Holographic Displays for Events: Technology, Formats and What to Consider

What Are Holographic Displays at Events?

At live events, "hologram" usually means an image that appears to float in space, with depth and presence, without a conventional screen in the way. Most of what audiences see today is not a true hologram in the scientific sense. It is a carefully engineered illusion, built with glass, film, transparent screens or specialist displays, that gives the audience the impression that a person or object is standing in the room.

Compared with flat projection or a regular LED wall, a holographic display offers a stronger sense of presence and a very clear moment of surprise. That is why it works well for product reveals, performer appearances and brand moments that need to stop people in their tracks.

Types of Holographic Display Technology

Pepper's Ghost

The classic technique, dating back to nineteenth-century theatre. A bright image is projected or displayed onto an angled transparent surface (glass, acrylic or foil) and reflected toward the audience, so a figure appears to exist inside the stage space. It is the most widely used format for events, it can be scaled from a small product showcase to a full stage, and it combines very well with live performers. It works best in controlled lighting and from a defined viewing angle.

Transparent LED

Transparent LED screens let the audience see through the display while content is visible on it. They are very effective in architecture, retail and stand design, where content can seem to float in front of or inside a space. At the Princess Inspire hotel in Tenerife, NewMedia designed and installed a 250 square meter transparent LED display as the centerpiece of the hotel's renovation.

Volumetric and other floating displays

Volumetric displays, LED fans and similar systems create imagery that appears to hover without a traditional screen. They are eye-catching and compact, but they are best suited to small and medium formats and close viewing. Newer mid-air display technologies are still emerging and are not yet a standard option for large events.

Where Holograms Work Well

• Product reveals, where an object can appear, rotate and transform in front of an audience.
• Performer appearances and tributes, including holographic performances combined with live music or a live host.
• Trade show stands and brand activations that need a strong visual hook.
• Retail and museum installations where a floating image adds storytelling.

A good example from NewMedia's work is the holographic Freddie Mercury concert created for Boehringer Ingelheim's annual event for its top managers, held at St. Charles Hall in Lucerne, Switzerland. The performance was designed as an intimate show in a castle setting, where the emotion of the moment mattered more than the technology on display.

What Drives the Cost

There is no single price for a holographic experience. The investment depends on a handful of factors, and it is more useful to understand them than to rely on a generic range:

• Size and format of the display, and whether it is a custom build or an existing system.
• Brightness and projection or LED hardware needed for the venue and lighting conditions.
• Content: a bespoke 3D or filmed production costs far more than adapting existing material.
• Number of days, installation complexity, rigging and logistics, including travel.
• On-site technical operation and rehearsal time.

The most reliable way to get a realistic budget is to share the event, the venue and the goal, and ask for a scoped proposal.

How to Plan a Holographic Activation

1. Define the moment. What should the audience feel or remember? Start from the experience, then choose the technology.
2. Check the venue. Ambient light, ceiling height, sightlines, audience position and power all affect which format will work.
3. Create content for the medium. Standard video rarely translates well. Content needs to be designed specifically for the illusion, with the right framing, contrast and movement.
4. Plan the live elements. If a performer, host or presentation is part of the show, cues and timing need to be rehearsed with the content.
5. Rehearse on site. Alignment, brightness and viewing angles must be tested in the real venue before the audience arrives.

How to Measure Success

Rather than promising a standard return, define what success means for your event before it starts. Typical indicators are dwell time at the installation, number of interactions or demos completed, qualified conversations or meetings, press and social coverage, and audience feedback. Any data collection should have a clear purpose and appropriate visitor consent.

Working with NewMedia on Holographic Experiences

NewMedia designs and produces holographic content and display systems for events, product launches, exhibitions and brand activations, together with transparent LED, 3D mapping, domes and AI-driven experiences. One team handles creative concept, content, technical installation and live operation, so the idea and the engineering are designed together.

To discuss a project, write to america@newmedia.events for the US and Canada, or welcome@newmedia.events for Europe and the rest of the world, or visit newmedia.events.

FAQ: Holographic Displays for Events

How far away can a holographic display be seen?
It depends on the size of the display, its brightness and the ambient light. The best way to know is to assess the venue and audience position.

Can holograms be combined with live performers?
Yes. Many productions combine a holographic figure or visuals with live musicians, hosts or presenters, which requires careful rehearsal so the live and projected elements stay in sync.

How long does it take to set up?
A simple Pepper's Ghost installation can be set up relatively quickly. Complex or custom builds need more installation and rehearsal time. The exact schedule depends on the format and the venue.

Do holograms work outdoors or in daylight?
Most formats perform best in controlled lighting. Daylight or uncontrolled ambient light may require brighter hardware or a different display solution.

Is a holographic display reusable?
The hardware often is. Content is usually produced for a specific story, but it can be adapted for other events or campaigns.