Blog Trade Shows

Trade shows, conventions, and wedding expos are a great way to network, learn about new innovations in the market, and have fun in a festive atmosphere.

But if you don't invest enough time and effort into your booth design, your expo experience will be less than stellar.

Think about the last time you attended a trade show. There were probably a few booth designs that stuck out right off the bat. There were more than a few you probably didn't even notice. And in the middle were all the booths whose flyers and brochures you collected, only to throw them all out at the end of the day without a second thought.

I know which group I'd rather belong to.

Pamphlets definitely have their place, but you've got to admit...they're not very exciting. And when it comes to getting foot traffic to your expo booth, exciting is all you've got.

And what's more exciting than really innovative technology?

Here are five cool tech ideas to help you stand out and rock your next expo.

 

1. Proximity Beacons

It can be hard to stand out in a huge expo. 

With all of the amazing trade show booth designs, exciting new products, and sweet swag giveaways, how do you get trade show attendees to notice you? (Especially if you didn't get one of the premium spots.)

Enter: the proximity beacon.

hands holding smartphones

No, it's not something on the Starship Enterprise, but it's just as cool. (#thefutureisnow)

With Apple's iBeacon and Google's Eddystone, you can send out a "beacon" of advertising to any enabled devices that walk by your trade show booth. (Android users have to enable their smartphones to receive nearby location notifications; iOS users will have to download an appropriate app.)

You can use beacon technology to notify trade show attendees about what's going on in your booth, any special deals you have going on, or whatever you want.

(Normally, the "if you build it, they will come" philosophy doesn't work for marketing, but beacons are an exception.)

 

Let's Capture Memories!

2. Touch Screens

It's 2019, so you'd think touch screens would be old hat by now. But they're still just as irresistible as the first time you got a smart phone. (At least we think so.)

Don't worry; you don't have to go out and buy a bunch of iPads or invest in an expensive setup to feature a touch screen display in your next expo booth design. Nuh-uh.

You can rent one.

Get a fancy little kiosk for the next expo you've got coming up and watch people's faces light up as they begin to realize, "hey...this company is hot stuff!"

Touch screen rental companies will even create custom software, so the sky really is the limit. Use them for anything from gathering leads to a game that educates people about your service or product.

 

3. Charging Stations

People use their phones A LOT when they go to conventions and trade shows, but outlets are few and far between. Besides, who wants to take the time to sit and charge their phone where there are so many cool booths to visit?

graphic of mobile phones charging up

Charging stations come in all sorts, from simple tower versions to ones that secure phones against theft.

It's the best of both worlds: your guests can power up their devices and—since they can't exactly go anywhere—you'll be able to educate them about your product, collect their contact info, and engage with some potential clients.

Imagine being the proverbial oasis in the desert to all those power-thirsty crowds. (Send out a beacon letting them know where to charge up!) You'll have 'em lining up to talk to you!

If you don't have the room (or budget) for a rented charging station, hand out some branded portable chargers as swag. They'll not only think of you for the rest of the day, but every time they use it.

 

4. Photo Booths

Don't think we're biased; people LOVE photo booths!

Include some fun props, a unique backdrop, and customize the picture strips with your logo and you'll have an unparalleled attraction that will have attendees lining up to visit you.

mustache prop with branded photo strip
With pics like this, you KNOW they're gonna leave your logo where everyone can see it!

You probably don't have a lot of room in that expo booth, but don't worry; we've got you covered. Our Open Air and Mirror booths can fit just about anywhere and our digital photo booth only takes up two square feet of floor space.

If we've learned anything in this business, it's that 1) everyone loves a photo booth and 2) no one throws away pictures of themselves. Your logo will be front and center so you'll always stay top-of-mind.

 

5. Virtual Reality

Reality is cool and everything (where else can you eat tacos?), but sometimes the fantasy world is better.

From Google Cardboard to Oculus Rift, virtual reality platforms and trade shows were practically made for each other.

Is your product too big to feature at a trade show? Make it virtual and let people take a spin.

Want to give attendees a larger-than-life experience? Do a VR demonstration.

There are companies that specialize in creating VR experiences for trade shows, so you can offer a truly unforgettable experience for every person who visits your booth.

And when it comes to trade shows, isn't "unforgettable" the goal?

 

Conclusion

While you need signage, pamphlets, and brochures to educate new customers about your company, don't rely on those boring marketing staples and expect to make a major impact.

Incorporating some cool tech features into your expo booth design will make you look like a major industry player and help you stay at the front of people's minds when they leave the convention center.

Especially if they have a photo of themselves with your logo on it.

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