What types of exhibition stands are there?

There are four common stand types, which differ in the number of open sides: the inline stand (one open side), the corner stand (two), the peninsula stand (three) and the island stand, also known as a block stand (four open sides).

What is the difference between a peninsula stand and an island stand?

The peninsula stand is located at the end of a row of stands, is open on three sides and has a closed back wall that can be used for graphics and logos. The island stand is free-standing, open on all four sides and has no direct neighbours.

Which stand type is the most affordable?

Usually the inline stand: for corner, peninsula and island stands, organisers charge a surcharge of 10 to 30% on the space rental, depending on the fair. At EXFAIR, a system stand as an inline stand of 9 to 12 sqm starts at around €3,500 net including set-up and dismantling.

Does an island stand cost more to build?

The stand type affects the stand construction price less than the space rental. Additional effort arises mainly because every open side needs to be designed. Size and type of build – system stand, custom solution or custom build – have a greater influence.

What determines which stand type I get?

The stand space you book with the trade fair organiser. At major trade fairs, hall plans are often booked 12 to 18 months in advance. EXFAIR also advises on choosing the stand location.

Does EXFAIR build all four stand types?

Yes. EXFAIR plans and builds inline, corner, peninsula and island stands – individually for each hall position, since 1987 and with its own workshop in Villingen-Schwenningen. EXFAIR works at trade fairs in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

How do I get a quotation?

Send the trade fair, dates, stand size and stand type via the enquiry form. Within 5 to 30 working days you will receive a quotation with 3D visualisation – free of charge and without obligation.

Trade Fair Stand Types: Inline, Corner, Island

The right exhibition stand for every hall position

Which stand type you have at a trade fair depends on your position in the hall – more precisely, on the number of open sides. Inline, corner, peninsula or island stand: EXFAIR plans and builds all four stand types, since 1987 and with its own workshop in Villingen-Schwenningen, Germany.

Quotation with 3D visualisation – free of charge and without obligation. Or call us directly: +49 7721 88588-0

01 · One open side

The inline stand

The inline stand is located between two neighbouring stands and is open only to the aisle. It is one of the most frequently used stand types and is the standard stand for many organisers. Despite the limited opening, it offers plenty of scope for an individual, professional brand presentation.

Typical size

9–25 sqm

Space rental

Base price

Advantages

Efficient in a compact space: The simple basic shape allows a clear structure and targeted visitor guidance.
Creative design: Modular systems, multimedia elements or individual graphic design create an eye-catching presence even in a limited space.
Cost-efficient and reusable: Mobile counters, brochure stands or monitor solutions make the inline stand a functional, versatile trade fair concept.

Suitable if functionality, cost awareness and design flexibility are equally important.

Request an inline stand Rent an exhibition stand

GUTEX stand at Dach + Holz Stuttgart with house-shaped timber structures and forest back wall — GUTEX · Dach + Holz, Stuttgart

Exhibition stand with white backdrop and modular system construction — Modular stand system

02 · Two open sides

The corner stand

The corner stand has two open sides bordering two aisles. This exposed location increases visibility and ensures high visitor frequency – especially when both open sides face busy aisles.

Typical size

15–50 sqm

Space rental

10–30% surcharge depending on the fair

Advantages

Visible and easily accessible: The open corner position allows a clear presentation on two sides and an even flow of visitors.
Flexible layout: Despite the openness, retreat areas for conversations or quiet zones can be integrated into the stand concept.
Versatile design: Space for individual designs, modular systems and multimedia presentations – for a strong brand presentation.

Suitable if you want to position yourself clearly and stand out architecturally at trade fairs.

Request a corner stand View projects

Exhibition stand in Wolfsburg (IZB) with forest image “Visionen in Holz”, truss frame with spotlights and display cases — IZB · Wolfsburg

Hamilton stand at BrauBeviale Nuremberg with beer-themed walls, blue cube with screen and white counters — Hamilton · BrauBeviale, Nuremberg

03 · Three open sides

The peninsula stand (head stand)

The peninsula stand is located at the end of a row of stands: three sides are open and the back wall is closed. The open design increases visibility and feels inviting, while the back wall serves as an eye-catching presentation surface.

Typical size

30–100 sqm

Space rental

10–30% surcharge depending on the fair

Advantages

High visibility: Three open sides allow a clear view and a continuous flow of visitors from different directions.
Flexible use of space: Size and shape can be adapted individually – ideal for tailor-made exhibition stands.
Strong brand presentation: The closed back wall offers plenty of space for graphics, logos and individual design elements.

Suitable if you want to attract attention at the fair and put your brand at the centre.

Request a peninsula stand View projects

Schubert exhibition stand in Nuremberg — Schubert · Nuremberg

Hamilton exhibition stand at ILMAC Basel — Hamilton · ILMAC, Basel

04 · Four open sides

The island stand (block stand)

The island stand – also known as a block stand – is free-standing and accessible from all four sides. It is one of the most eye-catching and flexible stand types and usually offers the best visitor access of all stand types.

Typical size

from 60 sqm

Space rental

10–30% surcharge depending on the fair

Advantages

Maximum visibility: The free-standing stand is accessible from all sides and attracts a great deal of attention.
No direct neighbours: Without adjacent stands, there is no direct competition for visitors.
Flexible design: Without fixed side walls, the stand can be designed individually to present products and services in the best possible way.

Suitable if you want maximum presence. The island stand is one of the more cost-intensive stand types – careful planning ensures that the budget is used optimally.

Request an island stand View custom builds

Visualisation of an island stand with suspended fabric banner, counter and bar tables — Visualisation of an island stand

Exhibition stand types compared: open sides, location, typical size and space rental
Stand type	Open sides	Location in the hall	Typical size	Space rental	Particularly suitable if …
Inline stand	1	Between two neighbouring stands, open to the aisle	9–25 sqm	Base price	functionality and cost awareness are the priority
Corner stand	2	At the corner of two aisles	15–50 sqm	10–30% surcharge	you want to position yourself clearly
Peninsula stand	3	At the end of a row, back wall closed	30–100 sqm	10–30% surcharge	your brand should be at the centre
Island stand	4	Free-standing, no direct neighbours	from 60 sqm	10–30% surcharge	you want maximum presence and design freedom

Exhibition stand types compared: open sides, location, typical size and space rental

Stand type

Open sides

Location in the hall

Typical size

Space rental

Particularly suitable if …

Inline stand

Between two neighbouring stands, open to the aisle

9–25 sqm

Base price

functionality and cost awareness are the priority

Corner stand

At the corner of two aisles

15–50 sqm

10–30% surcharge

you want to position yourself clearly

Peninsula stand

At the end of a row, back wall closed

30–100 sqm

10–30% surcharge

your brand should be at the centre

Island stand

Free-standing, no direct neighbours

from 60 sqm

10–30% surcharge

you want maximum presence and design freedom

Stand space booked – or still open?

Send us the trade fair, dates and the stand size you need. We also advise on choosing your stand location and develop a concept that fits your exact position in the hall.

Or by email to hello@exfair.de · Lead time: at least 8 weeks for system stands and at least 16 weeks for custom builds before the fair.

The right exhibition stand for every hall position

Inline, corner, peninsula and island stands in detail

The inline stand

The corner stand

The peninsula stand (head stand)

The island stand (block stand)

The four stand types at a glance

Stand space booked – or still open?

Frequently asked questions about stand types

What types of exhibition stands are there?

What is the difference between a peninsula stand and an island stand?

Which stand type is the most affordable?

Does an island stand cost more to build?

What determines which stand type I get?

Does EXFAIR build all four stand types?

How do I get a quotation?

PROJECTS

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