Trends Archives - Freeman

Projection Mapping for Events

webdevstudios — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 15:07:00 +0000

/ Trends

Projection Mapping for Events

The art of projection mapping at your live event

Imagine transforming your keynote stage into an immersive environment, or even revolutionizing the facade of a centuries-old mission into a canvas of lights and colors. Both are possible with projection mapping — using multi-dimensional and multi-shaped surfaces to showcase video, graphics, and all manner of imagery.

Let’s explore what this exciting technology can do for your event content and the attendee experience.

What is projection mapping?

This sophisticated visual technique goes beyond traditional screen projection by broadcasting images onto larger surfaces, effectively turning them into unexpected digital canvases.

Technically there are two types, each defined by the projection surface itself:

Projection mapping: Content that’s projected onto three-dimensional objects or irregular surfaces, creating the illusion of movement and transformation across those complex shapes and angles.
Projection masking: Images or videos cast onto flat surfaces of unique shapes with unconventional borders that go beyond standard, rectangular screens.

How does it apply to live events?

Projection mapping is more than just a visual trick. It also enhances attendee engagement by providing that coveted “wow” factor they’ll remember long after the event ends.

To nail this visual upgrade and achieve the best results, it’s important to take note of some technical variables:

Surfaces: Whether flat or multi-dimensional, the key to choosing the correct one is to make sure nothing about the size or shape will skew the image.
Lighting: Be strategic when calibrating and placing lights so the images being projected aren’t washed out.
Projectors: That same note applies to where you place the projectors to ensure the image falls exactly where you want, and it isn’t obstructed.
Audio: Adding in sounds and music — especially via high-quality systems — can enhance the feeling of seeing the projections come to life.
Content – Considering content is especially important with projection mapping. Pre-rendered and live content should be based on both the projected surfaces and variables mentioned above.

Projection Mapping Showcase

We apply this technique in a variety of ways, at all sorts of events, and have learned a few things along the way:

Groceryshop 2024: Elevating thematic concepts

For the keynote presentations at this global CPG conference, we used a predetermined theme to create a captivating visual backdrop across a series of 17 circles. It amplified both the show’s branding and speakers’ presentations.

Insider insight: Have detailed pre-show discussions and Q/A sessions that touch on budget, concept, content, and execution.

NADA: Pushing boundaries

This automotive trade show project showed how this can be used in expo hall settings. We created a dynamic display of a speeding car on a wall as attendee traffic flowed around it.

Insider insight: Be prepared to adapt to on-site variables, like people moving around your projection or A/C and ventilation that could cause your surface to move unexpectedly.

Visit San Antonio: Outdoor spectacle

For a city-wide activation and celebration we projected onto a centuries-old Spanish-colonial mission. This presented a unique challenge that combined casting onto a multi-dimensional surface with planning for outdoor environmental elements.

Insider Insight: When planning outdoor events, consider factors like ambient light, weather conditions, and the location of power sources.

How to make the magic happen

Both the skill and technology that go into projection mapping are impressive, but they’re not out of reach. Especially since AV tech is already a line item in your budget.

Here are a couple ways to incorporate this approach while also saving on costs:

Repurpose existing digital assets and graphics by simply adapting them for projection.
Focus on using projection mapping to create a single high impact “wow” moment rather than using the tech continuously throughout the event or program.

How cool would it be to illuminate your next event with the power of projection mapping?

Let’s map it out!

Want more insights about creating dynamic event moments?

5 Questions to Ask Your AV Partner.

The post Projection Mapping for Events appeared first on Freeman.

3 Top Trends from VidCon 2024

webdevstudios — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 22:01:23 +0000

/ Trends

Trends

3 Top Trends from VidCon 2024

From Screens to Scenes: Inspirational ideas for your next event

Tech-savvy, socially conscious Gen Z is redefining the live event landscape and VidCon’s annual convention in Anaheim answers this emerging audience’s call by leveling up the live experience.

Our team dove headfirst into this digital content extravaganza to discover what’s new.

Here are three things that stood out:

Presentations with a Twist

Keynotes offered more interactivity.

Layered layout: Four main stages coexisted with the expo floor allowing attendees to choose their own adventure between presentations, booths, and upstairs breakout rooms for deeper dive sessions.
Content continuity: Continuing the adventure without missing a presentation beat, attendees could watch programming on overhead monitors while waiting for sponsored activations.
On-stage engagement: Live polling, social media Q&A sessions, and real-time feedback loops kept audiences engaged. Moderators also encouraged more dynamic panelists to divert from scripted remarks and share personal anecdotes that spoke directly to audience preferences.

