I
’ m not sure if it was the magical place itself or simply being a wide-eyed seven-year-old , but a day at Disney World is still one of my most cherished and memorable experiences .
I remember walking up Main Street USA and being dazzled by the sight of Cinderella ’ s castle . Every step felt like my adventure , as if I was walking through a storybook and I was the hero .
As exhibition organisers we could learn from this original ‘ metaverse ’ of sort . With its magical and personalised approach , Disney created a passionate fan base that welcomed 157 million visitors in 2018 with an amazing 70 % return rate of first-time guests – not bad for visitor satisfaction .
Here are some takeaways from ( my ) Magic Kingdom ’ s visitor experience
Main Street Interactive Experiences – Interactive features are a great way for exhibition organisers to enhance the experience , and they can be intuitive networking promoting tools . Experiential marketing techniques create an engaging show environment with content such as videos or infographics integrated into the overall design .
As well as these two elements being key parts of any good exhibition design ; content is important too . This needs not only informative but also sensational .
The Haunted Mansion Innovative design - The era of ‘ selling real-estate ’ long dead – it would seem . Row upon
The ConfexVerse
FFair founder Lyndon Baptiste says exhibition experiences should be as magical as a trip to Disney World
row of white shell scheme stands or ‘ tombstones ’ – are still alive with us in 2022 . This doesn ’ t mean making your floorplan look pretty – it means creating an engaging layout using effective signage , feature and stand placement , combined with technology to improve your design , such as projection lighting or better yet – AI and VR .
Tomorrowland Technology - VR is becoming increasingly popular , and it ’ s the perfect way to create an immersive experience for visitors . With VR , you can take them into a fully immersive experience based on your trade show topic or theme .
AI for example , can be used to improve the registration process . By using AI , you can make the process easier and faster for visitors . It can also be used to help visitors to
Lyndon Baptiste
connect with what and who they need , or to provide them with information about the show – when they need .
It ’ s a small world after all D & I – Creating a trade show that is truly diverse and inclusive isn ’ t easy , but it is necessary . First of all , you need top-level values that embrace D & I Design principles which make sure everyone can enjoy the exhibition regardless to their abilities or diversity preferences ; this includes making certain areas disabled-accessible as well as creating gender neutral restrooms where anyone feels comfortable no matter what gender identity they express themselves with .
It ’ s also important to consider the needs of different audiences . For example , some people learn best by watching keynotes and presentations , while others prefer more hands-on learning experiences . Tailor your exhibition ’ s content to appeal to as much of your audience as possible .
The Fireworks Finale Make sure that you take the time to engage with visitors . Engagement doesn ’ t have to be time-wasted feedback forms . Talk to them , ask them their opinions , and really listen to what they have to say . By genuinely having your floor hosts engaging with visitors , you can create a truly memorable experience .
By using these techniques , you can turn your trade show from a snoozefest into an experiential Confex-Verse that your visitors will keep wanting more come – the commercial prospects make my hands itch . EN
50 — April