In the bustling atmosphere of trade shows, the booths that incorporate hands-on experiences are the ones that stand out. These interactive spaces transform attendees from passive onlookers into active participants, whether through exploring products via VR, engaging in gamified activities, or fostering brand loyalty through unique challenges and unforgettable experiences.
We've seen a wide range of interactive booths in action. Below, we've compiled 13 notable examples that demonstrate how interactivity can effectively increase engagement, attract crowds, and leave a lasting impression. Discover creative ideas from brands like Reddit, Instacart, eBay, Prime Video, and Google.
Reddit at CES 2023
At CES 2023, Reddit made its debut with the “Future Tellers” installation. Central to the booth was a large Reddit-branded crystal ball, designed by Giant Spoon. Here, visitors could preview what might seem outrageous now but could become mainstream in the near future, based on discussions happening on Reddit. After choosing a topic from areas like entertainment, crypto, Web3, and culture, the crystal ball displayed real user-generated content from Reddit conversations.
Another interactive feature was “The Communi-Tea Bar,” where attendees could “read the communi-tea leaves” to explore futuristic themes on Reddit. Tea bags were uniquely wrapped to reflect various subreddits, each containing a prediction for the future. Once brewed, a QR code revealed the corresponding thread on Reddit. Visitors also enjoyed a quiz, testing their knowledge on Reddit's future predictions, such as “grasshoppers are the new kale.”
Instacart at Groceryshop 2024
At Groceryshop 2024, Instacart’s booth stood out with a creatively designed home-and-store setup, crafted by MoonLab Productions and BloqLab. The booth incorporated dynamic lighting and gamified elements to enhance the experience. One highlight was the custom Plinko game, where winners could select prizes such as premium Instacart swag, gift cards, or Instacart+ memberships, all while enjoying fall-flavored popsicles.
Cisco IMPACT 2022
At Cisco IMPACT 2022, the Shared Stories Gallery took center stage. This 23-foot-tall, 46-foot-wide structure displayed 24 screens featuring social media posts from attendees, celebrating their colleagues. With an average of one interaction every 30 seconds, the installation created an engaging and interactive space that led to 1,129 social posts and 1,929 interactions.
Canon at CES 2023
Canon’s CES 2023 booth, in collaboration with director M. Night Shyamalan, featured a life-size replica of the cabin from the horror film Knock at the Cabin. Inside a 10,000-square-foot space, Canon’s Kokomo VR technology allowed visitors to immerse themselves in the film, even taking part in a virtual game where they barricaded the cabin with objects. The experience was tailored to the movie’s suspenseful plot, offering attendees a thrilling and interactive adventure.
eBay at ComplexCon 2023
eBay’s massive 2,500-square-foot activation at ComplexCon 2023 was more of a "hype house" than just a booth. With five distinct spaces, each focused on a different aspect of eBay's marketplace—such as collectibles and luxury goods—the booth featured a variety of interactive experiences. Highlights included vintage arcade games and a photo setup where visitors could see luxury watches “on their wrists” through custom displays. The booth was brought to life by Media.Monks and Stoelt Productions.
Google Android at CES 2024
Google Android’s CES 2024 booth featured a QR code that allowed attendees to experience augmented reality, guided by “The Bot.” One engaging area demonstrated Google Messages' Magic Compose feature, which uses AI to generate suggested responses in different tones. Attendees could compose messages, print them as postcards, and send them. The booth was created in collaboration with Media.Monks and Sparks.
Visit Wichita at Connect Marketplace 2022
At the Connect Marketplace 2022, Visit Wichita presented a low-tech but highly engaging interactive experience: a giant, colorable column. Visitors could grab pens and add their own creative touches, while learning about the city’s history and attractions.
Polaroid at CES 2019
Polaroid’s booth at CES 2019 allowed guests to explore the new Polaroid OneStep analog camera. Attendees could try out techniques like double exposure, light painting, and noise triggers, while capturing instant photos. The booth featured an oversized replica of the camera and stations where visitors could engage with the product’s capabilities.
Workday Rising 2019
At Workday Rising 2019, the company created a massive expo hall for 13,000 attendees. The booth featured interactive areas like “Walk in Someone Else’s Shoes,” where attendees could guess job titles based on headshots, and games focused on the company’s sustainability efforts. The event, produced by George P. Johnson, successfully engaged visitors through playful yet insightful activities.
Mars at VidCon 2022
Mars created a vibrant, summer camp-inspired booth at VidCon 2022 to showcase its candy brands, including M&M’s and Skittles. The booth featured separate activations for each brand, such as the “feel-good forest” from Starburst, where guests left positive messages hanging from trees, and the Orbit Craft Cabin, where attendees could make arts and crafts. The space was designed to encourage photo opportunities while promoting brand messaging.
Prime Video at VidCon 2022
Prime Video's two-story booth at VidCon 2022 allowed attendees to explore popular young-adult series through interactive photo opportunities. Visitors could walk through themed hallways inspired by shows, culminating in a photo op that simulated a leap into a foam pit from the animated Invincible series. The booth, designed by Mirrored Media and Catalina Productions, offered an immersive, memorable experience.
ADT at CES 2020
ADT’s booth at CES 2020 featured a foam pit called the “Trust Fall Pool,” where visitors could experience slow-motion footage of their falls, instantly shareable on social media. The booth also included a life-size kitchen setup where attendees could interact with a virtual “Mom” who baked apple crisp. The experience, crafted with Sparks, targeted millennials and new homeowners.
First Aid Beauty at Ulta Beauty's Field Leadership Conference 2023
At Ulta Beauty's 2023 conference, First Aid Beauty created a mini-mart-themed booth with retro shelving and signage. Attendees could shop the space and engage with various interactive elements, such as custom magazine racks and displays designed to resemble a corner store.
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