If you want to see the future of trade shows, look no further than CES 2025. This year’s show demonstrated that the traditional trade show booth is evolving.
“Dancing installations, holographs, flip signage, movement in architecture, and soundscapes” were all over the show floor, according to Event Marketer. This new era of booth design proves that attendees expect more than static displays — they crave dynamic, immersive experiences.
Kinetic exhibit design is reshaping trade shows, which means that it’s time for exhibitors to take advantage of interactivity, movement, and personalized experiences to stand out.
In this article, we’re going to dive deep into how incorporating fluid architecture, multisensory engagement, and personalization allows brands like yours to create booths that capture attention, drive engagement, and leave a lasting impression.
At CES 2025, booths moved beyond just structures to become fluid spaces that adapted to audience movement and engagement levels. Event Marketer explains that these exhibits “leveraged height with walls and massive LED facades” to transform the space into an interactive storytelling experience.
We’re talking about more than just a new trend. This shift in design matters for several reasons. The first is heightened visibility; layered structures that incorporate motion capture and command attention from across the show floor.
Kinetic booths make real-time storytelling possible. Digital façades allow brands to shift messaging and visuals based on audience interactions. Dynamic architecture also improves traffic flow because adaptive, open spaces encourage movement and deeper engagement.
The sky’s the limit with these new exhibit designs, but here are some design considerations for you. Tiered designs that feature multidimensional elements help maximize engagement. Rotating signage and kinetic walls can draw the eyes and create an ever-changing brand story. Reconfigurable modular layouts allow you to adjust for different audience flows and event spaces.
The dynamic shift that we saw at CES 2025 is about more than just catching the eye with cool design. It also represents a move toward programmable content, projection mapping, and interactive touchpoints that customize experiences for individual attendees. Technology allows brands to pivot from static logos and banners toward environments that respond to attendee preferences in real time.
The benefits for brand and attendees alike include deeper brand connection as attendees feel like part of the experience when elements are personalized. Interactive booths encourage active participation and increased dwell time, which enhances engagement. Interactions become more memorable as well; attendees are more likely to remember a booth where they had a unique, custom-tailored experience.
When you’re designing a booth for a trade show, consider using artificial intelligence (AI) to develop content that delivers attendee-specific messaging and product recommendations. Set up custom branding stations where attendees can see their name or company integrated into digital content. Make brand messaging more dynamic and engaging with touch-responsive surfaces or projection mapping.
According to Event Marketer, some of the leading brands at CES 2025 created more than just a visually stunning booth. These exhibitors engaged multiple senses with lights, sounds, and even tactile elements that sought to deliver fully immersive brand experiences. The idea behind a multisensory experience was to foster a deeper emotional connection among attendees.
Do you want to know why multisensory environments are important? Experiences like these leave a lasting impression that attendees will remember for a long time. Attendees are also more likely to share unique and immersive experiences on social media, and they’re more inclined to stay longer when a booth fully engages their senses.
As a planner, you have plenty of creative tools that you can use in a multisensory design. Use directional audio or branded soundscapes to guide attendees through different areas of the booth. LED lighting can change based on the time of day or respond to attendee movement. Textures and even scents can add layers to the multisensory experience.
You already have the vision. What you need is flexible, design-forward furniture that supports movement, interaction, and personalization—without adding operational friction.
That’s where CORT Events comes in with configurable furniture solutions, lighting, and personalized options that fit your brand and bring these exciting ideas to life. Let’s look at some of the solutions from CORT Events that can turn these trends into reality in your next booth.
Dynamic architecture support:
CORT’s Posh collection includes both personalized and LED elements. Scalable, reconfigurable seating options allow you to adjust to attendee flow and shifting layouts. Interactive LED lighting effects from the LED-Lit Posh Collection help you enhance storytelling. Multilevel staging and platforms add height and visual layers to booth designs as well.
Personalization-ready solutions:
CORT Events has other options that allow you to personalize your booth design. Custom-wrapped elements like the Posh Collection Column and Maxim Bar Logo reinforce brand identity. You can customize chairs like the Swanson Swivel and benches like the Beverly Bench to match your branding. Functional furniture like the Wireless Charging Table also serves as a digital engagement tool while keeping your brand at the top of your guests’ minds.
Multi-sensory lounge zones:
For immersive lounges and experience zones, accent pieces like the LED-lit Posh Round Cocktail Table serve to enhance sensory experiences. Other decorative pieces like rugs and the Havana Palm Dividers can serve to absorb sound, add texture, and create focused areas for discussion and connection.
Today’s trade show design doesn’t revolve around static spaces. Instead, booth design is about creating a living, breathing experience. Attendees expect movement, personalization, and sensory engagement, and if you can harness these elements, you’ll achieve longer dwell time, stronger brand connections, and higher engagement after the event is over.
Dynamic architecture gives you more opportunities for higher visibility and advanced storytelling. Personalization and interactivity foster deeper engagement and a better connection with your brand. Multisensory design leads to stronger emotional connections.
If you can take advantage of these exciting trends and concepts, you can set your brand apart. Are you ready to jump into this brave new world of trade show booth design? CORT Events equips you with the furniture to integrate these trends into exhibits seamlessly. Partner with CORT Events today to create an immersive, engaging, and unforgettable exhibit experience with event furniture rental.