“Hands On” Trade Show Exhibits Lure Attendees

When trade show exhibit goers walk the vast exhibit hall floors and come upon highly creative, interactive trade show displays, they get to stop and join in some fun. The trade show attendee becomes part of the exhibit. By using experiential activity, the trade show exhibitor not only entertains but also educates their key customer prospects with entertaining

“hands on” experiences.

Why are such participatory activities important at trade shows? Quite simply: they boost traffic to the trade show exhibit site, leading to product interest and often substantial sales from experiencing first hand a dynamic new product.

When Event Marketer covered the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas in early January 2006, they found exceptional trade show exhibits that offered interactive experiences. Here are a few exhibitors whose “hands on” trade show displays showcased new product trials on the trade show floor:

Canon -- Canon’s goal was to get attendees’ hands on its products. They had three hands-on display islands staffed by representatives. One of the islands

Dolby -- A TrueHD Theater was Dolby’s centerpiece to run demos of its high-definition audio technology. Separate semi-enclosed zones showed off Dolby’s audio technology for HDTV home theaters, surround-sound video gaming, and PC home audio. The gaming zone offered visitors a chance to try Burnout, the new Xbox 360 racing game. The Xbox’s Dolby Digital sound technology seduced game enthusiasts to come try their new products.

Garmin -- Several interactive demonstration stations helped Garmin get its portable navigation systems into people’s hands. Two circular islands each featured eight handheld navigation units for visitors to try, while plasma screens atop the stations ran videos about the products.

Nokia – The company divided sections of the trade show exhibit—which featured everything from its mobile office products to its latest Bluetooth-capable phones—to create individual environments for products and presentations. Visitors checked out the products on tables on the main floor. Nokia created interactivity with touch-screen computer kiosk booths, where trade show attendees could learn more about key product features.

Remember that people want to try before they buy. At trade shows, they want to see for themselves and be part of the action. That is why the use of interactivity works especially well at trade show displays that introduce new products and services.

About The Author

Dick Wheeler is President of Professional Exhibits & Graphics headquartered in Sunnyvale, California. His firm is a full-service premiere trade show exhibit, graphics and management services company with major showrooms in Sacramento and Sunnyvale, California. Go to http://www.proexhibits.com.

Written by: Dick Wheeler

How You Can Turn Any Stadium Or Field Into A Concert Venue Trade Show Floor Or Event Area
Temporary floor rental and pathway systems provide access, surface protection, and decorative enhancement for special events and other functions. Whether you're planning a concert for 60,000 or a wedding for 100, a portable rental floor is...read more

How to Use the Web to Boost Trade Show Traffic Profit
As soon as you make the decision to exhibit at a trade show, you have the opportunity to promote your company’s website, increase your visibility on the Internet, and also use the Internet to sell your products or services. Clients who plan...read more

Trade Show Give Away
A trade shows give away is a great ways to generate sales leads. At a trade show you find so many people who are interested in your product and just waiting for someone to catch their attention so they can buy it. People attend trade...read more

How to Design an Irresistible Tradeshow Booth
Once you've made the decision to go on the trade show circuit, suddenly your heart starts pounding, you feel a little dizzy. Now you have to have a trade show booth! Questions start swirling through your head and you get a somewhat queasy feeling in...read more