Great Trade Show Booth Designs: Unique Visuals and Interesting Interactions
TRADE SHOW
An edgy and original trade show booth design helps to capture the eye, despite being situated among dozens of others all aiming to do the same. And of course, after you ve attracted attention, a unique interaction helps you keep it.
Here are 5 examples that stand out for their eye-catching visuals, great brand identity, and fun factor.
Malaysia
It s always a good idea to put your brand logo front and center. For Malaysia, that s the Petronas Towers. At the IMEX Frankfurt 2013 Travel Exhibition, the Malaysian tourism bureau backed up its great social media presence with a trade show booth that included hands-on arts and crafts and an opportunity to pretend to bargain with hawkers beneath a huge replica of the iconic towers.
Bitsy s Brainfood
Health food stores may be good for you but they aren t exactly kid-centric. Bitsy s Brainfood, an American chain that markets healthy snacks for kids hits its stride right away. Its color scheme, the toys, its choice of activities, the lettering will make kids pay attention while parents listen to the sales spiel.
NRG Energy
Large corporations often rest on their laurels, throw up humdrum booths with little thought of event management and rely on their brand name alone. NRG Energy s booth proves this is nonsense. This booth engages customers directly into the company s core mission, how to produce renewable energy. Plus the Human NRG wheel just looks like a ton of fun.
Inada Chairs
Inada knows how people often feel at conferences and trade shows: bored, tired, footsore or all three. By providing their chairs for the relaxation of executives, they hit their target audiences just as they re most in need of Inada s product. The booth design is nothing spectacular but it doesn t need to be, the product and goodwill interaction speaks for itself.
Newsweek
The epitome of brand recognition, this Newsweek booth is the cherry on the cake. At first glance, outside the neon 3D lettering, it may not look like much, but the casual observer will pick out some lovely touches. The red phone that harkens back to a more dangerous era, the selection of glossy magazine covers from across the decades, the so-uncool-it s-cool metallic chair all this perfectly encapsulates Newsweek s brand identity and even engenders a sense of nostalgic attachment to the brand.
Exhibitor 2013
COMPANY NEWS, EVENT INDUSTRY, TRADE SHOW
We had the opportunity to travel to the Exhibitor 2013 show this year, and it did not disappoint. This is a trade show and conference for trade show and conference builders and planners. Many of the manufacturers bring their best new concepts and technologies for display, and we were able to spend quality time with some of the best of the best. It was also great to see the show growing again this year- with a host of new exhibitors, and some that have come back from a few years away. Below, we have included some of our favorites.
Here is what Exhibitor Magazine has to say about their trade show floor at the 2013 Exhibitor Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada:
EXHIBITOR2013 s New Product Showcase delivers the industry s largest collection of new trade show and corporate event products and services making their public debut. The spotlight is on innovation as exhibitors vie for the coveted Buyer s Choice Awards selected from the field of New Product Showcase entries.
AVFX is a staging and technology vendor out of Boston. They built out a video wall with NEC monitors that looked great, but the tech that made it stand out was the control surface. This was a clear touchscreen monitor in front of the display wall. When you stepped in front of the controller, it frosted over and allowed a user to select a video for playback on the wall. Very cool execution.
Armodilo
We have been using and building in iPad kiosks on our tours and mobile media activations for years now. We have used Bounce Pad, and have quite an affinity for Lilitab, but Armodilo was able to capture our attention. The product is quite simple- something easier said than done. We can utilize various tablets in the same enclosure, and it is a very simple and quick setup. We are excited about getting in our test units and if all goes well, folding them into our new tours moving forward.
Brandstand
Brandstand debuted their new, all in one, digital signage. It is very clean and simple, needing just a flash drive to show movies or graphics on a loop. There are limited features and options, but a great price point. These are brand new items in their portfolio, and we look forward to evaluating them in earnest when we have the chance.
GES
GES let their case studies speak for themselves, as they built out an all white booth and environment for Exhibitor. What really got our attention was a small, simple, but very cool graphic technique. QR codes seem to be everywhere these days, but they took it a step further and created a design around the QR code itself. Simple, but a great technique to incorporate.
