Click Bait
The coolest swag and in-booth raffles aren't worth a hill of beans if attendees don't know about them, either due to an exhibitor's small booth space or out-of-the-way location. Thankfully, the Balou app allows face-to-face marketers to upload images and descriptions of the promotional items and/or prize drawings they'll be distributing at an upcoming show. After selecting which events they'll be attending from the app's directory, attendees can then browse the available swag and "like" the items and drawings they're most interested in. If an in-booth drawing is set for a particular time, users will then receive a push notification alerting them to head to the exhibit. In addition to gaining increased exposure, exhibitors receive post-show reports indicating how many attendees flagged their promotional items. Available as a standalone download in the Apple and Google Play app stores, Balou can also be integrated into a show's official app.
Contact: Balou LLC, Encinitas, CA, 760-585-5135, www.balouapp.com

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Counter Offer
Arresting video content doesn't have to be limited to your exhibit's back walls or a mounted flatscreen. HT Connect Ltd.'s HT Series Counters make it possible to present your dynamic imagery to attendees right by the aisle. With dimensions starting at roughly 3.2 feet wide, 3.5 feet tall, and 1.6 feet deep, HT Series Counters are clad in BeMatrix LEDskin panels, enabling them to display video footage seamlessly along three sides with a razor-sharp pixel pitch of 2.5 mm. Units include either black, white, or custom acrylic countertops; a self-contained Novastar video controller; and lockable storage. What's more, the counters can be programmed to run content that is identical or complementary to what is displayed on other LED elements, resulting in a multidimensional multimedia showcase. For safe and secure shipping, HT Series Counters break down and fit into sturdy road cases.
Contact: HT Connect Ltd., Inglewood, CA, 416-557-7517, www.htconnect.us

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Small Wonder
The 27" Giant iTab is a smaller version of SmartSource Computer & Audio Visual Rentals Inc.'s 42" smartphone-like kiosk that provides a user-friendly way for attendees and booth reps to access mobile apps in their native environment, just as they would appear on a handheld device. Offering a 10-point projected-capacitive touchscreen with sophisticated drag and multitouch abilities, the iTab is a standalone device capable of running Android-based apps (an iOS simulator is also available). Additional features include Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Bluetooth capabilities; a built-in camera; a steel countertop stand; the option of mounting the unit in landscape or portrait orientation; and the ability to connect everything from barcode scanners to printers.
Contact: SmartSource Computer & Audio Visual Rentals Inc., Hauppauge, NY, 800-888-8686, www.smartsourcerentals.com

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Escape Clause
Leverage a growing trend in experiential marketing – and literally capture attendees' attention – by incorporating a Mobile Escape Room into your next exhibit or corporate event. Staged in either a 20-foot-long trailer for outdoor events or a 10-by-10-foot or 12-by-12-foot pop-up for indoor activations, this service from Interactive Entertainment Group Inc. includes a choice of three fully immersive, richly detailed escape-room themes: Joker's Cabin, Hotel Room, and Missile Defense. After being locked inside the space, up to eight participants at a time must work together to solve a series of puzzles that will ultimately lead to their release. Challenges can be designed as either 15-minute "express" engagements or full-length, 30- to 60-minute experiences. All rooms come fully furnished, and branded elements can be integrated into the challenge itself and the exterior of the activation. Entirely customized escape-room challenges and designs are also available for marketers who want their brand messages to be a fundamental component of the experience.
Contact: Interactive Entertainment Group Inc., Hauppauge, NY, 800-760-0724, www.interactiveparty.com