Trade Show Trends

Are you curious what trade shows will look like in the future?

Read more to find out about the top 5 trade show trends.

Trade shows and their booths have evolved drastically in the past few years. Businesses have had to revamp their creative strategies at events to account for these changes. There are five major trends that will shape the future of trade shows.

As trade show events return, you will see that some shows will be smaller in size and more industry-specific. Regional trade shows have grown in popularity because they’re a form of crowd control, which also cuts travel expenses. In general, shows are finding innovative methods to balance social distancing guidelines with maximizing the number of attendees. For example, some visitors may feel safer by booking a time slot to visit a booth to minimize spacing concerns.

With smaller shows, comes smaller spaces. To accommodate booths of all shapes and sizes, our modular trade show displays are customizable to fit any exhibit layout. We know, that flexibility is important and having a booth that can adapt and accommodate any size floor plan is essential in todays trade show marketplace.

Because of the flexibility in sizing, a 10 x 20-foot millwork booth can be compacted into just three crates. SEG Systems’ custom crate building offers shipping solutions that ensures the product arrives as perfect as it gets shipped out.

Technology and all of its various enhancements will be a must for trade shows future. With the increase of interactive technology, exhibits will include virtual reality and augmented reality to give attendees a fully immersive experience with products/services. Kiosks and tablet stands will also be stationed throughout exhibits. At SEG Systems, we have the capabilities to integrate technology into the exhibit’s design with custom tv encasings, tablet stands, interactive kiosks, and more!

For example, artificial intelligence mapping will be used as a match-making service to give customized exhibit recommendations to the attendees, based on what services or products they are looking for.

Additionally, contactless QR codes will be stationed throughout the show and within booths. We offer a wide range of display options including counters, pedestals, and tv/tablet mounts. We also love to think outside of the box; our team can design a custom exhibit for your brand!

To stay ahead of the ever evolving trade show market, businesses will have to get creative with their exhibit’s design to stand out. The easiest way to do this is by using every inch of the booth and design with intention.

For example, some exhibits do this by creating a controlled experience of one-way paths with directional markers, which increases efficiency and social distancing safety. These designs provide a controlled experience that creates a narrative from the beginning to the end of the exhibit. Here at SEG Systems, we utilize our in-house designers, custom steel fabrication, millwork capabilities, and fully customizable SEG frames to create a cohesive brand story.  We maximize extra exhibit space with our customizable freestanding and suspended frames.

Another strategy is to incorporate unique, eye-catching lighting. We stock 19 different types of lighting that can light up even the most complex shapes. If that’s not enough, our Nerd Herd (engineers) can design custom lighting that will make your booth “shine!” If you dream it, we can design, engineer, and build it.

Throughout the unprecedented years of the pandemic, businesses and events were forced to shift to 100% virtual experiences due to safety concerns caused by the Pandemic. Since that time in-person tradeshows have started to come back but not completely. Many tradeshows to survive will need to continue to offer a hybrid approach of both in-person and virtual experiences. Hybrid shows have many benefits, including giving the customer a choice in how they participate, unlimited capacities and a new audience with global reach. Further, some exhibits will even include meeting spaces within their booth to accommodate for individualized meetings. Each trade show establishes their own attendance guidelines based on the industry that they serve.

Whether you attend a trade show virtually or in person, keep these trade show trends in mind! SEG Systems is eager to collaborate with you and your brand to create a safe and memorable booth. Check out our website portfolio to explore our capabilities and to get inspiration for your next booth.