Kiosk is a funny word, right? And it can mean many things when paired with “trade show” (i.e., trade show kiosk or interactive trade show kiosk). According to Merriam-Webster, a kiosk is a small structure with one or more open sides that is used to vend merchandise or services; a small stand-alone device providing information and services on a computer screen; or an open summerhouse or pavilion.
In the exhibition or trade show world, it’s the second definition that rules: a standalone device for providing information or services. How those services and information are provided has evolved dramatically in just the last decade. More and more kiosks include interactive and touchscreen capabilities. Some are basically large touchscreens. Others include storage, literature holders, or counter space. Let’s explore your options for trade show kiosks and review why you might want to include one, two, or more in your custom trade show exhibit.
Exploring Your Trade Show Kiosk Options
First, it’s important to understand that trade show manufacturers use the terms kiosk, workstation, and monitor stand interchangeably. All are kiosks in one form or fashion, and all of those terms will be used in this article.
Trade show kiosks come in a variety of options to fit your needs and budget. Here’s a breakdown of some popular choices:
By Functionality:
- Simple Kiosk Counters: These are portable tables with branding and shelving for brochures or product displays. They’re ideal for a basic setup with person-to-person interaction.
- Digital Kiosks: Integrate a monitor or touch screen for displaying presentations, videos, or interactive content. Great for grabbing attention and showcasing information.
- iPad Kiosks: Securely mount an iPad for a sleek and interactive display. This is a space-saving option for showcasing apps or presentations.
By Portability, Reconfiguration, or Customization:
- Portable Kiosks: Designed for easy assembly and disassembly without tools. These are perfect for traveling to multiple shows.
- Modular Kiosks: Made of reconfigurable components that can be customized for different booth sizes and layouts.
- Pre-designed Kiosks: Pre-made structures and graphic panels you can personalize with branding.
- Custom Kiosks: Offer complete design freedom over size, shape, features, and branding for a unique showstopper.
Innovative Trends in Trade Show Kiosks
Recent trade show kiosks are all about creating engaging and immersive experiences that go beyond just displaying products. Here’s a glimpse into the latest trends:
Interactive and Immersive Displays: Trade shows are moving past static displays. Interactive kiosks with touch screens, virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) are the new wave. Imagine attendees configuring products in VR or using AR to see how a product would look in their home.
Gaming Kiosks: Rather than gathering business cards, a booth exhibitor can direct an attendee to a gaming kiosk and ask them to fill out a brief information form before playing bingo, memory match, or whack-a-mole. These serve the dual purposes of lead retrieval and experiential branding.
Sustainability: Eco-conscious materials and designs are increasingly popular. Look for kiosks made from recycled materials or featuring digital displays that reduce the need for printed materials.
Data-Driven Personalization: Integrate technology that gathers visitor data and tailors kiosk experiences accordingly. This could involve showcasing targeted content or product recommendations based on their interests.
The Rise of 3D: Flat graphics are taking a backseat to 3D elements. This can include 3D-printed product models, dimensional logos, or even interactive 3D displays that add depth and grab attention.
LED Lighting: Strategic lighting elevates kiosk design. Think LED walls, lighted frames, or even illuminated flooring to create a visually captivating and dynamic space.
The goal is to create a memorable experience that fosters engagement and captures leads. By incorporating these trends, the trade show kiosk can become a magnet for attendees.
How to Leverage a Trade Show Touch Screen Kiosk
A touch screen kiosk can be a powerful tool to elevate your trade show presence. Here’s how to leverage it for maximum impact:
Compelling Content and Design:
- Focus on Value: Showcase information that benefits attendees, not just product features. Highlight how your product solves their problems or improves their lives.
- Keep it Concise: Trade show floors are busy. Present information in clear, scannable bites. Use bullet points, icons, and captivating visuals.
- Interactive Features: Go beyond static information. Integrate quizzes, product configurators, or games to increase engagement.
- Stunning Visuals: High-quality images and videos will grab attention. Consider incorporating animation or interactive elements.
Engagement and Lead Capture:
- Call to Action: Clearly tell attendees what you want them to do next. This could be visiting your website, requesting a demo, or entering a contest.
- Lead Capture Forms: Make it easy for attendees to provide their contact information. Offer incentives like discounts or whitepapers to encourage sign-ups.
- Social Media Integration: Encourage attendees to share their kiosk experience on social media. Offer a social media wall to showcase their posts and build buzz.
- Gamification: Incorporate game elements like points, badges, or leaderboards to keep users engaged and collect valuable data.
Additional Tips:
- User-Friendly Interface: Make sure the kiosk is intuitive and easy to navigate. Use large buttons and clear instructions.
- Accessibility Features: Consider options for users with disabilities, like closed captioning for videos or text-to-speech functionality.
- Staff Training: Make sure your staff is familiar with the kiosk’s features and can answer questions about its content.
- Track & Analyze Data: Use kiosk analytics to understand user behavior and identify areas for improvement. This data can be invaluable for future trade show strategies.
By implementing these strategies, your touch screen kiosk can become a lead-generating machine and a highlight of your trade show booth.
Designing an Effective Trade Show Interactive Kiosk
The design of an effective trade show interactive kiosk comprises two components. The first is relatively simple if you’re working with exhibit and graphic designers. They’ll design the structure and the graphics based on the overall exhibit design and your trade show marketing strategy. The strategy (and your budget) will dictate whether you need an interactive kiosk, a touch screen monitor, a normal monitor, or a tablet or laptop.
The second component has multiple stages as well. First, choose the size and type of interactive kiosk. There are table kiosks, stand kiosks, and rotating kiosks in multiple sizes. Next, you need to select the type of content. And, unless your website is amazing and crucial to your presentation, then an interactive kiosk is overkill. Interactive kiosks should be entertaining, educational, and information capture experiences. All that requires programming.
Most interactive kiosk providers have preexisting software options which can be customized to your requirements. Or you can develop your own interactive presentation. Both can be expensive, often exceeding the rental price of the physical kiosk. As a result, it’s important that your strategy not only has a specific purpose but also is compelling enough that visitors want to interact with it.
Interactive touch screens can be a great way to boost engagement and participation so make sure your touch screen content is clear, concise, and engaging. Finally, track how users are interacting with your touch screen. This data can be used to improve the design and content of your touch screen experience.
Choosing the Right Trade Show Kiosk Displays
Sustainable Options | The ecoSmart sustainable kiosks are practical, design-driven, and user-friendly. They are built using the most sustainable materials on the market.
Interactive Kiosks | These high-tech, interactive kiosks are quick and easy to set up and can be a great way to showcase your products, sponsors, and speakers. The software can be customized to fit most exhibitor’s needs.
Monitor Stands | Monitors are indispensable to most trade show displays. These monitor stands are both custom and modular and include graphic and storage options. The custom stands are fully assembled. The modular ones are disassembled for shipping.
Enhancing Your Booth with Trade Show Kiosks
Kiosks, especially interactive touchscreen kiosks, can be a magnet to attract attendees to your booth space and an excellent tool for harvesting data. The Exhibits Northwest team has worked with clients over the years to fine-tune their kiosk strategy and perfect their implementation.
We invite you to contact us for an initial intake meeting and design consultation, and then visit our 125,000 sq. ft. fabrication and printing facility in Portland, OR. Furthermore, we encourage you to browse through our kiosk design galleries for design ideas.