Ultimate Guide to Self-Build Exhibition Stands

Self-build exhibition stands are the ideal solution for businesses that want complete freedom over where and when they exhibit.

When you own your own kit, you can attend shows across the globe without having to work with multiple contractors and solutions. The exhibition calendar is your oyster.

In this guide, we share everything you need to know about self-build solutions and offer insider tips to keep you on track before, during, and after you build.

Self-build options are ideal for:

• Businesses attending multiple shows per year
• Companies exhibiting internationally
• Businesses with consistent branding requirements
• Organisations wanting maximum gain out of their exhibitions

As much as self-building is rewarding, there is no getting away from it; it can be hard work. Before opting for purchase plans, ensure that you have:

We always say that with the right training, anyone can build an exhibition stand. You don’t need to be a specialised tradesperson; all you need is a reliable, hands-on team that you can picture working with the stand long-term. While there are options for repeat training, builds go much more smoothly when your team is confident with the system.

Consider your vehicle requirements. While Quadrant2Design modular exhibition stands are designed to be very compact, there are times when you will need ladders or equipment that require larger vehicles. Speak to your contractor about realistic vehicle requirements.

The professional support that you receive from your contractor should always extend beyond the stand purchase. Whether it’s reconfiguration designs, training with our in-house teams, advice, or even assisted installs on large or complex projects, the Quadrant2Design team are here for you.

Exhibition stand storage should be considered at the buying stage. The type of exhibition stand storage that you use can directly affect your exhibiting experience, the condition of your stand, and the cost-effectiveness of your exhibiting calendar. Without pre-planning, it can become expensive fast.

The ideal self-build solutions are easy to assemble, lightweight for simple logistics, and modular with ongoing professional support for long-term reuse. Look for solutions that are:

• Recognised as safe by organisers and routinely built-approved
• Easy to assemble
• Durable and high-quality for long-term use
• Reconfigurable, modular & reusable
• Covered by a warranty
• Built without tools
• Easy to transport

Once you have your team, vehicles and storage in order, it’s time for training. Exhibition stand training is one of the most important steps for self-builders. In fact, at Quadrant2Design, in-house training is mandatory for businesses that purchase to self-build. Here are our tips to make the most of the stand-training…

• Ask to learn multiple configurations – If you’re preparing for multiple events, consolidate your training into one visit.
• Pre-empt future stand-builders – It is a good idea to build redundancy into your team, in case staff are sick or move on from the company. Try to pre-empt who might build the stand and send them for training.
• Don’t skimp on training – Make sure you invest proper time and energy into your exhibition stand training. Large or feature-rich exhibition stands often need more than one training day.
• Send appropriate people – The stand-build team should be prepared for light physical exertion, keen to learn and confident working on ladders at height.
• Come rested and ready to learn – Make sure you get a good night’s sleep before your stand-build training and come willing and ready to learn.

• Make notes & take videos – Prepare to take notes and film tricky elements. You will not be rushed, so invest in the training and take your time.
• Take it seriously – The quality of your brand representation on event day will be dependent on your training. Training is good fun, and it’s a great team-building exercise, but it does need to be taken seriously.
• Ask any questions on the day – Ask all your questions on your training day, so you’re well-prepared for the show.

• Refer to training videos – We often film the training to provide a building aid, but there is also a brilliant library of training videos available to support the build process. Download these before the event in case data or WIFI don’t work on the day.
• Practice a pre-build – The best way to prepare for your installation is to practice pre–building the stand before the event.

When you purchase a self-build exhibition stand, it should come with ongoing professional support. At Quadrant2Design, we offer Lifetime Free Design, where we offer reconfiguration designs free of charge.

While you can buy your self-build exhibition stands online, the company needs to be trustworthy. It is better to work with a company that can understand your brief and create a stand that works for you long-term.

It’s worth noting that not all self-build stands are equal in terms of ease of build. Look for reviews, testimonials, and self-build case studies.

Self-build exhibition stands are perfect for businesses seeking a cost-effective, sustainable exhibiting solution. If you’re ready to bring your brand to life on a self-build exhibition stand, get in touch with our expert design consultants. Email design@quadrant2design.com or call +44 (0)1202 723 500 for a free, no-obligation design.