From Minimalist Displays to Baroque Showpieces – How to Match Your Stand Style to Your Brand

Feeling a little tense about designing your exhibition stand? Relax – you’re not alone. Most brands fall into the same trap: they see their products but have no idea how to present them. At adsystem, we know that feeling all too well. That's why we created this guide! Learn how to match your stand’s style to your brand – without getting lost along the way or disappearing into the crowd.

When choosing a stand style, it’s easy to get swept up in inspiration. The temptation is real – after all, picking panel colors is easier than asking yourself the crucial question: why am I even going to this event?

Before you sketch anything, set the basics. How much space do you have? Who will be exhibiting next to you? Is it mainly a sales event, or more about networking? What do you want your visitors to remember?

Think about whether you want to create an atmosphere, showcase a product, or simply have relaxed conversations with your clients. Your stand concept will come together faster if you know what your visitors expect, how much space you have, and... where your budget ends.

Designing a stand is like solving a puzzle. It must fit not only your brand but also the realities of the event, logistics, and how you work with clients. So before you choose the style, define the goal. Everything else comes afterwards.

Your stand communicates faster than any salesperson. The only question is: what do you want it to say on your behalf?

"We know what we’re doing and we’ve mastered the offline space" – that’s what a well-thought-out stand with areas for meetings, catalogues, and displays communicates. "We have a good offer, but threw this together at the last minute" – sadly, that comes across too.

Not all trade shows are the same – match your stand to the event

Take jewelry trade shows, for example. These are events where the stand style immediately signals not only the type of product but also how the brand views its customers.

Premium jewelry exhibitors usually go for smooth surfaces, muted colors, and elegant lighting. The message is clear: this is a high-end offer, all about quality and precision.

Brands offering everyday jewelry often opt for a more open and informal layout. Visitors feel comfortable approaching, asking questions, and touching products. The style promotes accessibility – and encourages interaction without pressure.

Some brands build their identity around craftsmanship, symbolism, and personal storytelling. Their stands often feature natural materials, irregular displays, and soft, scattered lighting. The design itself suggests that every product has a story – and that the brand isn't chasing trends, but creating its own world.

And this is exactly where smart exhibition solutions come into play.

Exhibition stands in practice – show how you think about your product

Exhibition stands offer the greatest opportunity to build a premium brand image. A large, roofed construction with a dedicated back area and display units fits luxury brands perfectly. It creates a sense of exclusivity and allows you to fully control what visitors experience.

Layouts based on lightboxes allow for more freedom and creative expression – especially when arranged irregularly, at angles for example. We showcased such a setup at the I Love Marketing conference. This style says: "we do things our way."

The space isn’t rigid – it’s dynamic, engaging, full of nuances. Ideal for original, artistically inspired jewelry brands.

Meanwhile, combining LED lightboxes with promotional counters helps create a clear, cohesive, and easy-to-navigate layout. A style that keeps the focus on the product – minimalistic but with elegance.

Each exhibition system lets you tell a different story.

If after reading all this you're thinking, "Okay, but how do I actually put it all into practice?" – this part is for you.

The style of your stand is the result of many decisions – some obvious, like color choice, and others more subtle, like space layout or the underlying message. Here are a few rules to help you approach it without chaos or unnecessary compromises:

With the right questions and consistent decisions, your stand style will stop being a problem – and become your advantage. And if you're still not sure where to start, remember: this is exactly the right time to talk to someone who knows the industry inside out.