2019 Trade Show Trends to Have on Your Radar

Each year, trade shows bring hundreds of vendors together under one roof. As we approach the end of another year, you may be wondering what trends you should have on your radar. 2019 may be the year that you redesign your custom trade show booth, upgrade your technology or choose new conferences to attend. It’s important to prepare and know what to look forward to!

As you plan for the future, keep these trade show trends in mind.

Multi-Sensory Experiences

Trade shows provide a great opportunity to view products up close, but there is more to excite the senses than just sights and sounds. In the coming year, watch for more brands to provide immersive, multi-sensory experiences for their audiences. Custom trade show booths will work hard to appeal to all five senses using unique lighting, touch-panel interfaces, interactive displays and more.

Customer-centric Designs

First impressions are everything, but marketers know that having a flashy or loud design is no longer the way to attract attention. The design must appeal to the customer’s needs and emotions. To remain competitive in 2019, you will need to understand your audience’s pain points and define your goals.

Every element in your design should support your goals and be centered around the customer. Technology will continue to steal the show, but the traditional details will still matter. Any new exhibits should contain high quality graphics, unique signage, flashy colors, texturized displays and more.

Virtual Reality

In 2019, expect to see more trade show booths incorporating VR technology. Virtual reality allows consumers to interact with products and services they’re interested in purchasing. It’s an effective way to separate brands from each other and create memorable experiences. And, VR technology is becoming easier and more affordable to employ, allowing more businesses to take advantage of it. On a budget? Check out Google VR Cardboard.

Comfortable Seating Areas

For decades, marketers have used trade show events to impress their audiences, but some have forgotten the importance of comfort. Standing on your feet for long hours is exhausting and attendees get tired from walking the venue all day. While it’s important to be professional, embracing comfort can give your brand a more personal touch. Next year, plan on seeing more custom exhibits inviting people in with comfy lounge areas, phone charging stations, etc.

Trade shows will continue to be a vital asset to your business in 2019. By incorporating more technology, multi-sensory experiences and custom-centric designs, you’ll remain competitive at your networking events.