13 Original Stand Design Ideas to Elevate Your Trade Show Presence
Design a stand that captures and engages
At a trade show, your booth is more than just an exhibition space: it's an immersive showcase of your brand and a unique opportunity to grab attention and engage your audience.
But how can you truly stand out when every brand is trying to do the same?
At PLUO, we’ve designed custom stands for renowned brands like Volkswagen, Audi, Toyota, LKQ, and SunChemical, blending impactful design, modularity, and interactivity with innovation.
In this article, discover 13 original stand design ideas—tested and approved at major trade shows with PLUO creations—that will help you make a lasting impression at your next event.
1. Use a showstopping eye-catcher to grab attention
Picture yourself at the Brussels Auto Show 2024 and 2025. A massive stand instantly draws your eye: a giant elliptical structure stands at the center, dramatically lit or covered in lush greenery. This bold centerpiece, designed for Toyota, naturally attracted visitors, curious to explore what lay behind this striking architectural piece.
A well-thought-out eye-catcher can transform an ordinary stand into a landmark, inviting passersby to stop and engage. Sculptural shapes, immersive screens, or impactful lighting installations are great elements to anchor your booth design.Other original stand examples by PLUO: :
- LKQ Autotechnika BXL → A giant 6-meter Rubik’s Cube, creatively structuring the space.
- Pierret Batimat Paris → A 3D immersive screen, playing with optical illusions to grab attention.
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2. Create a unique, immersive theme for your stand
A themed booth instantly immerses visitors in your world and strengthens your brand identity. At Autotechnika Brussels, LKQ recreated a garage atmosphere with industrial elements and realistic metallic effects, reflecting its sector.
Whether futuristic, industry-inspired, or creatively conceptual, sensory immersion heightens emotional impact and draws visitors in.
Other themed stand examples by PLUO:
● Chimay at Horecatel → Brewery-inspired theme, showcasing artisanal craftsmanship and authenticity.
● D’Ieteren Lounge au Salon de L’Auto à Bruxelles → Cozy, high-end library atmosphere for exclusive conversations.
● John Martin’s Horeca Expo Gand → Authentic bar-style décor.
● Volkswagen sur le salon Mobicar → Forest-inspired bivouac theme.
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3. Embrace eco-friendly and modular designs
At CPHI Milan, Tereos created a sustainable stand featuring recycled wood seating, a reusable structure, and low-consumption LED lighting—strengthening their brand image while reducing their carbon footprint.
Today’s exhibitors seek sustainable, flexible solutions. Modular stands can be reused across multiple events, minimizing waste and costs.
At PLUO, we also optimize each design with a CO₂ impact calculator for more sustainable builds.
Other sustainable stand examples by PLUO :
- D’Ieteren at Brussels Auto Show → Recycled and reusable materials for all their brands (Volkswagen, Cupra, Skoda, Seat, Audi, Porsche, Lamborghini, Bentley, etc.).
- Milexia → Aluvision modular stand concept, adaptable from 18m² to 200m² across various exhibitions.
4. Create a Relaxing Lounge Area on Your Stand
Trade shows involve hours of walking and exploring dozens of stands. At Brussels Auto Show, D’Ieteren designed a premium lounge area—like a cozy retreat. Comfortable seating, soft lighting, and a warm ambiance turned their stand into a strategic space where visitors and partners could unwind and engage in conversation.
A well-designed relaxation zone encourages longer visits, fosters informal exchanges, and enhances the overall experience.Other examples of stands featuring lounge areas :
- Audi, Cupra, and D’Ieteren Luxury Brands at Brussels Auto Show → Comfortable lounges for visitors.
- Toyota at Brussels Auto Show and Odoo Experience Days → Spacious, comfortable lounge areas.
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5. Include private meeting spaces in your stand design
At In-Cosmetics Global Amsterdam, Ajinomoto incorporated enclosed, soundproof meeting rooms to conduct strategic discussions in a quiet setting.
In a bustling trade show environment, having a unique, calm space for serious talks is crucial.
Private areas can take the form of enclosed meeting rooms, acoustic booths, or semi-private lounges with partition screens.
Other examples of intimate stand layouts :
- SunChemical sur In-Cosmetics à Amsterdam → Intimate spaces fostering professional interactions.
- Graphic Packaging sur CPHI à Milan → Smartly designed 33m² stand with varying levels of openness for discussions.
- Tereos CPHI Milan → Greenery-filled benches and open spaces promoting conversation.
