How to Choose an Exhibition Stand Builder

Your exhibition stand plays a leading role when making a strong impression at a trade show or business expo. It’s not just about looking great — you want your exhibition stand to attract the right audience, communicate your brand clearly and support your event goals. Whether you’re aiming to drive product sales, boost brand awareness or generate high-quality leads, the right exhibition stand can make all the difference.

That’s why choosing an experienced and reliable exhibition stand company is important. From the initial design to the final installation, your stand partner should understand your business, respect your budget and bring your ideas to life without unnecessary stress or confusion. But with so many companies offering stand design and build services, how do you know which one is the right fit?

This guide walks you through the key things to consider and questions to ask when selecting an exhibition stand builder. Whether it’s your first event or your fiftieth, these tips will help you find a trusted partner who can deliver a stand that’s eye-catching and tailored to your objectives.

What Services Do Exhibition Stand Builders Offer?

When you hire an exhibition stand contractor, you’re getting more than just someone to build a physical structure — you’re investing in a full-service partner who can help take the pressure off your shoulders. The top exhibition stand companies offer a complete end-to-end solution from the initial concept and design to logistics, installation and post-show breakdown. Understanding what services are available can help you choose a builder who aligns with your needs, saves you time and ensures your event runs smoothly from start to finish. Most reputable stand builders offer:

• Free initial consultation
• Bespoke 3D stand design
• Graphic design and printing
• Stand hire or purchase options
• Project management
• Build and installation
• Breakdown and storage
• AV setup, lighting and electrical support.

Some, like Plus Exhibition Stands, even offer free stand storage between events and the ability to reconfigure designs for future shows. You’ll want the whole package deal if you plan to do frequent shows, even bi-yearly or quarterly.

Look for Experienced Exhibition Stand Companies

Reputation and experience are crucial in any line of work. Before you invest your hard-earned money into something that has the potential to be a massive asset to your company, you need to have the confidence and peace of mind knowing that the people creating your bespoke exhibition stand are a worthy choice. Fortunately, the internet is the perfect place to research and shop for the perfect exhibition stand company. If an exhibition stand company is reluctant or unable to show you more than two or three samples of their previous projects, this shows they lack experience. Even if the company is less expensive, an exhibition stand is something you will use over and over again and is a representation of your brand, so it isn’t something you want to scrimp on.

If you have your eye on a particular company, do they have customer reviews and testimonials? How long have they been in business? How much experience does their team have in the exhibitions industry? You should consider these things, so don’t be afraid to ask!

In-House Production Offers Peace of Mind

If your selected exhibition stand company considers outsourcing to an independent contractor, concerns about quality and reliability may arise. You chose a specific company because of their work, not a third party. Therefore, it’s essential to identify exactly who will design and build your stand and assess whether you trust their quality as much as the original company. If not, communicate your concerns to your initial contact or look for a company that manages projects in-house.

A Dedicated Project Manager Makes All the Difference

One of the most significant benefits of working with a reputable exhibition stand builder is having a dedicated project manager (PM) to guide your entire journey — from the first conversation to the final breakdown after the show. A good project manager acts as your main point of contact, making sure every detail is handled efficiently, timelines are met, and nothing slips through the cracks.

Your project manager should take the time to understand your brand, goals, budget, and logistical needs. They’ll liaise with designers, builders, venue coordinators, and other suppliers to ensure everything runs smoothly, leaving you free to focus on preparing for the event. If you’re assigned a PM who doesn’t feel like the right fit, don’t hesitate to request someone else. A strong working relationship with your project manager can make a huge difference in how confident and prepared you feel leading up to your exhibition.

Is This a Long-Term Partnership or a One-Time Event?

Are you planning multiple exhibitions annually and seeking a long-term partner? Or just attending a single event and uncertain about future face-to-face marketing? For a long-term relationship, get to know the company thoroughly, ensuring they understand your goals and brand concept. For a single event, ensure they can deliver a stand that meets your specific objectives.

Commonly Asked FAQ’s When Choosing an Exhibitor Stand Builder

How much does it cost to hire an exhibition stand builder?

Costs can vary depending on stand size, complexity, and included services. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from £4,000 to £20,000 for a professionally designed and built exhibition stand. Hiring a stand instead of buying can significantly reduce your upfront investment, especially if the hire includes free design, structure, setup and breakdown, like with Plus Exhibition’s hire plan.

What factors affect exhibition stand prices? 

Several elements can impact the cost:

• Size and layout of the stand
• Type of exhibition stand
• Graphic printing needs
• Technology add-ons, such as LED video walls or touchscreens
• Location and logistics (especially for international shows)
• Additional services like project management, storage and AV equipment

Choosing a stand builder who offers a clear breakdown of what’s included helps avoid hidden fees.

Can I reuse my exhibition stand for future events?

If you’re investing in a modular or custom stand, it can often be reused or reconfigured for future exhibitions. This is ideal for businesses attending multiple events, as it helps you maximise your return on investment. Reusable exhibition stands offer an ideal solution for exhibitors seeking a cost-effective, hassle-free experience. The exhibition stand builder must have experience in designing and manufacturing reusable stands and understanding the varying needs of their clients. Stand builders like Plus Exhibition also offer reconfiguration services to adapt your layout to different spaces or floor plans.

How far in advance should I book an exhibition stand builder?

Ideally, you should book your exhibition stand builder at least 8–12 weeks before the event. This allows time for design revisions, production and logistics. However, if you’re in a rush, some companies can fast-track the process. At Plus Exhibition, for example, complete design and build can sometimes be turned around in just one week.

Do I need to provide my own artwork?

Not necessarily. Most exhibition stand companies have in-house designers who can create artwork for you based on your brand guidelines. If you already have artwork and logos, providing them upfront will speed up the process.

We Make Exhibiting Easier

At Plus Exhibition, we create custom exhibition stands matching your goals and budget. Every stand we create is completely bespoke and built to a high standard, giving you real impact and long-term value. Whether you’re a first-time exhibitor looking for a straightforward, cost-effective solution or a growing business ready to make a bold statement, we offer tailored options to help you stand out and succeed at your next event.

Are you looking for a skilled, creative and experienced exhibition stand company? Look no further! Get in touch today to discuss your design needs and exhibition goals with our team of specialists.