Exhibition stands and booth design for life sciences
Standing out at a trade show isn’t just about turning up with a banner and some brochures. Your exhibition stand is often the first physical interaction prospects have with your brand. And in a crowded exhibition hall, you’ve got seconds to make an impression.
At kdm, we design and build exhibition stands for life sciences, biotech, healthcare and diagnostics companies – from small pop-up displays and versatile modular systems to large-scale bespoke builds that stop visitors in their tracks.
Whether you’re attending BIO International, SLAS, Medica, Analytica or a specialist regional event, we’ll create an exhibition presence that reflects your brand, showcases your innovation, and draws in the right conversations.
Our approach step by step
1. Listen: understand your exhibition objectives and nail the logistics
We start by understanding what you’re trying to achieve. Is this a major product launch? Lead generation? Brand awareness? Building relationships with existing customers? Each objective shapes the design approach.
We’ll also get into the practical details. Which event or events are you attending? How many shows per year? What’s your stand space allocation (3m x 3m shell scheme or a 50m² island site)? What are the venue restrictions – height limits, electrical requirements, hanging signage rules? Do you need storage for literature, demo areas for equipment, private meeting spaces, or AV capabilities? What about plumbing, electrics and Wi-Fi? What about refreshments or entertainment?
We also explore your brand guidelines, previous exhibition experiences (what worked, what didn’t), and budget parameters. If you’re attending multiple events, we’ll discuss whether a modular system makes sense – allowing you to reconfigure the same core components for different stand sizes and layouts.
2. Think: design an exhibition stand that delivers impact
With your objectives and logistics mapped out, our creative team gets to work. This isn’t about slapping your logo on a pop-up banner. We design exhibition stands that:
- Attract attention – bold visuals, clear messaging and compelling graphics that draw visitors in from across the hall – double deckers are great for high impact!
- Communicate quickly – scientists and clinicians are busy; your stand needs to convey what you do within seconds
- Facilitate conversations – thoughtful layouts that encourage engagement without feeling cramped or overwhelming
- Showcase your products – whether that’s physical equipment, digital demos or interactive displays
- Reflect your brand – consistent with your visual identity while standing out from competitors
For modular systems, we design flexible components that can be reconfigured for different stand sizes – 3 x 2 m at one event, 6 x 3 m at another – without losing impact or brand consistency. For bespoke builds, we create show-stopping designs tailored to your space and objectives, incorporating features like hanging signage, integrated AV, product demo areas, meeting rooms, storage and branded furniture.
We’ll present concepts with 3D renderings, so you can visualise the final result before we build anything. This stage includes selecting materials, finishes, lighting and any additional elements like literature stands, tablet holders or monitor mounts.
3. Do: build, deliver and install your exhibition stand
Once the design is approved, we move into production. Our trusted network of specialist exhibition contractors brings the designs to life, and we project-manage every detail – from print production and graphics application to build quality and delivery logistics.
For small pop-ups and banners:
- Ideal for smaller shows and conferences, or supplementary displays
- Lightweight, portable systems that pack down into carry cases
- Quick assembly (often tool-free)
- High quality printed graphics with UV-resistant, non-curl materials
For modular exhibition systems:
- Cost-effective for companies attending multiple events annually
- Reconfigurable frameworks that adapt to different stand sizes
- Interchangeable graphic panels – update messaging without replacing the whole system
- Tool-free or minimal-tool assembly
- Shipped in robust flight cases with labelled components for easy set-up
For bespoke exhibition builds:
- Ideal for flagship events where you need to make a significant impact
- Custom-designed and built to your exact specifications
- Manufactured off-site then delivered and installed by professional contractors
- Full project management including liaising with event organisers, managing timelines and coordinating on-site installation
- Options for integrated lighting, AV, power, storage, furniture and branded elements
We handle logistics, delivery, and – if required – on-site installation and breakdown. For large bespoke builds, our contractors will install and dismantle the stand, leaving you free to focus on engaging with visitors. For smaller systems, we provide clear assembly instructions and can arrange training for your team if needed.
4. Review: evaluate performance and plan for future events
After the event, we’ll check in to see how it went. Did the stand achieve your objectives? What feedback did you get from visitors and your team? What would you change for next time?
