5 Ways Technology Will Enhance Your Booth

You know the value of Trade Shows. You know
when an exhibit catches your eye. What caught your attention?

The point of going to a trade show is to get the attention (or sale) of your target audience. Technology can help drive traffic to your booth. It can help get information about your market and/or present your message.

The most effective trade show displays have something in common. They give an experience to their visitors. They demonstrate, educate or entertain. Customers remember these experiences because they can relate to the display. Technology will help you create an experience in your booth.

This article outlines 5 ways technology will enhance your exhibit to get you started on making your next trade show your best ever.

#1 - Digital Signage
Graphics are an important part of any marketing message. They convey professionalism and may even tell a story. These days almost all trade show displays incorporate large mural type graphics.

Replace or enhance static graphics with an interactive sign to visually reinforce your marketing message. Flat screen LCD monitors or plasma screens make this option very cost effective. Use this medium to display messages, play videos or show flash presentations.

#2 - Kiosk
Trade show displays often communicate a static message from the company to the customer. We believe kiosk technology can help you interact with your customers by obtaining valuable input through the use of touch screens, surveys and feedback systems.

Imagine having a brochure rack for your three product lines. When a customer picks up the second brochure, the kiosk will show more details about that product and prompts the customer to choose the next step which may include scanning a badge for a mailing list or promotion.

#3 - Trade Show Games
Exciting trade show games are an effective way to attract attention to your booth. Trade show games are both entertaining and informative. For example, one company built a casino type game visitors would play in the exhibit to win a chance at several prizes. One of which was a coupon for the product they were promoting.

#4 - Flash Product Demonstration
Flash is a product from Macromedia that provides exquisite user experiences. It is common to see websites using this software to show animations across the top of a webpage or in an advertisement.

Looping multimedia trade show presentations featuring video, audio and graphics beautifully showcase your products and/or services on plasma screens, kiosks or video walls. This attracts interest and drives traffic to your exhibit. These presentations also make great giveaways when recorded on a CD or DVD.

#5 - Trade Show Website
Most business people will agree that a website can have a tremendous impact on your business. You may be asking “How does this relate to my Trade Show?”

At the very minimum, your site should project the same branding message your cards and booth do. Many customers will visit your site before and after the show. I have seen website traffic increases of up to 32% after a show. I managed a site that typically received about 60,000 to 70,000 hits per week. After the show, hits climbed to over 100,000! I was surprised to see elevated traffic even 2 weeks later. Visitors often do additional research online before making a purchase decision.

Your company website could feature a micro site showing your exhibit, floor location, a 360° tour of your exhibit, and featured products. Your website might feature a show pre-registration area for a contest or a newsletter system. Perhaps you could hand out a flyer at the show offering a limited time special for an internet purchase.

Summary
More than 8 out of 10 trade show attendees have the influence to recommend or make final purchasing decisions. Using the correct combination of interactive elements will turn your next trade show into a success. Technology will allow users to get more information about the specific aspects of your products or services that interest them most and ultimately turn potential buyers into clients.

About The Author
David Laffitte is a Senior Account Executive for Midago, LLC. David’s professional experience includes web development, trade show planning and technology consulting. We are focused on providing interactive user experiences on the web and other mediums such as digital signage and video.