A Grand Ole Show: ExhibitorLive 2024
I guess diving into the deep end is where I thrive best! In my first week of working at FBD2, Bill was bringing me along to a local show, The Facilities Management Expo, to show me the ropes and discuss design. Within weeks of joining Apogee, we were planning a trip to the premier industry trade show, ExhibitorLive. Tara, a few members from the main Apogee team, and I ventured down to Nashville Tennessee at the end of February for the show.
Upon entering the show floor we were bombarded with the usual sites and sounds of any trade show. The hustle and bustle of business! One thing was certain: everything and everyone had a visual impact.
Backlighting & LED video tiles
These have been on trend for a while. What better way to stand out from the typically dark hotel ballroom or convention center than with lighting! LED video tiles offer a huge amount of customization, but with a heavy price tag that may not fit in a 10x20 budget. Backlighting offered the same stand out effect at a more reasonable budget. A newer addition to this trend is LED counters, especially with curved panels, and edge lighting around SEG frames.
Sustainability
For the last few years, sustainability has been a big topic for the industry. Use and destroy (commonly referred to as build and burn) booths are much less common than they once were in America. Using a booth or graphic only once may have the allure of being shiny and new every time but comes with a cost. Many vendors are now offering recycling options, taking in your old graphics and using recycled fabric for new graphics.
Height
When choosing between a hanging sign or bringing your booth to the height limit, choose the latter. While signage directs people to your booth, tall booths feel monolithic and draw the eye from across the floor. Standing out even more, was the booth that meshed the two and incorporated their height into the hanging piece, making a unique layered piece.
Custom Flooring
Flooring can feel like the finishing touch on a great booth. A good floor matches the esthetic or color of your booth and provides a defined edge to your booth. A great floor stands out, draws attention, or even adds to the story of your booth. Without breaking the budget, renting a carpet that contrasts the isle carpet and complements your company colors is sure to draw the eye.
Interactivity
A game, a prize wheel, or another incentive to step into the booth is a great conversation starter, and can draw in the crowd. A custom hat or game leaderboard is great for buzz but may lead to targeting more than just your audience.
Battle of the Prices
The past few years have brought true innovation to a halt, from the pandemic to the constant threat of inflation. Instead of who can wow with the newest product, many vendors are in a battle of price. Who can give the best product at the right price. There are 100s of options for a pillowcase or SEG display that are practically identical to the end user so they turn to the price point and customer service.
