Key Takeaways from RE+ 2025: Trends, Insights, and What's Next

We recently had the opportunity to support our clients at RE+, one of the renewable energy industry's premier trade shows. This year, we took a step back to observe the landscape, gather insights, and identify trends that could help our clients maximize their impact at future events.

Here's what we learned from walking the show floor and what it means for exhibitors planning their next appearance.

Booth Design: The Digital Revolution Continues

The most striking trend at RE+ 2025 was the continued evolution of booth design, particularly the integration of high-end digital elements. LED tile walls and LED trim lighting weren't just present — they were everywhere. These technologies created a visual impact that drew attendees from across the hall, making booths feel modern, polished, and finished.

But it wasn't just about looking good. We noticed creative uses of gamification and interactive elements that transformed booth spaces into experiential destinations. One memorable example: a booth featuring a putting green that not only attracted attention from a distance but also created natural engagement opportunities with attendees.

Actionable Insight: Digital integrations don't have to break the bank to be effective. Even strategic LED accent lighting can elevate your booth's presence. Consider how interactive elements aligned with your brand could create memorable moments that keep attendees at your booth longer.

The Tale of Two Exhibitor Approaches

An interesting pattern emerged when comparing exhibitors from different regions. Asian exhibitors brought a distinctly different aesthetic compared to their US-based counterparts.
U.S. exhibitors leaned heavily on structural components — solid, reusable frameworks that conveyed permanence and stability. Meanwhile, Asian companies favored what appeared to be lighter-weight, single-use booth concepts, often featuring particle board construction. However, don't mistake lighter materials for less impact. These booths compensated with impressive vertical elements: tall structures, expansive back walls, and large enclosed meeting spaces that commanded attention.

Actionable Insight: There's no single "right" approach to booth design. Your choice should align with your participation strategy. Planning to exhibit at multiple shows annually? Invest in quality structural components that travel well. Focusing on one major show per year? Consider allocating more budget to impactful, show-specific elements that maximize your presence for that specific event.

Show Growth and the Venue Evolution

RE+ continues to expand, presenting both opportunities and challenges. The show's growth has necessitated venue changes, with the event previously split across multiple locations — a situation that impacted the attendee experience and created navigation challenges.

The good news? Next year, RE+ is relocating to the Las Vegas Convention Center, which is expected to consolidate the show under one roof and significantly enhance the attendee experience

Actionable Insight: A venue change offers a fresh start. If you've been considering upgrading your booth size or investing in new design elements, the move to the Las Vegas Convention Center provides the perfect timing. Attendees will be exploring the new layout with fresh eyes — make sure your booth stands out in the new environment.

Beyond the Booth: Sponsorships and Industry Context

RE+ isn't just about what happens on the show floor. The event features robust sponsorship opportunities, policy discussions, and breakout sessions that provide valuable context for the industry's direction.

During this year's show, conversations frequently touched on external factors impacting the renewable energy sector, including policy changes and economic considerations such as tariffs. These discussions underscore a crucial reality: trade shows operate within a broader industry ecosystem influenced by political and economic forces.

Actionable Insight: Don't think of trade show participation solely as a booth investment. Sponsorship opportunities can significantly amplify your visibility, while policy sessions and breakout tracks provide networking opportunities and industry intelligence that inform your broader business strategy. Consider a holistic approach to your participation in the show.

Planning Your RE+ Strategy

The trends we observed point to several key considerations. Spend time thinking about these early in your show planning and strategy.

• Embrace technology thoughtfully: Digital integrations are becoming table stakes, but they should enhance, not replace, human interaction.
• Design for your goals: Match your booth investment to your participation frequency and objectives. Always start with your business objectives: What do you want to accomplish?
• Think beyond the booth: Leverage sponsorships and educational sessions. Be creative and try to be where your target customers are hanging out.
• Stay agile: Be prepared to adapt to a new venue and consider new design options to stand out in this large show floor.
• Consider sustainability: Rental exhibits offer significant environmental benefits through reusability and reduced waste.

Sustainability and Rental Exhibits: An Environmental Win

Sustainability is top of mind for businesses today, and some mistakenly believe that rentals are wasteful or less eco-friendly than owned exhibits. The truth is quite the opposite. Rental programs prioritize reusability, with many providers using components and materials that can be repurposed for multiple events, drastically reducing waste. By opting for a rental, exhibitors also minimize their carbon footprint by cutting down on unnecessary manufacturing and shipping. Additionally, when renting exhibitors typically only purchase graphics while returning the booth structure to inventory, there is significantly less waste after each trade show.

With rental exhibits, resources and hardware can be reused across numerous events, leading to a significant decrease in waste and environmental impact. Renting may also eliminate the need to manufacture new materials for each event, lowering the consumption of natural resources like wood, metal, and plastics. However, sustainability is only one consideration when planning your overall exhibition strategy, as there are many choices for making exhibiting more sustainable beyond just the rental versus purchase decision.

Actionable Insight: Sustainability objectives should be considered when planning your exhibition strategy. Rental exhibits reduce your carbon footprint by minimizing extensive shipping needs and allowing for resource reusability. If environmental responsibility is a priority for your organization, rentals provide a practical way to align your trade show presence with your sustainability goals.

RE+ remains one of the best venues to showcase innovation, build relationships, and stay ahead of trends in the renewable energy space. With the upcoming move to a new venue, next year's show promises to deliver an even better experience for exhibitors and attendees alike.

About the Author
Brice Slack
Business Development Manager, Skyline Exhibits

Brice Slack is a seasoned Business Development Manager with deep expertise in trade shows, exhibitions, and strategic event growth. Currently leading business development efforts at Skyline Exhibits, he specializes in helping organizations elevate their presence at industry-leading events through smart planning, high-value partnerships, and measurable ROI. Known for his relationship-driven approach, Brice excels at identifying new opportunities, driving revenue, and executing go-to-market strategies that support both short-term wins and long-term business growth. He holds a degree in Business Administration and Management and continues to thrive at the intersection of strategic planning, networking, and event innovation.

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