It’s that time of year when exhibit marketing teams are starting to plan and budget for 2018. Whether this means a complete overhaul of display inventory or updating elements, event teams should consider eye-catching innovative products that will grab attendees’ attention. Below are some of the best ways that companies can update their trade show booth in 2018!
Digital Signage
Digital signage offers companies the ability to create an interactive experience at trade shows. Not only will brand messaging come to life, but digital signage allows customization, such as touch screen displays, video capabilities and the ability to utilize QR codes. These capabilities provide an opportunity for marketing teams to seamlessly integrate data collection into a trade show booth design. The information gathered from attendees helps to better qualify warm leads for post-show follow-up. Companies can include videos showcasing how new products or prototypes work, making it easier for the audience to conceptualize innovations. Digital signage can also be utilized for in-office sales presentations between trade shows.
Backlit Displays and Accessories
Backlit displays and LED light accessories are proving to be a continuing exhibit design trend. LED illuminated portable displays provide a bright and inviting experience for attendees, compared to dark, drab non-backlit displays. Backlit accessories, such as light box counters and center towers, pair perfectly with backlit trade show displays for a cohesive exhibit style. With the correct usage of light, a company can illuminate certain aspects of their sign structure that will attract their target audiences. Not only does backlighting take display graphics to the next level, it also makes the brand’s imagery brighter and more recognizable. An excellent way of utilizing backlit displays is to highlight high resolution creative campaign images on a large scale. Large LED backlit sign walls create brand visibility from afar, attracting attention from every angle on the exhibition floor.
Charging Stations
Charging stations are strategic trade show accessories that will attract traffic, while also keeping potential clients at a booth space for an extended period of time. They offer the audience a service that is in high demand at trade shows. While attendees wait for their phones to charge, the sales staff has the opportunity to engage in meaningful selling conversations. A short attention span is common at trade shows. Therefore, charging stations are paramount to retaining the interest of booth visitors. This provides a mutually beneficial relationship for both the company and the audience. Advertising event charging capability for iPhone users would perform well for a company that specializes in iPhone compatible technology and apps.
Furniture and Flooring
A great way to create a real-life experience for the audience is to implement lounge furniture and attractive expo flooring into a trade show booth. If space allows, this can turn selling a product into creating relationships with customers that impact buying decisions. Creating a fun and welcoming environment for attendees also allows them to escape the madness of a trade show. Spaces can be created to align with the company’s brand and mood. For example, a start-up technology company could create a mood of inspiration and innovation by including modern furniture in a clean and open space. In contrast, a company specializing in outdoor technology equipment would provide a space that is warm and inviting by including wooden furniture and darker colors.
Interactive Technology
Interactive technology can be extremely helpful in a trade show setting. Not only can it keep the audience occupied if the staff is busy, but it also helps facilitate traffic flow to avoid a chance of awkwardness. Virtual reality is one great way of utilizing cutting-edge technology. Virtual reality, whether presented as games or product demos, can virtually demonstrate a company’s product and allow the audience to walk away with a memorable experience. Plus, they add a fun element to an exhibit booth that will delight the audience. By including a virtual reality headset or game, a company can increase their booth traffic and become a more memorable.
Social Media
While some of these trade show display ideas are trending in the industry, they will not be fleeting. In recent years, social media integration has been trending. But, it’s important to focus on the human aspect that trade shows and events offer. Social media fosters engagement with consumers when face-to-face communication isn’t possible, but exhibitions are the time to prioritize offline engagement. A good way to utilize social media is to create posts that drive the audience to your booth. For example, including location, photos, and even the possibility of awards for visiting your trade show space. These posts will entice the audience at the venue to come to the booth and check out the company.
Trade shows are about creating an experience for the audience and getting exposure for the company. The audience should walk out of the trade show with a new vision and excitement for the companies they experienced. Whether the eye-catching element be a trendy SEG light box wall design, modern event booth furniture, or integrating trade show drone technology, these booth boosters for 2018 will attract the audience to the booth and create a successful trade show experience.
