When it comes to channeling the freshest ideas, we’re always looking for ways to maximize client budgets while showcasing brands in the most innovative and engaging ways possible. The emergence of the hybrid model in trade show design – an exhibit that incorporates both custom and modular display components – is fast becoming the preferred approach, and with good reason. Not only do hybrid exhibits allow for increased flexibility while reducing production time, they also free up valuable budget, which can be used to create high-impact, wow-factor elements that truly set your brand apart. Read on for some of the ways hybrid design is changing our approach to trade shows.
Increased Flexibility
With hybrid design, flexibility comes standard. Different specs, different shows, different business segments? No problem. With the shift to a hybrid model, rental components provide a library of possibilities. Rental inventory from aluminum panels and light boxes to cabinets and furniture – customizable for each show – sets the foundation, while meaningful brand components and design elements are layered on for a truly custom experience. The best part? Your investment can be dialed up or down depending on the engagement. Add in custom materials, AV integrations and graphics, and you have a polished, on-brand exhibit for any show.
Tricky Timelines
We get it. The deadline was yesterday. Time is short and when it comes to trade show deadlines and custom build-outs, somehow it seems even shorter.
Many of our clients come to us late in the cycle, seeking a unique solution for an upcoming event. If time is an issue, the hybrid approach provides more options than ever before. By using existing inventory as the building blocks for a design, we can reduce the production timeline and offer bespoke design elements to create an exhibit that is sleek, seamless, and on time to boot.
A Canvas for Creativity
When the foundation of your exhibit is sourced from rental inventory, the balance becomes a canvas for creativity. Rather than spending the majority on booth infrastructure, budget can be funneled into high-impact pieces that provide increased value and amplify brand messaging through impactful, tech-forward design. From illuminated 3D logos to AV integrations, textured finishes and touchscreen capabilities, innovation takes center stage.
Leaning into Logistics
The hybrid approach extends its efficiencies to logistics as well. Having multiple production and warehouse facilities allows display materials and equipment to be sourced when and where they’re needed, enhancing sustainability and improving shipping efficiencies. For us, fully-stocked warehouses in Massachusetts and Nevada allow our operation to source and ship materials based on proximity and schedule.
Finding the Balance
Hybrid design offers a multitude of tangible benefits and we are seeing them at work. Our recent engagement with Sharp NEC Display Solutions provided a real-world opportunity to develop a high-end exhibit that seamlessly combined rental materials with custom elements. Using this approach not only reduced costs and accelerated setup but also allowed the team to focus on creating new high quality elements, including projection mapped hanging signage content and custom reception desk cabinetry.
Our partner at Sharp NEC, Keith Yanke, was enthusiastic about the benefits of hybrid design and shared his thoughts after the event.
“By seamlessly integrating efficient rental materials with custom elements, they have revolutionized our exhibiting experience.This ‘hybrid’ approach has not only reduced costs and accelerated setup but also ensured our exhibit remains exceptionally custom and high-end.”
Beyond the versatility of using modular components through shared materials, hybrid design offers a refreshing approach to the exhibit development process. By freeing up resources, we can access new levels of creativity and design while simultaneously furthering our objective: to create unforgettable brand experiences that tell your story.
The Future of Hybrid Design
At Elevation3D, our team is embracing innovation. With the partnership of our clients, we can turn our exhibits into platforms that showcase our commitment to hybrid design while delivering engaging and memorable experiences. The future of trade show design is flexible, innovative, and exciting – let’s embrace it together. To learn more about creating a hybrid exhibit for your next trade show or event, click here.
