Whether you’re hosting an industry event or displaying an exhibition stand at a conference, it is up to you to generate interest. You want to be distinctive and original, creating a memorable experience that sticks in people’s mind long after they have left the building.

It’s not enough to merely put up banners and offer refreshments. These are tired old tricks that will no longer have much effect on attendees. Many brands are now using technology to showcase their products and services in unique and interactive ways.

Although your budget can be a limiting factor, technology is a brilliant way to distinguish yourself from your competitors, create engagement and professional connections with event attendees and boost your brand awareness.

To give you some inspiration, here are five ways brands have successfully used interactive technology to enhance their events.

1. Augmented and virtual reality

AR and VR have been the latest craze for a few years now, and brands are still finding new and exciting ways to leverage this technology. Make an impact at your event by developing bespoke, branded virtual reality content and allowing attendees to experience it using a VR headset. Either use it to showcase a new product or simply as a fun gimmick to attract huge crowds to your stand.

Augmented reality enhances the real world with computer-generated imagery, and can be used in several fun and exciting ways at events. Fashion companies, for example, have used AR mirror signage to show users what they would look like wearing certain outfits.

1. Event apps

Creating a branded app for all attendees allows all users to get more out of an event. It can present more opportunities for networking and engagement, as well as behind the scenes access and information about the brands and speakers who are presenting. It’s a fantastic personal touch that will enhance the event experience for all attendees.

1. Charging stands

Everyone has a smartphone that constantly needs charging. There’s nothing worse than getting halfway through a day-long event and realising your phone has died. Solve this problem for people by incorporating a charging stand complete with ports and cables into your display. This will draw a great deal of footfall and hugely increase the number of people interacting with your brand. 

1. Touchscreen kiosks

Touchscreen kiosks strategically placed throughout your event allows participants to navigate your event and obtain any information they need, quickly and efficiently. Putting these at the entrance, you can use them to register guests while capturing details so you can follow-up with them post-event.

1. Video walls

A prominent video wall display can give your event the “wow factor.” Displaying visually exciting branded content throughout will draw people in, and may even be shared widely on social media. Use it to display your messaging and impart valuable information to guests.

Technology can be used in a huge variety of ways to enhance any event. From the smallest tablets and charging ports right up to enormous video walls and virtual reality experiences, there are technology solutions available to suit any budget. Consider enlisting the service of an experiential events agency to help you get the most out of your event.