Staying abreast of the latest trends in trade show technology is a must for brands looking to make an impact among potential clients on the trade show floor. A wide range of new technologies and services can help brands create a unique experience that stands out from the competition, draw in more attendees, and nurture lasting relationships with potential buyers.
From augmented reality-powered interactive exhibits to impressive life-size transparent screens, there are countless ways to make your brand’s trade show presence truly memorable.
We’ve compiled a list of the top technology trends this year, as seen from top exhibitors worldwide, as well as tech events like the Consumer Electronic Show (CES), a yearly tech event that showcases the latest and greatest in the tech space.
We’re seeing a marked increase in the use of trade show technologies like AI, VR, and AR to dramatically improve customer experience and make a splash at one’s trade show booth. This tech trio is increasingly becoming more accessible and popular, making it easier for exhibitors to provide attendees with immersive experiences they can’t get anywhere else.
Augmented reality, for example, can give attendees more hands-on experiences in product demonstrations — making for an engaging booth activity and a much more effective way of communicating a message or sampling a product. This can be particularly helpful if prototypes aren’t ready or if a product is too big to fit inside your booth.
AI can also support customer engagement and data analysis by providing real-time insights into customer preferences and purchase behaviors, allowing exhibitors to better adjust product demos and sales pitches to meet the customer’s needs. Some exhibitors also use bots to greet booth visitors, which also doubles as a potential lead-generation tool.
Meanwhile, VR allows brands to build virtual environments that people can explore without the constraints of booth space. VR headsets may be used for virtual tours of a brand’s headquarters or even for exploring a specific destination that can entice potential clients to book their next vacation with the exhibiting company.
Transparent LED screens have been around for some time, but they’ve recently made their way to trade displays — and they look stunning. They make product showcases look more engaging and futuristic, plus their sleek and stylish look makes them a great addition to any booth.
LED transparent screens are a great way to show video content in an eye-catching way, making it easier to grab the attention of passersby and draw them into your booth space. Plus, they don’t take up as much room as regular display stands or large projection screens, making them an ideal choice if you’re short on booth space.
Exhibitors can also enhance the on-screen presentation by adding physical items behind or around the screen. Some presenters also sync their movements with on-screen elements to make it look like they’re part of the display.
Biometrics refers to identifying and tracking individuals through their biological characteristics, such as facial features, heart rate, iris patterns, and more. With the help of computer technology, businesses can now use various devices to gather and store this data, including facial recognition, voice recognition, fingerprint scanning, and retinal scans.
Although the biometrics industry is still relatively new, some exhibitors have started using them at events, such as allowing for fitness tracker integration to read the number of steps attendees have taken or the number of calories they have burned.
One of the more innovative applications of the technology is approximating attendees’ emotional states, which can then be displayed as text-based responses on an in-booth screen. Biometrics can present an invaluable tool for health-and wellness-related events and conferences focused on healthcare.
Conductive ink is a liquid that can conduct electricity when used to draw a figure. It has four main components: A solvent, a conductive material, a polymer binder, and an electrical source like a battery. By applying conductive ink to regular materials, they can be transformed into electronic devices.
These enhanced materials can do various things like playing a song, illuminating an illustration, or warming objects when activated through touch. Conductive inks can be applied to surfaces through screen printing, dipping, spray paint, stencil printing, syringe dispensing, and more.
You can use interactive posters or walls in your booth that people can touch, just like the screen of a smartphone. You can also create smaller devices or giveaways that people can take home, much like Hershey’s “Take5 Remixer,” an interactive candy bar packaging that used conductive ink to generate music.
Although not new to consumers, concave, curved screens are a recent development in the exhibiting world. They provide a distinctive effect when several curved displays are set up next to each other on a customized mounting system, resulting in a strikingly long, gentle curve with high-definition graphics.
You can synchronize multiple videos across several screens, creating a striking effect that’s sure to draw the attention of passersby. You can also employ 3D animation to make your booth look like a living, breathing space.
As technology advances, exhibitors have more options for making their presence stand out at an event. With these five trends in mind, you should be able to create something truly unique and memorable for attendees — no matter what type of budget you have.
To get the most out of your exhibits, it’s always best to engage the services of a professional designer from a booth design company or exhibit rental provider that can help you create an engaging and seamless experience for attendees. Top booth design companies like METRO Exhibits have firsthand experience with the latest trends in trade show booth design trends, allowing you to make a bigger impact with your exhibit.
With the right mix of creativity, technology, and planning, your exhibit booth can be an invaluable asset to your business — helping you build relationships with customers and positioning you as a leader in your industry. Start exploring these trends today and see what value they can bring to your exhibiting strategy!
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