Design Guide for Exhibition Stands in Turkey

Designing exhibition stands for Turkey requires careful attention to local material limitations, venue rules, and construction practices. Many designs that work in other countries may face technical or regulatory challenges during production and installation in Turkey. This guide is created to help designers, agencies, and brands make informed decisions during the design phase, avoiding unnecessary revisions, delays, and extra costs.

Maximum Wooden Panel Sizes in Turkey

In Turkey, the standard maximum size for wooden panels used in stand construction is:

  • Maximum height: 360 cm
  • Maximum width: 180 cm

If a stand design exceeds 360 cm in height, an additional panel must be installed on top of the main structure. For example, if the design height is 400 cm, an extra 40 cm panel is required above the 360 cm limit.

This creates two main disadvantages:

  • Higher cost due to additional materials and labor
  • Visible joint lines if the stand is not painted, reducing visual quality

Designers are strongly advised to keep wall heights at or below 360 cm whenever possible to maintain clean visuals and cost efficiency.

Static Engineering Requirements Above 400 cm

In Turkey, exhibition stands with a height of 400 cm or more typically require a structural report signed by a licensed civil engineer. This report is requested by organizers and technical offices to ensure safety.

  • Static engineering reports create additional cost for the exhibitor
  • The approval process may extend the project timeline

For this reason, many clients who initially request 400 cm or higher designs choose to revise their projects to 390 cm. This adjustment allows them to avoid the static report requirement while maintaining strong visual impact.

Material Selection: Laminate vs Water-Based Wooden Paint

The main structural surface options for stands in Turkey are:

  • Laminated Woodens
  • Water-based painted wooden surfaces

However, material selection must be confirmed with the venue in advance. In hotels, congress centers, and special event venues, water-based painting is often not permitted. These locations usually allow Laminate surfaces only. This restriction must be verified during the design stage to prevent last-minute changes.

Curved and Oval Structures in Stand Design

Designers should avoid specifying oval walls, curved corners, or rounded structures for stands built with laminate surfaces. Laminate materials cannot be bent into curved shapes.

  • Curved designs are only possible using raw wooden structures combined with paint
  • Paint-based curved construction increases both cost and production time

As a result, straight lines geometries are the most practical and reliable choices for stands in Turkey.

Spray Paint Usage and Cost Considerations

Reception desks or counters can be produced with curved or oval shapes using spray paint techniques. However, designers should be aware that:

  • Spray painting is extremely expensive in Turkey
  • It significantly increases the overall stand budget

To provide better economic value for clients, spray paint usage should be minimized or avoided whenever possible. Alternative straight counter designs are strongly recommended.

Raised Flooring and Cable Management

If a stand is built without raised flooring and carpet is laid directly on the venue floor, all electrical cables must pass underneath the carpet.

For example, if a reception desk located at the front center of the stand requires power, the cable will run under the carpet from the main electrical source. This can:

  • Create uncomfortable walking surfaces for visitors
  • Cause visible cable outlines under the carpet
  • Reduce overall stand quality and visitor experience

For stands with multiple electrical points, raised flooring is strongly recommended during the design phase.

Rigging, Suspension, and Hanging Banners

In Turkey, the use of rigging points, suspended structures, and hanging banners is strictly prohibited in standard exhibition halls.

  • Rigging and suspension systems are not allowed in Istanbul fairgrounds
  • Special event venues may allow exceptions, but these are rare and difficult to obtain
  • In Istanbul exhibition venues, hanging banners are generally impossible

Designers should avoid ceiling-mounted branding, suspended logos, or hanging structures when preparing concepts for exhibitions in Turkey.

Final Design Recommendation

Designing stands for Turkey requires a balance between creativity, technical feasibility, and local regulations. Early coordination with local contractors and venues ensures smoother execution and cost control. Designs that respect material limits, height regulations, and venue rules will always deliver better results on-site.