You’ve got an event coming up. You want to make an impact. But which type of stand actually makes sense for your brand, your goals – and your budget?
At Tecna, we’ve spent years helping brands bring their exhibitions to life. Now it’s your turn. Let’s explore which stand will work harder for your business – modular or custom.
What Is a Modular Exhibition Stand?
A modular exhibition stand is a flexible, reconfigurable system made up of pre-designed components that slot together to create a complete display. But don’t let the word “modular” fool you – these stands are anything but off-the-shelf.
They’re fully customisable. From the layout and height to the lighting and graphics, every element can be tailored to suit your brand, your space, and your message. You get structure and creativity, all in one adaptable system.
Advantages of Modular Exhibition Stands
Why are more and more brands choosing modular stands?
Striking Designs Without Breaking the Budget
With interchangeable panels, high-impact graphics, lighting options, and custom finishes, modular stands can deliver strong visual impact – but using a reuseable system, provides a more cost effective alternative to a disposable stand. Want bold branding? Clean architectural lines? Modular delivers.
Fits Any Space
Every show is different. One month you’ve got a compact corner plot, next time it’s a wide open 6×6 island stand.
Modular systems are made to flex. The same set of components can be rearranged to suit different floorplans, allowing you to maximise your presence, no matter the shape or size of your space. This adaptability means you’re not locked into a single format. Your stand can evolves with your exhibition calendar, without the need for redesigning from scratch each time.
Easy Setup
Modular displays are designed with setup in mind. Most systems are tool-free or use quick-lock mechanisms, meaning your team (or the event crew) can install and dismantle in record time. Fewer hours spent on-site also means lower labour costs and more time focusing on your visitors.
Sustainable by Design
Modular exhibition stands naturally support sustainable exhibiting as the systems are reuseable. At Tecna, our systems are built using recyclable yet long-life materials like aluminium and if you only need the stand once, the components can be reused by our team – minimising waste and environmental impact.
Lightweight and Compact
Moving from one venue to the next? Modular stands are designed to travel. Components are lightweight, and many systems break down into compact, stackable cases or flight boxes, perfect for easy shipping or storage. This can significantly reduce freight costs and make life easier if you’re exhibiting internationally.
Disadvantages of Modular Exhibition Stands
Like any flexible system, modular stands come with a few practical considerations.
Complicated Setup for Large Stands
Modular stands are quick to assemble when working with smaller layouts but if you’re scaling up, setup can become more complex.
That doesn’t make modular less suitable. It just means factoring in more time or additional support. Many suppliers, us included, offer full build and dismantle services, making it easy to manage even the most ambitious designs. With the right team in place, complexity becomes an opportunity, not a challenge.
Maintenance Requirements
One of the biggest benefits of modular stands is that they’re built to be used again and again so if you want to purchase an exhibition stand, then modular is definitely the way to go. But with repeated use comes the need for a bit of upkeep.
Expect to give your stand a check before each event or trade show. Make sure that everything still works as it should, that no connectors have loosened, and that your graphics still look the part. After a full day on the show floor, it’s also worth checking for any wear and tear before packing it away.
What Is a Custom Exhibition Stand?
A custom exhibition stand is a one-off build, designed entirely from scratch. Every detail – from structure and materials to layout and lighting – is created around a single brand’s vision and event goals.
For businesses with highly specific ideas or a one-off campaign, custom-built stands allow for total control over the look and feel. Whilst modular exhibition stands can be custom, traditional custom exhibition stands are disposable stands made for one off use.
Advantages of Custom Exhibition Stands
What do you gain from choosing a custom built stand?
Fully Bespoke Build
Custom exhibition stands are built from the ground up, with no fixed systems or structural limitations – allowing for complete control over the physical design. They’re often used when the brief calls for something specific to a single event – where the design is tied closely to the space, the campaign, or the experience being delivered.
Choice of Materials
With a custom build, you’re not working with standard components – so there’s more freedom in the materials and structures used. Whether it’s timber, steel, cardboard or glass, custom builds allow for layouts and finishes that are less common in reusable systems.
Unique Structural Features
If you’re looking to incorporate standout architectural features like double-decker layouts, a custom build can make that possible. These designs are often limited to custom-only projects due to their complexity and architectural and load-bearing requirements.
Disadvantages of Custom Exhibition Stands
Here’s what you need to know before investing in a custom exhibition stand design.
Higher Upfront Costs
Bespoke exhibition stands often come with a higher price tag. Every element is built from scratch, so design, materials, construction, and labour can quickly add up. For businesses with strict budgets or plans to exhibit frequently, the investment may be harder to justify.
Longer Design and Build Times
Because custom stands are developed from the ground up, the process takes time. Planning needs to start earlier, and timelines longer than with modular systems. That can be challenging for businesses working to tight deadlines or juggling multiple events in a short window.
Not Designed For Reuse
Once the event ends, these stands are usually dismantled and disposed of. The materials might be high quality, but the design itself isn’t built with future use in mind. This makes long-term storage, reconfiguration, or repurposing difficult.
It also raises questions from a sustainability point of view. Discarding structures after just one show contributes to unnecessary waste, especially in an industry that’s starting to place more value on responsible, lower-impact exhibiting.
Complex Setup
Installing a custom stand typically requires a larger team, more time, and more coordination on-site. The build process may involve specialised equipment or additional safety considerations, which can increase both cost and complexity. For teams used to a straightforward setup, this can be a noticeable shift.
How to Choose the Right Stand for Your Business
There’s no universal right answer, but asking the right questions can lead you to the stand that fits your goals, your budget, and your future plans.
Here’s what to ask yourself:
What Kind of Budget Am I Working With?
If you have a mid budget or need to maximise value across multiple events, a modular stand makes more financial sense. The upfront cost is lower, and the design and components can be reused and reconfigured again and again. A custom stand, on the other hand, may offer visual impact – but at a higher price, and often for just one use.
How Often Will I Be Exhibiting?
Exhibiting regularly? This is where modular stands shine. If you want to rent, you can design across all events using one system which will make the overall cost more effective. Buying your exhibition stand? Modular stands are easy to pack down, transport, and reconfigure, ideal for brands moving from one venue to the next.
But what if it’s just a one-off event?
Custom built exhibition stands work well, but many businesses still choose modular. Even if you don’t plan to reuse the stand yourself, the components can often be repurposed by the supplier, making it a more cost-effective and sustainable choice.
Will My Stand Space Stay the Same At Every Venue?
Modular stands are ideal if your space changes from show to show. A custom stand is typically designed for one specific layout, meaning it might not adapt easily if your next venue has different dimensions.
How Important is Visual Impact?
If your brand needs to make a statement, a custom stand gives you total design freedom. But don’t underestimate what a well-designed modular stand can do.
With the right team, modular doesn’t mean limited. In fact, it can unlock surprising flexibility and flair. You can add custom elements to a modular build such as custom woodwork, signage or LED walls. From striking structures to interactive elements, a modular approach can deliver the wow factor and give you added versatility, easier transport, and better long-term value.
It’s Time to Rethink What an Exhibition Stand Can Do
Your stand shouldn’t just fill space – it should spark something.
Ideas. Conversation. Momentum.
At Tecna, we combine big ideas with precision planning and flawless delivery. We design and build modular exhibition stands that are as impactful as they are responsible – stands that don’t just meet the brief, but push past it.
Whether you’re planning one event or a full exhibition calendar, we’re here to make every step smarter, bolder, and easier.
We think differently. Fast turnaround? Big ambition? Bring it on.
Frequently Asked Questions
You’ve got questions and we’ve got answers.
