Top Trade Show Trends For 2018 Planning Friday Sep 28, 2018

Trend One: It’s All About Technology

Trend Update: Still True and Possibly Even More Pronounced Now

It will come as no surprise that incorporating technology into trade show spaces (was a) major trend in 2017, as it has been in years past. And that trend (is continuing in) 2018. It’s the topic on everyone’s mind. We are a highly connected society and the tradeshow floor is no exception; visitors are expecting information to be delivered in new, innovative ways. Trade show attendees are looking to be educated and informed as much as they are looking to be entertained and “wowed” and technology is often the answer to do both.

Technology doesn’t need to be complicated, however: it can be as simple as a touch screen or the incorporation of small devices like Bluetooth® beacons that integrate with client’s products. Bringing these items into a space helps draw people in, while also gathering data and delivering a brand’s message in a compelling way.

At Exhibit Concepts, we have an Engagement Strategist who works alongside our creative team to assist our account executives in incorporating technology into trade show environments for our clients.

Trend Two: Keep a Human Touch

Trend Update:  Still True

While technology can be paramount in attracting visitors to your booth, it should never be at the expense of quality human interaction. An authentic conversation is still your most valuable asset. It should add another layer to what a company brings to the table. There is no better way to uncover and understand customers’ needs than by properly staffing trade show spaces with the right people who are excellent listeners. And make sure that they are properly trained on your brand story.

Look for booths that draw visitors in with unique elements that engage the senses while also delivering a meaningful message delivered in an honest and compelling way

Trend Three: Make it Personal

Trend Update:  Make it Unique!

Every client wants to stand out from their competitors. They need solutions that are crafted to their specific needs in order to step up their presence and be noticed. A custom exhibit is the best way to deliver a truly personal, unique experience for visitors. A unique problem requires a unique solution that captures the essence of a brand while also delivering key messages to the audience.

(Last year was) the year to focus on innovative booth designs that support and enhance a brand’s promise and stands out on the show floor - and from the crowd.  

Trend Four: Mind the Budget

Trend Update:  Still True

While custom exhibits work for many clients, others face tight budgetary challenges. The good news is you don’t have to sacrifice your presence at shows for the sake of the budget. You can still accomplish your goals by leveraging rental solutions and unique engagement approaches in a truly memorable way. It’s true: you can stand out without breaking the bank. Rental solutions allow brands to repurpose and reuse materials and properties. When done right, with fresh graphics, messaging and a compelling engagement experience, rental solutions appear custom and add great value to your company’s marketing efforts.

Keep an eye out for trade show spaces that deliver meaningful messages without big investment- and still produce compelling results.

Trend Five: Find New Ways to Engage

Trend Update:  Still True, with a Twist

2017  (was) all about meaningful engagement. The focus will be on finding creative ways to get people out of the aisles and into the booth with fresh, new ideas. Whether it’s incorporating technology or acquiring data in a unique way, booths should draw visitors in and get them talking and keep them wanting more. Delivering a compelling user experience is what it’s all about (see all other trends above)- and for good reason. Today’s trade show attendees are a very savvy bunch. They’ve taken time out of the office to attend a conference and exhibition and they constantly evaluate whether their investment was worthwhile.

The team at Exhibit Concepts recently brought engagement into a trade show space by creating a smart, interactive trade show booth for Adwerx, a digital marketing agency for real estate professionals. This space successfully increased traffic and pulled visitors into their space with a creative solution that resulted in meetings, direct sales, and quality leads. Engagement doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need to be compelling.

Trend Six:  Brand Continuity

Trend Update:  NEW!

Increasingly, brand managers and event marketers are working together to ensure a cohesive brand experience across all branded environments. When your clients come to you – your company’s lobby, showroom and executive briefing center, all of these environments should communicate your brand’s identity with cohesive graphics, color palette, technology and finishes. If you “take your brand on the road” with local activation events or a mobile vehicle tour – the goal is to communicate a consistent brand experience. And when you meet clients and prospects at a trade show – your space is a mini-representation of all your company and brand(s) stand for across every touchpoint.

This means it is more important than ever to ensure your face-to-face marketing is also end-to-end. Want to see this in action? See how our team provided this solution to Vertiv.

Trend Seven: Program Approach

Trend Update:  NEW!

Experienced trade show managers are recognizing the value of taking a program approach to their efforts. They recognize the value of organizing their show calendar into tiers where they can align strategy, goals, assets, and resources in the most effective way to achieve their overall goals and manage the budget. They are looking for exhibit house partners who can manage the scale of a large program consisting of several large strategic brand awareness shows, medium size brand and lead gen show and a host of small, local selling events. Automation and eManagement solutions are critical to make sense of it all.

Source: www.exhibitconcepts.com

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