2025 Winter Tradeshow Trend Forecasting
Winter might be cooling things down, but the 2025 tradeshow circuit is full of warm tones, tactile finishes, and clever, conscious design. Whether you're exhibiting at Life Instyle, AGHA, Reed Gift Fair, or something more niche, we’ve wrapped up the big display trends and ideas that’ll help you stand out.
What’s Trending in 2025 Retail & Event Design?
Biophilic Design
Natural textures and greenery continue to dominate. Think raw timber, leafy installations, and displays that make you feel like you’re stepping into a serene studio.
Versatile Display Units
Plinths, stackable units, adjustable shelving, and pegboards are trending thanks to their reuse potential and ease of styling across product categories.
Colour of the Year
Say hello to Pantone's colour of the year Mocha Mousse! A warm, velvety brown that’s all about grounded elegance and a dream pairing with natural timber tones.
Sustainability Front & Centre
More brands are asking, where was this made, and what happens to it after the show? Timber-based hire units, low-waste builds, and local production (like ours) tick the boxes for a greener footprint.
Tradeshow Specific Trends
Temporary retail pop-ups at trade events are going from being not only practical but premium. It's even more important for short-term setups to create experiences that are designed to make connections, convert sales, and capture content in the short period that they have to make an impact.
Sohum - medium stand of the year at Reed Gift Fair Sydney 2025
Dindi Naturals incorporating biophilic design at their Life InStyle stand.
Micro-Moments - An area within your stand that might allow attendees to interact with your product or service, or it might be an brand activation area, like a selfie moment.
Tech-Enhanced Engagement - Digital elements like QR codes, screens, and even light AR effects are giving visitors ways to interact without needing a staff walkthrough, so you don't feel like you need to be with everyone at once.
Sensory Marketing - Designers are leaning into the senses and using more of things like soft-touch fabrics, curated scent diffusers, and branded soundtracks that immerse guests in the brand story.
Quick Install Options - Flatpack units and tool-free setups save time during bump in and reduce the stress of a big week ahead of you.
Why Display Design Impacts Performance
Your display isn’t just a backdrop, it’s a business tool that supports and drives sales. A well-thought-out layout helps you:
Guide Foot Traffic
Create zones that encourage movement and curiosity.
Support Storytelling
Communicate your brand’s narrative visually, spatially, and emotionally.
Look Like a Pro
Consistent, on-trend displays reinforce trust and credibility.
Function Better
Storage, display, and staff movement all matter, especially in small spaces.
Merging Trends with Your Brand
Ask yourself:
“Does this trend highlight my product or compete with it?”
“Can this design be repurposed for my next show?”
“Is it aligned with how I want customers to feel?”
Mocha Mousse not in your brand palette?
Try it as a soft accent through florals, signage or check out the full break down of pantone's colour of the year here where you will find the colour palette mocha mousse belongs to and maybe you will find a shade that better resonates with your brand.
Love biophilic design but it's not in line with your brand?
You can bring warmth through soft lighting abstract shapes, instead of literal natural elements. This way you are subtly referencing the trend.
Struggling to find sustainable sourced materials that reflect your branding?
Whilst raw or varnished timber is a beautiful choice for display infrastructure at the tradeshows, it is not always a reflection of your brand colours and tone. If you want to stick with a more durable timber finish, there are laminate options in a whole range of colours. Alternatively, if you are wanting something in further custom, then painted MDF is the way forward.
Flexiibility is key
Whilst it's great to be on trend in a space full of hundreds of other retailers, it is important to find a balance that ensures you are investing in a set up that is not only trending, but is flexible so you can repurpose the units differently. You could consider reconfiguring your space each day at the event to reflect your brands adaptability or innovation.
Quick Wins for Winter Tradeshow Success
Plan early, winter timelines are always tighter
Pre-book your display hire, the best stuff goes fast
Add warm lighting and finishes to counter cool venues
Include built-in storage for stock and bags
Keep your branding and signage visuals consistent
Hire wherever possible, it’s cost-effective and sustainable
Ready to refresh your winter display strategy? Whether you need a full custom build or a few clever hire units, we’ve got options to help you show up strong.