Czarnowski
We have come to expect great, creative activations from Czarnowski on the exhibit floor, and this year did not disappoint. Their main tech showcase was a photo/light booth. Built in the middle of their exhibit, their guests entered the booth and a photo was taken, then you had 15 seconds to make a light-design as the aperture remained open capturing the movement of the light sticks. Great tech, great execution and a great end product. This is a rentable solution as well, so look for it out on the road.
Blue Telescope
It is always a treat to get to experience what Blue Telescope brings to Exhibitor. Their interaction started pre-show with a great online interaction where you build out your personalized digital flower. From there, the tech and story continued on the show floor, and included a section of questions about the individual attendee. They also displayed graphics and motion sensors with the Microsoft Kinect interface. At the end, we received a flower to plant to close the entire loop. Always fun to see their new activations.
Elements Exhibits
We have to give it to Elements for a great fully immersive experience on the floor. They featured ice sculptures and themes throughout the booth, but topped it off by working with Icebar to include an onsite walk in freezer, ice, and a bar built into their booth.
Panphonics
In many build outs, booths, and mobile activations we are asked about directional audio. Many times we use audio cones, speaker placement and volume control to accomplish the task at hand. It was great to see the solutions from Panphonics. They developed a square and very, very thin directional speaker for these applications.
2013 The Special Event Chicago, IL
BACKSTAGE, COMPANY NEWS, EVENT INDUSTRY, LIVE EVENTS, TIPS & TRICKS, TRADE SHOW
Do you remember that feeling when you were a kid and your parents let you walk through the toy section of a store? The pure joy and excitment of the latest and greatest thing? That is exactly how it felt to walk through The Special Event in Chicago a few weeks ago.
The Special Event is one of the largest trade shows and conferences for event professionals. Vendors bring their A-Game to show the industry what they are capable of. Thousands from around the country and world come together to see the best of the best in our industry.
The trade show floor had a little bit of everything. Different types of lighting to cater to any event, linens of every fabric, software for anything from layouts to registration, and much more in between.
We found quite a few potential vendors within the trade show and look forward to working with them in the future. Here are a few pictures from the tradeshow floor.
The conference portion was both interesting and informative. We learned a lot about the trends and issues in the event industry and are excited to bring the knowledge back to our clients.
We were also able to attend one of the extra events during the show. The ballroom was setup by some of the best vendors in the industry to resemble an upscale reception. Some of the best aspects included the ice DJ Booth by Nadeau s Ice Sculptures, the live music from the Becca Kaufman Orchestra, and modern furniture from Cort Event Furnishings and AFR Event Furnishings.
The Special Event was a great experience that every event professional should have at some point in their career. We learned a ton and met a lot of great people. Cannot wait until 2014 when the conference will be held in Nashville, TN at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel & Convention Center.
Nomadic Display Instand Pop Up
COMPANY NEWS, EVENT INDUSTRY, TIPS & TRICKS, TRADE SHOW
We just heard some great news from Nomadic Display and wanted to pass it along. They are reducing the price of some of their most popular Instand Pop up display units for Q1.If you are in the market for a new Instand, Pop up, or table top display, this is a great time to pick one up.
It looks like the prices will hold until April 30, 2013. We love the 8 Fabrimurals, and many of our clients use them for small events, press conferences and fund raisers. There are actually three of these fabric ones included- the 8 , 5 and a table top version. Take a look at the models and pricing below and drop us a line if you are interested.
Awesome Resources for Boosting Your Trade Show Smarts
TRADE SHOW
I recently ran across Inc.com s 8 Tricks of the Trade Show some real gems in there and realized how much there was to say on a seemingly straightforward topic. Decibel typically comes into a trade show on the logistical end of things (call us, we can get you all kinds of stuff), and as event professionals that s probably where we ll stay, but I find it fascinating that there s a whole field of sales thought on running a successful booth that goes well beyond showing up with some good banners, a box of custom-printed stress balls and an attention-grabbing way to strip attendees of their dignity (Money-blowing machines? Really?).
