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Display Board Layout Ideas for Conferences and Exhibitions

If you are searching for display board layout ideas in Edinburgh, planning the right configuration is just as important as choosing the correct boards. Whether you are organising a university poster session, trade exhibition, corporate showcase, or public consultation event, the way your display boards are arranged will directly affect visitor flow, engagement levels, and the overall professionalism of your event.

Well planned layouts help maximise space, improve visibility, and ensure delegates can move comfortably between presentations. Below are proven display board layout ideas used at conferences, exhibitions, and consultation events across Edinburgh venues.

1. Single Row Perimeter Layout

Best for: Small venues, reception areas, consultation drop in events.

Boards are positioned around the walls of the room, leaving the centre space open for circulation.

Benefits:

  • Simple setup
  • Clear directional flow
  • Good for low to moderate visitor numbers

This layout works particularly well for public consultation displays and stakeholder events.

For suitable boards, see our Corporate Display Board Hire Edinburgh page.

2. Double Sided Central Rows

Best for: Academic poster sessions and medium sized conferences.

Boards are arranged in parallel rows down the centre of the room, with posters mounted on both sides.

Benefits:

  • Doubles display capacity
  • Efficient use of floor space
  • Encourages interaction between presenters and delegates

Allow at least 1.5 to 2 metres between rows for comfortable movement.

See Conference Poster Board Hire Edinburgh for recommended configurations.

3. U Shape Layout

Best for: Workshops, assessment panels, judged poster sessions.

Boards are arranged in a horseshoe configuration.

Benefits:

  • Controlled traffic flow
  • Ideal for guided viewing
  • Encourages structured discussion

This layout is common in academic settings and training environments.

4. Zig Zag Layout

Best for: Exhibitions with steady visitor flow.

Boards are arranged in alternating angles rather than straight lines.

Benefits:

  • Slows down visitor movement
  • Creates visual interest
  • Encourages attendees to engage with each display

This is often used in trade exhibitions and product showcases.

Explore Exhibition Display Boards Edinburgh for suitable board sizes.

5. Island Clusters

Best for: Large exhibition halls and sponsor showcases.

Boards are grouped into small square or rectangular islands positioned throughout the venue.

Benefits:

  • Creates themed zones
  • Improves crowd distribution
  • Works well for multi sponsor events

This format allows attendees to navigate freely between clusters.

6. Linear Timeline Layout

Best for: Historical exhibitions, planning applications, or project showcases.

Boards are arranged chronologically along a wall or corridor.

Benefits:

  • Clear narrative flow
  • Easy to follow progression
  • Ideal for architectural consultations

XL boards are particularly effective for this format.

7. Consultation Gallery Layout

Best for: Planning consultations and council engagement events.

Boards are spaced generously along walls or in wide central rows, with space for feedback stations.

Benefits:

  • Encourages reading time
  • Allows room for discussion
  • Reduces congestion

For logistics support, see Display Board Delivery and Setup Edinburgh.

Planning Tips for Any Layout

Regardless of configuration, consider:

Aisle Width

Allow enough space for comfortable movement, especially during peak periods.

Visibility

Avoid positioning boards behind pillars or furniture.

Lighting

Ensure posters are evenly lit and readable.

Registration Position

Do not block entry points with board rows.

Delegate Flow

Consider how visitors will enter, circulate, and exit.

If you are unsure how many boards you need, read How Many Poster Boards Do I Need?

Choosing the Right Boards for Your Layout

The type of board affects what layouts are possible.

A0 boards are ideal for academic poster sessions.

XL boards are better suited for architectural drawings, sponsor graphics, and consultation materials.

Freestanding linked panels allow flexible modular arrangements in larger venues.

You can explore all available options on our Poster Board Hire Edinburgh page.

Need Help Planning Your Layout?

If you are organising a conference or exhibition in Edinburgh and want advice on the most practical layout for your venue, our team can recommend board quantities, spacing, and configuration based on your floor plan.

Get in touch to discuss your event requirements.

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