Interactivity is one of the strongest draws for trade show attendees. Visitors want to touch, test, taste, and experience products rather than just hear about them. But interactive booth features are no longer limited to flashy tech. Exhibitors are rethinking how to design experiences that engage audiences meaningfully and connect back to their brand story.
Virtual Reality Has Lost Its Edge
While VR once promised immersive excitement, many exhibitors found the novelty wore off quickly. Attendees often felt awkward in headsets, and the overall booth experience suffered when the budget went to VR instead of design. Today, VR alone is rarely enough to capture attention. Instead, exhibitors are blending digital and physical experiences to create more balanced engagement.
Gamification Is Gaining Momentum
Games continue to grow in popularity on the trade show floor. From digital race car contests to interactive trivia, gamification makes learning about a brand more entertaining and memorable. Instead of telling prospects you’re fast, innovative, or reliable, let them experience it through play. Gamified features also encourage attendees to spend more time at your booth, increasing opportunities for conversation.
Food Remains a Crowd-Puller
No matter the industry, snacks and beverages are always a win. Attendees spend long days walking rows of exhibitors, and a refreshment break is often welcome. Food can also be tied creatively to your brand—for example, a coffee company offering specialty brews or a tech company providing energy snacks to “fuel innovation.” Always confirm guidelines with the show organizer about what can be served.
Attendees as Influencers
Influencer culture has found its place in booth design—but not in the way many expected. Instead of hiring outside influencers, exhibitors create photo and video stations where attendees become brand advocates. Branded backdrops, selfie stations, or low-tech props encourage visitors to share content online. These setups turn attendees into micro-influencers while giving your team a chance to engage with them in line.
Touch Screens Have Scaled Up
The days of a single iPad on a stand are gone. Exhibitors now integrate large touch screens into counters, walls, and even custom-shaped installations. Interactive screens invite prospects to explore content at their own pace, making product information more engaging and memorable.
Play Stations Bring the Brand to Life
Hands-on activities like product trials, games, or contests help connect your brand story to attendee experience. Examples include:
- Plinko boards with branded giveaways
- Race tracks to test product performance
- Mini basketball contests linked to precision or accuracy themes
- Creative demonstrations that let visitors interact directly with products
These play stations offer fun engagement while weaving brand messaging into the activity.
Interactivity as a Strategic Design Element
Interactive features are evolving from gimmicks into thoughtful experiences that align with business goals. Successful exhibitors balance entertainment with education, ensuring that booth activities support their brand narrative. Exhibit partners like Absolute Exhibits help companies design interactive elements that draw visitors in and leave lasting impressions.
