As we step into 2025, banners, signs and trade show display designs are getting fresher and more innovative. Businesses are embracing new designs and materials that prioritize personalization, sustainability, versatility, creativity and functionality. From incorporating natural elements and eco-friendly materials to finding adaptable solutions to stretch their budgets, exhibitors are rethinking how they engage with audiences in crowded and competitive spaces. This year’s trends center on customization and aesthetics while at the same time finding ways to connect with attendees to stay ahead of the curve.
Biophilic Design: Natural and Sustainable
One of the most significant trends in 2025 will be the move to bring nature from the outdoors in. According to research, exposure to nature helps reduce stress and improve focus, so exhibitors seeking to create calm and inviting spaces amid the high-energy environment of trade shows are increasingly turning to biophilic design— that is the integration of natural elements into built environments.
Biophilic design can be soothing and make booths stand out in a way that feels fresh and engaging. These can be fully customized to meet businesses’ color and texture needs. By using natural materials like reclaimed wood, bamboo and moss, along with faux and living plant walls and nature-inspired graphics, exhibitors create relaxing atmospheres and convey an eco-friendly message.
It’s part of a larger shift toward more environmentally friendly signage. For example, PVC-free customized banners are replacing traditional vinyl options. They maintain the same durability and visual appeal but are made from materials that are less harmful to the environment. Businesses also are incorporating eco-friendly practices into their overall display design, choosing personalized fabrics and structures made from recycled plastics or biodegradable materials, including for tablecloths, backdrops and canopies.
Reconfigurable Signage: Flexible and Reconfigurable
Cookie-cutter booths no longer cut it in 2025. With brands everywhere looking to stretch their dollar, flexibility and adaptability are key. Custom reconfigurable signage is gaining traction as a solution that helps companies easily update, adjust and repurpose their displays to suit different events, themes or promotional campaigns. This versatility can save both money and time.
Modular signage systems are one example of this trend. These systems allow exhibitors to mix and match panels and frames to create a fully custom look. Digital signage provides an even more flexible solution, allowing businesses to instantly update content as needed. Magnetic and Velcro-based systems also offer simple ways to change graphics or messaging quickly, and pop-up banners provide portability and ease of use. The ability to reconfigure signs ensures businesses can get maximum value from their displays, adapting to different booth sizes, themes and audience needs with little effort.
Another flexible, creative and cost-effective option is custom stickers and decals, which are being used more and more to add a unique and adjustable touch to trade show displays. Metallic, holographic and 3D stickers are growing in popularity because they allow brands to grab attention while being highly versatile and affixing to nearly any surface, from tables to windows to floors. Custom stickers can complement larger displays and easily update or change messaging as needed without having to redesign entire booth setups for different events.
Weather- and Fire-Resistance: Safe and Durable
Events and venues are stepping up their requirements for safety and will continue to do so in 2025.
Indoors, fire-retardant displays are becoming crucial. From table covers to fabrics and banners, exhibitors can meet safety standards with fabrics and materials guaranteed to be safer — without compromising on aesthetics.
Outdoors, weather resistance is becoming a popular need, including durable materials from canopies to tablecloths and more. Additionally, traditional neon signs are now available in waterproof and weather-resistant versions, which means exhibitors can confidently use these eye-catching displays indoors or outdoors, rain or shine.
Professionally Designed
More companies are opting to hire professional designers who specialize in highly customized signage and booth design — and that option is expected to rise in popularity in 2025. In-house design teams have the expertise to manage aspects of event planning but, with growing complexity and creative demands, trade show displays often require a higher-level knowledge of what catches eyeballs and stops attendees in their tracks in what can be a loud and busy environment.
Professional designers can help create one-of-a-kind experiences, ensuring that all elements, from signage to lighting to interactive displays, work together seamlessly for maximum impact, optimized functionality and peak audience engagement.
Businesses around the world are finding new ways to stand out, and 2025 is the year to innovate and elevate their signage games. For companies looking to make a big impact, embracing these trends offers a chance to be engaging and memorable while staying true to their bottom line.
Guest blogger: As a leader in the custom ecommerce space, Sukanta Pal is shaping the future of Group Bayport’s flagship brand BannerBuzz — a global ecommerce company specializing in customized promotional materials, packaging, displays and banners — and its sister companies across markets worldwide. Pal’s expertise in building next-generation ecommerce businesses has propelled BannerBuzz into a leader in customizable products, delivering seamless omnichannel experiences to a diverse global clientele.
