Trade Show Games: The 5 Elements of Success

Trade Show Blog

Trade Show Games and Gamification

Samuel J. Smith, SocialPoint (Guest Post)

The 5 Elements of Successful Trade Show Games

Trade show games are a fun way to get more traffic into your trade show booth. They add an element of play, competition, and excitement that wakes up attendees dulled by trudging down countless trade show aisles. To make your trade show games a success, be sure to follow these 5 Elements of Success:

#1. Games That Fit and Promote Your Brand

One of the top three reasons exhibitors go to trade shows is to build their brand awareness. Every activity you do in your booth has an effect on how attendees perceive your company. So, when you choose a trade show game, it should mesh with your company personality. If the game features any visuals, then the colors, images, type font, and logos should match your brand identity. That will boost memorability and brand impact.

#2. Games That Fit Your Audience

Our clients often tell us that the audience at one of their shows is a perfect match for a certain trade show game – but that same game would be a misfit at another show they exhibit at. That’s because the demographics, style, motivations, and personal drivers markedly change between their shows. Some show attendees tend to be fun-loving, gregarious, and profit-driven. Other shows feature quieter, knowledge-based attendees who compete for different reasons. Know your audiences and find the trade show games that appeal best to them.

#3. Games That Are Easy (Enough) To Win

Trade show games work best when they take some skill to win – but little-to-no-time to learn how to play. Attendees should be able to walk up and jump in. Your goal with trade show games is to get more traffic and engagement, not to stump almost all your visitors so they go away disappointed. And ensure they go away happy with prizes that are worthy of their time. Attendees also like to earn recognition when they do very well, which works great at trade shows where gifts are limited or not allowed.

Trade Show Games and Gamification

#4. Games That Have Signage and Space

Your booth visitors can’t have a good time playing your trade show games if they are cramped or forced to play in an awkward stance. Set up the game so players are comfortable with the game at the right height and enough space for them to not feel trapped. Also, ensure attendees in the aisle know there’s a fun game in your booth with signage that says “Play To Win” or names the game. Don’t be shy about it!

#5. Games With Lead Capture

Trade show games may be fun, but you won’t be enjoying yourself if you don’t come back from the show with leads. Choose games that visitors have to provide their contact info to play. Even better, capture a few key qualifying facts about them, to give your sales people a leg up on who to call first after the show, and help them make a better follow-up call, too.

I hope that if you decide to use trade show games, you’re now better prepared to get their full value. You’ll build your brand, attract more attendees, host a great experience, and collect more leads.

Samuel J. Smith is a thought leader, researcher, speaker and award-winning innovator on event technology. In 2011, BizBash Magazine added Sam to its annual innovators list. Since then, Sam has won awards from Exhibitor Magazine, IBTM World, RSVP MN, International Live Events Association and MPI for innovation in event technology.

Filter by Category

Filter by Year

Recent Posts

Six Reasons to Blog in 202X

With the proliferation of video, blogging may seem quaint, even old fashion. And yet, we continue to post blogs 4-6 times per month. So, I asked Kris Asleson, the chief strategist at Flyrise (our SEO partner), why blogging is still important.

What is a Trade Show? A Guide for New Exhibitors.

What is a trade show? Trade Show, as a term, is often used interchangeably with other similar words like conventions, exhibitions, conferences, trade fairs, symposiums, and expos. And while they are similar, trade shows, and in particular professional trade shows, have a specific definition. 

The Complete Guide to Trade Show Services (Offsite & Onsite)

Onsite trade show services include all services available at the show site. Contractors typically provide these services for show management. Turnkey services are particularly valuable for first-time exhibitors, companies with limited internal resources, or those participating in numerous shows where efficiency and consistency are paramount.

What You Should Know about Trade Show Exhibit Budgeting

Companies should define a workable exhibit marketing budget, one that includes all related costs. However, the line between marketing expenses and exhibit marketing expenses can be somewhat fuzzy. You will want to create a well-defined budget that separates them.

The Top 10 Design Mistakes of Trade Show Graphics

You decided on your new trade show display . . . but you’re not done yet. Now, it’s time to design the graphics. You want AMAZING!. Below are 10 tips to consider when designing your next trade show graphics.

If Puppies Ran Trade Shows and Events

The following are 11 reasons why our lives would be better if puppies ran trade shows and events. To the ferret, goldfish, and lizard owners, you’re on your own.

If Kittens Ran Trade Shows and Events

If kittens ran trade shows and events, experience would be respected, every booth would have toys, two hours naps would be mandatory, and everyone would be cute and adorable. And we would all trust our instincts.

Baseball Terms for the Trade Show Industry

Baseball season is upon us once again. That means it’s time to refresh yourself with our BASEBALL TERMS – CLASSIC STYLE! Whichever team you root for please keep in mind these three non-bendable rules:

“I’ll Know It When I See It” — Every Designer’s Nightmare

For Exhibit and Graphic Designers, delivering a design that meets all the client’s needs — functionally, aesthetically, and fiscally — is the ultimate goal. But . . . that doesn’t mean the process is always flawless. Here are a few “Design Red Flags” from a Designer’s perspective which can delay the process (and increase your design fees).

Trade Show Staffing: Assembling the Perfect Team

Who should be there? That’s easy. Bring employees who know the products or services, who have charismatic people skills, who are personally invested in results, and who participate in pre-show planning or post-show implementation.

What You Should Know as a New Exhibit Buyer

For the sake of simplicity, let’s assume that exhibit marketing is a new experience. Exhibit marketing is certainly not rocket science. You don’t need a marketing degree to be successful at exhibit marketing. However, it helps to get advice so you make the right decisions.

10 Tips for Designing Large Format Graphics for Trade Shows

Most designers rarely design a layout larger than a corporate booklet or perhaps a 20″ x 30″ poster. Designing for large format, like trade show graphics, is actually quite simple once you know the basic steps. All it takes is a leap of faith… and trust in my advice.

Reflections on Trade Shows and Events

Are trade shows are relevant? Is there a future for industry trade shows? Are companies willing to spend their valuable marketing dollars building a temporary structure just to attract new customers or meet with existing ones?

A Trade Show Exhibitor Walks into a Bar

A Trade Show Exhibitor walks into a bar and says to the bartender, “I’ve never been in a bar before, but a friend suggested I try the 20 x 20 Booth Space.” “That’s a very popular drink,” says the bartender, “especially with my regular customers.