Exhibitor Guide
Types of Exhibition Stalls: Shell Scheme, Custom, Modular & Island Layouts
A plain-language guide to the main types of exhibition stalls, from how they are built to how they sit on the show floor, and how to choose between them.
Stall types
The basics
What Is an Exhibition Stall?
An exhibition stall, also called a stand or booth, is the space an exhibitor builds or rents inside a show hall to present products and meet visitors. At most shows you pay the organizer for the floor space and then decide how that space will be built.
There are two separate choices to make: how the stall is built (shell scheme, custom or modular) and how the space sits on the floor (inline, corner, peninsula or island).
Build types
Four Ways to Build a Stall
| Build type | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Shell scheme | Standard walls, fascia and basic fittings supplied by the organizer. You add graphics and furniture. | First-time or low-budget exhibitors at shows that offer it |
| Custom stall | Designed and fabricated for your brand, size and space | Exhibitors who want a distinctive look and a stand built around their goals |
| Modular stall | Reusable panel and frame system that can be reconfigured between shows | Exhibitors who attend several events a year |
| Two-storey or large custom build | A multi-level custom structure, often with a private meeting area upstairs | Flagship activations at larger shows |
If shell scheme is on offer, ask the organizer whether the space is bare or shell, because that changes how much you need to build. Our custom vs modular guide covers the main decision in detail.
Floor layouts
Stall Layouts by Number of Open Sides
Inline
One open side facing the aisle, with neighbours on both sides. The most economical position, so the design has to work hard on a narrow frontage.
Corner
Two open sides, at the end of a row. Visitors see the stand from two directions, which helps with visibility.
Peninsula
Three open sides, with one side against a neighbour or wall. Gives strong visibility and room for a counter on the open frontage.
Island
Open on all four sides. Maximum visibility and flexibility, with the highest space cost and more branding surfaces to design.
Our custom 6x3 island booth is a fixed-spec package in this format, starting from PKR 220,000.
Choosing
How to Choose the Right Type
- Start with your goal: lead capture, product demos, buyer meetings or brand visibility each need different layouts.
- Count your shows: if you exhibit often, a reusable modular booth can lower the cost per show.
- Check your position: your layout is set by where the organizer places you. Ask which sides are open before you design.
- Set a budget range: use the Pakistan cost guide or the Karachi cost guide to see what each size and build type typically costs.
- Confirm the size: see our stall size guide for what fits in 9, 18 and 36 sqm.
Next
Where to Go From Here
Once you know the type you need, our stall design service turns it into a floor plan and 3D render for approval, and the planning checklist shows what to do and when.
Questions
Types of Exhibition Stalls FAQ
In practice the terms mean the same thing. “Stall” and “stand” are common in Pakistan and the UK, while “booth” is more common in North America.
A standard package from the organizer, usually basic walls, a fascia name board and simple fittings. Exhibitors add graphics, furniture and products.
Shell scheme is normally the lowest upfront cost. A modular stall costs more upfront but can work out cheaper if you reuse it across several shows.
An island stall is open on all four sides, so visitors can approach from every aisle that surrounds it.
Planning a stall? Get a quote from our Karachi team.
Share your booth size, venue and show dates — we reply by call or WhatsApp with a design direction and a realistic estimate.
Get a Quote