Vision. What will trade fairs look like in future – and how can distancing and hygiene rules be incorporated into cutting-edge modern design? The experts at the Neuss-based interior design agency Heilight, which has a particular focus on designing rooms for trade fairs, events and hotels, have been giving this question a lot of attention. They have come up with a set of ideas about how a (post-)pandemic trade fair that takes the new circumstances into account should look. They focused on the need to respect minimum distances between people, on the contactless, paperless exchange of information and on ensuring that trade fair visitors are evenly distributed. The latter is achieved by means of an app and a self-explanatory traffic flow system that guides visitors through the exhibition hall. “Bringing people and brands together continues to be important in the pandemic,” emphasises Heilight creative director Holger Weddige. “In addition to compliance with applicable safety and hygiene provisions, design aspects can fill visitors with confidence – without having a detrimental impact on the impression made by exhibitors.” In November 2020, Heilight received the German Design Award in the category Fair and Exhibition for its promising vision for trade fairs.