One of the biggest trends for trade shows today sounds like the opposite of what we expect from trace shows. Traditionally, trade shows emphasize networking and product showcasing, there's a growing trend towards incorporating elements of solitude and relaxation into the event design.
This shift is part of a larger travel and lifestyle trend called “slow life,” which places a premium on well-being and meaningful experiences. This trend isn’t a novelty fad. It addresses guests’ genuine needs to unwind. This includes opportunities for attendees to have moments of escape from the bustle of trade shows.
If this concept seems to fly in the face of any other trade show you’ve ever planned, you’re not alone, but it’s not an impossible feat. In this article, we’re going to discover how you can create these vital solitude spaces and how CORT Events can help you integrate relaxation areas that enhance attendee satisfaction and well-being.
Understanding the Need for Solitude Spaces at Trade Shows
The “slow life” travel trend that has also made its way into event and trade show planning finds its genesis in the old cliche about “stopping and smelling the roses” — only you don’t have to have actual roses at your trade show.
This new trend is part of a broader emphasis on quiet and personal well-being in public spaces. Today’s event attendees are seeking a balance between engaging with the show and finding time to relax and recharge, which means that you must provide those opportunities.
People are on the lookout for quiet, personal spaces in the context of busy events like trade shows, even as they navigate between networking, learning, and exploring. This is why providing areas where they can escape the crowd and noise to reflect, meditate, or take a break is beneficial.
Quiet spaces within your trade show environment are especially important — and welcome — for attendees who have flown into your show or for guests who typically work from home with less in-person interaction. For travelers and those used to solitude, the intensity of in-person trade shows can be overwhelming, which means that they’ll appreciate the chance to unwind or decompress.
The Challenges of Integrating Solitude Spaces in Trade Show Designs
Naturally, there are logistical and design challenges that you’ll encounter as you plan for quiet spaces within the dynamic environment of a trade show, but they’re not insurmountable obstacles.
For starters, chances are you’re not blessed with unlimited space for your trade show, so every bit of real estate within the space is important. But in 2024, the need for getaway spaces within the larger environment of the trade show is equally crucial. These areas will complement the overall objectives of the trade show, so be sure to designate those spaces.
Traffic flow is another concern. You don’t want to interrupt important areas of traffic flow with a “slow life” space. These quiet areas should be somewhat close to the main areas of action so that attendees can seek solitude without losing connection to the event's core activities.
Acoustic design and visual privacy are worth your consideration as well. Creating truly effective solitude spaces involves strategic placement and design elements that can mitigate noise and provide a visually secluded retreat. CORT Events has cutting-edge 2D and 3D space planning tools that can help you mitigate all of these challenges.
Best Practices for Designing Effective Solitude Spaces at Trade Shows
Planning the quiet spaces within your trade show footprint is something that you don’t want to take lightly. We’ve already established that you need to consider traffic flow and spatial limitations but there are other practical factors at play.
You should place your solitude spaces near high-traffic areas but shield them from the busiest parts of the show floor. Dividers like greenery or artistic installations serve as natural barriers that not only foster privacy but also offer aesthetic appeal.
Soft, natural lighting and water features or ambient music or sound effects that mimic nature can help create the proper mood and distinguish these spaces from the rest of the trade show. Make sure that your signage communicates the purpose of these areas while tying them into your branding. Also, create opportunities for attendees to provide feedback on the experiences that these spaces offer so that you can help best meet their needs.
How CORT Events Supports the Creation of Solitude Spaces
When it comes to creating this new kind of space within a trade show environment, you don’t have to stumble around trying to figure it out yourself. CORT Events can help you overcome the challenges of integrating solitude spaces with solutions that are fully functional, on trend, and fit any budget.
It’s easy to put CORT Events furniture and design elements to work to create comfortable and soothing areas for attendees to rest and unwind. Modular furniture elements allow you to reconfigure seating and tables for privacy while greenery adds a touch of nature to any space. Decorative elements not only look pleasing but they can also help dampen noise and cordon off a space.
What’s more, CORT Events has customizable options that allow you to cater your space to a brand or event theme. These personalized spaces fit within the event as a whole while giving attendees a sense of calm that they can’t find anywhere else.
For example, CORT’s Clear Divider, Freestanding Logo, Opaque is a terrific way to define a space that also allows you to add your branding or event message to the background. Soft, luxurious seating like the Valencia Chair in Oat prioritizes comfort while the Havana Palm adds a serene touch of nature to the space.
Leading the Way in Event Furniture Rental for Trade Show
Adding space for guests to experience solitude and peace within your trade show plan may be a new idea but it’s one whose time has come. Studies have shown that quiet getaways can encourage wellness and mental stimulation, and spaces like this allow attendees to break from the busyness of a trade show environment.
You can overcome the logistical hurdles of placing areas like these in your trade show space by locating them near your main action area while clearly defining the space. Make sure that the space is conducive to quiet contemplation, and take acoustics, lighting, and privacy into consideration.
CORT Events can be your key partner in this innovation, bringing products, support, expertise and inspiration to the table; these elements allow you to lead with thoughtful designs that prioritize well-being and meaningful experiences. With CORT, you can bring the “slow life” amid the hustle of the trade show environment.
