As we enter fall 2024, your eyes are set on those trade shows you have coming up to finish out the rest of the year. However, while these are undoubtedly important, this is also the most important time to get on top of your 2025 strategy. 2025 is seeing a few specific trends that will travel across industries throughout the year, and failing to get on board in incorporating them into your strategies may leave you looking outdated as the new year gets going.

Trade Show Trends Topping The List For 2025

Some of the top 2025 trade show trends include:

• • Combine your live and virtual foot traffic – Virtual has proven to be a mainstay in trade shows, and we’re seeing 2025 really bring your physical and virtual foot traffic together. While every brand, every representative, and every industry expert would love to attend every trade show, it’s not always a realistic goal when travel and time are involved. Virtual trade show exhibits make you widely accessible and take time and space out of the equation. In 2025, one trend to love is creating a virtual trade show boot that looks (and acts) just like the real thing. 3D modeling, interactive display elements, and live chats with your trade show staff will make faraway virtual attendees feel like they’re right there in the thick of the action.

• • Immersive exhibits are key – In 2025, each attendee that steps up to your trade show exhibit should feel like they’re being immersed in your brand experience. Interactive zones, product demos, lounges, and digital interactivity will bring in attendees and allow them to truly experience what your brand has to offer. This is a trend that began picking up steam in 2024 and is expected to become an expectation for trade show attendees as the new year gets underway.
• • Sustainability and quality – Eco-friendly practices are expected to become a priority and a stand-out point for trade show exhibits and exhibitors in 2025. When building a trade show exhibit, brands will be looking toward biodegradable, recycled, and reusable materials. Swag items will focus less on quantity and more on quality with items like reusable water bottles, recycled notebook paper, and environmentally friendly bamboo. For brands that package up goodies or swag, that packaging should be recyclable and environmentally safe.

Keeping up with the latest trends ensures your brand doesn’t fall behind in your trade show strategy or design. To learn more, contact Lighthouse Exhibits today.