THE 5 TRENDS THAT ARE SHAPING THE MIND SET OF THE EXHIBITORS IN THE POST-COVID ERA
Trend 1: Sustainability
Trend 2: Technology FOR EMOTIVE ENGAGEMENT
Trend 3: Comfortable Conversations
Trend 4: Lighting
TREND 5: PLAYFULNESS
Trend 2: Technology FOR EMOTIVE ENGAGEMENT
Trend 3: Comfortable Conversations
Trend 4: Lighting
TREND 5: PLAYFULNESS
Trend 1: Sustainability
Over the last several years, businesses of all sizes have emphasized going green and embracing sustainability. Trade shows — and those who participate in them — are no exception.
This year, lots of businesses are focusing on sustainability when it comes to their trade show displays.
Here are some specific ways they might do this:
This year, lots of businesses are focusing on sustainability when it comes to their trade show displays.
Here are some specific ways they might do this:
- Signs and other display products made from recycled materials
- Sustainable graphics made without petroleum by-products
- Use of natural materials like wood and bamboo
- Use zero-edge LED presentation instead of printed graphics
- Use of water-based stains that are low in VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)
Above: Booth design at Behance - Bamboo back-wall with angular accent lights.
"Embodying the Taoist principle of emptiness, bamboo makes a complete circle in its form, while holding any empty space within. Free of attachments, judgments and expectations, but ever so full of potential."
Some brands are also changing up the types of swag they give out at trade shows. For example, they may hand out products made from recycled materials, or they may serve food with compostable spoons, forks, or napkins. Learn more.
Trend 2: Technology FOR EMOTIVE ENGAGEMENT
After taking a couple of years off from big trade shows, lots of brands are eager to show off their new technology.
This year — and in years to come — there will surely be an emphasis on exciting technology at big marketing events. The following are some examples of technology you might see in 2022:
This year — and in years to come — there will surely be an emphasis on exciting technology at big marketing events. The following are some examples of technology you might see in 2022:
- Virtual reality or augmented reality to create a more immersive and engaging experience
- 3D hologram displays
- Interactive walls and displays
- Use of tablets, QR codes, and digital business cards instead of traditional materials
- Digital displays instead of traditional signs and banners
Trend 3: Comfortable Conversation IS IMPORTANT IN THE POST-PANDEMIC ERA
Lots of brands are utilizing new technology in their trade show displays. However, the use of technology shouldn’t come at the expense of attendees’ comfort.
At trade shows this year, you’ll likely see lots of businesses going above and beyond to keep attendees comfortable. This ensures they’ll stick around longer and learn more about your brand.
Here are some examples of how you can take advantage of this trend and make your trade show displays more comfortable and inviting:
“The art of conversation is the art of hearing as well as of being heard.”
Makings of comfortable conversations...
Encourage your team members to communicate with everyone who stops by your display and build a relationship with them. The more you learn about each attendee who visits your display, the easier it’ll be to convert them to paying customers.
At trade shows this year, you’ll likely see lots of businesses going above and beyond to keep attendees comfortable. This ensures they’ll stick around longer and learn more about your brand.
Here are some examples of how you can take advantage of this trend and make your trade show displays more comfortable and inviting:
- Set up comfortable chairs for attendees to rest their feet
- Offer a snack or drink to everyone who stops by
- Offer fans or other tools to keep attendees cold and comfortable
“The art of conversation is the art of hearing as well as of being heard.”
Makings of comfortable conversations...
Encourage your team members to communicate with everyone who stops by your display and build a relationship with them. The more you learn about each attendee who visits your display, the easier it’ll be to convert them to paying customers.
Above: Booth design devoted to relaxed conversation
HERE IS HOW YOU OPTIMIZE EVERY EXCHANGE IN YOUR BOOTH
HERE IS HOW YOU OPTIMIZE EVERY EXCHANGE IN YOUR BOOTH
Trend 4: Lighting
The right lighting can make or break your trade show display.
This year, you won’t just see the standard, stationary lights used to highlight certain items or features. You’ll see light acting as a more active component of the display.
The following are some specific ways that brands might do this:
As shown below: Edge-lit panels add dimension and dynamism for this island booth exhibit design.
The right lighting can make or break your trade show display.
This year, you won’t just see the standard, stationary lights used to highlight certain items or features. You’ll see light acting as a more active component of the display.
The following are some specific ways that brands might do this:
- Color-changing lights
- Changes in light intensity (pulsing, fading, etc.)
- Changes in brightness to create a hierarchy within your display
- Responsive or motion-activated lighting that changes when people walk by
As shown below: Edge-lit panels add dimension and dynamism for this island booth exhibit design.
