Choosing Custom or Standard Panels for Your Brand Identity

When preparing for an exhibition or trade show, one of the critical decisions youll face is choosing the right type of exhibition panels to showcase your brand. Your choice can significantly affect how your brand is perceived, how effectively your message is communicated, and ultimately how successful your event presence is. In the UKs competitive exhibition landscape, making the right call between custom or standard panels is essential for standing out and reinforcing your brand identity.

In this blog, well explore the pros and cons of custom and standard exhibition panels, provide practical advice on selecting the best option for your brand, and explain how quality shell scheme graphics play a pivotal role in elevating your booths impact.

Understanding Exhibition Panels: Custom vs Standard

Exhibition panelsare the backbone of most trade show displays. They create your physical space, provide surfaces for your branding, and shape visitor experiences.

• Standard Panelsare pre-fabricated modular panels that come in fixed sizes and designs. They are commonly used in shell scheme booths and are usually supplied by event organisers.
  
  
• Custom Panelsare specially designed and fabricated to your specifications. They allow greater freedom in size, shape, material, and finish.

Choosing between these two depends on factors like budget, brand objectives, event type, and desired visual impact.

The Advantages of Standard Exhibition Panels

Standard panels are a popular choice for many exhibitors, especially smaller businesses or those new to exhibiting. Heres why:

1. Cost-Effectiveness

Standard panels are typically more affordable since they are mass-produced and readily available at most venues. If youre working with a limited budget, they offer a practical way to have a professional-looking booth without high upfront costs.

2. Convenience and Speed

Because standard panels are modular and often part of a shell scheme, setup and teardown are straightforward. This simplicity saves time and reduces logistical headaches, especially if you attend multiple shows in a year.

3. Compatibility

Standard panels fit well within exhibition halls designed around shell schemes, meaning you dont need custom stand builders or specialist equipment. This reduces complexity and potential issues on-site.

4. Easy to Update with Shell Scheme Graphics

You can customise standard panels appearance dramatically by applying high-quality shell scheme graphics. Vinyl wraps, fabric covers, or printed adhesive films allow you to brand your panels effectively while maintaining the structural simplicity of standard units.

The Drawbacks of Standard Panels

While practical, standard panels have limitations:

• Limited Design Flexibility:Their fixed sizes and shapes restrict creative freedom. Your booth may end up looking similar to others in the hall.
  
  
• Less Unique Brand Expression:Because many exhibitors use the same panels, its harder to make a distinctive impression solely with standard units.
  
  
• Surface Limitations:Some standard panels have surfaces that are less ideal for certain printing methods, potentially impacting the quality of your shell scheme graphics.

The Benefits of Custom Exhibition Panels

Custom panels offer a level of creativity and brand expression unmatched by standard options. Heres what you gain:

1. Unique Brand Presence

Custom panels can be tailored in shape, size, and materials, allowing your booth to become a one-of-a-kind brand environment. You can incorporate curves, angles, textures, and interactive elements that resonate with your brand ethos.

2. Enhanced Visual Impact

With bespoke design, your panels can showcase premium finishes, integrated lighting, and specialised print techniques that make your shell scheme graphics truly pop. This heightened visual appeal draws visitors in and holds their attention longer.

3. Better Use of Space

Custom fabrication lets you optimise your stands footprint according to the event layout and your display needs. Whether you want open spaces, private meeting areas, or product demos, custom panels accommodate these requirements seamlessly.

4. Long-Term Investment

If you exhibit regularly, investing in custom panels can offer long-term savings. You own a unique display that reinforces brand recognition year after year without relying on venue-provided shell schemes.

Challenges of Custom Panels

Custom panels also come with considerations:

• Higher Initial Cost:Bespoke fabrication requires a bigger upfront investment.
  
  
• Longer Lead Times:Designing, producing, and delivering custom panels take time, so advanced planning is essential.
  
  
• Increased Logistical Complexity:Transporting and installing unique panels can demand specialist handling and setup teams.

How Shell Scheme Graphics Enhance Both Panel Types

Regardless of panel choice,shell scheme graphicsremain vital for branding success. High-quality graphics transform blank panels into powerful marketing tools. They provide:

• Brand Messaging:Clear logos, taglines, and product information communicate your identity.
  
  
• Visual Appeal:Bold colours and striking images capture attention from across the exhibition floor.
  
  
• Professionalism:Crisp, well-printed graphics elevate your brands perceived value.
  
  

For standard panels, shell scheme graphics offer a cost-effective way to customise and refresh your look between shows. On custom panels, graphics can be seamlessly integrated into complex designs to maintain brand coherence.

Practical Tips for Choosing Between Custom and Standard Panels

1. Assess Your Budget and Frequency of Exhibiting

If you attend exhibitions sporadically or have a tight budget, standard panels with premiumshell scheme graphicscan deliver impressive results without overspending. Regular exhibitors benefit from investing in custom panels for consistent, memorable brand representation.

2. Consider Your Brand Positioning and Goals

Luxury or innovative brands often require bespoke panels that reflect their values and differentiate them from competitors. More straightforward brands or startups might prioritise practicality and flexibility, favouring standard panels.

3. Evaluate Event Requirements

Certain UK exhibitions require shell scheme arrangements featuring compulsory standard panels Others allow custom builds. Check venue rules and regulations before committing.

4. Factor in Logistics and Storage

Custom panels might require dedicated storage space and specialised transport arrangements. Standard panels are often easier to handle and store, especially if rented.

5. Collaborate with Designers and Printers

Work closely with your design and print teams to understand how your graphics will adapt to panel types. Innovative shell scheme graphics solutions exist to enhance both standard and custom panels effectively.

Future Trends in Exhibition Panels and Graphics

Advances in materials and printing technologies are blurring the lines between custom and standard panels. For instance, modular panels fitted with replaceable graphic skins provide a hybrid approach, blending adaptability with customised visual impact.

Sustainable materials and eco-friendly printing practices are also gaining importance in the UK exhibition market, encouraging brands to consider environmentally responsible options for their panels and graphics.

Conclusion

Deciding whether to use custom or standard exhibition panels relies on factors such as your brand image, budget constraints, how often you exhibit, and the specific needs of each event. Both options have their strengths, but in either case, investing in high-quality shell scheme graphics is crucial to maximise impact.

Custom panels provide unparalleled brand expression and lasting impression, while standard panels paired with professional graphics offer affordability and ease. For expert guidance and bespoke printing services that bring your exhibition vision to life, the Board Printing Company stands ready to support your UK events and help you shine.