Keeping Exhibition Attendees on your Stand for Longer

The sight of fewer visitors strolling among the aisles is all too common as exhibitions and conferences draw to a close. Even exhibitors have been known to leave early resulting in noticeable empty gaps, which can be off putting to visitors who might want to contact them. Worse still, are the stands where exhibitors are too busy packing up early to talk to visitors.

Think proactively to keep exhibition numbers high for longer

Keeping attendees – both visitors and participants – on site for longer is essential. It can make a difference between the likelihood of an event being repeated, being a success or ending gloomy and dejected.

Popular tactics include ending events with rewards for staying on such as eye-catching concerts, shows and discounts.

In recent years, brands like Samsung and Cisco have been experimenting with other techniques that are worth considering. It works on the principle that event organisers can alter attendee behaviour by creating small changes in the overall event programme, resulting in footprints that people just have to attend in order to exit the event, making them feel they have to stay on because they know they will regret it if they leave early.

Give people time to have a break
When daily schedules are too busy, they run out of energy and mental focus. Doing something different for a short time helps. Samsung runs a special Code Lab alongside its main programme, giving people a chance to learn some skills and gain rewards.

Hide weaknesses in the schedule
Make sure that your programme is well balanced, encouraging people to stay to the end. Have a special speaker, an important forum or eye-catching event late in the session to make people want to stay to take part otherwise they will miss something important.

Control the attendee’s journey throughout the day
This approach worked well for Univision Communications, who offered unexpected activities and surprises to keep participants attention all day. This is especially important for people who live locally – they may be more reluctant to spend long hours at one event, feeling they can do more back in the office.

Hire Experienced Exhibition Staff

Having staff that have worked at exhibitions before is a great way to keep visitors on your stand as they can engage with them and keep them interested.  To find out more about hiring experienced Exhibition Staff then get in touch by giving us a cal or completing the form below.