choice, which means you’re stuck within the confines of the shell you’ve booked.
However, while this might not be as flexible as a space-only booking where you’re free to be as creative as you like, there are still some things you can do to transform your shell scheme space and supercharge your event presence. Read on to find out more.
How to break out of the shell
In an ideal world, creating a bespoke stand or sustainable system stand for your next event will help you make an inspiring impact.
Unfortunately, there are still many events out there that either can’t – or won’t – accommodate these kinds of stands because shell scheme space is all they offer.
This presents major challenges for marketing and events professionals looking to raise brand awareness and win new business while also achieving return on investment.
After all, you have money to spend on an exhibition stand that makes an impact, but if it doesn’t create value for your business or result in a healthy financial return, why take the risk?
Against this backdrop, the shell scheme just doesn’t cut it.
So, what’s the solution? If shell scheme is the only option, how do you make the most of the opportunity and create an exhibition presence that looks amazing, incorporates tech and interactivity, but still works within the confines of the space you have available?
Here are a few things you could try…
Steps to transform your shell scheme
Breaking out of the shell and supercharging your shell scheme presence is easier than you think. While you won’t have the freedom that a space-only booking can bring, if you look at your shell as a blank canvas, a few practical tweaks and a little creative thought can go a long way.
Here are some simple steps you can follow to transform your shell scheme space into an attractive and inviting exhibition area that your potential customers will want to visit.
Remove the pole supports and fascia
The pole supports and fascia that come as standard with many shell systems can be intrusive, unsightly and get in the way of good exhibition stand design.
Removing them before you build your stand will create more space and give you more flexibility when designing and laying out your stand. To get an idea of what this looks like in practice, use the slider below to compare the ‘before and after’ of a recent shell space transformation we did for our client, Webro.
Hide wires and mains box
Much like the pole supports and fascia, the mains box and wiring can impact your stand’s visual appearance and make things tricky when it comes to the installation and overall aesthetic.
So, if possible, hide the wires and the mains box using a platform floor or wall panels. This will help minimise any potential safety hazards but will also help you to make a more pleasing visual impact on your visitors.
Open up your space
Minimalism is bang on trend at the moment, so keeping things sleek and simple is an excellent way to make the right first impression, especially where stand space is at a premium.
So, cut out the unnecessary clutter. Don’t include too much equipment on your stand. Integrate screens and displays into the stand itself, so you can keep more floorspace free. Place desks or counters close to the walls or near the back of your stand so they don’t create a physical barrier between you and your visitors. And if you can find alternative storage space away from your stand, it will help keep things clutter-free.
Use seamless graphics
Seamless graphics are more affordable than ever, thanks to advances in digital printing.
It means you can create stunning, seamless displays that reflect your brand in the best light and make a huge visual impact. The best part is that most of these displays can be reused or repurposed, so they’re much more sustainable and create less waste.
The days of rocking up at an exhibition armed with a few posters or Velcro-backed wall displays are long gone. There’s simply no excuse for it anymore.
Incorporate interactive elements
These days, event delegates demand interactivity as part of the overall visitor experience, so incorporating interactive elements or activities can help you stand out from the crowd.
Integrated LED screens can create a sense of depth and movement within your stand and make it appear bigger than it is. And touchscreens, displays, games, activities and product demonstrations can add to the visual appeal, boost engagement and help you deliver a memorable visitor experience.
Choose bespoke furniture and displays
One of the few advantages of shell scheme is it provides a simple box space for you to do with as you please. So, you can design and lay it out however you want.
That means you can include seating or networking areas to make the best use of the space.
And while many venues offer bog-standard furniture such as desks or tables and chairs, you can bring your exhibition space to life and stand out from the crowd by choosing bespoke furniture and displays instead.
Use better lighting
Where space is limited, lighting can really enhance your exhibition space. It can brighten up dark and confined spaces or help you create different moods or atmospheres to draw the punters in.
Better lighting can highlight certain features or create a sense of depth and interactivity to take your visitors on a journey when they come to your stand. So, getting the lighting on your stand right can have a huge visual impact and enhance your presence.
How can Exhibit Interactive help?
If you’re looking to break free from the confines of the traditional shell scheme approach, we can help.
By collaborating with our design team, we’ll help you transform your shell space with a creative solution that looks amazing and meets your objectives.
We’ll create your stand with reusable system components and fully recyclable tension fabric graphics, so it’s sustainable, reusable and creates less waste.
Best of all, we can take care of everything, from design and construction to installation and removal.
It removes the hassle and cost of setting up your shell scheme space, leaving you to focus on wowing your visitors with a memorable event experience that delivers value and return on investment.
To find out more, drop us a line at hello@exhibitinteractive.co.uk.
