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5 Tips to Boost Exhibitor and Attendee Engagement

Have you ever seen an exhibitor watching the clock while attendees walk past without a glance? Or a crowded session that left the sponsor’s booth empty? With intentional engagement, these moments can turn into opportunities for connection and impact. Here are five real-world tactics you can use at your next trade show, conference, or expo, with insights and features from eShow for real-world implementation.

Key Highlights:

  • Use interactive floor plans in your event mobile app to guide attendees and increase booth traffic.
  • Add scavenger hunts, QR code check-ins, and digital leaderboards to make participation fun and boost booth visits.
  • Send personalized push notifications to maximize session and booth attendance.
  • Empower exhibitors with instant badge scanning and CRM-ready lead tagging to strengthen post-event follow-up.
  • Gather feedback and insights to refine future events and enhance both attendee and exhibitor engagement.

How Can Interactive Exhibit Floor Plans and Navigation Increase Engagement?

Why It Matters

Complex venues can overwhelm attendees, which leads to missed booths, lower traffic, and frustrated exhibitors.

Strategy

Ever wandered through a massive convention center, badge swinging, trying to find a breakout session that started five minutes ago? It’s a challenge that can quickly diminish the attendee experience.

That’s why event planners are ditching static maps and moving to interactive, app-based navigation. With a quick tap, people can see exactly where they are and where they’re headed next. It’s like giving everyone a personal guide, minus the walkie-talkie. Studies show clear navigation increases booth visitation and dwell time.

eShow’s Exhibition and Trade Show Management module supports interactive floor plans and integrates them into the event mobile app. Attendees can find exhibitors by name, product, or category, making it easier for attendees to stumble upon new booths naturally and without needing a hard sell.

2. Does Gamification Boost Attendee Participation?

Why It Works

Let’s be honest, everyone loves a good game, especially when it means free swag and leaderboard glory. Research from the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) revealed gamification can increase lead generation by up to 40%.

Strategies

You might spot people darting from booth to booth, phones in hand. They’re not checking email, but collecting digital points for a scavenger hunt. Some are chasing a prize, others just want to top the leaderboard splashed on the event app. And for a few, it’s about bragging rights, and let’s be honest, who can blame them? 

Gamification doesn’t have to be complex, virtual check-ins, badge collecting, or sponsor-powered giveaways all add just enough spark to pull people in.

For attendees, it’s a mix of not wanting to miss out and fun. For exhibitors, it’s a subtle way to rise above the booth next door without saying a word.

Make It Interactive With eShow

With digital check-ins and the ability to create fun, engaging scavenger hunts using QR codes built into eShow’s event mobile app, it’s simple to turn booth visits into a game people actually want to play. Exhibitors get increased visibility when attendees collect points at their booth within the app.

3. Do Personalized Push Notifications Enhance Engagement?

Why It Matters

Conferencing is dynamic. Rooms can change, demos shift, and sponsors host unexpected events. When a packed breakout room moves floors last minute, who actually sees the updated signage? Hardly anyone. But a ping on your phone? That’s instant clarity and zero feelings of chaos.

Strategies

  • Session / Booth Push Notifications: Notify attendees when demo times or inventories change.
  • Reminders: Remind attendees about upcoming networking sessions, session start times, and other important conference events.

We’ve all scrambled to find the right breakout room after a last-minute change. Or missed a flash giveaway because we didn’t get the memo. Push notifications solve that. Organizers can schedule and automate messages to personalized attendee lists, boosting attendee responsiveness.

4.  Can Seamless Lead Retrieval and Networking Improve Exhibitor and Attendee Connections?

Why It Matters

Let’s be honest, most exhibitors don’t spend thousands on a booth just to hand out swag and hope people stop by. They’re there to make real connections, start meaningful conversations, and walk away with solid leads. But when those moments happen in a blur of business cards and rushed handshakes, it’s easy for opportunities to slip through the cracks.

That’s where having the right tools, like mobile badge scanners and instant lead tagging, can make all the difference. It’s not just about collecting contacts. It’s about capturing context while the conversation’s still fresh.

According to CEIR’s Maximizing Attendee and Exhibitor Engagement on the Exhibit Floor Series: Part One: Exhibitor In-booth Tactices: People, Product, Learning and Other Strategies, findings from the 2022 Onminchannel Marketing Insights Series revealed badge scanning ranked first in attendee engagement, with 75% attendees using it to connect with the exhibitors they visit. This exceptionally high level of participation underscores how effective lead capture can be in fostering exhibitor and attendee engagement. 

Strategies

Picture this: An exhibitor’s booth is buzzing. Business cards flying, conversations flowing. But three hours later, it’s all a blur. Who was that buyer from Seattle? What were they looking for again? That’s why scanning badges on the spot and tagging leads as “hot” or “follow-up later” isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s survival. Even better when that info syncs with your CRM, so your next email doesn’t sound like you’ve forgotten the conversation.

Tools like eShow’s Lead Retrieval badge scanners and export-ready formats make it simple to keep the momentum going, even after the booth packs up. But they don’t just collect badge data, they let you tag hot leads, export to your CRM, and follow up while the conversation is still fresh. A smooth post-show process helps exhibitors build on event momentum.

