Pre-show FAQs

What can the following sockets be used for?

500w           Computer, fridge, phone charger, TV, DVD player, water cooler

1kw              Plasma screen, some small coffee machines, microwave, vacuum cleaner

3kw              Kettle, coffee machine

When in doubt, look on the back or bottom of the relevant appliance and it should tell you there. If you're still not sure, the show contractor will be happy to work this out for you.

What is a 13amp socket?

Every domestic socket is rated at 13amps, it is the wattage of the appliance which dictates the power required.

Can I use a four way adaptor?

Yes you can, but only from a 500w socket and it can't have a lead of more than 2 metres in length. You mustn't plug one 4 way adaptor into another either.

What sort of light should I have on my stand?

Different sorts of lights give a completely different feel to your stand. The standard types are as follows, but the show contractor will be able to advise you if you are looking for anything specific.

Fluorescent strips

These give a bright, overall throw of light to your stand and would be suitable if you wanted to light the entire area.

Fluorescent strips can also be used in light boxes and under bar counters to provide a general throw of light.

120w spotlights

These are great when you want a subtler form of lighting. Used on a lighting track, they can be positioned to provide general stand lighting or positioned to light specific products, or graphics.

For general lighting, we would advise that you order 1 no 120w spotlight for 3 square metres of stand space.

Used with extension arms, they can be affixed to the top of your shell scheme to light specific panels or graphics. If used with extension arms, we would advise that you order 1 no 120w spot per 1m panel.

50w spotlights

These are very similar to 120w spotlights in terms of how they can be used, but they provide a much more specific, pin pointed light.

They can also be used as up or downlighters.

What can I use to stick things to my shell scheme panel?

For shell schemes with foamex infill panels, you can use the following methods to affix items to your walls:

Blutack, Velcro, Sellotape and sticky pads.

You can't use the following:

Screws, nails, staples, tacks or glue

For shell schemes with wood based infills, you can use any of the above methods except for glue, but please check the weight of your exhibits and whether the system will hold them before you start to fix them.

The exhibit I want to display exceeds the shell scheme height; do I have to have the fascia and ceiling grid?

You need to get permission from the organiser and then inform the shell scheme contractor in writing. However, depending on the configuration of your stand, they may need to include additional supports and bracing

What do I need to order to create a storage area on my stand?

You'll need to order additional shell scheme panels and a lockable door or a curtain.

I've ordered a secure counter, am I allowed to attach my own graphic panel?

Yes, but please have a look at what methods you can use to attach your graphics.

I want to paint my shell scheme stand, am I allowed to?

Normally, you can have your panels painted but the shell scheme contractor has to do it for you.  

What would I need a 100mm platform for?

100mm platforms are ideal for concealing unsightly runs of cabling or pipe work. You would also need to order a platform if you want a socket anywhere other than running down your back wall. Your order for 100mm platform will normally come with black painted skirting but not aluminium edging. You should also let your carpet contractor know if you're having a platform.

What would I need 18mm floor flats for?

18mm floor flats need to be ordered if the venue has existing carpet laid to the hall floor. These are laid over the existing hall carpet, and then your choice of carpet is laid to them. You can order this by the square metre, but the price doesn't include aluminium edging.

I've got some graphics which I need to hang from my stand, how can I do this?

Depending on the size and weight of the graphics panels, you've got a number of options:

Suspension chains

You can fix your graphics using suspension chains, which hang from the top of the shell scheme walls, check with your shell scheme contractor of the weight loading. You will need to have a string or wire to the back of your graphic to use these.

Graphic Retainers

These are ideal for heavier graphics, 2mm to 22mm in thickness. Four of these are required per graphic panel, but you won't need strings or wires to the back of your graphics.

Graphic printed direct to the shell scheme panel

If your graphics are large, or you want to cover multiple panels, then an easy and effective way to do this would be to get your images printed straight onto the shell scheme panels themselves. Enquire with the relevant shell scheme contractor.

NB: The answers to these questions have been based on the experience of Early Action Group. You are advised to confirm with the show organiser/contractor to ensure that this is the case on the event you are exhibiting at.