The Trends In Exhibition Design

It has been an exciting journey so far. Now as we gear up for the next exhibition season, I decided to look back and study a few emerging trends in the Exhibition Industry.

2010-11 is going to be a time to watch out for; as we are steadily emerging from the global financial crisis and, as a result, we can expect to see a new standard of design trends rising up.What we predominantly see is a mix of old and new, resembling a modern-vintage look. Futuristic has a new definition, and becomes synonymous to sustainability and stability.

Introducing 2010 exhibition trends:

The Curves are Back

Curves, linear-wave shapes, and other complex shapes are being used to add interest and movement to exhibition stands.

Hyundai, Auto Expo 2010

DLSI (Mahindra Defemce Systems), Def Expo 2010

Graphics are also using shapes as part of the design. Graphics are now focusing on a single message and are becoming a large part of the exhibition stand. The latest worldwide trend in graphics is to take advantage of the new printing processes and turn walls into a full graphic that attracts attention.

(Harley Davidson at Auto Expo 2010)

The Green Wash

Whether it is a company making bathroom tiles, automobiles or petroleum products, each one wants to showcase their endeavors towards going green.

Even entire shows/expos hold the central theme pertaining to the green aspect. For eg the ongoing World Expo at Shanghai revolves around 'Better Cities, Better Life"; the Petrotech 2010 scheduled for October is promoting 'Global Energy Equilibrium'

India Pavilion, World Expo 2010.

The Dome inspired by the Sanchi Stupa has real grass masking and solar panels.

Hyundai, Auto Expo 2010

(The Grass Wall)

Ashok Leyland, Auto Expo 2010

(landscaping)

Interactive Spaces

It can range from small touch screen units to humongous plasma screen walls to dedicated areas for infotainments like puppet shows, mime arts, gaming zones, street play etc.

Such an approach enhances footfall, visitor involvement and thus brand retention.

Gaming Zone at the HPCL Booth, Petrotech

The main objective is to open the eyes of visitors and awake their emotions, to touch them with lasting effect. As well as to provide for clearly structured information, to let them take away vivid images that will rest in their minds.

Materials

While Wood and Metal are inseparable from the industry, the new addition is Fabric. It is a material of choice of the modern exhibitor.

India Pavilion at LAAD, Brazil-The remarkable fabric fascia.

It is light weight, and can be moulded to creat eye catching shapes. It can be used as an accent or to construct entire stalls.

The latest trend with fabric is the use of translucent/perforated fabric to display full wall graphics. Fabric can define the space as the part of the branding for the exhibition stand, while maintaining the open, airy feeling of space, so that attendees do not feel enclosed within the exhibit

Colours

The latest colour trend is to mix conservative colours, such as black, gray, and tan, with vibrant colour accents. Although pallets inspired from corporate colors work the best.Using colour in lighting is also a popular trend. (Right Image:Germany Pavilion at Auto Expo 2010)

image courtesy: www.pavilionsinteriors.com