Anyone wishing to make a lasting impression at trade fairs should not leave the location of their stand to chance. A Corner stand at a trade fair is situated at a junction or at the end of a row of stands and is open on two sides. This open layout ensures high visibility and makes it possible to attract visitors from two different walkways at the same time. However, a corner stand at a trade fair does not only offer opportunities; the stand space is in high demand, rental costs are higher and wall space is limited. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make the most of your corner location, how corner stands differ from row and end stands, and which design elements lead to lasting success.
Advantages and features of a corner stand
The corner stand is a particularly inviting type of stand. It is situated at the start or end of a row and features two open sides and two solid walls, which are arranged in an L-shape. This layout increases visual contact and boosts visitor numbers. Some of the key benefits are:
- High visibility: As the stand is situated on two walkways, it can be seen from two directions. Visitors have more opportunities to interact, which increases the chance of making new contacts.
- Flexible layout: The L-shape allows for a practical division into orientation, presentation, meeting and back-office zones. The space can be optimally organised into different functional areas.
- Easy to assemble: Two open sides make it easier to access the unit during assembly, dismantling and technical installation.
Limitations of the corner stand
Although a corner plot offers considerable advantages, there are a few limitations:
- Limited availability: Corner stalls are in high demand and therefore often book up quickly. It is essential to book well in advance.
- Average price per square metre: Being situated along two walkways leads to higher rents. Design costs may also rise, as the stall needs to look attractive from both sides.
- Less wall space: Compared to a standard exhibition stand, there are only two walls available for printing. Creative solutions for branding and presentation are therefore important.
Corner stand vs. row stand, head stand and island stand
The choice of stand type has a direct impact on visibility, costs and visitor footfall. The following table summarises the key differences:
| Stand type | Open sides / walls | Visibility (relative) | Availability | Special features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Row stand | 1 open side, 3 closed walls | Low to medium | High | Best price per square metre; plenty of wall space for artwork. |
| Corner stall | 2 open sides, 2 solid walls | Medium to high | Average availability | More visual contact; flexible room layout; modular adaptation possible. |
| Headstand | 3 open sides, 1 wall | High | Low | Excellent visibility; plenty of space for large exhibits; expensive and rare. |
| Island status | 4 open sides, no walls | Very high | Very low | Highest visitor numbers; great creative freedom; highest costs. |
Strategic planning: from zoning to visitor flow management
A successful corner stand at a trade fair follows a clear structure. Dividing the stand into four functional areas has proved effective:
- Orientation area: This area is situated at the most open part of your corner stand. The orientation area serves to welcome visitors and give them an initial overview. Large-scale images, digital displays or a coffee bar attract attention. In sectorplan’s projects, for example, at Ziegler a Coffee-Ape placed in the entrance area, which served as an eye-catcher whilst also fostering a more relaxed atmosphere for conversation.
- Presentation area: The second area is where your products, services or solutions are showcased. Exhibits, demonstration stations or interactive screens can be placed here. The Lobster exhibition stand used translucent fabric graphics and interactive monitors to bring supply chain solutions to life.
- Meeting area: A quieter area is needed for more in-depth discussions. This could be a glass-walled meeting room or a separate lounge. The Ziegler corner stand combined cosy lounge areas with a separate meeting room.
- Back office / Functional area: The rearmost area houses storage rooms, a kitchen or a cloakroom. Make sure you allow for sufficient storage space and ensure that your stand staff have short distances to cover.
Design and Layout: Capturing attention through creativity and technology
An open and welcoming design
A corner stand at a trade fair only looks inviting if it is not too cluttered. Corner stands should be deliberately designed to be open, as there are walkways on two sides, making it easier to engage with visitors. Use low counters or half-height walls so that visitors can see into the stand unobstructed. Large entrances lower the threshold for visitors to enter.
Modular and sustainable stand construction
The trend is towards modular, reusable exhibition stands. Modular systems such as Aluvision are made up of standardised components that can be flexibly adapted. This means that the same stand can be used as a corner stand or an end stand at a trade fair without having to be completely rebuilt. The reusable components reduce material consumption and waste, thereby helping to protect the environment.
In the project Ziegler Sectorplan opted for the Aluvision system; this modular system enabled rapid and sustainable assembly whilst offering a high degree of design flexibility. Reusable components were also used for the Lobster stand, ensuring that the exhibition stand was realised in a resource-efficient manner. For exhibiting companies, this means less transport, less storage space and a lower carbon footprint. Furthermore, modular Exhibition Systems They provide a good basis for stands of various sizes and can be adapted to future exhibition formats.
Lighting and media technology
Light guides the eye and creates atmosphere. Entrance areas should be designed to be open and bright, whilst subdued lighting accentuates exclusive lounge areas. Use accent lighting to highlight products or your brand logo. LED walls and backlit graphics are effective tools: in the Ziegler project, a suspended LED wall provided visually striking content, whilst Lobster utilised interactive monitors and digital display areas. Even smaller corner stands benefit from backlit walls, as they make optimal use of the limited wall space.