Trend 5: Playfulness
After a couple of very stressful years where everyone was stuck at home, people are desperate to have some fun. Brands that want to take a different approach at upcoming trade shows should incorporate a sense of playfulness into their displays.
Here are some ways you can do this:
Get Ideas on the Art of Playfulness
Try Out These Exhibiting Trends Today
Now that you know more about new technology and trade show display trends, are you feeling inspired to make some changes to your booth?
From prioritizing sustainability to making your display more fun, there are lots of ways to shake things up this year. Keep these trends in mind so you can spruce up your display and attract more attention at your next event.
ROI Calculator & Trade Show Comparison ToolDo you need help justifying your company’s trade show investments? Then these are the tools for you. Our free Trade Show ROI Calculator and Comparison Tool can help track costs, identify new sales opportunities, and more! Two Excel spreadsheets.
Contact us to get back into the trade show world and start creating an exhibit that will leave a lasting impression for some of your most qualified buyers.
Here are some ways you can do this:
- Get attendees involved in games (video games, simple games like cornhole, etc.)
- Host contests or giveaways
- Set up a photo booth or photo backdrop with fun props
Get Ideas on the Art of Playfulness
Try Out These Exhibiting Trends Today
Now that you know more about new technology and trade show display trends, are you feeling inspired to make some changes to your booth?
From prioritizing sustainability to making your display more fun, there are lots of ways to shake things up this year. Keep these trends in mind so you can spruce up your display and attract more attention at your next event.
ROI Calculator & Trade Show Comparison ToolDo you need help justifying your company’s trade show investments? Then these are the tools for you. Our free Trade Show ROI Calculator and Comparison Tool can help track costs, identify new sales opportunities, and more! Two Excel spreadsheets.
Contact us to get back into the trade show world and start creating an exhibit that will leave a lasting impression for some of your most qualified buyers.
10 POWERFUL STATS ON THE POWER OF TRADE SHOWS AND EVENTS
81% of trade show attendees have buying authority. Which means more than 4 out of 5 people walking the aisles are potential customers for exhibitors. Source: CEIR: The Spend Decision: Analyzing How Exhibits Fit Into The Overall Marketing Budget
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78% of trade show attendees travel more than 400 miles to attend an exhibition, which means you are getting a national audience at many trade shows. Source: CEIR report ACRR 1153.12
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99% of marketers said they found unique value from trade shows they did not get from other marketing mediums. Their 3 most valued aspects of trade shows were: 60% of exhibitors said they value the ability to see lots of prospects and customers at the same time; 51% of exhibitors said they value face-to-face meetings with prospects and customers, and 47% said they value the ability to meet with a variety of players face to face, such as customers, suppliers, resellers, etc. Source: CEIR: The Changing Environment of Exhibitions
The top 3 sales-related objectives at trade shows are related to relationship management and engagement. Above all else, exhibitors want to meet with existing customers, key customers, and prospective customers. Source: CEIR Changing Environment Study
67% of all attendees represent a new prospect and potential customer for exhibiting companies. This means trade shows are always rich in new business targets for you. Source: Exhibit Surveys, Inc. 46% of trade show attendees are in Executive or Upper Management. That’s a lot of valuable attendees with top titles walking trade shows. They certainly have authority to make buying decisions! Source: CEIR: The Role and Value of Face to Face
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Average drayage rates have increased 488% from 1982 to 2010. Average drayage rates have gone from $12.68 per hundredweight in 1982 to $74.54 in 2010 – a 488% increase. Meanwhile, the % of Exhibit Design on the average budget has gone from 21% of the overall budget in 1982 to only 10% in 2010. The savings on drayage, (and shipping, storage, I&D, and refurbishing) from modular exhibit systems (that weight 60% less than traditional custom exhibits) and portable displays have helped keep trade shows affordable for many exhibitors. Source: CEIR / E2MA
45% of attendees visit only one exhibition per year. So when you exhibit at a show you will find unique prospects there you can’t reach at other trade shows. Source: CEIR Report ACRR 1152.12
The #1 reason for attending (not exhibiting) trade shows is to see new products. 92% of trade show attendees say they are looking for new products. It has been the number one reason to attend for 25 years! So trade shows are a great place to introduce or feature your newest products. Source: CEIR: The Role and Value of Face to Face 84% of exhibitors say “High quality of attendees” is the most important factor when deciding whether to exhibit or expand booth size. Also, 54% say “favorable return-on-investment,” is an important factor when deciding to exhibit or expand booth size, while 50% consider “Positive."
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