Everyone loves a good game, so why not entice trade show attendees to visit your booth by selecting an entertaining contest that gets them talking about your small business? Games are a fun way to make a lasting impression, while also providing a conversation starter to engage potential prospects. Here are 5 games that can help your trade show booth stand out from the rest.
Trivia
From Trivial Pursuit to Cranium to Jeopardy, the popularity of trivia games is astounding. There’s just something about showing off your knowledge about a topic or category that makes trivia appealing to so many people.
With your trivia game, focus your questions on your small business or industry. Yes, your visitors may not have all the answers, but they’ll learn a lot about your company, as will the curious onlookers, and have fun doing so. Your trivia game should:
- Follow the template of popular trivia games such as Family Feud or Jeopardy.
- Center your questions on your brand, industry, and even the trade show itself. After all, you want to familiarize your contestants with your products or services. And who knows? They might turn into customers.
- Award prizes to the winners (and losers) so everyone feels appreciated.
Prize Wheels
What trade show attendee wouldn’t be drawn to a huge, colorful prize wheel hanging above your booth? Certain to garner attention from every passerby, your prize wheel will make an even bigger impression if it’s adorned with your small business’s logo and colors. And make sure contestants can clearly focus on each spoke of the wheel to see each of the prizes you’re offering. Here are some additional tips:
- Create a carnival atmosphere and play the part of the caller by convincing attendees to “step right up” and take a spin.
- Give away functional and high-quality branded swag that contestants will enjoy.
- Award a grand prize of considerable value such as a gift certificate to a local restaurant or an Amazon Echo.
Counting Contest
Although a counting contest involves little skill, it’s still a game of chance and doesn’t take much effort to put together. All you have to do is fill a clear container with the object of your choice, whether that’s pennies, M&M’s, or jelly beans. Better yet, place your logo on something like ping-pong balls to reinforce your brand messaging.
This is a great way to collect people’s contact information, because you can ask them to jot down their guesses on the back of their business cards. It’s also an easy way to generate leads. And once you announce the total, contestants will check back with you to find out if they won, which gives you another opportunity to engage with them.
Golf
Chances are many trade show attendees enjoy the game of golf. Since you can’t take them all out on the course, try one of these three options:
- Putting green—By far the easiest and least expensive option. And any golfer would revel in the chance to work on their putting game, especially for prizes.
- Driving range simulator— Some of these simulators will also analyze your swing as well as distance. Best of all, your attendee will get a free analysis and it opens up conversation. You can also offer prizes for the greatest distance.
- Virtual golf—Trade show attendees can feel as though they are actually on the links without leaving the convention center.
Jumbo Games
Trade show attendees will enjoy feeling as though they are part of a game, and they certainly will if the game pieces they are playing with are supersized. Whether it’s chess, checkers, or indoor bowling, jumbo games are also a fantastic conversation starter. Here are a few quick tips:
- Prior to leaving for the trade show, make sure all game pieces are accounted for.
- Learn the game rules ahead of time so that the game runs smoothly.
- Encourage a lively atmosphere by engaging with attendees who are not participating and asking them to cheer on those who are playing.
Games are a unique and amusing way to engage trade show attendees and promote your small business. Not only can they help break the ice, but they can also provide valuable leads for your business. And because of the fun factor, they are likely to be shared on social media, improving your reach even further.
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