7 Types Of Technologies To Enhance Exhibition Stand Interactivity

Updated: 8th May, 2024

Technology is shaping up to be one of the main pillars for engaging visitors at your exhibition stand. With a host of innovative technologies such as AR and VR finding its way in the exhibition industry, it can be mind-boggling to find the right technology that is relevant to use. Luckily, we have researched these technologies for you. We have pruned through the latest technologies that have found their way in the hands of brands and marketers. Out of these we have listed seven technologies that are flexible enough to fit most exhibition stand designs

1. Projection Mapping

Projection mapping is already in use by several brands and advertisers. A form of augmented spatial reality, projection mapping renders a 3D visual projection onto a 3D surface. This projection can be virtually anything that the brand desires from simple everyday objects to entire landscapes. What makes this technology unique is that it fits the dimensions and size of the surface it’s projected on.

Advertisers often use it to create optical illusions such as the illusion of movement into static objects. When combined with audio and visual feedback it can create an increasingly immersive experience for the visitors at a booth. The best part is that unlike VR or AR which limited to handheld technology like smartphone and headsets, projection mapping requires zero investment on the part of the visitor. This makes it a uniquely shared social experience among visitors.

2. Virtual walls

Motion-sensing virtual walls will transform your booth walls into an interactive experience. By using LED and projector screens, you can create a digital canvas for your visitors. A virtual wall has several uses:

-Visitors can use it write messages, draw, or play touch and tap games

-Users can engage in their creative side by re-creating a snowman (if it’s Christmas themed) or customise their virtual bike (if a company sells bikes)

Virtual walls are impressive in that way! Your guests get to have a lot of fun in a visually compelling way.

3. Interactive Flooring

Did you ever look at the floor you were walking? Flooring is one of the least thought-out aspects of an exhibition booth. But, you can turn it into the most interactive part of your booth.

By installingcube-shaped LED lightswith proximity sensors that pick up movement, you can change the colour of the floor when visitors step on it. By using responsive LED flooring at your booth, you can wow your attendees in creative ways. You can also incorporate your version of twister or a dance game for the enjoyment of your visitors.

4. Beacons

Popularised by smart watches, beacons are small wireless transmitters that send out radio signals to Bluetooth-enabled devices within its proximity, these can be smart phones, smart watches or even tablets. Each beacon transmits a unique ID number to a smart device; this signals to a smart device that a particular beacon belongs to particular brand. How does a beacon interact with a visitor? It depends on what its programmed do to. It can offer promotional codes, discount coupons, and flash deals. It can help visitors navigate to their desired exhibition stand

Its value as a proximity-based marketing tool is the reason exhibitors and show organisers are becoming savvy to the use of beacon technology. Beacons help them connect with attendees and collect feedback in real time for improving the experience of visitors.

Beacons offer exhibitors the opportunity to alert visitors of offers and events happening at a trade show. Beacons offer the wonderful opportunity to exhibitors for creating personalised messages and information to attendees.

5. AR and VR

Both augmented reality and virtual reality create endless options for engaging visitors with your brand. AR/VR enabled hardware enables you to create a three-dimensional experience of either a location or event. AR and VR technology offers the next level of engagement for your visitors. You can do the following activities better in with VR and AR:

Product Demonstrations:Products such as cars and bikes are difficult to showcase; companies often need to book large spaces to showcase their vehicles. For such products, AR and VR become the right tool. It enablesyour visitors can explore and interact with the company’s product on a handheld device such as a tablet or AR glasses.

Gamification: Turning your brand experience into an educational game is one of the best ways to get your customers to engage with your brand. Games require active participation since the user has to go through pre-determined actions to increase their score or get a prize. Allowing you to have their full attention, which means they will remember your brand even after they have left the booth.

AR Photo Booth/Mirror:A photo booth that uses advanced facial recognition, it lets the viewer see themselves in a reflection enhanced with additional effects. Applications like Google Lens and Snapchat already use this at a basic level. But for the exhibition floor, there is an advanced version of this piece of tech that lets users project themselves onto amazing landscapes, virtually try out new clothes and make-up. This virtual mirror is a quick and fun way to advertise your brand.

6. 4D storytelling through multi-sensory installations

You have likely had a taste of this at 4D theatres, if not you’re missing out on quite an experience. These multi-dimensional experiences use a 360-degree projection environment to create a cocktail of sounds, sights, scents, and tactile feedback to create a surreal experience for the user. This experience etches the brand in the psyche of your user. An excellent example of this would be Berkley’s Out of the Blue experience for their drinks. This experience was designed to augment the flavour of their drinks using 4D technology. Each time the user tried a different drink, they would be immersed in a different multi-sensory experience.

7. Product presentation through a digital display

Using a combination of technologies such as motion-sensing LCD screens and interactive mirror screens, you can create adigital display for product presentation. Unlike, traditional display a digital display can be tweaked in real time. You change its colour, its look, the sound it makes, keeping it fresh and dynamic for engaging visitors. There are several types of technologies that you can use as a digital display:

Digital Glass: A large digital glass with multi-touch capability, this large touch screen can be used to display your product with its features like a digital presentation.

Transparent LCD Screen: This unique piece of technology is supposed to act as a digital overlay for your real products. Letting you augment your product display with a virtual interface. This merger of digital with real-life products is sure to wow audiences and make your products more memorable.

Bringing in attendees to your exhibition stand requires a lot of creative hustle. Engaging them is hard work but with the right technologies, you can not only engage your visitors but also make a place for your brand in their minds.