If you’ve ever exhibited at a trade show or expo, you’ll know that planning your stand space down to the last millimetre can make or break your display. You’re often told your 3m shell scheme space is 3m x 3m (or similar), and naturally you’ll start planning your furniture, shelving, and display units to fit perfectly. But here’s the catch: the size you’re told isn’t always the space you actually get.
The Hidden Shrinkage in Shell Schemes
Most shell schemes use modular walling systems, and those walls aren’t paper-thin. Side panels are typically 35–50mm thick, which means that the internal width of a “3m shell scheme” is actually closer to 2.92m–2.95m. That might not sound like much, but it can affect how your display units fit, especially if you’re planning to use three of our 1m wide modular exhibition units such as the Stacked Shelving Unit, Pegboard with Cabinet, or Freestanding Arch Pegboard.
On paper, they should fit like a glove. In reality, they’ll be a tight squeeze, or not fit at all, leaving you with a stressful setup on show day.
3x 1m wide units did not quite fit this shell scheme, resulting in one unit having to be angled.
Structural Surprises
It’s not just the wall thickness you need to think about. Many venues have structural beams, columns, or utility boxes built into their layouts, . These don’t always appear obvious in the stand measurements but can eat into your usable space. Always double check the venue map for your allocated spot and look for any hidden obstacles before finalising your tradeshow booth design. It’s much easier to adapt your design beforehand than when you’re on-site with the hustle and bustle of event organisers and fellow stallholders.
Planning Around the Problem
The good news? We’ve dealt with this many times before and have solutions to keep your display flexible and stress-free:
• Flexible Modular Design – Our units can be arranged in different configurations to fit slightly smaller widths without compromising functionality.
• Custom Sizing – To make life easier, we’ve created 98cm wide versions of our Shop Shelving System Panels and Pegboard with Cabinets, specifically for tradeshows. These ensure three units will sit comfortably inside a standard 3m shell scheme without you having to wrestle them into place.
• Setup Guidance – We’ll help you plan for tricky layouts, so your units not only fit but also look intentional and polished, making your tradeshow booth setup smooth and stress-free.
Allowing for Breathing Room
One of the best tips when planning your exhibition stand layout is to avoid designing to the absolute maximum width available. Allowing even a few centimetres of breathing room means you’ll have flexibility if the stand is a touch smaller than expected, or if you need to run power cables, lighting, or signage along the edges.
And remember, you don’t have to figure this out alone. We’re always happy to chat dimensions, layouts, and unit combinations with you in advance. That way, you can arrive on-site confident everything will fit as planned, without any last-minute scrambles.
Key Takeaway
When it comes to tradeshow shell schemes or exhibition stands, don’t take the measurements at face value. Factor in wall thickness, structural intrusions, and venue quirks before committing to your stand design. A few millimetres might not matter in day-to-day life, but on the show floor, they can make all the difference between a seamless setup and a stressful one. With careful planning, the right furniture, and expert guidance, you can create a modular exhibition stand that fits perfectly and leaves a lasting impression on visitors.