There’s a lot that goes into a good trade show experience. You need the right staff, a great booth design, something to bring them in, and something to keep them there. Swag factors into a good trade show booth experience too because it gives people a reason to stop.
But how do you get it into their hands?
Simply giving it to them as they walk by doesn’t entice them to stay. However, if they “earn” it by playing simple games it transforms from swag to prize and becomes worth more in their eyes. It becomes a source of pride when talking to other trade show attendees as well.
Here are a few ideas for simple trade show booth games.
6 Easy Trade Show Booth Games
Tablet Trivia
Create a trivia contest that people can play on tablets in your booth. Not only does it keep them there engaging with your staff but it helps them learn a little bit about your company in a fun way.
Pro: Feed attendees information that’s important about your business or your sales process.
Con: Some people may not want to take the time to try their hand at trivia. Consider very short 3 answer challenges.
Spin the Prize Wheel
You can make or rent your own prize wheel and invite passers-by to give it a spin. Use different types of prizes to add to the excitement.
Pro: It’s a quick game and one everyone can do.
Con: It’s quick so people can spin and leave.
Social Media Posting Contest
Give attendees a challenge to capture the best ____ at the exhibit. It could be the “best black and white” photo or “funniest object.” Whatever category you choose, make it broad and open to interpretation. Give them a hashtag and ask them to upload their entry to your favorite social media platform(s). You can select a different winner every day or keep it going over multiple days and select a grand prize winner.
Pro: It’s easy to participate.
Con: It doesn’t keep people in your booth.
Where’s Waldo?
Hide your logo somewhere on the exhibit floor outside of your booth or hide several words that are identifiable with your brand inside your booth. Challenge participants to find them. The winners get branded swag and can be entered into a grand prize drawing.
Pro: It keeps people on the lookout for your brand.
Con: If you choose to hold the contest outside of your booth, you’re not actively engaging them.
Come and Get It!
This is a fun game that draws a crowd. Periodically throughout the event, turn on a flashing light in your booth, broadcast a signal, or post a hashtag. When any of these alerts occur, offer the first “five” people who get to your booth a very special prize. You can use any number here but the prize should be something of quality so they want to drop what they’re doing and head to your booth immediately.
Pro: this keeps people focused on your booth even when they are across the exhibit floor.
Con: you need swag that is worth the time to come see you.
Host a Speakeasy
Every day of the exhibit at the same time of day post a password to your Facebook page. Leave it up for an hour and then delete it. Anyone who comes to your booth with that password gets a special gift. Don’t worry if people pass along your word; at least they’re talking about you.
Pro: gets attendees focused on your Facebook page. They may even decide to follow you to make it easier.
Con: if you have a multi-day event, you’ll want new swag for each day so that people can continue playing.
What’s the most successful game you’ve played with attendees?
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