Exhibiting at Tradeshows? Every Type of Booth Has its Own Rules and Regulations

Also called standard or in-line booths, linear booths are generally arranged in a straight line, sharing a common back wall and abutting other exhibits on one or both sides. The maximum height is 8′. This 8′ height may be maintained on the sidewall of the display up to a distance of 5′ from the front aisle. The remaining length of the sidewall may be no higher than 4′. The ability to have products and services seen easily by attendees as they walk the trade show aisles is the basis for this line-of-sight setback rule. Display materials should also be arranged in such a manner so as not to obstruct the sight lines of neighboring exhibitors. Hanging signs are not permitted over linear booths. A corner booth is a linear booth that is exposed to the aisle on two sides. All guidelines for linear booths apply.

These encompass linear booths located on the perimeter walls of the exhibit floor. Some shows will permit a maximum height for a perimeter booth up to  12′. This 12′ height may be maintained on the sidewalls of the booth up to a distance of 5′ from the front aisle. The remaining length of the sidewall may be no higher than 4′. Hanging signs are not permitted over perimeter wall displays. While they present certain height and visibility restrictions, with the right strategies and design considerations, you can transform your perimeter wall booth into a standout attraction.

An exhibit 20′ x 20′ or larger with a depth from the common back wall to the aisle and with aisles on three sides is considered a peninsula. Because it has three open sides, the booth is accessible from multiple directions, allowing for increased foot traffic and better opportunities to engage with attendees. When the exhibit backs up to (2) linear booths the sides of the backwall must step down and the height is restricted to 4 feet within 5 feet of the aisle to allow adequate line of sight for the adjoining booths. The back wall of the booth can be no higher than 20’. The side of the backwall facing your neighbors booth must be plainly finished and may not contain booth identification, logos, or advertisements. Hanging signs are permitted over peninsula booths. You can make your peninsula trade show booth more effective by leveraging its unusual layout and ample engagement opportunities.

Exhibits that are 20′ x 20′ or larger and are surrounded by aisles on all sides are considered island booths. They allow access from all sides and are usually placed in the center of the exhibition floor. This configuration and location present exciting opportunities for creating an engaging and immersive experience. Regulations vary by exhibit hall but typically the maximum height is 20′ in all areas of the island booth and there are no limitations on the number of solid walls. Hanging signs are permitted above island booths. These trade show booths offer a world of possibilities for exhibitors looking to make a bold statement and leave a lasting impression.