Green diversity at the trade fair stand: the right choice between real and artificial plants

Plants on exhibition stands - real or artificial plants?

An exhibition stand is not just about presenting products and services. Rather, the creation of an inviting atmosphere plays a decisive role in attracting visitors and inviting them to linger. Plants are an essential part of this, contributing significantly to the atmosphere and supporting the brand presentation. Amidst the hustle and bustle, the shiny displays and smart brochures, it is the green elements that create a special atmosphere.

But behind this seemingly simple decision lies a profound debate about aesthetics, sustainability and practical feasibility. After all, what does it really mean to choose real plants? And are artificial plants an equivalent alternative or perhaps even the better choice? These questions shed light on the various aspects that should be considered when deciding on plants for an exhibition stand.

Join us through the green world of exhibition stands as we look at the pros and cons of both options. Whether it's the image of your company, the impact on your visitors or the sustainability of your stand design, choosing the right plants is crucial to creating the perfect atmosphere for your trade fair presence.

Why are plants indispensable on an exhibition stand?

Plants on an exhibition stand are not just decorative elements - they are an indispensable part of modern exhibition stand design. Current design trends show that plants not only provide a green look, but also symbolise sustainability. Their presence creates an atmosphere of calm and well-being in the midst of a hectic trade fair environment.

In addition, they can separate the stand effectively and in a modern way without detracting from the open and inviting look of the stand. On the contrary, the green aesthetic is not only a visual aspect, but is also interpreted as a sign of environmental awareness and ecological responsibility. It conveys to trade fair visitors the image of a company that strives for sustainability and is aware of its social responsibility.

Companies that are concerned about sustainability must also take this into account when planning their trade fair appearances in order to strengthen their brand image and authentically represent their values. The choice of plants on an exhibition stand plays a crucial role and should be carefully selected to convey the desired message and optimise the atmosphere of the stand.

Green look? - How do I symbolize sustainability?

Plants on trade fair stands are not only used for decoration, but are also often interpreted as symbols of sustainability. But how strong is this connection really? Deciding between real and artificial plants alone is not enough to make a credible sustainability statement. To avoid greenwashing and ensure authentic environmental sustainability, it is crucial to design the entire exhibition stand with ecological aspects in mind.

This means that not only the plants themselves, but also the entire stand construction should be made of sustainable materials wherever possible. Energy-efficient lighting systems and reusable construction elements play a key role here. When using real plants, it is also important to ensure that they come from environmentally friendly cultivation and have been transported sustainably.

Even with artificial plants, attention should be paid to high-quality materials in order to avoid harmful chemicals and ensure a long service life. By taking full account of ecological aspects when designing exhibition stands, companies can ensure that their appearance is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also authentically conveys their environmental and sustainability values.

Real plants on exhibition stands

The decision between real and artificial plants on exhibition stands is a very important one for companies. Real plants undoubtedly have a number of advantages. They lend the stand a natural look, create a pleasant atmosphere and even promote the well-being of visitors. However, as with any decision, there are aspects that need to be considered. With this in mind, we look at the pros and cons of real plants on exhibition stands to gain a better understanding of why they can be a valuable addition, as well as the challenges they bring.

Advantages and disadvantages of real plants

Advantages of real plants:

• Naturalness and quality: Real plants give our exhibition stand an authentic naturalness and a high-quality appearance, which arouses the interest of visitors.

• Pleasant atmosphere: The presence of real plants creates an inviting environment that encourages visitors to linger longer and feel comfortable.

• Positive visitor perception: Visitors often have a positive perception of real plants, which reinforces our company's image as environmentally conscious and committed to the well-being of its customers.

• Improving air quality: Real plants help purify the air by filtering pollutants and producing oxygen, which can contribute to a healthier and more pleasant exhibition environment.
  
  
  

Disadvantages of real plants:

• Costs and logistical effort: The purchase, care and storage of real plants require financial investment and organisational effort, which must be taken into account in your budget and schedule.

• Care during the trade fair: During the trade fair, the plants must be regularly cared for and watered, which requires additional labour.

• Expensive purchase or hire: Especially for rare or exotic species, the cost of purchasing or renting plants can be high, which can put a strain on your budget.

• Costly transport and storage: Transporting and storing live plants requires careful planning and can lead to additional costs and risks, especially when it comes to ensuring their freshness and integrity.

• Limited reusability: After the show, real plants often need to be cared for, ‘nurtured’ or even disposed of as they cannot be reused. This may mean additional costs.

Artificial plants on exhibition stands

While real plants score points with their naturalness and the atmosphere they create, artificial plants offer a practical alternative with less maintenance and more flexibility. Given these choices, it is crucial to take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of artificial plants in order to make an informed decision for your trade fair presentation.

Advantages and disadvantages of artificial plants

Advantages of artificial plants:

• Easy to care for and long-lasting: Artificial plants require no watering, fertilisation or special care, which significantly reduces the amount of maintenance required. This allows companies to save resources and time.

• Fresh all year round: They maintain their fresh and green appearance all year round, regardless of seasonal conditions. This allows companies to maintain a consistent and appealing atmosphere on their exhibition stand.

• Deceptively real look: High-quality artificial plants offer a realistic look that is often deceptively similar to real plants. This allows companies to enjoy the aesthetic impact of real plants without the associated challenges.
• Variety of species and sizes: The wide range of artificial plant species and sizes allows companies to flexibly adapt the design of their exhibition stand to their brand identity and design preferences.

• Adaptability: Artificial plants are suitable for indoor use and can also be placed in environments where real plants could not survive due to light or climate conditions. This flexibility makes them an ideal option for different venues.

• Reusability: After the exhibition, artificial plants can be easily stored and reused for future events. This reduces the company's costs and ecological footprint in the long term.

Disadvantages of artificial plants:

• Unnatural look: Inexpensive models can have an unnatural look that can detract from the overall appearance of the exhibition stand. Companies should therefore opt for high-quality artificial plants to ensure a professional appearance.

• Possible negative associations: Artificial plants can evoke negative associations and call the company's image into question, especially if they appear obviously fake. It is important that the artificial plants chosen look high quality and realistic to avoid such concerns.

• Limited sensory experience: Unlike real plants, artificial plants often lack the scent and texture that can be an important part of the trade show experience for some visitors. Companies can try to compensate for this deficit by using other sensory elements to create a holistic experience.

Conclusion

The decision between real and artificial plants depends on various factors, including the budget, the design of the exhibition stand and the desired effect on visitors. Real plants can undoubtedly enhance an exhibition stand and create a natural atmosphere that attracts visitors and invites them to linger. However, they require more care and can be costly to purchase and maintain.

Artificial plants are a practical alternative that are easy to care for, long-lasting and versatile. They offer flexibility in terms of design and placement and can maintain an attractive appearance all year round. However, it is important to note that the quality and design of the chosen model can affect the company's image. Cheap or unnatural looking artificial plants can potentially create negative associations and detract from the overall aesthetic of the stand.

Ultimately, it is crucial to carefully weigh up the pros and cons of both options and make a decision that suits the company's needs and objectives. By choosing the right plants for your exhibition stand, you can ensure that your company stands out from the competition, creates a welcoming atmosphere and leaves a lasting positive impression on your visitors.