Exhibition Stand Construction – Self Build

Exhibitors wishing to build their own stand must submit drawings for approval to BiosciSPEX portal. These must be submitted via the portal on your tasks section by the date listed. Please include your stand number and stand dimensions on the plan. Electronic plans are required and please also submit the schematic plan alongside this if you have specific requirements as to the placement of ordered items. Once your plans have been approved any changes must be notified to the Congress Organisers immediately.

Exhibitors building their own stands should note that no stand services are included in the space allocated.

Self-build stands should not exceed the dimensions of the area booked as detailed on the congress floorplan and reflected in the company contract. Subject to approval from the organisers, the height limit for self-build stands is 4.0mts including platform floors. Materials on display within the stand must not exceed this height without prior approval from the exhibition organiser.

To maintain an open exhibition area, exhibitors are requested to keep sides of stands adjacent to aisles open. Island stands should be accessible from all four sides.

Designs incorporating long runs of gangway perimeter walling should be avoided and will not be approved if deemed by the Organisers to have a detrimental effect on the exhibition or neighbouring stands. Stands should not block the view of other stands behind so half-height walls or walls with gaps are preferable to solid walls.

Height Restriction 

For the purpose of this Exhibition the height limit for all self-build stands has been set at 4.0mts and any materials on display within the stand itself must not exceed this height without prior approval from the exhibition organiser. Stand plans will not be approved if they do not show clearly all dimensions of the stand.

Materials

All timber less than nominal 25mm (1”) in thickness and plywood, hardboard, blockboard and chipboard less than 18mm (3/4”) must be rendered flameproof by a recognised process to a Class 1 standard when tested in accordance with BS 476 Part 7 1971. Ply-hard and pulp boards which have been rendered flameproof in a manner approved shall be branded with a recognised mark.

The use of plastic of a grade less than Class 1, BS 476 Part 7 1971, whether in stand construction or display arrangements is prohibited.  Limited amounts of plastic materials of a grade better than Class 3 can be permitted providing the details are submitted prior to construction.

Textile fabrics – unless incombustible – may not be used for partitioning stands or for forming offices or the back or sides of stands and so far as they may be used for decorative treatment of such portions, the fabric must be backed with materials similar to that required for the construction of stands.  They shall be fixed taut to the backing board and secured at floor level by a skirting board not less than 75mm deep.

All painting must be carried out in water paint.  Finishes having oil or cellulose base are not permitted to be applied on site.

Multi-Storey Stands

Multi-storey stands, elevated gangways and stairways are not permitted. 

Paint

All painting must be carried out in water paint.  Finishes having oil or cellulose base are not permitted to be applied on site.

Platforms

The general height of any stand edge/access point may not exceed 100mm (4”) and a ramp must be available for wheelchair access. The flooring must not be less than a nominal 25mm (1”) thick.  Flooring must, in any case, be laid with close joints.

Platforms must be of a strength and stability sufficient to carry and distribute the weight of the stand fitting, stand personnel and visitors and exhibits having regard to the loading limits of the floors.  Please note that stands should confirm to DDA legislation regarding the provision of ramps, where necessary, for wheelchair users.

It is compulsory to build an access on the platform to get access to the electrical/water duct on the floor if an electrical/water duct is on the booth space.

Rigging

No suspension may be made from the roof of the hall without prior arrangement.

Rigging is available, please contact the team for more information and to book.

Schematic Plan 

Schematic plans must be provided via the portal on your tasks section by the date listed to show the location of your utilities such as furniture, power outlets, spotlights and water. Please do not forget to mark on this schematic plan the border of your stand as well as the orientation of your drawing (to clarify where the passage and neighbouring stands are in relation to your stand).

If the schematic plan is not returned, then the ordered items will be placed at the discretion of the venue supplier and any relocation will be at the exhibitor's expense.

Stand ceilings

The covering of ceilings of stands is not permitted. 

Stand sizes/dimensions

A CAD Floor Plan is available on the BiosciSPEX portal and within this manual. Please refer to this for the correct size to plan self build/space only stands on as it includes dimensions, open sides, location of pillars etc. Please study this carefully before designing your stand.