Bottom Line: Designing a personalized, engaging, and easy-to-navigate (and visually interesting) environment delivers an energetic atmosphere people enjoy and remember.

Influencers share their personal stories during the “Ladies Who Laugh” panel at VidCon 2024.

“Out of the Box” Promo

VidCon adapted the “unboxing” trend, typically associated with product launches, to create buzz.

Freeman designed and constructed a giant box on the exhibit floor with an overhead countdown clock. When the clock hit zero — following a raucous countdown of the surrounding crowd — once each day, the box dramatically opened revealing popular influencers who unboxed gifts curated by select event sponsors.
This in-person reveal was the culmination of a pre-event social media campaign where influencers had simultaneously unboxed similar gifts each day the week leading up to VidCon.

Bottom Line: Creating pre-event buzz builds anticipation. You’ll get more bang by carrying the idea through the experience and infusing it into the agenda to create new sponsorship opportunities that attendees value.

Attendees gather for the daily “unboxing” countdown at VidCon 2024.

Influencers inside the opened box greet the waiting crowd at VidCon 2024.

Creative Convergence in Exhibitor Spaces

Multi-concept spaces — where attendees happily waited for more than an hour — beefed up brand presence.

Totally enclosed booths, such as YouTube’s Minecraft and Disney’s “The Descendants,” created captivating fantasy worlds based on the media for attendees to explore.
TikTok created its own retro, 1960s, TWA-inspired airport lounge, while Meta partnered with RayBan to offer augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) encounters at its cafe-inspired networking space.
The “Trash Arcade,” an open lounge space with furniture and cushions fabricated out of recycled banners, offered a chill respite from the fray with a mashup of sustainability and relaxation.

Bottom Line: Designing immersive environments deepens bonds with younger attendees who value participation and hands-on moments versus observing from behind a velvet rope.

Loungers in the “Trash Arcade” take advantage of the sustainable furniture amidst the fray at VidCon 2024.

Want more inspiring ideas to reach GenZ?

Let’s Talk

The post 3 Top Trends from VidCon 2024 appeared first on Freeman.

4 Industry Trends Freeman Showcased at IMEX

webdevstudios — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 20:36:35 +0000

/ Trends

Trends

4 Industry Trends Freeman Showcased at IMEX

IMEX, the largest trade show for the business events industry, gave our teams a chance to showcase how to implement current trends and new solutions when working with a smaller space and budget.

See how our team incorporated four of the latest trends to connect with attendees and design memorable experiences.

1. LED shaped the booth experience

There were plenty of big screens vying for attention across the expo. So, our team went beyond flat panels and incorporated a curved LED wall as an eye-catching focal point that hooked attendees passing by.

Staying ahead of the curve, standard content clips were replaced with anamorphic videos that played off the curvature of the large LED screen. This created a three-dimensional effect, and the videos appeared even larger than the actual screen size — leading to a richer, more exciting, immersive experience.

2. The booth design made a big impact with limited space

Smaller space? That doesn’t mean visitors have to be boxed in to limited experiences.

At IMEX, our team demonstrated how to make the most of a smaller space by incorporating an oversized, curved LED wall, which measured over 14 feet high and 10 feet wide in a 20’ x 30’ booth. This made it possible for visitors to step into a completely new and mesmerizing event experience.

In addition, a QR code tour was added to encourage attendee interaction and share content.

Planning for a bigger space? A well-thought-out, streamlined experience, helps attendees create memorable moments instead of being overwhelmed by too much content.

3. Modular solutions flexed sustainability

Modular, reusable pieces and flexible rental structures were brought together to create meeting spaces, plus a unique, custom look and feel.

Bonus: These booth elements can be stored and repurposed at future shows, making them more sustainable solutions.

Additional sustainable benefits and elements included:

Reduced solid waste with reusable, recycled aluminum structures
Significantly reduced shipping weight (for fewer carbon emissions)
Incorporating recycled wood into the booth design
Using sustainable adhesive laminates instead of staining
Energy Star rated Freeman AV equipment

4. Attendee reactions were captured and measured

Zenus behavior mapping technology was implemented to capture attendee sentiment, which is then turned into objective data showing engagement, dwell time, and movement.

Results showed that engagement was 27.5% higher than average in-booth engagements and the video wall stop rate (indicating where attendees stopped to pay attention) was 17% above industry standard.

When it comes to showcasing your brand, having a memorable booth experience is essential. That doesn’t mean you have to be an expert at creating experiential booth designs, but it helps to have an event partner who is.

7.5%

Higher than average in-booth engagements

17%

Above industry standard

Let’s Get Started
Reach out and request a consultation

The post 4 Industry Trends Freeman Showcased at IMEX appeared first on Freeman.

