A Shell Scheme Stand Arrives Finished, and the Exhibitor Manual Says What You Cannot Do to It

Shell scheme is often described as the stand that needs no planning. The organiser supplies walls, a nameboard, carpet, lighting and a socket, and the exhibitor turns up with products. The exhibitor manual tells a different story. It sets deadlines, limits what can be attached to the walls and prices extras, and it does all of that before the exhibitor has seen the stand.

What the Package Usually Contains

Packages are small and specific. At the BOA Annual Congress 2025, the shell scheme included walls, a nameboard, three spotlights and one 500W power socket, and furniture was not included. The Speciality and Fine Food Fair lists grey carpet, LED spotlights, a fascia and nameboard and a socket depending on size, with stands up to 2.9 square metres getting two spotlights and no socket listed, and larger stands getting more lights and one 500W socket. The shell scheme guide covers the package in general, but the pattern across manuals is the same: the basics are there, and anything else is an order.

The Rules Sit on the Walls

Walls are where exhibitors most often get caught out. The BOA manual says nails, screws, staples and glue are not allowed on the panels, that Velcro tape or tabs are sold on site, and that all damage is charged to the exhibitor. The panels join through aluminium uprights that stand 20mm proud, so larger graphics need advice from the show’s contractor before they are printed, not after. A graphics order that ignores the uprights arrives as a flat panel that will not sit flat.

Names follow a similar pattern. The BOA nameboard shows up to 32 characters, the form is due by 15 August for a September show, and the board cannot be changed on site. If the form is missed, the name comes from the contract.

Power Is Sized for Small Things

A 500W socket suits computers, televisions, small spotlights and a fridge. The Speciality and Fine Food Fair manual notes that a filter coffee machine needs 1000W, a kettle or machinery up to 2000W needs a 2000W supply, and hired coffee machines can need 3000W. Extra lights and sockets are ordered from the show’s electrical contractor, early bird orders carry a deadline, and later orders cost 20% more. The electrics post shows how much that step can add. Shelves, storage and worktops are separate orders too.

Deadlines Come Before the Stand

Manuals also bind exhibitors to paperwork. The BOA manual asks for health and safety declarations and risk assessments from all exhibitors, due 28 July 2025, with items non-transferable and cancellations non-refundable. The exhibitor manual paperwork post goes through the forms. Own floor covering brings no refund, as the Speciality and Fine Food Fair manual states.

What to Check Before Upgrading

Before paying a builder to upgrade a shell scheme, read the manual for what the panels allow, which graphics need approval, what the package leaves out and which dates apply. A good upgrade works with those rules. If a shell scheme stand is booked and the upgrade is open, get in touch with Stand Between and we will introduce builders who know the panels and deadlines.