We recently walked the largest manufacturing technology show in the Western Hemisphere, the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS), to engage with clients and observe exhibit trends and best practices. Here are some of our takeaways:
Custom modular exhibits dominated the show floor
As a custom modular exhibit designer, provider, and builder, we were thrilled to see that nearly all of the exhibits were constructed using custom modular hardware and printed fabric graphics.
Custom modular frames and extrusions function as ‘building blocks’ that can be assembled an infinite number of ways to create completely unique, customized booths that look fantastic! They are also scalable / reconfigurable, rentable, and are more environmentally-friendly than totally custom exhibits. So, it’s great to see them gaining popularity!
LED walls
LED walls have been around for a long time, but they are (finally!) more affordable and easier to integrate into exhibits. The halls were filled with massive, flashy LED walls that played anything from corporate overviews to product demos to simple motion graphics.
Height
IMTS uniquely has very large inline booth spaces that are not required to follow the IAEE 8’ height restrictions. Exhibitors took full advantage! It was hard to find an exhibit that was less than 16’ tall, and most had hanging signs above them for added height.
Exhibits designed to stimulate the five senses
Many exhibits attracted guests using sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. Some of the most popular techniques included:
- Sight
- Lighting – backlighting, edge-lighting, cool overhead lighting
- Movement – hologram fans, demos with motion, spinning hanging signs, LED walls
- Sound
- Loud booth music
- Videos with sound on
- Smell & Taste
- Fragrant and delicious coffee bars with made-to-order drinks
- Touch
- Double carpet – surprisingly noticeable and welcoming!
- Interactive games and demos
Giveaways
The giveaways were pretty standard – lot’s of bags, hats, water bottles and coffee mugs. Very little printed literature.
Contact us for a free consultation & exhibit design
We design exhibits and manage trade shows all day, every day, and would love to use our expertise to help you incorporate some of these trends and elevate your trade show experience! Contact us today for a free consultation and design.