There s a ton to consider, from training your sales staff to specifically target their behavior, approach and pitch for a trade-show environment, to doing marketing blasts before the trade show even begins in order to (apparently, this is a big one). I ve put together a collection of a few of the resources I ve come across for boosting your trade-show know-how.
Ken Krogue s Articles on Forbes
A regular contributor on Forbes.com, Ken Krogue s articles focus primarily on sales techniques, touching specifically and insightfully on trade show sales and engagement techniques. Here are a couple of the articles Ken has specifically written on the topic:
- 12 Commandments of Incredibly Successful Trade Shows
- Dreamforce 2013 Lead Management Research Calls Out Internet Marketers Who Still Miss the Boat
- 17 Skills for Highly Effective Trade Show Events
Susan Friedmann, the Trade Show Coach
Here to rescue all ye with flat sales numbers is Susan Friedmann, who specializes in helping exhibition-bound companies to get the most for their buck. Via her website, she offers online training, quick coaching and some audio and eBook help. Here s Susan, saying hi on thetradeshowcoach.com:
Message From Susan Friedmann, The Tradeshow Coach from Susan Friedmann on Vimeo.
Inc.com
Inc.com is another awesome site that consistently posts interesting and forward-thinking articles on trade show success. Some of my favorites:
- How to Survive a Las Vegas Trade Show
- Have the Best Trade Show Schwag
- How a Non-Traditional Trade Show Can Boost Awareness
Now, go forth and sell!
Decibel Management Custom Interior Signage Design and Build
BACKSTAGE, EVENT INDUSTRY, LIVE EVENTS, TRADE SHOW
Decibel Management was hired to design, develop and install custom graphics, signs, trade show pieces as well as custom paint to complete the Marketing Center at 555 12th Street in Washington, D.C. We worked with a great team at Legacy Scenic and Productions, as well as Matrix Frame USA to complete the install. The original concept was from the architecture firm Gensler, as well as Cushman & Wakefield, along with the construction team of HITT Contracting.
555 12th Street Marketing Center- Behind the Scenes with Decibel Management from Decibel Management on YouTube.
Behind the Scenes with Decibel Management: How an Experiential Event Comes Together
BACKSTAGE, COMPANY NEWS, EVENT INDUSTRY, LIVE EVENTS, TRADE SHOW
If you have ever wondered what goes into a technical and experiential event build, take a look behind the scenes with Decibel Management and our amazing production team for the building of the H&R Block- Get Your Billion Back experience.
The development, programming and construction was challenging, complex, and delivered on a lightning fast timetable. We were truly only able to succeed because of the great team we assembled. This included our partners: M1 Interactive, CGS Premier, Greenroom Communications, and EventPro Strategies as well as great clients in Ketchum Public Relations as well as H&R Block.
Good Trade Show Giveaways: Empathic Trade Show Shwag that Sells
TRADE SHOW
Tis the season for giving, but on the trade show circuit, tis the season all year round. Trade Show participants are expected to load visitors down with fun shwag, but it s all too easy to waste money handing out items that won t further your business objectives. We tend to find that the best goodies that demonstrate a level of empathy, either empathy specifically for booth visitors or empathy in general.
Toothbrush
Okay, it s not like, Silicon-Valley-snazzy or anything, but trade show attendees have often just gotten off a plane. Sometimes they hit ground with an hour to run to the hotel, throw their stuff down, and leave. And when you get to a trade show where you re expected to network and you realize you ve forgotten to brush your teeth? That can pretty much ruin your day. Help a business traveler out they may return the favor. Quantum Labs has a good selection of size and style options.
Lip balm
Air travel is dehydrating, and chapped lips can make a conference uncomfortable. Branded EOS sphere lip balm looks pretty spiffy, and attendees will be grateful for the relief. Rush Imprint does EOS spheres at anywhere between $6.35 and $5.54 per unit.
Eco Garden Kit
A gardening kit wouldn t necessarily be the right giveaway for all brands, but it does demonstrate your company s commitment to sustainability. Made from recyclable materials, Empire Promos kit contains gardening gloves, a bamboo-handled cultivator, transplanter and weeder/pruner.
