Waterfall-like LED rock walls, 3D-printed sculptural forms, and mushroom-themed environments stood out during a recent EDPA Mountain/Northwest webinar on EuroShop 2026.
However, the biggest takeaway was not just one design feature. Instead, the presentation pointed to a broader shift in exhibit philosophy.
In the recorded webinar, “EuroShop 2026 Design Trends and Insights,” posted on YouTube, Katina Rigall Zipay, creative director at Classic Exhibits, and Matt Wolf, design director at Condit, shared their observations from the show floor in Düsseldorf, Germany. Together, they described an event shaped by atmosphere, materials, and human interaction. As Wolf put it, “It’s all about hospitality.”
Wolf contrasted that approach with many North American tradeshows, where exhibits often rely on bold graphics, dense messaging, and immediate sales impact. By comparison, he said European exhibits appeared to focus more on comfort, conversation, and longer engagement.
Just as important, the design details supported that shift. For example, Rigall Zipay and Wolf pointed to curved light-emitting diode (LED) panels, cube displays, embedded lighting, and interactive surfaces. In addition, they highlighted 3D printing as a tool for creating sculptural forms and large-scale facades that would be harder to build with traditional methods.
They also called attention to the materials on display. Felt, draped fabrics, expanded metal, and recycled or recyclable components appeared throughout the presentation. Meanwhile, greenery, warm terracotta tones, and natural textures helped create softer, more welcoming environments.
Structurally, arches and pill-shaped forms remained especially prominent. In fact, Wolf said, “It was hard to find an exhibit without this shape in it.”
For U.S. exhibitors, the message was practical. These ideas do not need to be copied outright. Instead, they can be adapted for domestic programs. Rigall Zipay said the goal is to translate global trends into “U.S.-friendly” solutions that account for labor, shipping, and material costs.
Readers can watch the recorded webinar here.
EDPA Mountain/Northwest is a regional chapter of the Exhibit Designers and Producers Association (EDPA). The EuroShop 2026 webinar was presented in partnership with Classic Exhibits and Condit. For more info, visit https://www.classicexhibits.com and https://www.condit.com.