5.  How Can Feedback Improve Your Event Next Year?

Why It Matters

Qualitative and quantitative feedback shows what resonated and what drove drop-off.

Strategies

  • Survey Reminders: Schedule post-session push notifications to drive attendee feedback.
  • Session Attendance Tracking: Measure room occupancy and dwell time.

If a session cleared out halfway through, that’s a signal. If one demo had a crowd three people deep all day, that’s another. The data tells the story if you’re listening.

How eShow Helps

eShow’s Conference Management suite provides detailed insights on session attendance and surveys. Organizers can track popularity and feedback to trend exhibit traffic and inform next-event planning.

Bringing It All Together: End-to‑End Engagement

Here’s how these tips combine into an enhanced event experience:

Engagement AreaAudience BenefitExhibitor Benefit
Interactive MapsEasier navigation to areas of interestHigher booth visibility
GamificationFun incentives to explore, attend sessionsBoosted foot traffic & brand awareness
Push NotificationsAlways in the know, no missed opportunitiesFlexibility in demo or promotional timing
Lead RetrievalEfficient networking avoids paper formsMore meaningful, prioritized leads
Analytics & FeedbackInputs help shape future schedulesExhibitors adjust demos/materials for impact

By combining navigation, incentives, communication, and measurement, you orchestrate a more engaging experience for both exhibitors and attendees.

Final Takeaway

Exhibitor and attendee engagement isn’t a single tactic; it’s a carefully choreographed experience. When attendees find what they want, exhibitors connect meaningfully, and the event runs smoothly, success becomes measurable. This is what makes the experience feel smooth and intentional for everyone involved.

With eShow’s solutions, from mobile apps to lead retrieval and registration management, organizers can activate each engagement tip efficiently and meaningfully. Help your attendees feel seen. Give your exhibitors real value. And run an event that people don’t just show up to, but talk about afterward and return to the following year.

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Mid-Year Check-In: 5 Smart Event Technology Shifts to Make Before Fall

Insights from the Experts at eShow

As summer begins, it is an ideal time for event professionals to reassess, refine, and recharge their planning strategies. The fall season often brings a wave of events and with it, increased pressure to deliver seamless, high-impact experiences. Whether you are organizing conferences, trade shows, or association meetings, making smart event technology moves now can help you stretch your budget, save time, and reduce planning stress.

Here are five strategic shifts to consider, based on insights from eShow’s 26 years of experience helping planners run better events.

1. Reevaluate Your Event Tech Stack for Efficiency and Integration

If your current systems are disconnected or require repetitive tasks, now is the right time to consider an all-in-one event management solution. Using multiple systems often results in fragmented data and more manual work.

Expert insight: Centralizing registration, exhibit floor management, and reporting in one platform allows you to simplify operations and focus more on event outcomes rather than logistics.

2. Optimize Lead Capture Before Your Fall Exhibitors Arrive

Happy exhibitors are more likely to return, and their satisfaction often depends on their ability to capture and follow up on leads. With fall shows approaching, upgrading your lead retrieval software now can ensure your exhibitors are equipped to succeed.

Expert insight: Provide customizable lead capture tools that let exhibitors rate leads, add notes, and download reports. This not only increases their ROI, but also enhances your show’s long-term exhibitor retention.

3. Improve First Impressions with On-Demand Badge Printing

A smooth check-in process sets the tone for the entire event. On-demand badge printing allows for quick, efficient check-in while also minimizing waste from unused pre-printed badges.

Expert insight: Self-check-in kiosks can reduce staffing needs and give your participants a modern, professional first impression. They also help support sustainability goals by only printing what is necessary.

4. Use Real-Time Data to Inform Fall Event Planning

Your event data should not sit unused until after the event. Real-time insights allow you to adjust strategies while your planning is still in motion.

Expert insight: Track registration trends, session interest, and engagement now so you can refine your marketing, improve the event flow, or highlight high-demand content areas.

5. Move from Manual Outreach to Automated Communication

Effective communication increases engagement and improves the overall event experience. If you are still manually sending emails or reminders, it is time to explore automation.

Expert insight: Automated campaigns can deliver personalized touchpoints such as reminders, updates, and surveys. This frees your team to focus on higher-level planning while maintaining strong connections with participants.

Bonus: Prioritize Sustainability in Every Tech Decision

Event organizers are under growing pressure to align with sustainability goals. Whether you are reducing printed materials or offering hybrid attendance options, your event technology choices play a key role in minimizing environmental impact.

Expert insight: Incorporate digital solutions wherever possible to reduce waste and create a greener event. This approach appeals to participants and sponsors who prioritize sustainability and demonstrates your commitment to environmentally responsible practices.

Plan Smarter Now for a Smoother Fall Season

If you want your fall events to run more smoothly, now is the time to assess where your tools and processes can be improved. From intuitive floor plan management and onsite badge printing to automation and analytics, the right updates today can lead to stronger outcomes tomorrow.

See how eShow can help you plan smarter and execute more effectively.

