Last week, we made a splash at the Connect Marketplace in Minneapolis, an annual event that brings together the most innovative minds in the event industry. This trade show is a hub for event planners, suppliers, and vendors to network, share ideas, and discover the latest trends in event technology and services. With hundreds of booths and thousands of attendees, standing out is no small feat. But that’s exactly what we did.
Before diving into our booth experiences, let’s talk about Connect Marketplace itself. This event is a mecca for event professionals, offering a plethora of educational sessions, keynote speakers, and networking opportunities. It’s a place where the industry’s best and brightest come to learn, grow, and forge meaningful connections. The show floor is a bustling marketplace of ideas, filled with cutting-edge technologies and creative solutions designed to elevate any event. In this competitive landscape, we knew we had to bring something extraordinary to capture attention.
#GetInspired Sweepstakes: A Journey Through Innovation
To truly engage attendees, we launched our #GetInspired Sweepstakes. The concept was simple yet effective: attendees were encouraged to interact with all three of our unique experiences. After each interaction, they received a punch on their punch card. Completing all three experiences entered them into a drawing for a $250 Amazon gift card. This not only incentivized engagement but also showcased the range and versatility of our offerings.
Our first 10×20 booth space featured our Social Media Vending Machine. Attendees were prompted to scan a QR code, which led them to a custom form. Here, they provided contact information and valuable insights into their event needs and vendor preferences. Upon submission, they received a unique code to enter into the vending machine, which dispensed prizes like Dunkin’ gift cards and color-changing “mood” stress balls in our signature purple and pink. This experience not only offered a fun interaction but also gathered crucial data that can help us tailor our services to meet the specific needs of our clients.
Next up was our Motion Racing Simulator, a hit among attendees looking for a little adrenaline rush. The simulator featured a fully customizable leaderboard, adding a competitive edge to the experience. Attendees frequently returned to our booth to check their scores and engage in some friendly competition, keeping our brand at the forefront of their minds throughout the event.
Located just past the puppy lounge, our second booth space showcased our newest offering: Multiball LED. This custom game featured a retro background that tied our branding into the 90s-themed opening reception. Attendees threw gradient-colored playground balls at our popping logos, which became faster as the game progressed. The experience also showcased Multiball’s versatility with other games like darts, tennis connect 4, and a holiday-themed game similar to Candy Crush.
Matt Johnson, COO of BizBash, couldn’t get enough of our Multiball experience, exclaiming, “I cannot tell you how many rounds of Multiball I played! How do I get one for our office! 🤝” His praise didn’t stop there, as he added, “You guys always raise the bar/caliber of experiential show floor activations!” When the industry’s leaders are this captivated, you know you’re doing something right.
Winner Takes It All
Congratulations to Tonia Chagnon, founder at Delightful Plans for winning a $250 Amazon gift card with our #GetInspired Sweepstakes! Tonia let us know she used the prize money to purchase a Remarkable Tablet, allowing her to turbocharge her workflow and focus on what she does best.
Elevating Brands, One Experience at a Time
Our presence at Connect Marketplace was more than just a showcase of our products; it was a testament to how interactive experiences can elevate brands and enhance events. We stood out among attendees by offering not just one, but three unique, engaging experiences that captured both attention and imagination. By integrating data collection, competition, and versatile gaming into our booth, we didn’t just participate in the event—we transformed it.
So the next time you’re looking to make a lasting impression at your event, remember: Interactive Entertainment Group is your partner in creating unforgettable experiences that truly engage and inspire.
Connect Marketplace is the ultimate convergence point for event professionals, suppliers, and vendors. This annual event serves as a dynamic platform for networking, education, and discovery. With a rich lineup of keynote speakers, educational sessions, and a bustling show floor, Connect Marketplace is the place to be for anyone looking to elevate their event game. Whether you’re an event planner seeking the latest trends or a vendor aiming to showcase groundbreaking solutions, Connect Marketplace offers unparalleled opportunities for growth and collaboration.
BizBash is the event industry’s leading source for inspiration, news, and resources. With a finger on the pulse of the latest trends and innovations, BizBash serves as a comprehensive guide for event professionals at all levels. From live events and webinars to articles and vendor directories, BizBash offers a wealth of information designed to help you create unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re planning a corporate gathering or a high-profile launch event, BizBash is your one-stop-shop for ideas that dazzle and details that deliver.