Branding, graphics and colour scheme
Less is more: trade fair visitors are often tired and overwhelmed by sensory stimuli. A few large images and clear messages are more effective than walls covered in text. Keep your slogan brief and place your logo where it can be clearly seen. Colours should be in keeping with your corporate identity; shades of blue and grey convey a sense of professionalism, whilst red or orange radiate energy. Use translucent fabric graphics to create interesting light effects, as was done at the Lobster stand with green, translucent fabrics.
Guided tours and interaction
A well-designed corner stand at a trade fair encourages interaction. Interactive touchscreens, virtual tours or gamification elements encourage visitors to stay longer. Gamification can be implemented, for example, through a quiz or a digital prize draw; ensure you comply with the trade fair’s security regulations. Plan communication zones with seating and a small bar or coffee machine; such a welcoming atmosphere encourages conversation and lead generation. At the Ziegler stand, the Coffee-Ape acted as a magnet for visitors, whilst at the Lobster stand, a central bar encouraged visitors to chat.
Sustainability and resource efficiency
Sustainability has long since become more than just a trend; it is something that many visitors now expect. Exhibition stand construction systems are modular and reusable; the components are easy to transport and assemble. Sectorplan goes one step further: as an Ambassador partner of Aluvision The company relies on recyclable materials, LED technology and energy-efficient production processes. The modular systems can be used at multiple trade fairs and significantly reduce waste. Decision-makers from environmentally conscious sectors value these principles and can highlight them in their communications.
For a holistic sustainability strategy, you should also consider climate-friendly travel and logistics arrangements, digital brochures rather than printed ones, and environmentally friendly catering. At sectorplan, the integration of Media technology – such as digital information terminals – form part of the service portfolio, helping to reduce paper usage and ensure that content is kept up to date.
Practical tips for making the most of a corner plot
- Book early: Corner pitches are hard to come by. Book your pitch in good time to secure your preferred spot.
- Using angles: Position the main entrance at the corner so that both aisles lead into the stand. A diagonal guide line – such as a red carpet or LED strip – intuitively directs visitors to the presentation area.
- Double the attention: Use two pages to highlight different areas of focus. One page can showcase strong branding, whilst the other can feature targeted product presentation.
- Making the most of the height: Suspended elements such as light strips, ceiling rings or suspended LED walls are visible from a great distance. A striking Trade fair design It is the first few seconds that determine whether the stand catches people’s attention.
- Thinking in a modular way: Design the stand so that it can be converted into other stand configurations. M&W Messebau points out that a modular corner stand can later be used as an end stand or a row stand. This will help you reduce costs in the long term.
- Training staff: Friendly, proactive stand staff are essential for lead generation. Train your team to use digital tools so that they can capture leads quickly.
- Planning activities: Incorporate activities such as live demonstrations, competitions or interactive tools. Please note: Escape routes must remain clear; a separate area should be set aside for these activities.
- Don’t forget hospitality: Offer simple drinks or snacks. This encourages visitors to stay longer and makes for more relaxed conversations. The Coffee-Ape at Ziegler and the central bar at Lobster demonstrate how catering facilities attract visitors whilst also supporting corporate branding.
- Preparing for the follow-up: Capture contact details digitally and plan follow-ups straight away whilst at the trade fair. You can scan business cards or use tablets to capture leads; then send out personalised information – digitally or by post – to make a lasting impression.
- Involving external expertise: Experienced exhibition stand builders such as sectorplan can assist you with the design, 3D planning and construction of your exhibition stand. Professional advice ensures that your corner stand looks impressive whilst also meeting all technical requirements.
Successful customer projects
Conclusion: Corner stands as a key to success
A Corner stand at a trade fair It combines high visibility with a manageable size and makes it possible to engage visitors from two different walkways. Thanks to intelligent zoning, modular and sustainable construction methods, effective lighting and interactive elements, the corner stand at the trade fair becomes a real crowd-puller. The examples from Ziegler and Lobster demonstrate that a clearly structured concept, creative details and consistent implementation lead to measurable success.
Opt for a corner stand at a trade fair if you want to present your brand in an open and inviting way. Plan well in advance, take your target audience’s needs into account, and invest in flexible, reusable systems. sectorplan We’d be happy to assist you with this – from the initial idea through to 3D visualisation, installation and after-sales support.
FAQs about the corner stand at the trade fair
A corner stand – situated at a corner of the exhibition hall. It has two open sides and two solid walls, giving visitors direct access from two corridors. This location enhances visibility and allows for creative use of space.
A practical layout comprises four zones: an orientation area with eye-catching graphics or a bar, a presentation area for products and digital demos, a meeting zone for confidential discussions, and a back-office area for stock and staff. The open corner serves as the main entrance, whilst the two walls are used for branding and technical equipment.
No. The size of a corner stand varies depending on the trade fair and your budget. Corner stands can range from compact sizes of 4–6 m² to large areas of 100 m² or more. It is important that the stand area suits your trade fair objectives and provides sufficient space for your desired layout. Modular systems allow you to scale the area flexibly without having to build a completely new stand every time.
The Row stand has only one open side and three walls; it is cost-effective, but less visible. The Corner stall has two open sides and two walls, which improves visibility and allows for flexible layout options. The Headstand It has three open sides and only a rear wall; it is very popular, but more expensive and less readily available.
