At trade shows and exhibitions, every brand competes for attention with vibrant displays and bold messaging. But a well-told story is what really sticks out. Exhibition panels are more than just partitions—they’re a visual platform to express who you are and what you offer. When designed with purpose, they can instantly connect with visitors and leave a lasting impression. In this blog, we’ll show you how to design exhibition panels and shell scheme graphics that clearly and creatively communicate your brand’s message, helping you stand out in busy event spaces and truly engage your audience from the very start.
Start With Your Brand Story
Before diving into colours, fonts, or images, you need to start with the heart of your brand—your story.
Ask yourself:
- What does your brand stand for?
- What values are important to you?
- Who is your ideal customer?
- What problems do you solve?
Your story isn’t just your company history. It’s the emotional thread that connects your business to your audience. Maybe you’re a tech startup making things simpler for people. Or a sustainable brand focused on ethical solutions. Whatever your story is, it should shape the way your exhibition panels are designed.
Remember, your booth might be the first time someone meets your brand. Make that first meeting count.
Build a Strong Design Foundation
A good story needs a good presentation. That’s where design comes in. Great exhibition panels use smart design to guide the viewer’s eye and highlight the key parts of the message.
Here are a few basics to get right:
1. Visual Hierarchy
Your main message should be easy to spot. Use size, colour, and positioning to guide attention. Think of your headline, subtext, and supporting visuals like chapters in a book—each one with a clear role.
2. Colour Psychology
Colours have emotions. Blue feels calm and trustworthy. Red feels bold and energetic. Green suggests nature or growth. Match your colours with the tone of your brand story.
3. Typography
Fonts say a lot. A handwritten-style font might suggest friendliness and creativity. A clean sans-serif font feels modern and professional. Make sure your text is readable from a distance.
4. White Space
Don’t cram in too much. Leave room to breathe. White space (or any empty space) helps important elements stand out and makes the panel easier to read.
5. Imagery
Use high-quality visuals. If you’re showing products, use crisp, clear photos. For services, consider illustrations or icons. Avoid stock images that feel generic. Authenticity connects better.
Tell a Clear and Simple Narrative
Good stories have a structure. Even in a small space, your exhibition panels can guide visitors through a mini journey.
Three Simple Parts:
- Introduction – Start with a bold headline or tagline. It should grab attention and make people curious.
- Conflict/Need – Identify a problem or challenge your audience faces.
- Solution – Present your brand or product as the solution.
Here’s an example for a software brand:
Headline: “Tired of Wasting Time on Spreadsheets?”
Problem: “Manual tasks cost your team hours every week.”
Solution: “Automate your workflow with our smart software.”
This structure works for almost any industry. Keep the language clear and benefits-focused.
Engage Visitors With Interactivity
In today’s digital world, people expect more than static displays. Adding interactive elements to your exhibition panels can keep people engaged for longer.
Ideas to Consider:
- QR Codes – Link to a video, brochure, or product demo.
- Augmented Reality (AR) – Let visitors scan your panel and see 3D models or animations.
- Touchscreens – Invite users to explore your offerings through a simple interface.
- Motion Graphics – Moving visuals can quickly explain complex ideas.
Even small additions can turn a quick glance into a longer interaction.
Designing for Different Stand Formats
Your story and design should stay consistent, but the way you tell it may change depending on the space you're working with. This is especially true when designing shell scheme graphics or bespoke exhibition panels.
Shell Scheme Graphics
Shell schemes are common at exhibitions and usually provide a standard framework. While they’re more compact, they can still be powerful.
Tips:
- Design with the panel size in mind. Avoid splitting key messages across sections.
- Use modular graphics that can fit various configurations.
- Avoid busy designs—clarity is key.
Bespoke Exhibition Panels
You have more options if your stand is custom-built. Use the space creatively:
- Add layered panels for depth.
- Mix textures and finishes for a tactile feel.
- Consider lighting to enhance features.
In both formats, your goal remains the same clearly communicate your story and brand personality.
Avoid These Common Pitfalls
Some ideas fail despite the greatest of intentions. Watch out for these mistakes:
1. Too Much Text
People won’t stop to read long paragraphs. Keep it short and impactful.
2. Poor Image Quality
Blurry or pixelated images ruin a professional look. Always use high-resolution files suited for print.
3. No Clear Message
If someone can’t tell what you do in 5 seconds, you’ve lost them. Refine your message until it’s crystal clear.
4. Ignoring Brand Consistency
Stick to your brand colours, fonts, and tone. It should seem as though your exhibition panel is an extension of your marketing collateral or website.
5. No Call to Action
Always end with a next step—“Scan to learn more,” “Book a free trial,” or “Visit us at Stand A45.”
Your Preprint Checklist
Before sending your exhibition panels to print, make sure:
✅ Your visuals are high resolution (at least 150–300 dpi)
✅ Your design includes crop marks and bleed areas
✅ Your panel sizes match your stand type
✅ You’ve double-checked spelling and grammar
✅ Your story is clear and visually easy to follow
✅ You’ve chosen the right materials (Foamex, PVC, fabric etc.)
Printing is the final step—getting everything right beforehand saves time, money, and stress.
Conclusion: Let Your Panels Speak for You
In a busy exhibition hall, your panels are more than just decoration. They’re your silent brand ambassadors. They speak, they engage, and if designed well, they invite visitors to start a conversation with you.
Always create with purpose, whether you're using custom exhibition panels or shell scheme graphics. Keep it simple, keep it clear, and above all, keep it true to your brand.
If you're looking for help with professional, high-quality exhibition panels that tell your story the right way, Board Printing Company offers expert design and printing solutions tailored to your needs.
Let your next exhibition panel do more than display—let it tell your brand’s tale.
