How Smart AV Energizes Your Exhibit: 3 Lessons From CES
Ever notice how some trade show booths instantly pull people in while others go unnoticed? The secret is more than big LED walls and flashy lights — it’s making smart exhibit AV choices that support your story, your space, and your goals.
At CES, we saw brands of all sizes using AV intentionally (and creatively) to make their booth designs stand out. That played out vividly across three exhibits we produced: Siemens and AWS (delivered in partnership with Sparks), and Fujitsu. These examples show how brands use lighting, projection, and interactive AV to create memorable exhibit experiences.
While each brand approached AV differently, the common thread was simple: When AV aligns with your story, it elevates everything.
Here are 3 AV strategy insights to inspire your next trade show booth:
1. Exhibit AV: Essentials That Boost Your Brand
Light the mood
Good lighting is like good editing: when it’s done well, you don’t notice it — you feel it.
AWS used an overhead lighting system to highlight graphics and products with precision, creating a space that felt intentional, airy, and easy to navigate.
Motion + message = engagement
Siemens wove content featuring real customer stories throughout its footprint. Movement across screens caught eyes and the relatable stories pulled attendees deeper into the experience.
Structure that supports the story
Fujitsu used a custom truss system to support two floor and one wall projector, creating layered visuals without bulk. Smart structural AV planning is often the difference between “busy” and “beautiful.”
2. Interactive Exhibit AV: Turning Visitors Into Participants
Multi‑screen storytelling
AWS deployed more than 30 screens — each running a different content track, from demo footage and AWS partner stories to real-time data. An advanced media server system orchestrated everything beautifully. A reminder that early collabs between design, content, and AV really pay off.
Part theater, part hangout
AWS also featured a dedicated presentation theater hosting live talks, demos, and partner sessions. This active focal point quickly became a gathering spot for attendees to connect and dig deeper into the brand story. Structure + content + AV = a positive traffic magnet.
Guided story journeys
One of AWS’s standout features was the guided tour system that let brand experts lead personalized booth walk-throughs. This simple, AV-supported experience helped transform casual wandering into curated discovery.
3. Immersive Exhibit Design: Using AV to Create Memorable Experiences
Curved LEDs create flow
Siemens anchored its space with a curved LED wall that felt cinematic without overpowering the booth. It added depth with compelling stories to explore.
Projection Reinvention
Fujitsu took a different approach, using two floor projectors and one wall projector to transform surfaces with motion and light. Projection is incredibly flexible and can shift the mood of a space instantly.
AV isn’t a line item — it’s a strategic advantage
Once again, CES reinforced what we already know: AV production is so much more than equipment.
It’s atmosphere.
It’s storytelling.
It’s creating an environment where people experience your brand before they even speak to your team.
When design, content, and AV come together early and collaboratively, the result is an exhibit that does more than just stand out. It delivers experiences and memories people remember.
Want smart ideas tailored for your booth and budget?
Our AV production experts can help.