Explore eShow Solutions for Fall Events

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Your Guide to Selecting the Best Lead Retrieval Tool

Planning an event means balancing a hundred moving parts, including timing, logistics, budgets, and of course, the experience you’re delivering. However, there’s one thing that should never be overlooked, which is capturing and managing leads in the exhibit hall. The right lead retrieval tool can make a huge difference in ensuring your exhibitors see real results from their investment in your event.

As event planners, we understand how important it is to get this right. Here’s what you need to know before selecting a lead retrieval solution for your next event.

What Is Lead Retrieval?

Lead retrieval is a tool that helps exhibitors collect and manage contact information from people they meet at an event. Most commonly, this data is pulled through badge scanning or QR codes, which makes the process fast, accurate, and automated.

When you invest in a smart, user-friendly lead capture system, you enhance the exhibitor experience and increase the overall value of your event.

Why Lead Retrieval Matters for Your Event

As an event planner, you want to ensure your exhibitors walk away with value. Lead capture does more than capture contact information; it enables exhibitors to qualify leads, prioritize follow-ups, and ultimately increase ROI from the event.

Here’s why investing in the right solution matters:

1. Delivers Measurable ROI for Exhibitors

Exhibitors come to events to connect with potential buyers. The right solution helps them capture qualified, organized, and actionable leads, which means faster follow-ups and more conversions. When exhibitors see real results, they are more likely to return and invest more in future events.

2. Drives Exhibit Sales

A strong lead retrieval system makes your booth packages more attractive. When you can demonstrate that your event helps exhibitors meet the right contacts and close deals, it becomes easier to sell space and increase revenue.

3. Improves the Attendee Experience

Good lead capture solutions integrate seamlessly into your event ecosystem. Attendee information can be quickly and reliably scanned, interactions are smoother, and data is handled responsibly, creating a professional, streamlined experience.

4. Provides Strategic Data for Planners

Integrated lead retrieval software gives you visibility into traffic flow, engagement levels, and behavioral trends. These insights help you optimize future events, make smarter programming decisions, and demonstrate value to stakeholders.

5. Reduces Risk and Builds Trust

A reliable and compliant system ensures that data is accurate, secure, and privacy-conscious. This builds confidence among exhibitors and attendees that their information is handled with care and protects you as the event organizer by ensuring only verified and validated individuals interact with each other.

In short, the right lead retrieval system isn’t just a tech upgrade, it’s a growth engine for your event.

What to Look for in Lead Retrieval Solutions

Choosing the right system comes down to understanding your event’s needs and what you want to achieve. Here are the key features to look for:

  • Ease of Use
    The software should be intuitive, requiring minimal setup and training for your exhibitors.
  • Scalability
    Whether you’re organizing a small trade show or a large conference, the system should scale to fit your event’s size.
  • Privacy and Compliance
    Ensure the software complies with data protection standards.
  • Exhibitor and Onsite Support
    Look for a provider that offers dedicated exhibitor support and experienced staff onsite. eShow delivers hands-on assistance before, during, and after the event to help exhibitors make the most of their lead capture tools.
  • Reliability
    Choose a tool that’s proven to work under the pressure of live events. Ensure your lead retrieval system has a track record of being dependable.

Using Lead Retrieval to Maximize Your Event’s Value

Lead retrieval is more than just an operational necessity, it’s an investment in your event’s overall success and growth. High-quality lead capture tools can enhance exhibitor ROI, drive booth sales, and provide actionable insights, all while increasing your event’s value. Here’s how you can strategically integrate lead capture into your event’s broader goals:

  • Boost Booth Sales
    Offering a high-quality lead capture tool makes your exhibit packages more attractive. When exhibitors know they will walk away with qualified, actionable leads, they are more likely to reserve space and return year after year.
  • Gain Actionable Insights
    When combined with session tracking, check-in processes, and mobile app engagement, lead retrieval provides a detailed understanding of attendee behavior. This enables you to refine your event layout, enhance content, and boost engagement, ensuring future events are even more impactful.
  • Enhance Post-Event Value
    Giving exhibitors easy access to manage their own follow-up data helps them convert leads faster. When exhibitors succeed, your event gains a reputation for delivering results, making it easier to grow in the future.

If you are looking to improve the exhibitor experience and create a more engaging, data-driven event, eShow’s eConnect Lead Retrieval offers a comprehensive solution. With over 26 years of experience, eShow understands how to deliver seamless, reliable lead capture for events of all sizes.

Take a quick look at our webinar to discover how eConnect Lead Retrieval boosts exhibitor ROI and elevates your event:

Lead Capture That Works for You: Drive Exhibitor ROI and Increase Value

In this webinar, our lead retrieval expert, Lawrence Givens, Director of Onsite Solutions at eShow, demonstrates how eConnect Lead Retrieval simplifies lead capture, improves exhibitor engagement, and delivers measurable value across your events.

Watch the Webinar Recording

By integrating the right lead retrieval tool, you can turn every interaction on the show floor into an opportunity for growth and stronger exhibitor relationships. Explore how eConnect Lead Retrieval can support your next event’s success today.

Ready to learn more? Let us know how we can help you get started.

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