Quick summary: A booth is a display space assigned to a single exhibitor inside an exhibition or event, where a company shows its products and services and meets visitors. The most common exhibition booth types are the inline booth, corner booth, peninsula booth and island booth. Each type differs in how many sides are open to the aisles, its typical size and the height allowed for the design.
If you are preparing for a trade show in Saudi Arabia, the word booth will come up in every conversation with organizers and contractors. This guide explains what a booth means, the main exhibition booth types with their standard sizes, how a booth differs from a photo booth, and how to choose the right booth for your next exhibition.
What does booth mean?
Merriam-Webster defines a booth as "a stall or stand (as at a fair) for the sale or exhibition of goods." In Arabic it is written as «بوث» and translated as جناح (stand), ركن (corner) or كشك (kiosk), depending on context.
- Exhibition booth: the display space a company takes at a trade show or conference.
- Photo booth: an interactive photo corner at parties and events.
- Sales booth: a small kiosk for selling products at seasonal markets and festivals.
What is a booth in an exhibition?
At a trade show, a booth is the space reserved for one exhibitor within the exhibition hall, with boundaries and aisles set by the organizer. Inside it the company builds its stand: walls and brand graphics, a reception counter, product displays, screens and lighting, and sometimes a meeting area. The booth is the first point of contact between the brand and visitors, so it is designed to catch attention from the aisle and explain the business within seconds.
Types of exhibition booths
Exhibition booths are usually classified by location and the number of sides open to the aisles. Many organizers follow the guidelines of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE):
| Booth type | Sides open to aisles | Typical size | Maximum design height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inline (linear) booth | One (front) | About 3 × 3 m (10 × 10 ft) | About 2.4 m back wall |
| Corner booth | Two adjacent sides | About 3 × 3 m | Same as inline |
| Perimeter booth | One, backing onto the hall wall | About 3 × 3 m | Up to about 3.7 m back wall |
| End-cap booth | Three | About 6 × 3 m | About 2.4 m in the center |
| Peninsula booth | Three | 6 × 6 m minimum | About 4.9 to 6 m in the center |
| Split island booth | Three, sharing a back wall | 6 × 6 m minimum | About 4.9 to 6 m |
| Island booth | All four | 6 × 6 m minimum | About 4.9 to 6 m |
Source: IAEE display guidelines (feet-to-meter conversions are approximate). Final rules vary by show; always check the exhibitor manual.
Inline booth
The most common and most affordable type, placed between neighboring booths and open to the aisle only at the front. Ideal for first-time exhibitors or a limited product range.
Corner booth
An inline booth at the end of a row, facing two aisles instead of one, so it can be seen from two directions.
Peninsula booth
A larger space open on three sides, with higher center structures allowed for hanging signs and screens.
Island booth
The largest and most flexible booth type, open on all four sides, usually chosen by major brands that need display zones, experiences and a meeting area in one stand.
Booth types by construction
- Shell scheme: a basic structure supplied by the organizer, with simple walls and a name fascia.
- Modular booth: reusable units that can be assembled for several shows.
- Custom booth: designed and built for one brand and one space, with custom materials, lighting and screens.
- Portable / pop-up booth: light and quick to install, suited to small events and travelling between cities.
For custom-built options, see manufacturing exhibition stands and booths.
What makes a successful exhibition booth?
- A clear brand message visible from the aisle.
- An open, comfortable visitor flow.
- Well-lit product display areas.
- Screens and video content that explain the product without staff.
- An interactive experience such as augmented reality to attract visitors.
- Clear audio when needed: the right wireless microphone avoids disturbing neighboring stands.
- A reception counter to capture leads.
Exhibition booth vs photo booth
An exhibition booth is a commercial stand that introduces a company and its products, while a photo booth is an interactive photo corner where guests take branded pictures. Many brands add a photo booth inside their exhibition stand to boost engagement and social sharing.
How to choose the right booth for your exhibition
- Define your goal: brand awareness, product launch or lead generation.
- Know your space type and read the exhibitor manual for height limits and rules.
- Choose the construction method: shell scheme, modular or fully custom.
- Plan the content before the design.
- Allow enough time for production, installation and testing.
Zonex handles exhibition booth design and construction from concept and 3D design to fabrication and on-site installation. To learn which events use booths, read types of events.
Frequently asked questions
What is a booth?
A booth is a stall or stand, as at a fair or exhibition, used to sell or display goods.
What is a booth in an exhibition?
It is the space assigned to one exhibitor in the exhibition hall, where the company builds its branded stand and meets visitors.
What is the standard booth size?
A standard inline booth is about 3 × 3 m (10 × 10 ft) under IAEE guidelines; islands usually start at 6 × 6 m.
What is the difference between a booth and a stand?
The terms are often used interchangeably; "stand" is more common in the Middle East and Europe, and it is sometimes used for larger spaces with reception and meeting areas.
What is a photo booth?
An interactive photo corner at parties and events where guests take pictures with a branded backdrop or frame.