Points of Sale: 5 Exhibit Design Trends at NRF

webdevstudios — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 21:32:27 +0000

/ Trends

Trends

Points of Sale: 5 Exhibit Design Trends at NRF

How to apply merchandising magic (inspired by Retail’s Big Show)

No one knows retail, customer experience, and the power of selling like the National Retail Federation (NRF) and its annual NYC event, Retail’s Big Show — this is where retail brands go to find the latest tech innovations to elevate customer experience and increase sales.

The vast expo offers a window into effective exhibit merchandising — aka, effective exhibit strategy — at a show where retailers are the target consumers.

To stand out and get more results, brands at NRF design spaces that appeal to attendees — captive consumers who come ready to buy.

Our team browsed the expo to scout design and merchandising trends attracting show floor shoppers.

Here are five approaches that stood out:

1. Curate your space

Think about that moment when you walk into a store (no matter the size). Whether it’s carefully curated like a boutique or cluttered like an outlet, you feel the difference.

Displays don’t have to be couture to be enticing — it’s all about presentation:

Get organized: Treat products and demos like merchandise — clean, uncluttered, easy to find. This approach makes the space appealing to look at and inviting to come inside.
Feature lighting: Pops of neon and LEDs (lights and bright LED screens) add emphasis to key demos and products while also adding visual interest. Unexpected overhead lighting can also pack a punch … we’re looking at you, NCR Voyix!

Put color to work: Monochromatic spaces (with similar color schemes across signage, furniture, uniforms, and more) look clean and organized, which catches the eye. Colored lighting can highlight products and create a mood — think tranquil blues that evoke a spa or beach and shades of green for a natural nod. Using color strategically for wayfinding within larger footprints also helps visitors easily navigate your offerings.

Bring the outside in: Adding flora and fauna to exhibits isn’t revolutionary, but the value can’t be overstated. Bottomline: Plants and greenery add a warm welcoming vibe, soften tech-heavy spaces, and can be used strategically to separate the booth sections.

2. Streamline your offerings

Organization applies to the design of your space, your messaging, and the products/services. Trade shows bustle with activity, so make it easy on overwhelmed attendees. Prioritize what’s being presented and communicated:

Choose products or services that work within the space (less truly is more).
Make sure the assortment aligns with your organization’s goals.
Unify (and simplify!) signage, graphics/imagery, and wayfinding so visitors can find what they’re looking for, fast.

“Do less. There’s a lot of competition, a lot of noise. To me, the brands that stand out are the ones that are thoughtful in considering the audience.” – Dan Carter SVP, Creative+Design, Freeman

3. Consider your consumer (Part 1): Make it flexible

Simplifying your product offerings is just one part of keeping your audience and your exhibit visitors in mind. Design a thoughtful journey:

Don’t overwhelm — less is more here, too. Map the journey in bursts by breaking down each solution/product area and clearly communicate how it benefits the visitor.
Personalization is key — Let visitors drive the experience so they can choose where to go first based on their needs and interests and how much or how little they want to engage.
Plan for different consumers — Welcome introverts and extroverts with spaces, activations, and staff (more on them below) that meet their needs.
Co-op the space — If applicable, work with your partners to highlight use cases of how your product is positively affecting the end user. This approach benefits the attendee because they learn about the solution and can see (and sometimes touch) results. This also benefits you and the partner — they get to promote their brand while contributing to and amplifying your organization’s goals.

4. Consider your consumer (Part 2): Offer breathing room

Not every brand has a huge space to orchestrate multiple experiences, including relaxation. But regardless of the space, it’s important to provide a place for visitors to hang their hat. Even a single comfy chair can provide a welcomed retreat.

With larger spaces, consider seating in addition to meeting rooms. By including a lounge area, you give people a soft place to land where they can take a break and/or make a spontaneous connection. Offering a respite within your booth means they might be ready to hear more after a breather.

5. Balance (and brief) your booth team

People working your booth may not be on display (technically), but they do represent your brand. Assemble a more effective team with a balanced mix of product experts, sales people, and marketers who know the brand.

Incorporate AI: interactive avatars can help field questions and add a modern vibe, which worked beautifully for Manhattan.

Each team member should be clear on your exhibit goals, product/services being promoted, and the story behind your theme, mascot, logo, etc. It’s a big miss when someone wants to understand why your exhibit has an outer space theme and the person they ask isn’t sure — educate your team so attendees aren’t left in the dark.

PRO TIP — PROPS FOR PUPPIES: If your brand features adorable baby animals in your booth, regardless of your team, products, space, or design, you’ll attract a crowd!

