I was having lunch the other day with a friend and the topic of trade shows came up. My friend works sales for a specialty printing company. He was explaining that his biggest worry was how to get buyers to stop at his booth since it was a rather large show. He needed a hook, an angle, a draw. His field is very competitive and he was looking for a way to pull show buyers into his booth so he could show them how far superior his companies’ services were to the “other guys’”. I looked up from my half eaten cheeseburger and said “You don’t have a clue what I do for a living, do you? “. His response was “Sure I do. You bring out fun stuff like sports and arcade games for corporate events. Pool tables, arcade games, pinball machines and so on. I know what you do.”. “Look”, I told him, “that’s only part of what I do. My business also specializes in trade show traffic stimulators. That means I can give you the bait that you need to catch the big fish. Those big fish are the buyers you need to meet that will make the difference between a good show and a great show. The very same ones you’re worrying about.” “Tell me more”, he says as he stops gobbling his BLT and puts his chin in his hands. I’ll give him this much, since he did recognize that getting buyers to stop long enough for him to make his pitch, is absolutely one of the most frustrating obstacles trade show exhibitors face. So I’ll go over a few proven methods of increasing his, and maybe your chances of landing the “Big Fish”.
“The Money Machine”
This is one of the flashiest and most effective tools we have available to bring prospective clients right to you. The Money Machine is filled with real or play money and it draws buyers to your booth with the promise of some fast cash or prizes. This piece has a flashing police light on top and also features a full color motion sign that displays anything you’d like it to say. It’s got clear windows in the front and sides from the floor to the top so everyone passing by can see the excitement going on in your booth. The Money Machine is simply the best of the best.
“Electronic Basketball”
This classic is a sure-fire way to get those buyers into your booth. Players can try their free throw skills against the clock or a friend. The action is fast and furious and guaranteed to get you some face time to let the public know what your company is all about. Can be operated on batteries in situations where power may be an issue.
“The Radar Speed Pitch”
This unit is one of the most popular and successful of all the trade show traffic stimulators. Your new customers-to-be will be lined up for a chance to find out how fast they can throw a baseball in this steel and mesh 8’ x 12’ cage. Our state of the art radar will flash their speed on a large LED display so everyone can see. Competitive challenges involving sports have been proven to get attention and bring people into your booth, where you can meet new contacts and hopefully close some deals.
“Wii Gaming Stations”
You will simply be amazed at how quickly show-goers flock to your booth when they see you brought a Wii Game Station with you. For those not familiar with the Wii, it’s a totally interactive video game experience that we hook up to a 52” big screen TV. Players use their whole bodies to play rather than simply pushing buttons or moving a joystick. For example, Bowling on Wii requires the same physical motion as actually rolling a ball down a real bowling lane. Wii Baseball lets you swing the remote as if it were an actual baseball bat. Pitching is the same as throwing a ball, except the player is holding the Wii remote while simulating a throw to a virtual batter. These Wii Stations are an awesome way to get those new customers to stop in and see what all the fun is about. Who ever said you can’t mix business with pleasure. Many different games are available.
“The Electronic Putting Challenge”
Golf is by far one of the most popular sports on the planet and also one of the oldest. There isn’t a golf fan that could resist passing your booth without giving the Electronic Putting Challenge a shot. The golfers’ goal is to try to sink a six foot putt. If they make their putt, they’ll hear the crowd go wild through the built in speakers. This machine actually returns the ball automatically after each putt. If that’s not cool enough, the Electronic Putting Challenge changes the configuration of the green to make it more challenging after every putt. While your new friends show off their putting skills, you can show off your sales skills. This game is the ultimate ice breaker.
“The Baseball Toss”
This simple yet very effective game challenges players to throw a baseball accurately through a hole in the catchers’ glove. You’ll be thrilled to see the line of potential new business standing in line for their chance to perform like an All Star pitcher. So while they’re waiting, you can tell them about your newest product or service. It’s really as simple as it sounds.
“The Quarterback Challenge”
This traffic stimulator challenges show-goers to try to make three perfect throws into the hands of the waiting receiver. The Quarterback Challenge is simple yet it’s guaranteed to succeed in bringing business into your booth. You’ll be able to run your trade show offense like you’re in the Sales Super Bowl.
“Golden Tee Video Golf”
Golden Tee Video Golf is the most popular video game in the world today. It’s a people magnet and will bring buyers into your trade show booth where you can then make your sales pitch in a low pressure and relaxed environment. A comfortable customer is a happy customer. There are also a number of other video games that will provide the same result using other sports themes.
“Concession Equipment”
One of our Antique Style Popcorn Carts is a sure way to give you and your prospects some face to face time while they’re helping themselves to some delicious hot buttery popcorn. We’ll set you up with everything you’ll need for a great show. Table top and floor models are available. You can also choose from many other fun foods including Hot Pretzels, Frozen Drinks, Nachos and more.
Article by Rich Diamond of Chicago Sports Games Plus, regular guests of the WGN Morning News including spots using the Electronic Putting Challenge with Chicagoan Bill Murray and our Radar Speed Pitch on ESPN Classic with Rick Sutcliffe, Goose Gossage and Steve Trout. Chicago Sports Games Plus provides games and traffic stimulators for Chicago Corporate Events, Tradeshows, Office Parties, Customer appreciation events, Employee appreciation events, Chicago Law firm activities and more!
