5 Technology Trends for Trade Show Displays

Absolute Exhibits
Jul 20, 2017 · 4 min read

The use of technology at trade shows has become ubiquitous. From exhibitions and conventions to outdoor installations and events, businesses are leveraging technology to add high-tech glamour to their exhibits.

As trade show display builders, we see a lot of different types of technology. Here are some of the top tech trends we’re seeing exhibitors, including our clients, incorporate in their trade show booths.

1. A DIGITAL OASIS FOR RECHARGING

Let’s face it — trade shows are exhausting! People get tired, thirsty and hungry on the exhibit floor. They need a place where they can rest and recharge themselves and their mobile devices.

Digital lounges combine the age-old appeal of hospitality with the mobile, always plugged-in world of 2017. Double-deck displays may even provide several accommodating areas for taking a break.

You can be an exhausted attendee’s hero and gain an opportunity to win their business with a digital loungethat provides comfortable lounge chairs and café tables or kiosks with built-in chargers.

Photo Courtesy of Veloxity One LLC.

2. BRIGHT, ATTRACTIVE SIGNAGE

Exhibitors are competing for one thing: attention. Unfortunately, the average person has an attention span shorter than a goldfish, according to a study by Microsoft; and while the study is primarily focused on digital devices, there’s no doubt that technology has rewired our brains. Exhibits should be identifiable from a distance and entice attendees to walk in.

Over the years, we’ve seen more exhibitors replace traditional large printed signage with flashy digital signage, such as large-scale video walls and Internet-connected displays on LCD monitors.

JCM Global at Global Gaming Expo (G2E). Custom exhibit by Absolute Exhibits.

Bright, attractive signage can help exhibitors create that ‘wow’ factor and ensure they be seen from any location in the exhibit hall.

Polaroid at Photokina 2016. Exhibit built by Absolute Exhibits.

3. PUSH NOTIFICATIONS WITH AN AUGMENTED REALITY HOOK

An increasing number of trade shows now have their own mobile apps, such as the SEMA Show and CES, and some allow exhibitors to communicate in real-time with attendees through push notifications.

Push notifications are messages you can send to attendees’ mobile devices to communicate and invite visitors to your booth.

Similarly, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are increasing in popularity as companies can share information and demonstrate products in a more interactive and engaging manner.

Trade show attendees wearing VR devices at the Mobile World Congress (Barcelona, Spain) 2016. Photo: MarketWatch

4. GAMES AND CONTESTS

Some organizations have promoted their products and services at trade shows via elaborate digital games and contests.

For example, Content Marketing World hosted a live game show based on Hollywood Squares at CMWorld. They ran a contest before the event and participants earned entries by sharing the event on social media, subscribing to the Content Marketing World newsletter or completing other tasks.

Content Marketing World was able to generate a tremendous amount of buzz before, during and after the show.

5. INTERACTIVE WALLS AND SCREENS

People no longer want to be spectators — they want to be participants. Interactive multimedia displays will be a standard feature in all trade show booths sooner than later.

Interactive Video Wall for Las Vegas Booth at IMEX America 2016

Touch screens and interactive walls provide visitors with a fresh, new experience by putting them in the driver’s seat and allowing them to interact with your multimedia content on their terms. Visitors can explore your “story” and manipulate elements, such as enlarging or rotating images, playing videos and clicking on text and links.

*BONUS* TIMELESS HUMAN TOUCH

Sure, human interaction isn’t exactly technology, but we certainly can’t forget about on this list!

A well-designed digital lounge can attract crowds but it’s knowledgeable, experienced booth staff that will keep them in your booth and develop meaningful relationships with potential customers.

Photo: The Globe and Mail

The human element will always provide a vastly richer, more targeted experience for booth visitors than all the technology in the world.

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This article was originally featured here.

Find this article useful? Please help spread it by clicking the ❤ below. Also, if you’re interested in learning more about custom trade show displays and exhibit rentals, please visit our website https://www.absoluteexhibits.com/.

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Absolute Exhibits

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Absolute Exhibits is a single-source exhibit house specializing in custom trade show displays, corporate showrooms and museum exhibits. @absolutexhibits.

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