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Bespoke Exhibition Stand Design & Build

We’re here to help you dream up and build exhibition stands that stop people in their tracks.

From initial concepts and 3D visualisation through to build, installation and on-site support, we create exhibition stands that help brands stand out for all the right reasons. Our team combines creative thinking, practical expertise and flawless delivery to create exhibition experiences that make an impact.

Exhibition Stand Design

We can imagine it, design it, and build it

A great exhibition stand should attract the right visitors, communicate your message clearly and help your team achieve their objectives on the show floor. Our expert team has over 20 years of experience building exhibition stands for the likes of Arco, Johnstones Trade, SIG Roofing, and more – so we have all the know-how to make your stand pop.

We manage the entire process, from creative concept development and 3D stand design through to production and installation.

Some clients come to us purely for exhibition stand design and build. Others also use our wider exhibition management services to support logistics, event delivery and audience engagement. Either way, you’ll get one experienced team guiding the project from start to finish.

Let's build your stand!
Johnstone’s Trade exhibition stand at a decorating and construction trade show
Exhibition Stand Design

3D visualisation of your exhibition stand

One of the biggest advantages of working with us is being able to see your stand before it’s built.

Using detailed 3D exhibition stand design software, we create realistic visualisations that allow you to explore your stand long before production begins. You’ll be able to understand visitor flow, stand layout, branding opportunities and key design features before committing to build.

This process helps reduce risk, improves stakeholder confidence and allows updates to be made before investing in the build. By the time production starts, you’ll already have a clear understanding of exactly how your stand will look and feel at the exhibition.

Meet our team
3D mockup of a branded exhibition stand for GenM
Exhibition Stand Design

Types of exhibition stand we design

Hammer icon Custom exhibition stands

Designed completely from scratch, offering maximum creative flexibility. Every element is built around your objectives, audience and brand, helping you create a unique presence that stands out.

 

These stands are ideal for organisations looking to make a major impact at flagship exhibitions, product launches and industry-leading events.

Puzzle pieces icon Modular exhibition stands

Modular stands combine professional design with flexibility and efficiency.

 

Built using reusable components, they can be adapted to different exhibition footprints and reconfigured for future events, making them a practical solution for organisations exhibiting regularly throughout the year.

Screwdriver and wrench icon Shell scheme stands

Working within a shell scheme doesn’t mean settling for a generic exhibition presence.

 

Our team creates bespoke graphics, layouts and branding solutions that transform standard exhibition spaces into stands that feel unique, engaging and professionally designed.

Exhibition Stand Design

Who we work with

Our clients range from organisations exhibiting for the very first time through to experienced exhibition teams managing large-scale annual programmes.

Some need guidance through every decision. Others already know exactly what they want and need a creative partner to bring it to life.

We regularly support organisations across sectors including retail, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, construction, FMCG, automotive and technology.

Whether you’re exhibiting from a small shell scheme space or investing in a large bespoke stand, we’ll develop a solution that works for your objectives, audience and budget.

Co-op Wholesale Showcase exhibition screen with attendees
Exhibition Stand Design

How exhibition stand design and build works

We manage it all, from the initial conversation about your strategy and objectives, right through to the design, build and installation. You’ll always have one point of contact within our experienced team, guiding you through the process from start to finish.

Introductions

Every project begins with a conversation. We’ll discuss your objectives, target audience, exhibition requirements, budget and timescales. Most importantly, we’ll explore what success looks like for your organisation and how your stand can help achieve it.

By the end of this stage, you’ll have a clear understanding of the recommended approach and next steps, and a clear plan to move forward.

Concepts

This is where ideas begin to take shape.

Within a couple of weeks, our creative team develops initial stand concepts and layouts before creating detailed 3D visualisations to bring the design to life.

You’ll see how visitors move through the space, where products or demonstrations can be showcased, and how branding can work most effectively.

Collaboration

Once the direction is agreed, we refine and develop the concept together!

Your dedicated project manager coordinates feedback between teams, manages timelines, oversees suppliers and keeps budgets on track throughout the process. This collaborative approach makes sure there are no surprises later in the build.

Build and production

With the design approved, production begins! Working with trusted fabrication partners, we manage materials, manufacturing, graphics, finishing and quality control to ensure your stand is built exactly as intended.

For larger bespoke projects, we typically recommend a minimum lead time of around eight weeks to allow sufficient planning, design development and production.

Installation and on-site support

Before the exhibition opens, we manage delivery and installation on-site. Our team coordinates the build, oversees suppliers and ensures everything is ready for visitors.

Where required, we can also support stand breakdown and wider exhibition management services to make the entire process as straightforward as possible.

