Shell scheme vs custom stand
don't settle for the grey walls.
A shell scheme is the plain booth the organiser provides; a custom stand is the one people remember; and there's a middle move most exhibitors overlook. Don't settle for the grey walls.
Home›Guides›Shell Scheme vs Custom
Most shows include a shell scheme by default: aluminium poles, white infill walls, a fascia name board, maybe a couple of spotlights. It's functional and cheap, but it's identical to every other booth in the hall. A custom stand throws that template out and builds something designed purely for your brand — at a higher cost and longer lead time. DISPLAYD does both ends, and the bit in between.
That in-between is the shell scheme upgrade: we take the structure you've already paid the organiser for and dress it with branded graphics, lighting, a better fascia and feature elements, so a stock booth starts working like a designed one for a fraction of a full custom budget.
Compare the three honestly against your space, your spend and how much the stand has to lift the brand on the day.
In detailThe short version
Shell scheme
The organiser's standard booth. Cheapest and included in many packages, but generic grey-and-white walls that blend straight into the row beside you.
Custom stand
A stand designed and built for your brand alone. Strongest impact and full design freedom, with the higher cost and longer lead time that come with it.
Shell scheme upgrade (DISPLAYD)
Keep the booth you've paid for and transform it with branded graphics, lighting and features. Custom-grade presence without the full custom price.
FAQCommon questions
Can you upgrade a shell scheme I've already booked?
Yes. That's exactly what our shell scheme upgrades do. We work within the organiser's existing structure and rules to add graphics, lighting, fascia and feature elements.
Is an upgrade much cheaper than going custom?
Usually, because you're enhancing a structure you've already paid for rather than building one from scratch. We'll quote both so you can see the difference clearly.
When should I skip the shell and go fully custom?
When the space is large, the brand needs to dominate, or you want features a fixed booth can't accommodate. For smaller stands, an upgrade often delivers most of the impact.
ReferencesUseful links
RelatedKeep exploring
More exhibition stand & activation services
DISPLAYD designs, fabricates, prints and installs exhibition stands and brand environments across Australia. Explore the full range of what the studio builds:
Exhibition stands by city:
By topic, keyword & location: