Stem lighting is an option but not the default. Most shows offer ceiling mounted LED and Parcan lights. These ceiling mounted lights deliver a nice bright wash of light over your booth. We feel this is a better way to light most booths. Stem lights are a good alternative, but we feel stem lighting makes a booth look less custom. In addition, stem lighting cant delver the even wash of lighting the ceiling lights can.
Some clients opt to have both so that the lighting highlights can be added to the back wall without having to also light the entire back wall. The best time to evaluate your lighting options is when your close to finalizing your rental booth design. At this time it;s good to consider the booth location on the show floor, as well as your graphics and opportunities for adding stem lights in a way that enhances the design. It will become obvious which lighting will be best.
It’s worth noting that shows decide how bright to have the show hall lighting, full or half lighting. Some shows prefer a darker show floor to allow exhibitor back-lit graphics and TV’s to stands out. This is particularly true if the show has invested in overhead signage and LED video walls in common areas of the show floor.