The goal for your trade show may be to generate more qualified leads, increase sales, or boost brand awareness. In order to achieve any of these goals, enticing attendees to visit your booth is a must. Hiring booth entertainment is a great way to increase foot traffic. As a leader in the face-to-face event marketing industry, we have seen all types of hired entertainment. Thinking outside the box and being original is the best way to attract visitors.
Before hiring just any form of live entertainment to represent your brand, there are a few questions you must ask yourself.
- Who is your target audience and what will appeal to them?
- Are you trying to convey product information through the entertainment?
- Does the type of entertainment you want fit with your brand image, core valves and mission statement? For example, a religious based organization would not want to hire a scantily clad booth babe.
Now that you have answered these questions, here are some great entertainment ideas to create buzz and draw in attendees.
Hiring a celebrity is an effective way to entice people to stop by your booth. Who doesn’t want to meet their favorite actor, actress, or sports star? Remember hiring a celebrity will bring people into your exhibit that have zero interest in your company. Also, make sure that celebrities have a valid tie-in with your brand.
Performances really capture people's attention. Singers, dancers, magicians, contortionists or acrobats can promote your brand in a fun way. You should incorporate your products and brand messages into their acts.
Live music. The earth harp, an enormous harp that used the ceiling as part of the instrument, was played at EXHIBITOR2014 in the GES booth. This really created a buzz on and off of the show floor. In fact people are still talking about it months later.
Having robots hand out product samples is effective in drawing in the crowds and helps people remember your product. Honestly, has a robot ever handed you a piece of candy? It would be awesome.
Mascots are a big deal at trade shows. They are a silly and fun way to invite people into your booth.
Sport simulators are a good way to get people into your booth. Having a golf or race car simulator allows people to take a break from the hectic show floor. Simply incorporate company branding whenever possible.
Having entertainment can greatly increase foot traffic, leading to more sales, more qualified leads and raise brand awareness. It is important to inform people before the show what you have lined up. Pre-marketing is sure to bring the people in, especially if there is a big celebrity endorsing your brand. If you are still not sure what is the best entertainment for your booth, contact us today. We can help!