WRITTEN BY // JESSICA HEATHCOTE
REPUBLISHED: APRIL 2025
Exhibitions and trade shows are important opportunities for brands to showcase their products and services to potential customers. One of the many key considerations when formulating your custom exhibition and display strategy is considering whether to rig or not to rig?
From greater visibility and improved aesthetics to more flexibility and creating that competitive advantage, there are many associated benefits with custom exhibition stand rigging. Rigged banners, lighting or structures can not only help enhance the visual impact of a custom exhibition stand it can also be a complex and costly process that requires careful planning.
We’ve rounded up our expert team of project managers and exhibition producers to give you their top tips to help you consider if rigging is right for your brand when formulating your next custom exhibition brief.
Do I need rigging for my custom exhibition stand?
The answer to this question ultimately depends on your exhibition objectives. Do you want to make a visually engaging and impactful brand statement? Increase visibility and draw people to your stand? Create a memorable brand story that leaves a lasting impression on visitors? You want your exhibition stand rigging to create a clear visual hierarchy from floor to ceiling and vice versa.
Anne Evers, General Manager Sales explains:
“It’s free real estate above your stand. This space is often overlooked, but it can be a valuable resource if you’re looking at ways to maximise your selling potential.”
It’s also important to assess the brand benefits against your budget to ensure you achieve a strong return on investment without compromising on the quality of your display. Having built over 12,000 display projects in a range of convention and exhibition centres as well as unique venues nationwide, our team have the expertise and knowledge to help guide you on the best possible choice specific to your brand and goals for the show.
What can be rigged above an exhibition stand?
When rigging for an exhibition stand, elements that can create an impactful brand statement may include audio-visual equipment, signage, lighting, draping, and decor. At DisplayWise, we’ve worked with our certified rigging partners on just about everything from the traditional signage banners, large LED screens and lighting through to chain metal draping for Hafele and metal extrusion with sheer coloured fabric for QCells. However, the capability of your exhibition stand rigging space all depends on your floor plan location.
CLIENT SPOTLIGHT : QCELLS AT ALL ENERGY
Qcells partnered with DisplayWise at All Energy to create a striking exhibition stand that maximised brand visibility and impact. With a focus on bold architectural design and strategic use of height, our team delivered a stunning exhibition stand rigging layout that not only reinforced Qcells‘ brand identity but also captured attention from across the show floor.
At the core of the design was a 3-metre-high matt black steel-framed rigging structure, extending the stand’s total height to over 6.5 metres for maximum presence. To further enhance the display, translucent printed fabric in Qcells‘ signature cool ombre hues was rigged at varying heights, creating an eye-catching, layered effect. This was complemented by strategically positioned acrylic sheets, showcasing the Qcells logo at both ends of the stand, adding an extra dimension to the intricate rigging design.
Looking to elevate your exhibition stand presence? Contact DisplayWise today to discover how we can bring your brand to life with impactful rigging and stand design.
Does stand location matter in exhibition rigging?
The short answer is yes. Stand location is critical to rigging costs and some exhibition venues have restrictions on rigging points and weight capacity too, which can limit your options for rigging. If your custom exhibition stand is close to rigging points then it is easier and therefore less in labour costs to incorporate this into your space. At DisplayWise, we’ve worked in every exhibition and convention centre across the country, so we can offer advice and recommendations on the available stand location options for your brand.
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How much budget should I allocate to stand rigging?
Exhibition stand rigging can be expensive so investing in rigging is an important decision. The budget required for rigging will depend on several factors, such as the size and complexity of your exhibition stand, the amount and type of rigging equipment required, the venue restrictions, and the duration of the exhibition. As an initial guide, we’d recommend 20-30% of your budget be allocated to this line item. With over twenty years of advice and bespoke solutions, our team can help you optimise your exhibition stand rigging budget to ensure you make the most out of your show experience without compromising on aesthetics.
What other rigging design elements do I need to consider?
This is our speciality! One of the benefits of exhibition stand rigging is that it provides greater flexibility in terms of design and layout. When your display is suspended from the ceiling, you’re not limited by floor space, which means you can get really creative with your stand design. Our highly skilled Industrial Design team take the time to understand your brand and exhibition objectives to help you visually tell your story. We’ll work with you to develop and refine ideas and give guidance on the most impactful way to utilise the area above your stand.
CLIENT SPOTLIGHT : QATAR TOURISM AT AIME
When OP3 approached DisplayWise to bring Qatar Tourism’s vision to life at AIME 2023, the brief pushed the boundaries of innovation and production. The goal was to create a premium exhibition experience that embodied the sophistication and elegance of visiting Qatar.
Every element of the stand was meticulously crafted to enhance brand presence from illuminated logos and custom fabrics through to precision-cut acrylic text and vinyl applications. However, the standout feature was the impressive 5m x 2m overhead curved screen, seamlessly integrated within a custom-painted shroud, displaying dynamic bursts of imagery and messaging from the “Visit Qatar” campaign. Through a fusion of immersive digital elements and high-end craftsmanship, DisplayWise helped Qatar Tourism captivate AIME visitors and make an undeniable impact at one of the industry’s premier events.
Looking to create an unforgettable brand experience for your next exhibition? Get in touch with DisplayWise to explore how we can bring your vision to life.
Ultimately, if you want to elevate your exhibition stand presence this year then considering rigging in your brief could significantly enhance your brand’s presence. However, this approach involves complexities and costs that necessitate careful planning. By understanding the intricacies of rigging and collaborating with experienced professionals, you can create an impactful display that captivates your audience and effectively showcases your brand’s vision. For expert guidance on integrating rigging into your exhibition strategy, contact the DisplayWise team today to ensure your stand is the talk of the show.
