Exhibition stands are all about catching eyes and drawing interest, so it stands to reason that the bigger a stand is, the better. Right?
Well, not quite. A larger footprint can help you get seen by more people, but it doesn’t always result in more meaningful engagement. What really makes a difference is the quality of your small exhibition stand design, particularly how well the space is used to tell your story, showcase your brand, and invite interaction.
Whether you’re working with time constraints, a tighter budget, or a compact space allocation, you can still make a big impact with a cleverly designed small stand. In fact, small exhibition stands come with their own advantages: they’re more cost-effective, quicker to set up, and easier to manage throughout the event. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), as of March 2024, there were approximately 2.72 million VAT and/or PAYE-registered businesses in the UK, with SMEs constituting a significant majority.
At Extreme Group, we’ve spent years designing, building, and managing exhibition stands of all shapes and sizes, including ultra-compact, high-performance ones. Here are three tried-and-tested ways to get the most out of your small exhibition stand.
1. Plan your layout carefully
When space is tight, every inch matters – so layout planning becomes absolutely essential.
Yes, you’ll need the basics, like tables and seating, but think strategically. Your most important assets – whether that’s a hero product, demo area, or digital display – should be front and centre. Visibility is key, especially when you have less square footage to work with. A 2025 report by Cvent indicates that 87% of attendees consider discovering new products a crucial aspect of in-person events, highlighting the need for prominent and accessible displays.
For example, if you’re launching a new product, place it where it naturally draws foot traffic and make sure signage is clear and informative. Avoid hiding it behind furniture or obscure panels.
Remember the visitor experience. Crowded stands feel uninviting, so allow enough room for both staff and visitors to move around comfortably. A well-spaced booth feels more open and professional, even if it’s compact.
Need help mapping your space? Check out our guide to planning your exhibition stand layout for layout tips that suit every stand size.
2. Use space-saving signage
Signage plays a huge role in pulling people in and reinforcing brand recognition, but floor space is at a premium with a small stand.
To keep things efficient and effective, opt for vertical banners or pop-up displays. These maintain a strong visual impact without eating into your usable floor area. Want to go even further? Hanging signage suspended above your stand is a powerful way to get noticed from across the exhibition hall – all without using up a single square metre below.
Clever signage maximises visibility and helps keep your design clean, professional, and free from clutter, which is a must for small exhibition spaces.
3. Incorporate multi-purpose furniture
Furniture takes up space. However, when chosen smartly, it can work harder for you.
Look for multi-purpose furniture with built-in storage, like ottomans that double as cupboards or benches with lift-up lids. This reduces the need for extra shelving or storage units, freeing up valuable floor space. A 2025 trends report by the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) emphasises the rise of micro-events, which prioritise intimate settings and efficient use of space, making multi-purpose furniture increasingly valuable.
You can also invest in collapsible or stackable furniture. These can be hidden or adjusted as needed, offering layout flexibility throughout the day. This can prove especially useful during peak hours or scheduled demonstrations.
With the right furniture choices, your small exhibition stand can stay clutter-free while remaining fully functional.
Talk to the experts in space-saving event stand design
Now that you’ve read through our top tips, we hope you feel more confident about making a big impact with your small exhibition stand design. And if you’d prefer to leave the details to the experts – we’ve got you covered.
At Extreme Group, we specialise in clever, compact exhibition stand designs that blend technology, creativity, and practicality. Our team will work closely with you to create a bespoke stand that not only fits your space but helps your brand stand out in any crowd. Don’t just take our word for it. Explore our case studies to see how we’ve helped businesses just like yours elevate their exhibition presence.
Ready to get started? Request a callback below or give us a ring on 01202 620550. We’re always happy to talk through ideas and design the perfect small stand for your next big event.
