Every year brings fresh opportunities, and no one is immune to that. The exhibition industry I think will see more fresh opportunities comes its way, with a reinvigorated market for face-to-face marketing along with some trends that I think we will see along the way:
- Increased use of Technology (and not just AI)
Whilst we will inevitably see an increase in AI in demos and those SaaS companies exhibiting, I think we will see technology, as a whole, incorporated more into the exhibiting journey. This could be through VR, touchscreens, and interactive displays and even holograms. With stand engagement high on every exhibitor’s agenda, I think the use of technology and gamification on stands will also increase.
- Sustainable Materials and Aesthetic
Sustainability is a hot topic and rightly so. We have seen an increase in wooden elements being used in stand designs to give a natural aesthetic. We also experienced a change in the eGuide (which is the exhibition regulations book) last year, limiting the use of artificial plants. However, this was combined with more exhibitors wanting to incorporate plants into their designs, leading to the rise of using more natural materials in living walls, planters and stand decorations. Personally, this is a wonderful thing, they finish a stand completely and who wouldn’t benefit from more oxygen in an exhibition hall?!
- Less Text, More Colours
There has been an increase in this graphic design approach over the last few years, but I think in 2025 we will see more of it. Delegates don’t want to read an essay on a graphic, and why not make the best use of the staff on the stand by getting them to talk to delegates? I think graphic design will be more simplified, featuring just logos, brand colours and 1-2 ‘hero’ images of products on stands, keeping the designs plain yet striking and attention grabbing. The brand aesthetic will be more important that listing information.
- Considerate Giveaways
Since the pandemic, giveaways have decreased. QR codes have been used over printed literature and with companies now measuring their carbon footprint more closely, the requirement for physical giveaways ending up inevitably in landfills has decreased. However, the exhibitors doing the giveaways are tying it exclusively to their brand, keeping them relevant and useful to delegates so they are sure to be reminded of where they got their giveaway from.
If you would like to talk more on the trends, or how you can incorporate these into your next exhibition stand, get in contact:
01425 837005
Or submit your stand brief on our submission form and one of the team will get back to you shortly.