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6. Use bold shapes and structures
When SunChemical exhibited at In-Cosmetics Barcelona, their booth featured a striking tree-shaped entrance, symbolizing sustainability and beauty, instantly captivating visitors.
Bold, original shapes—suspended structures, futuristic arches, sculpted volumes—add dimension and character to any booth.
Other examples of standout structures by PLUO:
- Audi at Brussels Auto Show → Monumental arch structure creating depth and grandeur.
- SunChemical at European Coatings Show Nuremberg → Stand designed around giant symbolic trees.
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7. Incorporate interactive demonstrations
Nothing is more convincing than a live product demonstration.
Technichem integrated a test sink on their stand where visitors could directly handle their products—turning engagement into an experience.Interactive demos create memorable experiences, spark curiosity, and drive deeper engagement.
Other examples by PLUO :
- Milexia →Personalized discussion booths.
- AISIN Automechanika Frankfort → Illuminated tables showcasing products.
- Reynaers Aluminium at Batibouw Brussels → Booth designed for free, interactive exploration.
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8. Play with lighting and color to energize the stand
Dynamic lighting and contrasting colors immediately attract attention.
At Brussels Auto Show, SEAT used a vivid color scheme to enhance different areas and immerse visitors.
Effective lighting highlights products, creates ambiance, and adds depth.
Other examples by PLUO:
- Doyen Autotechnika at Bruxelles →Programmed light shows creating dynamic effects.
- Lexus at Brussels Auto Show → Illuminated profiles and backlit fabrics.
- Volkswagen at Brussels Auto Show and D'Ieteren Service Area → Striking, high-contrast lighting.
- Ekipdental at Dentex Brussels → Light animations with blue-toned pendants.
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9. Leverage innovative technologies for a modern stand
Immersive technologies captivate and engage visitors.
At Brussels Auto Show, Toyota wowed the audience with a giant curved screen offering a fully immersive brand experience.
Virtual reality, touchscreens, and dynamic lighting elevate interactions and strengthen brand impact.
Other examples by PLUO :
- Pierret Batimat Paris → 3D interactive screen for an immersive experience.
- Fermentis Brau Bievale → → Suspended cube screens broadcasting dynamic content.
- Doyen at Autotechnika à Bruxelles → Curved screens enhancing their conference area.
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10. Ensure clear and visible signage
Well-designed signage improves visibility and visitor navigation.
At Heavent Paris, we created a stand with a backlit 3D logo positioned high for immediate brand recognition.Hanging signs and well-placed information panels help visitors quickly understand your offering.
Other examples by PLUO :
- AISIN Automechanika Francfort → Suspended illuminated logo visible from all angles.
- Tereos CPHI Milan → Integrated LED signage for improved readability.
11. Choose modular, reusable stands with aluvision
Thanks to our partnership with Aluvision and our modular stand expertise, your booth can be adapted for each show.
Milexia used this concept to exhibit at multiple European events, adjusting size and layout as needed—reducing costs and environmental impact while ensuring consistent brand presentation.Other examples by PLUO :
- Graphic Packaging sur CPHI → Reused custom modular structures and displays
12. Offer refreshments to visitors
A refreshment area naturally draws visitors.
At Horeca Expo Ghent, Chimay set up a beer tasting area, transforming their stand into a lively meeting place.
Other examples by PLUO :
- John Martin Horeca Expo → Beer tasting bar with brewery ambiance.
- Seat Barcelone → Tapas-style bar area inspired by Catalonia.
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13. Organize animations and games on your stand
Creative activations instantly attract attention and encourage interaction.
At Brussels Auto Show, Volkswagen installed an interactive photo booth, generating traffic and viral content.Other examples by PLUO :- SEATat Brussels Auto Show → Electric skateboard demo ramp.
- Cupra at Brussels Auto Show → Immersive experience with interactive screens.
- Skoda at Brussels Auto Show → Professional bike races with prize giveaways.
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Create a stand that leaves a lasting impression
A well-designed stand isn't just about showcasing products—it's a strategic tool to attract, engage, and convert visitors.
By applying these 13 ideas, you can:
● Create a high-impact design (eye-catchers, bold structures, dynamic lighting).
● Strengthen your brand through interactive experiences (animations, clear signage, live demos).
● Choose a sustainable, flexible approach (modular stands, Aluvision solutions).
● Enhance the visitor experience with welcoming spaces (refreshment areas, lounges, meeting zones).
At PLUO, we design innovative, impactful, and reusable trade show stands tailored to your goals and the demands of professional exhibitions.
Contact us today to bring your project to life and maximize your trade show impact.