A new year means new trends are popping up in trade shows. Companies are going “green,” which means they are going paperless and using recycled materials for booths. There is a shift away from corporate design towards wood, textures and clean, straight lines. Engaging with people doesn’t just happen on the trade show floor anymore, it happens the second people arrive with ads placed around the city and continues with social media promotions and lounges just outside the trade show floor. Interactive presentations and conversations in person and through social media are crucial to connecting with people.

These new designs are conducive to integrating new technologies, creating comfortable experiences, and engaging people in new ways.

Engagement

Engagement starts the moment people arrive in the city for the trade show. Companies are buying ads in the airports so they are the first thing people see getting off their airplane. A well branded company will be instantly memorable and recognized throughout the trade show.

Ballrooms are adjacent to the trade show floor are rented out for companies to create a more comfortable setting where guests can linger and talk at length and become familiar with the brand.

Conversation is key. People do not like to be talked at. Instead of normal presentations, companies are hosting interactive conversations and booths.

Many companies are cutting down on the number of trade shows they attend. That way they can spend more money on the shows that matter most and can have a booth that truly stands out.

Design

Companies are going green and their booths are beginning to look less corporate. Light woods and recycled materials are integrated into minimalistic booth designs. Straight lines are favored instead of curved and asymmetrical design. LED lights are strategically placed throughout the booth to create soft mood lighting. The goal is to have an authentic and comfortable experience.

Booths have lounge areas with comfortable seating where guests can gather, and engage in conversation about the company or product. Some booths offer cell phone charging stations.

LED televisions and digital signs are used frequently because their prices continue to drop, they are environmentally friendly and new signs don’t have to be printed. New graphics can simply be put on a USB or SD card and plugged into the device.

Technology

Technology has become integral to the trade show experience. People always have their smartphones with them and that gives you many opportunities to interact and promote your brand. More companies are going paperless and using various technologies to promote themselves instead.

Social media is a great tool to utilize. People can check in at your booth on various social networking sites. You can offer giveaways or prizes to people that check in. Use twitter and Facebook to engage in conversations.

Apple’s iBeacon is fairly new technology that pinpoints users and tells them companies and products in their vicinity. Use of email marketing before, during and after the show can be used to promote brands, drive user engagement and offer exclusive deals or giveaways.

Companies are opting for electronic picture frames instead of printed graphics. It is green and cost effective because there is no need for reprinting signs. Tablets can also be used for interactive displays. Your company can develop an app that users can download and use at the trade show.

Let us know what you’re doing!