Trade shows are constantly developing due to the competition of brands in their creativity, technology, and deep interaction. Exhibitors now are adopting new structures, flexible layouts, and experience to establish relationships that will endure beyond the event. The major trade show exhibit companies have reacted to this trend by producing displays that not only serve a purpose but also create eye-catching designs. Be it modular builds or digital integrations or sustainable materials, the design of the exhibits, in 2020, is evidently more intelligent, purposeful, and closely connected to the expectations of the audience.

Five Leading Exhibit Design Trends Dominating This Year’s Trade Shows

• Creative Transformations of the Used Trade Show Booth

One of the key trends of the large events is the strategic reinvention of used trade show booths. The exhibitors are acquiring the structures they previously owned and refurbishing them with new graphics, lighting systems, and modularity. This will minimize waste and will also be flexible to customization. The designers are using current textures, renewed color patterns, and digital screens to bring a new life to older structures. What is created is a contemporary presentation that is a polished, brand-new, and yet very cost-effective product. This movement is an indication of a general move toward green design, in which long life and flexibility are put at the fore without negatively affecting appearance.

• Immersive Storytelling Through Multi-Sensory Experiences

Designs of exhibits are becoming more of a narrative that appeals to many senses. Sounds, textures, the movement of lighting, and even smell are being incorporated to create memorable spaces. These types of immersive spaces urge the visitors to enter the story, engage with their exhibition, and relate to the message in a more personalized way. Multi-sensory experiences assist in product differentiation in crowded markets and create active engagement. Such a design solution helps not only to increase the scale of memorability but also facilitates visitor engagement, which results in higher dwell times and enhanced emotional appeal.

• Modular and Scalable Structures for Flexible Use

The exhibit trends of today are focused on modular designs that exhibit versatility from one exhibition to another. Modular exhibits give a brand the ability to design the layout of its exhibit according to venue size, traffic flow, and the message it wants to communicate. To change the layout of an exhibit, you do not have to build an entirely new exhibit; you simply need to rearrange your modular panels, frames, and accessory items. Modular designs combine creativity with cost-effectiveness, allowing companies to maintain a fresh visual identity at trade shows while keeping operational costs under control. A modular structure can be used over a long period of time and is designed to allow for easy expansion or contraction depending on the trade show format.

• High-Tech Integration for Interactive Engagement

As technology evolves, it has changed the way in which visitors view the displays at exhibitions. In 2021, many of the best-known tradeshows incorporated new technologies such as touchscreen monitors, interactive product demonstrations, 3D projection mapping, QR code pathways, augmented reality (AR) features, etc. By incorporating these new technologies into displays, exhibitors are able to provide a more interactive experience for their visitors while still allowing them to explore information at their own pace. In addition to providing visitors with an interactive experience, integrating technology also provides exhibitors with real-time data/information to improve their marketing strategies. In addition to providing interactiveness, incorporating technology into displays also creates greater visual appeal, adding visual sophistication to the overall display, improving engagement, and increasing the educational opportunities available to visitors.

• Sustainable Materials and Eco-Conscious Design Choices

Sustainability is an important part of creating an exhibit. Companies use recycled materials, biodegradable décor, and energy-efficient lighting to reduce their impact on the environment. Increasingly, exhibitors at trade shows are utilizing textiles made with recycled materials, reusable aluminum framing systems, and digital displays instead of printed products. Eco-friendly designs reflect the company’s commitment toward being environmentally responsible and also appeal to today’s consumer, who prefers to buy from companies that demonstrate ethical behavior. Brands that are positioned as innovative and committed to making positive changes also create additional levels of authenticity.

End Point

The most creative and innovative exhibit designs featured at this year’s trade shows are evidence of an increase in creative solutions to problems, a trend toward thinking sustainably about design, and the creation of interactive experiences for attendees. The trend in exhibit design is evolving from utilitarian structures used to create trade show booths to more creative, innovative, and high-tech experiences. Besides, a majority of these trends are supported by the craftsmanship of leading trade show exhibit companies. They highlight how current trends in modern exhibit design allow increased visibility and deeper audience connections and experiences, allowing exhibitors to reinforce a brand’s identity and create a stronger presence at the larger events.