Everything seems to be changing at warp speeds. Take exhibit and event design. Everything about it is evolving at a rapid pace, and many changes are driven by advancements in technology. At Poretta & Orr we know that as innovative creators of immersive environments, it is so important to stay ahead of these trends to deliver unforgettable experiences and engage and attract audiences. The following are just some of the useful technologies we are embracing and helping our client partners integrate into their exhibit environments to stand out from the crowd and reach their goals and objectives for the tradeshows, conventions and congresses they participate in.
1. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
AR and VR are revolutionizing the way we think about interactive experiences. Augmented Reality overlays digital information onto the physical world, creating a blended experience that enhances what visitors see and interact with. Imagine an exhibit where parts of the body come to life and show how a drug or device is interacting with the human body or an exhibit booth that showcases products in 3D, allowing attendees to visualize them in real-world contexts.
Virtual Reality is created entirely differently and immerses users in compelling digital environments. This type of technology is perfect for creating virtual tours, immersive storytelling experiences, or training simulations. For example, a VR headset has unlimited scenarios! It can transport visitors to time past, outer space, or inside the human body depending on your product/service/story and provides educational experiences that are both engaging and memorable.
2. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI is making exhibits interesting, smarter and more personalized. The integration of chatbots and virtual assistants can guide visitors, answer questions, and provide tailored recommendations based on visitor preferences and behaviors. And AI-powered analytics can track visitor engagement and interaction, offering invaluable data to refine and enhance future exhibits. Our industry is consistently asked to demonstrate ROI and AI can assist this task very nicely.
Moreover, AI provides the flexibility to help us create dynamic content that can be changed in real-time based on visitor input or external factors. The result is content that is more engaging, responsive, and personal … adapting to the needs and interests of the audience.
3. Interactive Displays
Gone are the days of static displays. Interactive screens and touch tables are now central to modern exhibit design. These technologies allow visitors to engage with content in a hands-on way, exploring information at their own pace and visiting and learning more about their areas of interest.
Interactive displays can also incorporate gamification elements, such as quizzes, challenges, and leaderboards, to make learning fun and competitive. This not only attracts visitors but also encourages longer engagement times. Longer engagement times equate to opportunities for booth staff to capture important conversations and forge relationships.
4. Immersive Audio and Projection Mapping
We know that engaging all our senses is important and sound and visuals are powerful tools in creating immersive environments. Immersive audio employs the use of directional speakers and soundscapes to create a 360-degree auditory experience that can guide visitors through an exhibit or enhance the storytelling aspect. Have you have seen a video without sound and then they sound is played and it makes the story even more powerful. Sound can really enhance an experience!
Projection mapping transforms ordinary surfaces into dynamic visual displays. This technology can turn walls, floors, and even entire buildings into canvases for storytelling, creating captivating experiences that change the way we perceive spaces.
5. The Internet of Things (IoT)
Poretta & Orr wrote about the IoT many years ago and it continues to be the avenue to connect exhibits and events in ways never before possible. IoT can also enhance interactivity. For example, QR codes placed throughout an exhibit can provide visitors with additional content on their smartphones, creating a seamless blend of physical and digital experiences.
Looking Ahead
As these technologies and others continue to advance, the possibilities for exhibit and event design are endless. The key to leveraging these advancements is to focus on creating meaningful and engaging experiences that resonate with your audience. By integrating AR, VR, AI, interactive displays, immersive audio, projection mapping, and IoT, you can design exhibits that not only inform but also inspire and captivate.
At Poretta & Orr we make it our business to stay ahead of the curve by learning and embracing modern technologies and experimenting with innovative approaches. If you have an exhibit and event program, be sure to work with a partner that understands the vital role technology can play in improving your exhibit and event design.
The future of exhibits and events will continue to offer limitless value when considering how best to reach your company’s business goals and objectives … so be sure to work with a company that is leading the way.
To learn more about Poretta & Orr reach out to a member of the team