Top Trade Show Trends to Look Out for in 2018

Megan Bell
Sep 5, 2018 · 3 min read

The growing penetration of the Internet all over the world might make you wonder whether you should shift all your marketing efforts to the online sphere. What you need to know is that despite advances in technology and a growing preference for online retail, trade shows have not lost their relevance in promoting a business or building a brand image. In fact, there is growing evidence that millennials prefer face-to-face communications, despite being the most tech-savvy generation yet. According to an article on CNBC, this is also the generation that puts experiences above material things.

However, to make an impact at a trade show, it is crucial that you create a memorable experience for visitors to your booth. This is why it is important to be updated with the latest trends in trade show designs. The first step is to choose the events that you wish to participate in because not all trade shows will be suitable for your business or your offerings, says an expert at The Exhibit Company, known for creating unique trade show booth experiences.

Here’s a look at some key trends that are dominating in 2018.

Hot Trade Show Trends for 2018

  1. Experimental and Innovative Booth Designs
    Your booth is not just an architectural design, it should be total experience for your visitors. My personal experience has been that boring and old-fashioned booths tend to repel visitors, while too much design only ends up confusing them. Using new materials and textures can enhance your booth and engage your audience. Get creative, but also remember to offer a comfortable environment for your visitors.
  2. Engaging with the Latest Technology
    Technology is ever evolving, and it is very crucial that you stay updated with the latest one! Gone are the days when the video wall used to make a trade show booth eye-catching. Recent trade show booths I have visited had so much to show, from robots to VR games and various interactive technologies. And, undoubtedly all this made the audience much more interested in what was being offered.
  3. Engaging the Visitor
    Getting visitors into your booth is the first challenge. The next challenge is to keep them there long enough for you to be able to tell them all about your brand and its value proposition. This can only be done when you engage your visitors. Using interactive displays, creating a multi-sensory experience and having skilled personnel man your booth can leave an ever-lasting impression on the visitor. Games, contests and offering enticing takeaways also are great ways to help visitors engage with your brand and offerings.
  4. Live Events
    According to an article on FactoryDirectPromos.com, live events are likely to continue to have a strong hold on exhibitions in 2018 as well. This is a very effective and lasting communication technique, since it builds your brand experience. You can grab the visitor’s attention with live streaming and giving a tour in and around your booth.
  5. Effective Promotional Products
    Who doesn’t like freebies? Branded coupons and giveaways are a tried and tested method of promoting you brand and developing a healthy relationship with your visitors. Offering trade show bags, stickers, pens and other essentials can be an effective way to create brand recall and increase exposure for your brand.

Finally, remember to carefully choose the trade shows that you will participate in, as well as whom to get your booth designed and created by. These choices can make all the difference.

Megan Bell

Written by

Entrepreneur, Business Analyst

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