These are the trends in the trade show business

The trends in the trade show industry have changed, where design, exhibition equipment and instruments are important elements to think about. Here you will get our best tips and input on current trends in the trade fair industry!

“We think a modern stand is a large, open stand. With an eye catcher, either in the form of a ceiling pendant or a raised element that seems from a distance. The stand has adopted woodwork, both, and/or in construction and as design elements. The wood helps to create a better atmosphere at the stand, and if you combine design with function, you have scored highly this year — we think.”

— Helene Dalheim Sand, stand designer at Compass Fairs.

What has changed in the field of trade show stand design in recent years?

A few years back it was more common with area-wise smaller stands. The stands were not as open as they are today, but divided into “booths” with three closed walls. Stand design at the time was characterised by advertising walls—where it varied whether one used their own print or not. There was not as much focus on creating a welcoming atmosphere as there is today, and the furniture often consisted of materials such as chrome and leather.

Today we see more open exhibition stands with a larger area, where in terms of design it is decorated with more natural elements and exhibition equipment in pleasant colors. The material of the fair furniture is more approximated to ordinary furniture to create an expression of comfort and a welcome. This in combination with banner walls — where the customer's profile and message come out clearly — is more common at trade shows today.

We will probably see the use of wood to a much greater extent — both in the construction itself and in design elements. Exhibitors place higher demands on stand builders when it comes to using sustainable materials, and we also see a desire for more of the soft textiles and pleasant atmosphere.

“Ultimately, it is the customer's wants and needs that are what is decisive,” says Helene Dalheim Sand, Expo designer.

How to design a modern stand?

Despite the fact that a modern stand will stand out with natural elements such as wood, organic forms and neutral, pleasant colors, this is not going to apply to everyone. It is the task of the stand builders to implement such elements, where the balancing act is about creating a pleasant atmosphere while keeping it in line with the expectations and needs of the exhibitors.

“In our industry, it is not necessarily the case that we can follow trends to the letter. Every customer and exhibitor has their profile and their brand — where our main task is to present this in a good way. Therefore, it is not a given that this year's trends of wood and soft fabrics match the customer's profile and desire for expression,” says Sand.

How to capture the attention of the fair in the future?

Some serve bowls, others hand out water bottles or other articles. When we attend trade shows today, we see more and more use of effective means to capture the attention of visitors. Technology is used as an activity and entertainment, we know that competitions arouse curiosity and that the use of sound and light can help make one stand out.

When we attend trade shows today, we see more and more use of effective means to capture the attention of visitors. Technology is used as an activity and entertainment, we know that competitions arouse curiosity and that the use of sound and light can help make one stand out.

As with everything else, the trade fair industry has had to adapt to the development of our time. It takes more to get people's attention these days, compared to how it used to be. Therefore, more is also required of the exhibitors and stands to keep the attention of visitors.

Compass Fairs help you on the road

We have been providing trade fair stands for over 25 years throughout Scandinavia. As a total supplier, we assist you every step of the way — from advice and recommendations on planning your stand, to delivery and setup of the equipment to when you need it. Contact Us what a chat!