For ThermoFisher’s conference booth, Display Systems & Prints fitted a 3-metre LED backdrop, a built-in product showcase, a round branded reception counter, an equipment display table and a discussion area into a 4m x 3m open booth, without making the space feel crowded. This conference booth case study from Singapore shows how a small footprint can still look professional and stay easy to explore.
Below we set out the brief, the design decisions and why they work, plus what to plan for if you are preparing a similar booth at a Singapore venue.
Project at a glance
| Client | Thermo Fisher Scientific (ThermoFisher) |
|---|---|
| Event type | Conference |
| Booth size | 4m x 3m (12 sqm), open layout |
| Must-haves | Branded backdrop, hanging product displays, reception counter, equipment display table, discussion area |
| Key elements built | 3m LED backdrop, integrated back-wall showcase, round branded reception counter, branded display table, bistro seating |
| Our services | Booth design and build |
The brief: a medical brand in a compact booth
Thermo Fisher Scientific is known globally for its work in scientific research, healthcare and laboratory innovation. For this conference, the brand wanted a booth that reflected that professionalism while presenting its medical products in a clear, structured way.
The objectives were strong visibility, neat product display, dedicated areas for reception and discussion, and a setup that felt open rather than crowded. In 12 sqm, that is a long list. Every element had to earn its space, and the layout had to let visitors move through without bumping into equipment or each other.
The challenge: five functions, one small footprint
The booth had to hold a branded backdrop, hanging product displays, a reception counter, an equipment display table and a discussion area. Placed carelessly, those five items would have turned the booth into a corridor. The task was to give each one a clear purpose and position so the booth stayed organised, welcoming and easy to navigate.
This matters because conference visitors come to talk. CEIR research found that 56% of attendees prefer face-to-face conversation with exhibit staff as their first way of getting information, and that two-thirds rate in-person contact as important when evaluating purchases (CEIR, via TSNN). A compact booth has to leave room for those conversations as well as for the products.
The design solutions
A tall LED backdrop for visibility across the hall
A 3-metre LED backdrop gave the booth a stronger visual presence across the exhibition floor. The lighting lifted the brightness of the graphics and gave the booth a polished look, so the ThermoFisher name and the “Cell and Gene Therapy” message could be read from a distance. Backlit and lit graphics are a standard part of our range; our lightboxes can be built up to 3m tall and 12m long.
An integrated showcase for medical products
Instead of free-standing shelves, the back wall carried a built-in showcase so products and reagents could hang neatly within the graphic. This kept the floor clear and turned the product display into part of the brand wall, a cleaner approach to product display booth design than adding more furniture.
A round reception counter as the first touchpoint
A round reception counter with custom branding became the first point of contact. Set slightly apart from the main booth, it gave staff a clear place to greet visitors without blocking the way in. Branded counters are part of our portable counter range.
A branded display table for demonstrations
A dedicated table held the equipment for display and discussion. Putting the equipment at the booth front, on a fully branded counter, made it the focus for demonstrations while leaving the inner area for conversation.
A discussion area with bistro seating
A bistro table and stools near the showcase created a short-stay meeting point. Visitors could sit for a focused conversation without the seating dominating the floor plan.
The result
Despite the compact size, the booth created a strong, professional presence at the conference. The illuminated backdrop and bold branding kept it visible, the integrated showcase presented the medical products and reagents in a structured way, and the clean layout let visitors interact with the team, explore the displays and hold discussions without congestion. Each element had a clear role, which is what kept a 12 sqm space from feeling crowded.
Planning a similar conference booth in Singapore
If you are preparing a compact medical or scientific booth, these points from Singapore venue rules and industry data are worth building into your plan:
- Check flame-spread ratings. Suntec Singapore requires booth materials to be non-combustible or rated at least Class 2 for surface flame spread (Suntec Singapore). Ask your fabricator for material certificates.
- Book power early. Lit backdrops and equipment need power, and at Suntec electrical work may only be carried out by licensed electrical workers on the venue’s accredited list (Suntec Singapore).
- Know your height allowance. Structures 4m and above at Suntec need technical plans at 1:50 or larger (Suntec Singapore). A 3m backdrop stays below that threshold while still standing out.
- Weigh the equipment. Heavy instruments should be checked against floor loading; Marina Bay Sands Expo halls are rated at 12kN/sqm (Marina Bay Sands Expo) and Singapore EXPO Halls 1–6 at 30kN/sqm (Singapore EXPO).
- Plan for the audience. CEIR found that 94% of attendees have net buying influence (CEIR, via Associations Now). Give your staff a place to sit down with them.
See how we solved other compact layouts in our Zimmer case study and Mercer case study, or read How to Design an Exhibition Booth That Generates Leads. Our exhibition booth design and build page explains our full process.
Frequently asked questions
How big was ThermoFisher’s booth?
The booth measured 4m x 3m with an open layout, about 12 sqm.
How do you fit a showcase into a small conference booth?
Build it into the back wall. For ThermoFisher, a built-in showcase let products and reagents be displayed within the backdrop, keeping the floor free for a reception counter, display table and seating.
Can a small booth include a reception counter and a meeting area?
Yes, if each element has a defined place. A compact round counter at the edge and a bistro table near the back wall let ThermoFisher’s 12 sqm booth handle both greeting and discussion.
Do you design and build conference booths in Singapore?
Yes. We design, fabricate, print and install booths from a 3×3 shell scheme to full custom builds, and reply to enquiries within one working day.
Conclusion
This project shows that a strong booth is about using space with purpose, not adding more elements. With the right plan from Display Systems & Prints, a compact conference booth can present products clearly and still leave room for real conversations. If you are planning your next conference presence, request a free quote.