Are you attending an industry trade show and thinking of ways to put an iPad to use at your booth? Perhaps you’ve already got a device lying around in an office store-cupboard, or you’re planning to get your hands on one to add a cost-effective, interactive element to your stand?
Whatever the situation, there are plenty of creative ways to use an iPad at your next event!
Why use an iPad at your trade show stand?
iPads (or other tablets) are a popular choice at exhibitions for several reasons:
📱 Make the most of limited space – they’re perfect for small booths or compact designs where a large display isn’t feasible but you’d still like to attract and engage visitors .
💰 Budget-friendly setup – they’re especially useful for companies that already own an iPad and want to avoid the cost of renting or purchasing larger displays, which in turn improves event ROI .
👉 Familiar and easy to use – most attendees will be familiar with the small touchscreen format, giving you a simple way to create an interactive event experience .
Setup considerations
Before we dive into the different ways you could use an iPad on your trade show stand, here are a few practical things to consider in terms of setup:
Think about positioning and placement
Consider a stand or plinth to mount the device on
Make sure you can easily charge your device
If necessary, ensure a reliable Wi-Fi connection
Use clear instructions and signage for visitors
Adjust the screen brightness for visibility in your trade show lighting
You can also check out these common trade show mistakes for tips on avoiding other potential pitfalls at events. With that in mind, let’s get into it! 👇
Ideas for using an iPad at your event
Run an online game Capture lead data Create surveys Showcase videos and photos Host an interactive quiz Share client testimonials and case studies Present product demos Promote offers and discounts Book appointments with prospects
1. Run an online game
An online trade show game is a sure way to keep your booth buzzing and full of visitors! You’ll grab attention, drive footfall, spark conversations, and encourage players to submit their details to get their score on the game leaderboard – particularly when there are prizes and giveaways involved.
With simple access provided via a browser URL, online games offer a fun interactive experience and are quick and easy to set up on internet-enabled devices such as iPads.
They’re particularly effective for companies with digital products who want to add a physical element to their stand – take this example from Yellow Spider , who helped their client with a customised game played on iPad plinths!
2. Capture lead data
For many exhibitors, a key objective is transforming trade show interactions into valuable data. With a digital form all set up and ready to go on your iPad, it takes just a few taps from visitors to provide you with lead details for that all important follow-up activity.
And while this can happen naturally off the back of conversations about your products and services, you’re likely to have more success with something a little more engaging and interactive on your stand.
Learn more about exhibition lead capture .
3. Create surveys
Make gathering insights a breeze by setting up quick surveys on your iPad. Attendees can provide feedback, answer questions, or share their thoughts on any industry trends under discussion at the wider event.
This is an efficient and unobtrusive way to capture data and show that you value attendees’ input, all while giving you a valuable peek into customer needs and preferences.
4. Showcase videos and photos
Do you have high-quality videos and images that highlight your product’s best features or tell your brand’s story? Use an iPad to display these to visitors to your stand!
Short product demos, behind-the-scenes videos, or even customer success stories can pique interest and encourage attendees to ask questions and learn more. Plus, with headphones or subtitles, you can ensure everyone in a busy trade show environment can watch along without any interruptions.
At Peek & Poke, we’ll often display a showreel of our games at events for an added visual element on our stand. Here’s an example: 👇▶️
5. Host an interactive quiz
Everyone loves a good quiz, but have you ever thought about using one as an icebreaker or tool for educating potential customers about your products?
With a fun online quiz on your iPad, you’ll have an interactive hub that encourages people to participate and engage with your brand. You could even make things interesting with some prize giveaways for those who submit their score at the end – check out the latest exhibition giveaway trends for ideas!
