5 Trends in Modern Exhibition Stand Designs

There is a lot of doom and gloom right now, so let's talk about something uplifting for a change, like the remarkable resurgence of the exhibition industry since the pandemic hit way back in 2020. The Events Industry Alliance (EIA) – the collective associations of AEO, AEV and ESSA, published its seventh Size and Scale Index for Exhibitions (SASiE) report – the first edition since 2019.

In the report, it says how the UK saw a whopping 969 exhibitions happening across its main venues with more than a third of these big gatherings taking place in the UK’s four primary venues ExCeL London, Olympia London, the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), and the Scottish Event Campus (SEC). More importantly, though, the number of people showing up to these exhibitions was seriously impressive. There were an estimated 6.11m visits to exhibitions at the UK's leading exhibition venues over the year. With a median event attendance of 2,800, it's clear that people were itching to get back out there and connect face-to-face.

And let's not forget about the stars of the show—the exhibitors. With an average of 126 exhibitors per event, these exhibitions were buzzing with activity, showcasing everything from industry giants to up-and-coming innovators. And guess what? This number is only going to climb in the coming years. It's like everyone's gearing up to make these events bigger, better, and more exciting than ever before!

The SASiE report paints a pretty picture of a sector that's not just bouncing back but gearing up for some serious growth. While there are still challenges ahead—if there's one thing we've learned from this whole experience, it's that the exhibitions industry is nothing if not resilient.?

With that in mind, we thought we would examine some of the most exciting exhibition design trends of the year, highlighting the innovative approaches and creative concepts driving the industry forward.

1. Sustainable and Biophilic Design?

Exhibitions are increasingly embracing sustainability as a core principle in their design ethos. This involves using eco-friendly materials such as reclaimed wood, recycled plastics, and low-VOC paints to reduce environmental impact.

Biophilic design, which integrates elements of nature into built environments, is also gaining traction. Exhibitors are incorporating living green walls, potted plants, and natural light to create spaces that promote well-being and connection with the natural world.?

These practices not only align with the growing global focus on sustainability but also create inviting and refreshing exhibition environments that resonate with attendees.

2. Minimalism with Maximum Impact

In an era of information overload, exhibitors are turning to minimalistic design principles to cut through the clutter and convey their messages effectively. Clean lines, ample whitespace, and simple yet bold typography help to focus visitors' attention on key products and brand narratives. By stripping away unnecessary elements, exhibitors can create immersive experiences that resonate with attendees on a deeper level.

This minimalist approach not only ensures clarity of communication but also improves the overall aesthetic appeal of exhibition spaces.?

3. Shareable Experiences with Technology

Technology has become an integral part of modern exhibition design, offering new ways to engage and captivate audiences. Augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and interactive displays are being used to create immersive experiences that extend brand exposure and encourage social sharing.

Attendees can interact with products in virtual environments, participate in gamified experiences, and share their experiences on social media platforms, amplifying brand reach and engagement. By harnessing the power of technology, exhibitors can create memorable experiences that leave a lasting impression on visitors.

4. Bold and Vibrant Colour Palettes

Colour plays a crucial role in shaping the atmosphere and mood of exhibition spaces. Exhibitors are embracing bold and vibrant colour palettes to create visually stimulating environments that reflect their brand personality and values.

From vibrant hues to eye-catching gradients, bold colours are being used to command attention and evoke emotional responses from attendees. Colour-blocking techniques, which involve juxtaposing contrasting colours to create dynamic visual compositions, are also being employed to create a unique and memorable aesthetic. By harnessing the power of colour, exhibitors can create immersive and impactful experiences that resonate with visitors long after the event is over.?

5. Modular and Flexible Designs

Flexibility and adaptability have become essential qualities in exhibition design, allowing exhibitors to maximise ROI and meet the evolving needs of attendees. Modular design systems, which consist of interchangeable components that can be reconfigured to suit different spaces and layouts, are gaining popularity.

These systems enable exhibitors to create customisable and scalable exhibition booths that promote brand consistency and flexibility across various settings. By investing in modular design solutions, exhibitors can future-proof their exhibition strategies and adapt to changing market dynamics with ease.

At Redblu, we're all about versatility when it comes to building exhibition stands, and that's why we love Modular Systems. One standout in the global scene is Aluvision, hailing from Belgium. As Scotland's top supplier of Aluvision systems, we've got the biggest and most diverse range you'll find around here. Plus, we're always on the lookout for fresh ideas, constantly learning from exhibition stand designers worldwide and getting inspired by the cool ways they use this amazing system.

Conclusion

So, these are the five most exciting exhibition design trends of the year, showcasing the industry's commitment to innovation, creativity, and sustainability, setting the stage for immersive and memorable experiences that inspire and engage attendees.

At Redblu, we're proud to be an Exhibition Design and Build company specialising in delivering cost-effective and sustainable modular exhibition stands. But we're not just about building stands—we're here to support you every step of the way.

We understand the challenges businesses face in the exhibition space, and we're committed to offering ongoing support and guidance to help you get the most out of your exhibition budget. Whether you're a seasoned exhibitor or new to the scene, our team is here to help you achieve your goals.

Feel free to explore our website and check out our portfolio for further inspiration. With our expertise and collaborative approach, we’re here to help make sure your next exhibition stand is a success.