Shell Scheme Booths & Exhibition Main Contractors: The Complete Organiser’s Guide
- @NdrewChu
- Aug 27
- 6 min read
Updated: Nov 25
Introduction
Every exhibition starts with a standard shell scheme booth provided by the organiser’s appointed contractor. From there, exhibitors can choose to stick with the standard setup, make simple upgrades, or go for a fully customised design.
In this article, we’ll explore the main booth types available to exhibitors, what makes each option unique, and the important role of the Exhibition Main Contractor (EMC) in ensuring the entire exhibition runs smoothly.
What Is a Standard Shell Scheme Booth?
A shell scheme booth (also called a standard booth) is the most common type of exhibition booth. It is a pre-designed, modular structure provided by the organiser’s appointed contractor. It typically includes:
Aluminium modular frame with wall panels (often white)
Carpet flooring
Fascia board with exhibitor name
Basic lighting and electrical socket
Basic Table & Chairs
Why organisers rely on shell scheme booths:
Cost-efficient for exhibitors, especially smaller companies
Quick installation and dismantling
Creates a uniform, professional look across the hall
Easy for the main contractor to manage at scale
Example: A trade fair with 200 SMEs may provide each with a 3m x 3m shell scheme booth, ensuring consistency and efficiency.
Upgraded Shell Scheme Booth
(Also know as Upgraded Standard Booth)
While shell scheme booths are standardised, many exhibitors want to stand out without investing in a fully customised booth.
Common upgrades include:
Foam board cladding or stickers to cover white panels with branded graphics
Furniture packages (display counters, brochure racks, seating)
Additional lighting or shelving for product displays
Benefit: Keeps costs low and setup fast while making the booth eye-catching.
Example: An IT company at an expo may use a 3m x 3m upgraded booth with branded foam panels, TV screens, and product counters to attract more visitors.
Custom Design Shell Scheme Booth
This type of booth still uses the modular shell scheme structure, but with more creative modifications.
Enhancements may include:
Taller or wider backdrops
Wings, pylons, rounded ends, or towers
Panels covered with stickers, tarpaulin, or plywood
Semi-enclosed spaces or arches
Benefits:
More impactful look than standard booths
Lower cost than a full custom build
Fast installation (mainly limited to printing & applying graphics)
Limitations:
Bound by modular system sizes and curves available
Cannot achieve full creative freedom of a custom build
One time use / On rental basis
(Fully Custome Build)
Unlike modular options, a custom design booth is built from scratch—designed, fabricated, and constructed specifically for the exhibitor.
Features include:
Fully tailored design (size, height, shape, branding)
High-impact elements (double-deck booths, large LED walls, immersive spaces)
Premium materials (wood, glass, custom structures)
Benefits:
Complete creative freedom
Strong brand presence, great for anchor exhibitors or sponsors
Unique experience for visitors
Optional to reuse (might incurred storage & reinstallation cost)
Limitations:
Higher cost
Longer fabrication & installation time
Requires more planning & approvals
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The Role of an Exhibition Main Contractor (EMC)
Behind every successful exhibition is a reliable Exhibition Main Contractor (EMC). They are the backbone of the event, ensuring that everything from planning to execution runs smoothly, safely, and professionally. For organisers, the EMC is not just a supplier — they are a partner who safeguards quality, compliance, and visitor experience.
Exhibition Layout & Floor Plan Design
One of the EMC’s primary responsibilities is to design the master floor plan. This includes booth allocations, walkways, emergency exits, and common areas.
Creates hall layouts to maximise space, traffic flow, and safety
Ensures fire exits, accessibility, and regulations are met
Ensures smooth visitor flow and crowd control
Maximises space usage for both exhibitors and attendees
Aligns with venue safety regulations
Example: For a 200-booth trade fair, the EMC ensures that aisles are wide enough to handle peak traffic and emergency evacuation routes remain clear.
Booth Construction & Approval
Exhibitors often submit custom booth designs. The Exhibition Main Contractor (EMC) reviews and approves these designs to ensure they meet safety and structural standards.
Verifies booth height limits, load-bearing structures, and materials used
Prevents obstruction of neighbouring exhibitors
Approves only safe and compliant designs before fabrication
To ensure all booth are neatly cover and not affecting neighbouring exhibitors aesthetic
Example: An exhibitor may propose a 6m-tall tower display. The EMC ensures it won’t block fire sprinklers or risk collapse. Or maybe the ceiling height is only 4.5m-tall a 6m-tall tower display is not possible.
On-Site Build & Coordination
The Exhibition Main Contractor (EMC) oversees the setup of shell scheme booths, custom booths, and hall-wide infrastructure. They also manage timelines to ensure the exhibition is ready before opening day.
Supervises carpenters, electricians, AV technicians, and logistics staff
Provides exhibitors with guidelines for setup and teardown
Troubleshoots issues immediately to avoid delays
Example: If an exhibitor’s booth panels arrive late, the EMC reallocates manpower to ensure completion before the event opens.
Electrical & Logistics
The Exhibition Main Contractor (EMC) manages the distribution of electricity throughout the hall — a critical safety function.
Allocates safe electrical load per booth
Prevents overloading, tripping DBs, or short circuits
Regularly inspects and monitors connections during the show
Manages logistics such as freight forwarding, storage, hall access, and dismantling
Example: An exhibitor running multiple high-power machines may try plugging directly into extra sockets. The EMC steps in to regulate usage, preventing a short circuit that could disrupt the entire hall.
Safety & Compliance
Safety is at the heart of the EMC’s role. They ensure that every build complies with regulations and that the exhibition is hazard-free.
Enforces fire safety (non-flammable materials, fire extinguishers)
Conducts pre-event safety checks on structures and electrical systems
Coordinates with venue authorities and emergency services
Example: If a booth uses hanging displays, the EMC checks the rigging points and weight load to prevent accidents.
Visitor & Exhibitor Experience
A great Exhibition Main Contractor (EMC) doesn’t just focus on the technical side; they also improve the overall experience.
Maintains hall aesthetics (uniform branding, signage, carpeting)
Provides helpdesk support for exhibitors during move-in/move-out
Ensures visitors enjoy a professional, organised environment
Example: By standardising signage and wayfinding, the EMC makes it easy for visitors to navigate large halls.
In short: The EMC is the organiser’s event engineer + project manager + safety officer all in one. Without them, exhibitions risk delays, safety hazards, and unhappy exhibitors.
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Conclusion
For exhibitors, the booth is more than just a space—it’s a statement. From cost-efficient shell scheme booths to fully custom designs, the choice depends on budget, branding goals, and desired impact. With the Exhibition Main Contractor (EMC) ensuring smooth operations, exhibitors can focus on what matters most: engaging visitors and growing their business.
FAQs
Q1: Are shell scheme booths and standard booths the same?
Yes, both terms refer to the same modular booth system.
Q2: How can exhibitors make a shell scheme booth stand out?
By upgrading with branded graphics, furniture, lighting, or using custom design modular setups.
Q3: Do exhibitors need approval for custom booths?
Yes, all custom booths must be approved by the EMC for safety compliance.
Q4: Why is an EMC essential for organisers?
They ensure safety, booth delivery, electrical setup, and on-site support, making the organiser’s job easier.
Need help with your next exhibition? Let’s build something impactful together.
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