Utilizing Interactive Tech to Enhance the Trade Show Booth Experience

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Utilizing Interactive Tech to Enhance the Trade Show Booth Experience

2/1/2023
Your booth is the first impression visitors have of your brand, product, or company. Whether they are attending a local expo, regional trade show, or international conference, that moment can make the difference between a "stop in" or "walk by." In fact, 84% of trade show attendees say the quality of the experience with an exhibitor directly impacts their decision to purchase a company's product or service.

If you are like most exhibitors, you're likely looking for ways to help your booth stand out and entice buyers to visit. With interactive technology becoming increasingly popular at trade shows and exhibitions, now is the time to take advantage of interactive tech and make your trade show presence memorable.

Why Interactive Technologies are The Future of Trade Shows
Trade shows and expos have existed since the beginning of commerce, partly because they continue to evolve. The increased use of interactive technologies in trade shows and events means that soon, the expo floor will be packed with more than just booths - it will be overflowing with interactive experiences, ranging from 3D printing to virtual reality and holographics.

According to the latest Trade Show Stats, 71% of exhibitors say they've considered incorporating interactive technologies into their trade show booths in the past year. And almost half of those exhibitors (47%) said they plan to spend more on interactive technologies for trade shows in the next 12 months. And why shouldn't they? Interactive technologies allow you to engage with your visitors and deliver a personalized experience.

How Interactive Technologies Help Exhibitors
46% of attendees say the number of exhibitors at trade shows has increased over the past five years, so it's easier to get lost in the shuffle of a packed expo floor. Here are ways interactive tech can amplify your presence:

  • Brand Awareness

Interactive technologies can create a stronger, more memorable brand experience for customers. Technology also creates "shareable" experiences that encourage visitors to tag you on social media, thus increasing your exposure to a broader audience.

  • Increased Sales

The majority (82%) of consumers say seeing, holding, or demoing a product in-person makes them more inclined to purchase. Leveraging technology to give attendees a way to interact with your product keeps your brand top-of-mind when it comes to purchasing decisions.

  • Higher Level of Engagement
Interactivity at booths has been shown to increase the level of engagement between visitors and exhibitors by around 50%.

Interactive Tech You Should Consider
Some technologies - such as brain-computer interfaces (BCI) and advanced nanotechnologies - are still in their infancy and aren't quite ready for prime time on the show floor. However, there are many technologies that are more readily available that can elevate your presence at the next exhibition. Here are a few to consider:

  • 3D Printers

One of the most popular interactive technologies that exhibitors use is 3D printing. This technology allows you to print a 3D model of your product on the spot and have it ready for your guests to examine up close.

  • Interactive Kiosks

Touch-screen iPads, tables, and kiosks allow attendees to digitally interact with and see products and services offered by the exhibitor. They also engage people with games and educational material that enhance how people experience your brand.

• Video Walls

Many exhibitors are seamlessly integrating LED panels and video walls into their booth structure. These walls allow you to share visual content, add your logo, and play videos. And by covering the walls of your trade show booth with multiple video walls, you can transform a regular booth into a truly immersive space.

• CLEAR LED

CLEARLED is best known for creating an element of surprise. With over 70% transparency, it creates an impactful visual effect by bringing content seemingly out of thin air. Because of its affordability, clients can create a large display/visual effect at a lower cost than a conventional LED wall. Easy to install, it is much lighter than the conventional video wall, allowing flexible design and easier, faster setup.

• Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)

Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality are higher-level interactive technologies that can turn your booth into an engaging and immersive experience. VR and AR allow you to create a 3D model of your product and deliver a personalized look at what your product does or what service you offer. AR technologies can also help attendees visualize how a physical product may look in a real-world setting.

• Beacon Technology

Beacon technology is another interactive tech that has seen an increase in usage. This tech allows you to track the path your guests take through the expo floor. That data then gives you better insights into foot traffic, surge times, and show attendee patterns.

Conclusion
Remember that trade shows are not wholly about selling. They are also crucial to building a brand presence in the market and solidifying relationships with potential clients. The more engaging your booth is, the more likely visitors are to remember you and purchase from you in the future.

If you haven't considered incorporating interactive technologies into your next trade show, now is the time to take a deeper look into what might work best for your booth. After all, you can only make a great - and memorable - first impression once.

Connect with a SmartSource® exhibit solutions expert who will support your next project from end to end.

About the Author:
Brett S. Hyams is a Senior Solution Sales Executive with SmartSource® with over 25 years of event industry experience.

Contact:
byhams@thesmartsource.com