Branded Charging Station
Someone, somewhere in that conference hall is running out of batteries, and is wistfully staring at an electrical socket that s mounted 4 feet off the ground. This charging station by 4Imprint lets attendees make use of out-of-the-way sockets by providing a platform that balances devices on the wall.
Yet Another Trade Show Roundup: Ultra-Creative 3D Trade Show Booth Ideas
TRADE SHOW
Creative genius comes in many forms. Turns out Behance, a web platform where creatives can showcase their works, is home to a small contingent of trade show booth designers who have some incredible portfolios of inspiring ideas for marketing design. These days, 3D rendering software allows booth designers to concept custom designs before the booths ever get built, so bear in mind that these are renderings rather than actual photographs, but man: the thought that went into some of these.
Activision Booth Design, by Ariel Villalobos, Mexico
Great futuristic open-plan booth with scanner doors for gaming company Activision.
Arab Health Exhibition in Dubai, by Christina Sidhoum, Cairo
Clean, bright and attractive corporate design.
La Vista booth for Cityscape Egypt, by Mostafa Shehatta, Cairo
Want people to come sit down in your space? Make it bright, cozy, and super inviting. With the profusion of trade shows over there, I see lot of great work coming out of the UAE and Egypt these days.
Lipton Tea Lounge, by Hossam Moustafa, Cairo
Hossam is a senior 3D designer, and the experience shows in his creativity. Way to take a brand and bring it to life in an engaging way with this Lipton Tea cafe/booth concept.
Arby s Take-Out Booth Concept, by David Simmons, Boston MA
I dare you not to love this: a mini take-out counter booth shaped like an Arby s drive-through window.
Shell Petroleum, by Murtaza Saleem, Pakistan
Way to knock the branding out of the park: this booth is super on-message, incorporating Shell s colors and visual identity effortlessly.
Quick shameless plug: Decibel can get custom booth design done for you, too, so give us a ring if you re in the market.
4 Weird Conferences You ve Never Heard Of
LIVE EVENTS, TRADE SHOW
It takes all kinds to make this wild world, and if you can imagine it, someone has already rented the Las Vegas Convention center to celebrate it. We ve collected a list of some out-of-the-ordinary annual conferences.
VapeMania
Never heard of Vaping? Neither had I until some of my close friends made the decision to quit smoking the ciggies. Vaping is a term used to describe the smoking of products that are inhaled via water vapor rather than via burning and actual smoke: e-cigarettes and e-pipes, basically. As awareness of the dangers of cigarette smoking rises, vaping s popularity continues to increase, and we re seeing a ton of conventions crop up dedicated to bringing vapers together to try new products and inhalant methods: think fancy e-cigarettes, flavored and scented oils and liquids, blah blah blah. Vapemania isn t the only Vapecon on the block, either check out this list of all the vape expos in 2014.
PUA Superconference
You remember that scene in Magnolia where Tom Cruise is up there on stage screaming Respect the C*ck ? Ahem. That is a real thing, and it happens in Vegas every year, except with fewer leather vests and more chest waxing. Pick-Up Artists are students of the ancient mysteries of wooing the laides, and they converge once a year at PUA for several days of, ahem, results-oriented dating help . Heh. Results-oriented .
Enjoy this exciting preview by the Venerable Adam Lyons, the World s #1 Pickup Artist , at the (very similar) 21 Convention. Not even mildly SFW, people:
Florida PirateCon
Though we were sad to see that MerPalooza, a mermaid convention last held in 2013, didn t resurface this year, we re slightly mollified by the scheduled return of Florida s PirateCon in 2015. Weird? Maybe, but c mon, who doesn t secretly really want to go to this dressed in a buccaneer s coat and carrying a brace of pistols, huh?
Oregon Ghost Conference
And you thought ghost hunting was dead (HAR!). Get out your geiger counter and plod on over to the Oregon Ghost Conference, where attendees learn ghoul-tracking techniques, get their fortunes told, explore haunted areas and listen to hair-raising lectures. Oregon not near you? Check out this list of ghost hunting cons.