Are you planning to show off your business at a big trade show? That’s exciting.
Trade shows are like big networking events where lots of businesses come together to meet new people and share what they do best.
But with so many others there, how do you make your little spot… (your booth) stand out? It’s a bit like walking along a busy high street filled with shop windows. Which one catches your eye first? Probably the one with the boldest display, clear signs, and something that makes you stop and look. Your trade show booth needs to do the same. It needs to turn heads and draw people in.
Here are the trade show booth design trends to watch in 2025. These tips will help your booth shine and get everyone talking about your amazing business.
1. BRING THE OUTDOORS IN
Natural is memorable. More UK brands are blending nature into their exhibition booth trends. Think leafy greens, hanging plants, wooden textures, and even garden-style furniture. It softens the space, makes visitors feel relaxed, and sets your booth apart from the typical grey and gloss of trade show halls.
- Use plant walls or grass-effect carpet for a fresh, inviting vibe.
- Add touches like wooden stools, natural lighting, or soft greenery.
| ❓ Why it works: People are drawn to spaces that feel calm and open. A natural booth design helps cut through the visual noise. |
2. INTERACTIVE PHOTO WALLS AND CUT-OUTS
Make your booth a selfie magnet. Trade shows are packed with people with cameras. Set up branded backdrops, pop-up photo spots, or fun cut-outs that let visitors pose and share on social media. When they do, your brand gets exposure without you saying a word.
- Add your logo or hashtag to every photo opportunity.
- Offer giveaways for tagging your brand online.
- Think quirky, bold, and highly visible.
| 💡 Pro Tip: Use bold colours, textures, or lighting to make photo spots pop. |
3. BUILD AN EXPERIENCE, NOT JUST A BOOTH
Why just show a product when you can build a world around it? This year, more brands are creating immersive booth designs that transport visitors somewhere else entirely. Whether it’s a themed lounge, a high-tech zone, or a cosy cafe-style setting, the goal is to make people stop, stay, and engage.
- Add audio, scent, or touch elements.
- Dress your team to match the booth theme.
- Set up zones within your booth for different experiences.
4. CURVES, COLOURS & WHIMSY
Ditch the square box and get creative. Straight lines and blank walls are out. In 2025, exhibition booth trends include soft shapes, bright patterns, and playful designs that add energy to your space. Think curved backdrops, angled signage, and pops of colour that pull the eye.
- Use graphic walls that double as art.
- Try contrasting materials for visual interest.
- Use bold focal points to grab attention.
| ❓ Why it works: Unexpected design grabs attention and makes people curious. |
5. CUSTOM-PRINTED FLOORING
Your floor is prime real estate; use it. Custom floors help define your booth space, lead visitors where you want them to go, and even make small booths feel bigger. In 2025, expect to see a lot of printed textures, logos, and creative floor graphics.
- Add rows to direct foot traffic.
- Print your website or social media handle across the floor.
- Use light colours to make small spaces feel open.
| 🎯 Quick Bonus Tip: A standout floor shows attention to detail and creativity. |
6. MOOD-SETTING LIGHTS
Lighting is not just for visibility. It’s a design tool. It tells your brand or product’s whole story. Use it to spotlight your products, create zones, or guide visitors. In 2025, responsive lighting that reacts to sound or movement is gaining popularity at trade shows across the UK.
- Use soft lighting to create cosy corners.
- Add LED strips to highlight product shelves.
- Try colour-changing lights for a modern twist.
| 🎯 Quick Stat: Booths with dynamic lighting hold attention 50% longer than those without. |
7. Textured Backdrops
The flat is out and the texture is in. Forget plain vinyl. In 2025, brands are experimenting with textured fabrics, layered prints, and 3D elements in their backdrops. The result? A rich, tactile look that invites people to reach out and explore.
- Combine fabric panels with bold graphics.
- Add layered textures like wood, brick, or form shapes.
- Update your backdrop easily from event to event.
| 💡 Bonus Tip: Printed backdrops are budget-friendly and easy to store. |
8. TAP INTO EMOTION
People remember how you make them feel. Your booth can tell a story. One that makes people smile, think back to the past, or get excited for the future, emotion builds deeper connections.
- Use nostalgic visuals, props, or music.
- Show real customer stories in photos or videos.
- Keep your tone friendly and genuine.
| ❓ Why it matters: Emotional connection increases brand recall by over 70%. |
9. TOUCHSCREEN DISPLAY & LED PANELS
Let visitors guide their own journey. Many 2025 booths now feature high-tech displays for self-guided browsing. Touchscreens, LED panels, and interactive kiosks let them watch videos, read product info, or even play games.
- Great for busy booths with limited staff.
- Content can be updated easily for every event.
- Adds a modern edge to your booth design.
| 💡 Pro Tip: Always keep screens clean, responsive, and easy to use. |
10. GAME ON, INTERACTIVE FUN
Forget plain stands. Add fun games to draw people in and keep them around. Whether it’s a digital spin wheel, VR headset, or a simple game like Plinko (an attention-grabbing trade show booth playing game), it gets people talking.
| 🌟 Fun Fact: Offering a small prize in the game zone increases engagement. |
11. SUSTAINABILITY MATTERS
In 2025, sustainability isn’t a bonus; it’s a must. People expect brands to walk the talk. Reusable, modular booths made with eco-friendly materials are the way forward.
| 🌱 Bonus tip: Show off your green credentials clearly. |
WHY BOTHER WITH ALL THIS?
You might be thinking, “This sounds like a lot of work,” And yes, making an amazing booth takes effort. But it’s so worth it.
- Get Noticed: A brilliant booth makes people stop and look.
- Make Friends: It helps you chat with more people and make new business friends.
- Be Remembered: A cool booth sticks in people’s minds long after the show is over. They’ll remember your great trade show booth design trends.
- Grow Your Business: More chats and more people remembering you can mean more customers.
SO, HOW DO YOU PICK THE BEST IDEAS FOR YOUR BOOTH?
You don’t have to do them all. Think about these things before picking any trends for trade show booth design :
- What is your business all about? If you sell comfy jumpers, then a cosy booth makes sense. If you sell new computer games, then a techy booth is perfect.
- Who do you want to talk to? Are they young people who love games? Or grown-ups who might like a quiet chat?
- How much space do you have? A giant castle booth like Mr. Tim’s needs a lot of room. But even a small booth can be amazing with clever ideas.
- What’s your budget? That just means how much money you can spend. Some ideas cost more than others.
NEED HELP CREATING THE PERFECT BOOTH?
A great booth needs more than a good idea. It needs expert design, top equipment, and smooth delivery. In this case, EMS Events can step in.
We’re a full-service AV and event production company based in Central London. For over 25 years, we’ve supported more than 20,000 live, virtual, and hybrid events across the UK. We know what it takes to make your exhibition booth shine.
- Custom/modular trade show booth design.
- Exhibition equipment hire.
- Full AV production and on-site support.
Want to stand out at your next trade show? Let’s build something brilliant together.
Contact EMS Events today and bring your vision to life.