If you’re using a modular system, we can store components between events (depending on arrangement) and make updates to graphics or configurations as needed. For companies attending multiple shows, we track what works across different venues and audiences, refining the approach to maximise ROI.
We also provide guidance on refreshing your exhibition presence over time. Graphics can be updated, modular components can be expanded, and new features can be added as your product portfolio or messaging evolves.
Exhibition solutions for life sciences brands
Pop-up displays and banners
Lightweight, portable and easy to assemble. Perfect for smaller events, supplementary displays or when you need a professional presence without a full stand build. Available in various sizes – from tabletop displays to 3 x 3 m backdrops.
Modular exhibition systems
Versatile, reconfigurable frameworks that adapt to different stand sizes and layouts. Cost-effective for companies attending multiple events. Update graphics without replacing the structure, and expand or reduce the footprint as needed.
Bespoke exhibition stands
Custom-designed, one-off builds for flagship events where you need to make a statement. Fully tailored to your brand, space and objectives. Includes options for integrated AV, lighting, meeting areas, product demo zones and branded furniture.
Graphics and print production
High quality, large-format printing for all exhibition graphics, from backdrops, banners and fabric walls to floor graphics and display panels. UV-resistant, non-curl materials that look sharp under exhibition hall lighting.
Exhibition project management
Full end-to-end management, including design, production, logistics, venue liaison, installation and breakdown. We handle the details so you can focus on engaging with visitors.
Storage and logistics
For clients with regular exhibition schedules, we can arrange storage of modular systems and co-ordinate delivery to multiple events throughout the year.
Trusted by leading organisations
“At GE HealthCare I have worked with kdm on many varied projects. I am always impressed by their professional approach and ‘can-do’ attitude to meet challenging demands and deliver on time and on budget, while bringing creativity and quality to each project.”
“One of the key strengths of kdm is their team of highly qualified writers, who possess a deep scientific background. This enables them to understand our products, applications and customers in a way that is truly exceptional. They are able to communicate complex scientific concepts with ease and ensure that our messaging is accurate and impactful. Moreover, kdm is a dynamic and responsive team that consistently delivers creative and innovative ideas that align with our overall strategic goals. They are always willing to go above and beyond to ensure that we achieve the results we are looking for. They have also demonstrated an exceptional ability to execute their ideas on a global tactical level, ensuring that our campaigns are effective across all our target markets. Overall, I could not be more pleased with the results that kdm has helped us achieve. Their expertise, creativity and responsiveness have truly exceeded our expectations, and we look forward to continuing our successful partnership with them.”
“Sarah and the kdm team helped us deliver an outstanding product, and were there to guide us every step of the way. Their organisation, attention to detail and frequent open communication on deliverables made this project stress free. A trusted and valued partner to do business with again.”
“Our continued collaboration with kdm has been an integral part of amplifying key messages for our business. The team has an excellent balance of scientific knowledge, coupled with marketing best practice, which makes them a unique partner that is able to communicate complex narratives in a comprehensive yet simple manner. kdm has supported execution in a variety of channels and mediums, including print, video and social media.”
“Our social media followers have grown exponentially since we engaged with kdm back in 2015. Additionally, our inbound leads have risen dramatically since the website was redesigned in collaboration with kdm earlier this year. The friendly and knowledgeable team is always available, providing the feel of an in-house marketing team.”
“I’ve been working with the kdm team for some time now, and have always found them easy to work with, responsive, a source of very helpful advice and ideas, and a great support for my projects.”
“Across the full spectrum of scientific, technical and medical communication, kdm demonstrates time and again the attention to detail that magazine readers take for granted and editors find invaluable. It is the hallmark of the company’s professional practice.”
“Having worked with kdm for a number of years now, we have always found them able to fully understand the needs of our market and those of our clients. They provide a number of services and are always proactive and supportive in all the collaborations that we engage in.”
“kdm is a well-established full-service media agency that I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the past several years. Dynamic, creative and, most of all, a fun agency to work with.”
“FUJIFILM SonoSite GmbH started working with kdm communications in late 2013, when a new marketing strategy for the German market was developed by the SonoSite marketing team. With press releases, first-hand experience articles, video testimonials and focused advertisement in selected print media and on web platforms all happening simultaneously, kdm communications is a great support, helping us to improve SonoSite’s brand awareness, lead generation and visibility in Germany. It’s great to see how the media coverage is growing month by month.”