There are some who say you should ignore trends, and others who blindly follow them all.
It’s actually wise to land somewhere in the middle – study and know what the trends are, then figure out how to make them work for your situation (or not).
That said, here are a few of the trends that are – well, trending – so far this year:
- Experiential exhibit designs that create engagement. (Okay, so I’m a little biased on this one, since I wrote a CEIR report on it!) It’s important to make your trade show booth interactive to draw attendees in. There are many ways to do this including interactive product demonstrations, games, and more.
- Strategic lighting that creates atmosphere and enhances the brand message. This can include all kinds of LEDs, interactive lighting, specialty fixtures, and even lighted flooring.
- Multisensory elements to make the exhibit more memorable. Introducing textures, scents, or sounds creates a layered experience that engages attendees. (Refer back to point #1.)
- Technology that enhances the story you’re communicating. The idea of blindly following trends, no matter how cool (AR/VR, projection mapping, etc.) … this is where a lot of exhibitors go wrong, trying to incorporate every new gadget that comes along. But wise exhibitors get strategic, selecting only those tools that make sense for both their message and their audience.
- Personalized experiences that make attendees feel important. Sometimes this can involve technology, but often it’s a matter of simply listening to each attendee and tailoring the message you share. (Think of it kind of like the “Choose Your Own Adventure” books from your school days.)
So what trends are you seeing on the show floor? How can you incorporate them into your exhibits? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