Apply merchandising magic for a better booth experience

All puppies aside … when you think like a retailer, you can create an inviting and organized space that beckons visitors to come inside. And if they like what they see and enjoy the experience, they’ll be more likely to buy.

Ready to design an exhibit that captures attention and closes sales?
Let’s talk shop

Get in touch

The post Points of Sale: 5 Exhibit Design Trends at NRF appeared first on Freeman.

3 Inspiring Ideas from Retail’s Big Show

webdevstudios — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 10:12:46 +0000

/ Trends

Trends

3 Inspiring Ideas from Retail’s Big Show

Buy into NRF’s ongoing event evolution

Always a harbinger of event and tech trends, the National Retail Federation (NRF) recently kicked off 2024 with Retail’s Big Show in NYC. The world’s leading retail trade show, bigger and buzzier than last year, welcomed 40,000+ attendees to explore hundreds of sessions and more than 1,000 exhibitors showcasing the latest products and services.

Dedicated to the power of retail, digital innovation, and customer experience, NRF provides a prime place for planners and organizers to find inspiration for their own future events.

Check out three ways that NRF raised the retail bar (again) by listening to exhibitors and attendees:

1. Digital-forward elements (yes, we’re talking about AI)

We’re all using artificial intelligence (“Alexa, what’s the temperature outside?”), but we continue to explore how it’s impacting business and events. NRF leads with retail tech, so it cut right to the chase by using AI across the Javitz center in helpful ways that showcased the advantages for retail and the attendee journey.

Getting to know NRF and brands through AI:

Large-scale AI video kiosks were placed at the entrances of the Innovation Lab and Foodservice Innovation zone (more on these below) as well as at other key spots to welcome visitors and showcase how this technology will continue elevating the retail experience.
Visitors could watch NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay’s conversational hologram as well as ask questions about the association and the industry through the “Ask Matt” app on their phone via a QR code.
The tech also allowed visitors to talk and interact with Steven Williams, CEO of PepsiCo Foods North America and Rob Grimes, CEO of International Food and Beverage Technology Association via the “Ask Rob” and “Ask Steven” apps.

Wayfinding AI across the expo and venue:

NRF sponsor bitHuman also provided AI video kiosks featuring human-like avatars at all expo entrances.
These kiosks served as a modern information desk where visitors could touch the screen to activate the two-way conversation and ask questions to find a specific exhibitor or session, where to order tacos, and directions to the closest restroom.

Analog counter

Interestingly, NRF also provided help desks throughout the event with bright red “Ask Me” signs featuring actual humans — a handy analog counter to our digital world. It’s also a timely reminder to be mindful of speaking (and appealing) to a widening generation gap of attendees, from Boomers to Zs.

2. Strategic sustainability

NRF supports its members’ efforts to address climate concerns and is committed to ongoing sustainable practices at its own show. This year, the team worked closely with the Javitz Center, Honeycomb Strategies, and Freeman to create a more sustainable approach to waste reduction and recycling while also including:

Non-profit donations.
Food rescue programs.
Vendor procurement.
Sustainability guides for exhibitors.
Plastic waste reduction (no beverages in plastic bottles were sold or offered at the venue).
Sustainability-focused content sessions.
A carbon offset program.

A new Sustainability Lounge on the expo floor gave attendees a respite to recharge, network, and learn about NRF’s sustainability commitment.

Eco lounge features:

Recycled cardboard furniture.
Plenty of plants and greenery to set the vibe.
Sustainable food options.
Water-filling stations.
Charging stations.
Signage about the association’s sustainable efforts.
Opportunities for exhibitors (NRF Exhibitor Sustainability Pledge) and attendees to be more sustainable, get involved, and show their efforts.

Real-time Efforts: A huge metal graphic detailed ways for everyone to get involved. A bin with magnets encouraged visitors to showcase their green efforts at the event.

3. Focused innovation stories

As tech continues evolving the retail space, it’s no wonder that NRF creates dedicated spaces to highlight the latest innovations. Designing these focused areas is also about listening to both exhibitors and attendees and telling their stories in new ways.

These specialized zones help exhibitors showcase new products while also helping attendees navigate a huge footprint — by zooming in on specific solutions (and topics) visitors can find answers easily.

These topical spots have been included in past events, but each has evolved and been reimagined to reflect current retail trends and priorities:

Foodservice Innovation Zone

Completely rebranded for 2024, this sponsored area offered a more immersive experience with hands-on demonstrations of what’s possible in the new realm of food service.

Divided into specialized segments (vending, drive-thru, convenience, restaurants, etc.), the FIZ featured 50 up-and-coming tech vendors who helped retailers visualize and experience the latest innovations.

