We were excited to send a team of four to this year’s ExhibitorLive. This event is geared specifically for trade show professionals and is an opportunity to see what trends or new innovations are dominating our industry. This year’s event was held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV from June 21st to the 23rd. Thousands of visitors from across the country attended and enjoyed a lineup of impressive keynote speakers, 100+ workshops, and 150+ exhibitors.

Our key takeaways? Technology integration, a focus on lighting, and leaning into natural/green looks is only going to continue to grow. We saw evidence of this everywhere at the show! Let’s take a picture tour of what we experienced:

Lighting, Lighting Everywhere!

LED lighting was evident throughout the exhibits–from backlit letters to counters and toe kick lighting.

Aluvision continues to add to their lighting options with a large diffuser/LED cap option.​


A Focus on Ease-of-Use

Suppliers continue to innovate for our industry. Prism (now a part of Trussworks) is minimizing cords so installation and dismantle are easier and reduces damage to product.

DS&L introduced lighting products that work with aluminum frame systems. For example, they have extension cords that fit through the 29mm holes. A great example of creating something seemingly simple that solves problem installers constantly run into.

“Everywhere I looked I saw innovative companies using technology, like 3D printing, to create cost-effective solutions for exhibit elements. For example, I was impressed with a simple accessory to attach existing lighting to newer exhibit walls. A great way to extend the life of existing exhibit elements to bring down costs for clients and make installation simpler.”

-Stephanie Brooks, Estimator and Project Coordinator

Mobile Lightbox showed an example of a lightbox with a 12-hour battery​ and 4-hour recharge​ that fits in a case the size of a typical banner stand​.

PRO TIP! A ready-made light box with a 12-hour rechargeable battery would be an excellent add-on for our clients to make an impact at smaller shows.

Throughout the show, efforts to increase efficiencies and control costs were evident.

“I was impressed with the designs I saw that showed an effort to save costs without sacrificing outcomes. From making exhibit pieces lightweight (corrugated cardboard walls, for example) to reduce shipping costs to leaning on battery power to eliminate the costs of electrical drops – you could see that controlling costs was a driving force in innovations for our industry.”

-Matt Von Reuden, Account Manager


Catching Eyes with Fun & Functional Walls

Natural elements give a grounded and inviting look, while video walls in all shapes and sizes draw attention with bold looks.

The right graphics grab attention and get exhibits noticed on a crowded floor.

“Applying graphics to a variety of surfaces– from a piece sintra to carpet to foam to fabric got a lot of notice at ExhibitorLive.  The touchless wipe-away screens gave an interactive bent to the display and added an element of fun.”

-John Schlosser, Director of Sales/Marketing

It’s always exciting and energizing to see what is being developed to enhance face-to-face marketing. Connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter to be the first to know what topic we are blogging about next! If you would like to learn more about any of these trends or need help with an upcoming trade show or event, feel free to get in touch with us and we’ll put our expertise to work for you.