Space-only exhibition stands
Space-only stands; with a blank canvas, the world is your oyster!
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What is a space-only exhibition stand?
Space-only is exactly that – it’s an allocated plot of exhibition space.
The space-only option allows you to book an area without any pre-existing structure. Most exhibition halls will have rows sectioned off, and organisers will sell space by the square metre.
If you opt for a space-only stand:
- Your space will be marked out with tape or chalk, ready for build.
- Stand space can be bought by the metre.
- Secure it quickly – there are always fewer space-only options.
- Exhibition stand design, build and installation.
- Enquiry to quote within 48hrs.
- See your stand pre-built before the installation.
- We cover all major exhibition locations.
- Excellent customer reviews.
- Experienced team.
- Guidance on how to maximise your stand for multiple exhibitions.
Why choose a space-only stand space?
- Personalise your space with a stand unique to your brand.
- Freedom and flexibility with design and build.
- Reconfigure your stand for different events.
- Create zoned areas for meetings and products.
One of the biggest advantages of a space-only stand is the complete creative freedom it provides. With no pre-built walls or the limitations on layout you’d get with a shell scheme, you have the flexibility to create a truly unique and impactful display which showcases your brand’s identity.
They also enable you to create a fully immersive experience for visitors. From product displays and demos, to fitting vehicles and heavy machinery on the stand; you can have everything you need – even the kitchen sink (no joke!).
Another benefit of opting for a space-only exhibition stand is that it’s often more cost-effective than selecting a pre-built shell scheme. Rather than paying for pre-built walls, flooring and fixtures that may not align with your needs, you only pay for the space you want and the stand elements you need.
A space-only stand can also help your brand make an impression in a crowded exhibition hall as they often have better, more central positions.
By creating a striking and memorable design, you’ll attract more visitors and make a lasting impression on potential customers.
In addition, space-only stands put you in control of the materials you use on your stand from the ground up.
What’s possible with space-only?
Anything and everything. The only limit is your imagination. But don’t just take our word for it – look below for fantastic space-only exhibition stands we’ve designed and built.
Street food scene
This brand wanted to recreate a street food vibe to match their range of seasonings. Cue a custom-branded trailer, decking and picnic benches with free food!
Food theatre
This modular stand took food demos to another level with a camera positioned over the grill, streaming a live cooking feed to a large screen behind the chef.

Machinery
All-Fill made sure show visitors saw their powder-filling machine from a distance at their exhibition in Germany.

Vehicles
Need to fit a car, or large equipment, into your show space? No problem! Andersen EV wanted to showcase their car-charging product; they turned heads by placing an electric Porsche on their stand.

Motive were amazing from start to finish. We had so many positive comments about the stand.
The customer service was second-to-none. After a few bad experiences with other companies, this was a welcome relief.
Genuinely lovely people who put everything into it and were just easy to work with.”
ready to bring your brand to life?
Whatever size space you’ve booked – whether it’s a large island at a big trade show or a small space outdoors – we create space-only exhibition stands which are interesting, unique and true to your brand.
Our team combines different build techniques and stand elements to create space-only exhibition stands which can be reconfigured and reused for multiple exhibitions, meaning you get more for your investment.


Not sure how much space to book or what stand’s right for you?
If you’re unsure which space or stand is right for you, contact us, and we’ll gladly talk you through your options. With your brief in mind, we’ll give you the pros and cons of different sizes and stand types so you’re confident with your final choice.

They keep raising the bar every time"
“Wow, what can I say!
I have arrived today and the stand looks incredible. The team at Motive have done a fantastic job as always - they keep raising the bar every time.”
Gareth, UK Marketing Communications Manager, Danfoss
Brands we work with
Should you hire or own your stand?
Owning a custom stand or modular system will give you maximum flexibility and a totally bespoke approach. However, hiring an exhibition stand is a cost-effective, sustainable alternative if you don’t exhibit regularly, are new to exhibiting, or lack storage space. We design and build stands with sustainability in mind – a sustainable stand needn’t be more expensive to create.
We will combine bespoke and modular elements to make your stand environmentally friendly and reconfigurable for the future so you get more return and use from your investment.
Whichever option you choose, you can guarantee that we’ll work with you to produce a fantastic exhibition stand that works for you to connect with your customers.
What can I hire from you?
- Flexible modular exhibition stand framework.
- Furniture.
- Video wall.
- Light wall.
- TVs, iPads, interactive screens – even 4g wi-fi dongles.
- Lighting.
- Flooring.
- Fridge.
- Games to create an interactive stand.
- Shelving and even kitchen cabinets.



Prepare for a stress-free exhibition stand design experience
Whether this is your first exhibition or you are a seasoned show-goer, we want your experience to be as stress-free as possible.
We start by finding out how often you’ll exhibit, how much you want to spend and what you want to achieve from your show/exhibition calendar. We’ll then create a design that fits your brief and build a stand that ticks all the boxes – and trust us; there’s a stand design for every budget!
During your time with us, you’ll have a dedicated project manager to support you through the entire process, from design to installation. We’ll also invite you to see your exhibition stand constructed in our workshop before its final installation, leaving you to focus on preparing your team and getting ready to meet your stand visitors.
With us, you won’t get lost in the system, overlooked and passed between sales, account managers and onsite teams all telling you different things. Instead, every member of our team becomes familiar with our stands – regardless of the size and spend of our client – meaning you’ll get the same information from everyone you speak to!
If you’re tight on time, busy running your business or new to exhibiting and feel out of your depth, we’ll give you the guidance and support you need to ensure you feel at ease and that everything is in hand.
Rest assured, we’ve got your events covered throughout the year
One of the significant benefits our clients enjoy is knowing we have their stand under control for every exhibition in their sales and marketing calendar.
We’ll give you a nudge when we need to discuss your next exhibition; we’ll manage the confusing paperwork (who wants to know about ‘RAMs’ anyway?); organise the correct power for the tech you want on your stand, and install and dismantle everything.


We help you every step of the way
Whatever stage you’re at – researching, planning or looking for inspiring ideas – our blog is where we share tips, tricks and advice.
Get in touch
Please get in touch to discuss how we can make your exhibition stand pop while attracting visitors and showcasing your brand.
01480 597444
Frequently Asked Questions
what different types of exhibition stands are there?
Modular exhibition stands
A modular stand is an exhibition system comprising different blocks that can be reconfigured to fit different exhibition spaces without compromising on the graphics.
Custom-built trade show stands
A purpose-built exhibition booth customised to your exhibition space and target audience and totally unique to your brand.
Looking for an exhibition space without sides? You need an island site – as the name suggests, it has no sides and usually, you can walk around every side.
Shell scheme exhibition booth
A shell scheme refers to the preassigned space that the exhibition organisers allocate you. This blank canvas is ready for you to plan and create your exhibition space.
Give me more detail!
Guide to different types of exhibition stand
Shell scheme or space only – what’s the difference?
The secret to a successful custom exhibition stand
Insider’s guide to modular stand hire
How much does a custom stand cost?
Do you store exhibition stands?
Yes, of course! The vast majority of stands we build now take up very little storage space, which saves you money and reduces the risk of your stand getting damaged when you’re not using it.
Can we hire furniture from you?
Stand furniture hire
Another resounding yes. We want to give you the best value for money. We don’t believe it makes sense to buy furniture for it only to be used for a few days of the year, which is why we offer a hire service.
What’s the difference between a bespoke exhibition stand and a custom stand?
motive exhibitions, 1 orion court, eaton socon, st neots PE19 8YU