Exhibition Stand Design

What factors into pricing

Every exhibition stand is different, which means pricing varies depending on the scope and complexity of the project.

Typical factors include:

  • Stand size
  • Exhibition venue requirements
  • Materials and finishes
  • Level of customisation
  • Technology and interactive features
  • Modular versus bespoke construction
  • Reusability requirements
  • Installation and logistics requirements

We’ll provide a clear, tailored proposal based on your needs and objectives.

If you’re still exploring ideas, that’s absolutely fine too. Initial discussions and design consultations are completely obligation-free.

Exhibitors talking to attendees behind the Arco stand build
Exhibition Stand Design

Built to be reused

An exhibition stand shouldn’t always be a one-time investment.

Many of the stands we design are created with future events in mind, allowing elements to be reused and reconfigured for different exhibition spaces.

This approach delivers plenty of benefits:

  • Better long-term return on investment
  • Consistent brand experience across multiple events
  • Reduced production costs over time
  • Less material waste
  • Greater sustainability

Through clever design and modular construction techniques, we can help clients create exhibition assets that continue delivering value long after the first show.

Johnstone’s Trade exhibition stand at a decorating and construction trade show
Exhibition Stand Design

Why businesses choose XSEM

Choosing an exhibition partner is about finding a team you can trust to deliver.

We’ve been delivering for our clients for over 20 years, with an 80% repeat business rate across the board. Our clients trust us to deliver every time, on time, to budget, and with a smile.

Most importantly, we focus on outcomes rather than simply building structures. Our strategic approach means that every decision is made with your audience, objectives, and event success in mind.

Attendees talking to each other at the Parfetts: Go Local
Exhibition Stand Design

Don't just take our word for it

One of the reasons we wanted to work with XSEM is that they have some really creative ideas, and sort of think outside the box a little bit, [they] built on what we asked for and just gave us more.

Regional Marketing Business Partner Arco

The team are the best! Always on hand while we work, I’d recommend XSEM to any company needing assistance with planning and executing events!

Digital Colour & Equipment Product Manager PPG Automotive refinish

Our work in action

Arco 120 new leads generated
Working closely with Arco, we developed a stand to feature at the Health and Safety exhibition at the NEC. They wanted to elevate their presence among competitors, and draw in visitors, all while showcasing their extensive product range.
View Case Study Branded logos for the Arco Health & Safety Stand
PPG Vizion Kinetic 10/10 client feedback
PPG needed a small but effective 3mx3m stand. As a gold sponsor, they wanted to show off their technology, while keeping everything organised and easy to navigate.
View Case Study Exhibitors talking to attendees next to branded PPG screen
Exhibition stand design

FAQs

How quickly can you create a bespoke exhibition stand?

Quicker than we’d like to admit! Jokes aside, lead times vary depending on the complexity of the project.

For larger bespoke exhibition stands, we typically recommend allowing at least eight weeks for design development, approvals, production and installation. Smaller projects may be achievable within shorter timescales.

How much will it cost?

It depends what you want! Cost depends on factors such as stand size, materials, complexity, customisation and reusability requirements.

Following an initial conversation, we’ll provide a tailored proposal based on your objectives and exhibition requirements.

Can you make a stand reusable?

Yes! Many of our stands are designed specifically to be reused and adapted across multiple exhibitions. This can improve return on investment, maintain brand consistency and support sustainability goals.

What's the difference between a bespoke and modular stand?

A bespoke stand is designed and built entirely from scratch around a specific brief.

A modular stand uses reusable components that can be reconfigured for different exhibitions and footprints. Hybrid approaches combine elements of both.

Can I book stand design without a full exhibition management package?

Absolutely! Many clients work with us exclusively for exhibition stand design and build. Others choose to add exhibition management support depending on their requirements.

Do you handle installation and breakdown on the day?

Yes! Our team can manage installation before the event, along with breakdown and removal afterwards. Additional exhibition management support can also be added if required.

Can you work with our existing brand guidelines and previous stands?

Of course. We’ll work with your existing brand assets, guidelines and exhibition history to ensure consistency while identifying opportunities to improve and evolve the design for future events.

Contact Us

Let's talk about your next project

Whether you’ve already got a detailed brief or you’re just starting to explore ideas, we’d love to hear about your exhibition plans.

Once you get in touch, a member of our team will review your requirements and arrange an initial conversation to discuss your objectives, audience, timescales and budget. You don’t need to have a final design, confirmed stand size or approved budget before speaking to us.

Let’s start the conversation and create a stand that helps your brand stand out for all the right reasons.