Visitors could walk through a “more convenient” convenience store for the latest in autonomous shopping, order food in the “Center of the plate” through AI powered menus and fresh robot-made pizza, and experience tomorrow’s drive-thru tech. This zone also included a companion Foodservice Tech Stage with sessions led by key innovators.

Exhibitor Big Ideas

Designated stages off the expo floor featured sponsor brands who are moving the industry forward. Spread out across the expo, these concurrent presentations included demos of current innovations, case studies, and snapshots of successful products helping retailers in today’s marketplace.

At only 30 minutes, these quick sessions allowed attendees accessibility and flexibility to float between multiple offerings each day.

“These curated topics are typically answers to the questions that keep our retailers up at night.”Susan Newman
SVP, Events, National Retail Federation

Innovation Lab

This future-forward showcase is refreshed each year to reflect the hottest new-to-market retail tech and comes together through curated submissions. Featured brands showed off the latest applications in AI, augmented reality, machine learning, facial recognition, robotics, and more.

This immersive area helps retailers stay on the pulse by getting a preview of what’s on the horizon over the next 2-5 years.

Want to create an enticing experience for today’s attendees?

Browse our show floor design guide.

Ready to elevate your show for attendees who are ready to buy? Let’s talk shop

Get in touch

The post 3 Inspiring Ideas from Retail’s Big Show appeared first on Freeman.

Broadcasting a new event direction

Louis Tufillaro — Fri, 07 Oct 2022 01:25:05 +0000

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Trends

Broadcasting a new event direction

How NAB reimagined its conference for today’s media revolution

Watch how NAB leaned into event strategy, audience acquisition, and experiential design to reach new audiences with an elevated show that became a must-see event for today’s evolving media landscape.

Ready to set a higher bar with your design?

Let’s Talk

The post Broadcasting a new event direction appeared first on Freeman.

Designing immersive experiences (and beyond) to build community

Louis Tufillaro — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 03:33:38 +0000

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Trends

Designing immersive experiences (and beyond) to build community

Insights and inspiration marketers need for successful activations

What You’ll Learn

How to make your audience the star of the show

Why personalization + audience control = success

Quick takeaways on immersive tech

Experiential moments to inspire

What’s the latest take on experiential activations?

Which types of immersive experiences make the most impact?

What about tech?

The experiential questions keep on coming.

To get answers and insights, we tapped our experiential pros who offer insider tips and relevant examples of what’s working today. You’ll also learn the key to better audience engagement and actionable ideas to elevate experiential activations that build community.

Ready to make an experiential impact? Download our guide.

Let’s get started
Reach out and request a consultation

The post Designing immersive experiences (and beyond) to build community appeared first on Freeman.

Trends Archives - Freeman

Projection Mapping for Events

Projection Mapping for Events

What is projection mapping?

Projection Mapping Showcase

Groceryshop 2024: Elevating thematic concepts

NADA: Pushing boundaries

Visit San Antonio: Outdoor spectacle

How to make the magic happen

Related Resources

3 Top Trends from VidCon 2024

3 Top Trends from VidCon 2024

Presentations with a Twist

“Out of the Box” Promo

Creative Convergence in Exhibitor Spaces

Related Resources

4 Industry Trends Freeman Showcased at IMEX

4 Industry Trends Freeman Showcased at IMEX

1. LED shaped the booth experience

2. The booth design made a big impact with limited space

3. Modular solutions flexed sustainability

4. Attendee reactions were captured and measured

Related Resources

Points of Sale: 5 Exhibit Design Trends at NRF

Points of Sale: 5 Exhibit Design Trends at NRF

How to apply merchandising magic (inspired by Retail’s Big Show)

1. Curate your space

2. Streamline your offerings

3. Consider your consumer (Part 1): Make it flexible

4. Consider your consumer (Part 2): Offer breathing room

5. Balance (and brief) your booth team

Related Resources

3 Inspiring Ideas from Retail’s Big Show

3 Inspiring Ideas from Retail’s Big Show

Buy into NRF’s ongoing event evolution

1. Digital-forward elements (yes, we’re talking about AI)

Getting to know NRF and brands through AI:

Wayfinding AI across the expo and venue:

Analog counter

2. Strategic sustainability

Eco lounge features:

3. Focused innovation stories

Foodservice Innovation Zone

Exhibitor Big Ideas

Innovation Lab

Want to create an enticing experience for today’s attendees?

Related Resources

Broadcasting a new event direction

Broadcasting a new event direction

Related Resources

Designing immersive experiences (and beyond) to build community

Designing immersive experiences (and beyond) to build community

What You’ll Learn

Related Posts