exhibitor Blogs
Staying Competitive at HIMSS25: Major Exhibitor Trends
- November 15, 2024
As we look ahead to 2025, our exhibitors are increasingly focusing on delivering more personalized, immersive, and sustainable experiences, while maximizing the impact of their event presence through both in-person and digital channels. By embracing these trends and incorporating them into your HIMSS25 exhibitor strategy, you’ll establish your organization as a competitive and forward-thinking presence on the show floor.
Personalized Experiences
- Data-Driven Engagement: Exhibitors are using data and analytics to personalize experiences for attendees. This includes tailored booth interactions, customized product recommendations, and pre-scheduled meetings with key prospects.
- Interactive Tech: Augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and gamification are being used to create immersive and memorable experiences, drawing in more foot traffic to booths.
Sustainability Initiatives
- Eco-Friendly Booths: Many companies are focusing on sustainability by using eco-friendly materials in booth construction, offering digital brochures instead of printed ones, and minimizing waste. Exhibitors are aligning with event organizers’ sustainability goals to meet attendee expectations.
- Green Messaging: Exhibitors are highlighting their sustainable products, services, and initiatives as part of their overall brand messaging at events.
Emphasis on Networking & Community Building
- Curated Networking: Exhibitors are taking advantage of platforms and technologies that allow for curated networking, where they can connect with high-potential leads more efficiently through AI-based matchmaking tools.
- Private and VIP Events: Hosting exclusive events or lounges within larger conferences is gaining popularity. Exhibitors are offering invite-only sessions for key clients or partners to enhance relationship-building.
Focus on Thought Leadership & Education
- Speaking Opportunities: Exhibitors are placing more value on securing speaking roles, panel discussions, and educational sessions. Providing thought leadership is seen as key to building trust and brand credibility.
- Content Marketing Integration: Many exhibitors are aligning their event presence with broader content marketing efforts, using the event as a launch point for new research, case studies, or white papers.
ROI-Focused Participation
- Metrics and Analytics: Exhibitors are more focused on tracking ROI from their participation. They are investing in tools to measure lead generation, booth traffic, and engagement during and after the event.
- Pre-Event and Post-Event Campaigns: Pre-scheduled meetings and follow-up campaigns are becoming integral parts of the exhibitor strategy, ensuring that their event presence leads to tangible business outcomes.
Health & Safety Considerations
- Post-COVID Adjustments: Many exhibitors continue to prioritize health and safety, offering touchless engagement options, such as QR code-based product information, virtual business cards, and low-contact booth designs.
Partnerships & Collaboration
- Cross-Industry Collaboration: Exhibitors are forming partnerships with complementary brands to create joint experiences, co-branded booths, or collaborative sessions that provide more value to attendees.
- Sponsor Integrations: Partnering with event organizers for enhanced visibility, exhibitors are sponsoring key areas like lounges, food and beverage stations, or networking areas to increase brand exposure.
Global Participation & Localization
- Localized Exhibits: Exhibitors are becoming more global, but they are also focusing on localizing their exhibits, ensuring that messaging, products, and experiences resonate with different regional audiences.
- Cross-Border Exhibiting: With more hybrid options, global companies are using major events to make inroads into new markets, even if their physical presence is limited.
These trends are in full swing for HIMSS25 and highlight how exhibitors are adapting to meet the demands of a more connected, eco-conscious, and data-driven audience. As the event landscape continues to shift, staying ahead of these innovations will be key to maximizing impact and achieving success in 2025 and beyond.
Check out our other recent thought leadership pieces here and contact our sales team for more information on how to secure an innovative and eye-catching exhibit space at HIMSS25.