A double-deck stand is an exhibition stand with an upper floor, usually used for meetings, a lounge or hospitality. It adds usable space without renting more hall floor, but requires approval and is complex to build.
A double-deck stand, also called a two-storey stand, has an upper floor over part of its footprint. The ground floor usually holds reception, product presentation and open conversation areas; upstairs are quieter rooms for negotiations, customer hospitality or press appointments. In the US the term double-deck stand (booth) is common too.
A second level is a load-bearing structure. Organisers usually require a structural check, separate documents and approval before build-up. At many fairs double-deck stands are also only allowed above a certain stand size or in certain halls. The details are in the technical guidelines of the exhibitor manual.
An upper floor pays off mainly if you hold many confidential meetings or want to host customers without giving up ground-floor space. At the same time the stand is visible from far away because it rises above the surrounding stands.
Allow enough lead time. Approval, fabrication and build-up take longer than for a single-level stand, and costs rise accordingly. Also clarify how visitors get upstairs and who controls access.
Think about light on both levels. The ground floor sits under the ceiling of the upper floor and receives little hall light. Without its own lighting, the area underneath quickly looks dark in photos. Agree with the builder how many people may be upstairs at once, and plan staff for the upper floor so that guests are not left waiting alone. Nothing should be left lying around upstairs that can be seen from below.
For photographers and videographers a double-deck stand offers a special advantage: the view from above. From the upper floor you can overlook your own stand, the visitors and often part of the hall. Such shots show size and activity better than any angle from the ground.
We use this position for overviews and short video sequences of the busy stand. Upstairs we photograph meetings in a calm setting, downstairs the encounters with passing visitors. The guide Using the build-up day explains how to get clean architecture shots. Tell us in advance whether the upper floor is accessible for filming and when no confidential meetings are taking place there.
Usually yes. Organisers ask for structural documents and approval before build-up. Deadlines and requirements are in the exhibitor manual.
Yes, if you give us access. The elevated angle is especially good for overviews of the busy stand.
Send us the fair, hall and stand number. We plan the shoot around your stand and deliver photos and videos within 24 hours after the show ends.
We reply within 24 hours. During a show week, WhatsApp is fastest.
