Virtual and hybrid event gamification
The rise of online and hybrid experiences means event gamification now extends far beyond the show floor.
Virtual event gamification
In a virtual setting (think webinars, online conferences, virtual expos, etc.), gamification helps to keep remote audiences engaged. This could be through interactive challenges, polls, leaderboards, or rewards, all of which are intended to turn passive viewing into active play.
We’ll be covering this topic in more detail soon – keep an eye out for our upcoming post on virtual event gamification! 👀
Hybrid event gamification
Hybrid events combine physical and digital elements, so gameplay can help to connect the two. For example, you could run a live leaderboard that displays scores from both in-person and online players, or offer a mobile game that encourages remote attendees to interact with on-site activities.
Done well, hybrid event gamification unites audiences under one shared experience, regardless of where they’re joining from.
5 examples of games at events
Games come in all shapes and sizes and can be used to achieve a variety of different goals. Here are just a few ways in which brands have seen success at events:
1. Domino’s Delivery Dash
When Domino’s Pizza wanted to stand out at busy student fairs, they turned to a branded game to draw in the crowds. Having used prize wheels in the past, the team wanted something more distinctive – a fast, interactive experience that captured data and supported a tiered prize giveaway.
Delivery Dash was a custom game that challenged players to race against the clock for the chance to win free pizza for a year. The result was over 3,000 players in a single day, a buzzing stand atmosphere, and plenty of competitive spirit as students battled for leaderboard glory!
2. Benifex Booster
Employee benefits provider Benifex wanted to make a splash at a major industry event with a stand that felt fresh and interactive while aligning with their Benefit Boosters campaign. They decided to display a customised digital game where visitors could play and submit their score to the leaderboard.
The game was a hit at EB Live , drawing in crowds and helping Benifex to stand out among B2B exhibitors. Afterwards, they re-licensed the game for digital use, repurposing it across email nurture campaigns and LinkedIn to keep the momentum going!
3. 34SP.com WordCamp Conga
Web hosting provider 34SP.com wanted to stand out at WordCamp – a major global series of WordPress conferences – with something that would draw a crowd and spark conversations. The team went with an 80s arcade theme and commissioned a branded arcade machine to form the centrepiece of their stand.
On the arcade machine, trade show visitors could play WordCamp Conga . The game ran throughout the event, creating constant activity and plenty of easy icebreakers. It was such a hit that they continued to use the same setup at events for months to come!
4. M247 Cyber Maze Raider
Connectivity provider M247 wanted to boost engagement and lead capture at a B2B trade show, but their compact stand meant they’d need a smart, space-efficient solution. They opted to display a branded Cyber Maze Raider game on a large monitor, with visitors able to play using a gamepad controller.
The game not only supported their prize giveaway and data capture but also helped generate more leads than traditional badge scanning alone. Following the event, M247 even reused the game for an internal networking day!
5. Marketing Sheffield Booster
Marketing Sheffield wanted to attract more attention and more conversations at The Meetings Show, where they promote Sheffield as a leading UK destination for conferences and events. To stand out, they introduced a branded City Booster game on a large touchscreen, inviting attendees to take to the skies in a fun endless flyer.
The interactive setup drew crowds, encouraged friendly competition, and gave stand reps the perfect icebreaker to chat about Sheffield’s venues and attractions. Players who submitted scores could win locally themed prizes, from Sheffield gin to event tickets!
Learn more
Fancy diving deeper into the world of trade show games? Book a free discovery call with our team of experts and we’ll be happy to talk through how a game could work for you and your brand.
You can also grab a free copy of our popular Event and Expo Games Guide , which is packed full of ideas and examples to help marketers take their events to the next level!
