Island exhibits are among the most valuable trade show booth configurations available at industry events. If you’re considering investing in one, or you’ve already secured a larger space, it’s essential to approach the opportunity with a strategy that maximizes your visibility, engagement, and return on investment.
Whether you're a first-time island booth exhibitor or upgrading from a linear trade show booth, here are key considerations and proven tips to help you make the most of your space.
1. Unlock 360 degrees of visibility and access
Unlike inline or corner booths, island exhibits are free-standing trade show booths with aisles on all four sides. This setup gives you complete design freedom and removes barriers to engagement.
Ideas for using this to your advantage:
- Create multiple points of entry to draw attendees in from any direction
- Design an open, inviting layout that naturally encourages flow and exploration
- Use the perimeter to feature distinct product zones or interaction areas
- Position staff strategically at all sides to boost engagement
2. Elevate your presence. Literally.
One of the biggest advantages of island trade show booths is the ability to build taller. While standard inline booths are often capped at 8' in height, island configurations usually allow you to go up to 16', 20', or even 25', depending on show rules.
Ideas for using vertical space:
- Install an overhead hanging sign to draw attendees in from across the hall
- Incorporate tall LED towers or light structures to create visual intrigue
- Elevate a product showcase or demo station to make it visible from a distance
- Add vertical branding or motion graphics to amplify your message
Pro tip: Check the exhibitor manual for height allowances, and work with your exhibit partner to integrate tall elements into your design without overwhelming the space.
3. Share the space: consider a co-op exhibit model
An island exhibit doesn’t have to be a solo investment. If you work with distribution partners, complementary brands, or resellers, consider a co-op model to share both the space and the cost. In this arrangement, each partner pays for a portion of the space and receives branded signage or a dedicated kiosk/workstation. The host company retains the primary booth listing and brand presence, but all parties benefit from shared visibility and lead generation. Some exhibitors even include two or three partners, using the combined investment to create a polished, high-impact presence.
Pro tip: Before pursuing a co-op, check your show’s rules on shared space, signage, and registration. Most allow co-branded signage but only one company name on the official exhibitor list.
4. Design with ROI in mind
While the upfront cost of an island exhibit may be higher, the long-term return can far outweigh the investment – if you approach it strategically.
Tips to align design with measurable goals:
- Start by defining clear trade show objectives (e.g., lead quantity, quality conversations, product demos)
- Collaborate with your exhibit partner to design a layout that supports these goals (traffic flow, private meeting space, tech integration)
- Use built-in data capture tools, like badge scanning, QR codes, or appointment tracking, to measure performance
- After the show, compile a recap with visuals and performance metrics to share with internal stakeholders and justify future investment
Designing and executing a successful island exhibit requires more than great ideas—it takes experience, logistics expertise, and strategic thinking. Featherlite exhibits help companies make the most of their island space with custom exhibit designs that align with business goals and capture attention on the show floor. Take a look at our 20x20 islands and custom islands, and let us know when you’re ready to start planning your next exhibit.
