Island Booth

An Island Booth is a trade show exhibit space that’s open on all four sides, with no adjacent exhibitors. This setup allows attendees to approach from any direction, maximizing visibility and accessibility. Because of the open layout, island booths are often used by companies that want to create an immersive, high-impact experience on the show floor.

Island booths are typically 20x20 feet or larger, giving brands the flexibility to design eye-catching displays, host live demos, or incorporate interactive elements like touchscreens, VR experiences, or product sampling stations. The design freedom also allows for multiple entry points, varied traffic flows, and more comfortable spaces for meetings.

The biggest advantage of an island booth is visibility. With no walls blocking sightlines, it’s easier to catch the attention of attendees from a distance. The larger footprint also means exhibitors can showcase multiple products, integrate bold branding, and create a memorable environment that stands out from the surrounding booths.

Planning an island booth does come with higher costs — including booth rental, custom fabrication, shipping, and staffing — but for many brands, the increased traffic and engagement make it a worthwhile investment.

Island Booth FAQs

1) What is an island booth at a trade show?
An island booth is an exhibit space open on all four sides with aisles around it. It offers maximum visibility and access from any direction and is commonly 20x20 feet or larger.

2) What sizes and height limits apply to island booths?
Most island booths start at 20x20 feet. Height limits vary by venue and show rules, often 16 to 24 feet for structures and hanging signs. Always check the exhibitor manual for exact restrictions.

3) How can I maximize visibility and ROI with an island booth?
Use overhead branding where allowed, keep sightlines clear, place demos on the perimeter, add strong lighting, and design intuitive traffic flow. Train staff for quick greetings and capture leads with scanners synced to your CRM.