Trade shows can provide you a great platform for networking, advertising and building brand reputation. However, the biggest problems are getting potential traffic to your booth and engage them in a meaningful way.
One of the best ways to accomplish these goals is by co-opting an activity that’s inherently engaging—playing games.
#Hashtag Prize Game
Before the exhibition, decide on a Twitter hashtag your booth will be using to represent your company. Using the brand specific hashtag game on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram; is going to get your brand noticed. How?
Make the hashtag and comments catchy, brand specific and consistent. Do a giveaway with prizes randomly distributed throughout the show. However, this tactic may not work if the target demographic isn’t accustomed to social media. So, for attendees above the age of 60, this game is not that great.
Trivia Twist
This is a classic trade show game with a simple format. Ask the visitors certain questions about your business, the industry or the event. Give away prizes to contestants providing all correct answers. Winners are notified via a private message and directed towards the booth to collect their prizes.
Popular Video Game Console & Game
Set up a video game console with a well-liked game that can be played fast. As per the rules of the game, track the scores and reward the attendee with the highest rating at the end. Do a little research to find out what the most popular console/game is for your potential customers.
Photo Booth
This is one of the easiest and most fun ways to develop a rapport with the attendees. Make sure to setup the photo booth with props that relate to your business and your industry. Encourage the attendees to have their picture taken at the booth and collect their contact information to mail them the photographs along with the details of your company. A subtle yet a very effective strategy!
Game Show-style Competition
Get inspired from the popular game shows and customise your questions to fit with your business strategy. A good example is the recent ‘Content Marketing World’ conference in Cleveland, where a Hollywood Squares contest was used to engage their attendees as contestants. Well, you don’t require going that far, just make use of any popular game format will promote participation.
Arcade Game
The arcade style game like Skeeball or Basketball will attract plenty of visitors to your booth. Encourage the attendees to play and keep track of the scores they make. At the end of the day, give away a prize to the player with the highest score.
These are not all, there are many more trade show games that you can setup at your booth to engage and draw your audience. Add games to your next event and build some hype around your next showing.
