A Trade show is meant to showcase an organization’s latest products, provide an opportunity for networking and allow people in the same industry to exchange best practices and strategies in their field of work.
But getting people attracted to your trade show booth requires something a bit more: a little fun.
Trade Show Rental Ideas
There are plenty of ideas out there for providing entertainment at a booth in hopes of increasing foot traffic. Many go with video games, photo booths, balloon artists or even magicians.
Nothing wrong with those choices. But here are a few more that should both create some fun and, in some cases, might be a bit outside the envelope.
Popcorn Machine
OK, we start inside the envelope. But it’s amazing how a cool popcorn machine will attract a crowd pretty much everywhere, including a trade show. It’s also amazing how many people don’t think to do it. People get hungry. Most people like popcorn. People like to chat as they eat. Add in a unique machine, and it’s hard to go wrong with this venerable choice.
Bell Striker
As has been shown over many, many decades at carnivals, people have a hard time walking past a bell striker without giving it a shot. And it’s not just men, it’s women, too. Testing your strength and getting to swing a big hammer are just fun to do. Throwing in a prize for anyone who can ring the bell (say, a sample of your product or invitation to a cool event) makes it even more attractive.
Cash Cube
If you think popcorn is popular, just wait until you see the magnet that is a bunch of cash floating around. A Cash Cube, for those who have never seen one, involves stepping inside of an enclosed space and trying to grab as much cash as you can in a limited time as big fans blow the money around. People find that impossible to resist.
Carnival Games
Depending on the space, you might not have room for many carnival games. But some of the more straightforward, simple games can provide trade show participants a chance to have fun testing their skills and spend time at your booth. Think along the lines of something like the Bucket Drop, which is deceptively simple, or a classic like Crazy Coconuts. The point is these simple-but-entertaining games can fit in a confined space and create a buzz around your booth.
Go Big
This one is more aimed at trade show organizers. Nothing is going to make a social get together more memorable than having a giant slide. Or you can go with a thrill ride such as a zip line. Or place an obstacle course everyone must go through to get into the party.
One of the important things to remember is to tie whatever entertainment you have at the trade show to your product, which is why it’s a smart idea to talk to event experts who can help guide you to the right product.
Creating a buzz is important at a trade show. While the focus will always ultimately be on your product or service, bringing some entertainment into the event will bring you more attention. And at a trade show, attention is a very, very good thing.
