Gaming and Grinning: The Prize Crane’s SmileCon Comeback

October 30, 2025
Prize Crane | Experience by Interactive Entertainment Group

SmileCon, the American Dental Association’s (ADA) flagship conference, is known for blending serious learning with plenty of fun. For the second year in a row, we brought back one of last year’s most talked-about activations: our custom Prize Crane.

A Return Worth Cheering

What started as a playful experiment in 2024 has quickly turned into a SmileCon favorite. This year, the Prize Crane returned to even more buzz, with attendees eager for another chance at the claw. Wins weren’t guaranteed, which only made each drop more suspenseful and each prize more satisfying. The result? Crowds gathered, strangers cheered each other on, and a small arcade-style moment became a full-blown tradition.

Branding With Every Grab

The fun was backed by strategy. Every prize—from ADA-themed plushies to stress balls—doubled as a brand reminder, reinforcing SmileCon’s approachable, community-driven spirit. Wrapped in SmileCon’s visual identity, the crane stood out as both a playful attraction and a branded touchpoint.

A Staple in the Making

Two years in, the Prize Crane has cemented itself as a SmileCon staple. It balances nostalgia with novelty, giving attendees a chance to play, connect, and walk away with a memory (and maybe a prize) that lasts well beyond the conference floor.

And for us at Interactive Entertainment Group, that’s the real win—helping events like SmileCon strike the perfect balance between education and joy.

SmileCon is the flagship annual meeting of the American Dental Association, bringing together thousands of dental professionals for a mix of education, networking, and innovation. Known for its dynamic blend of learning and entertainment, SmileCon redefines what a professional conference can be.

The American Dental Association (ADA) is the nation’s largest dental organization, representing over 160,000 dentists. Dedicated to advancing the profession and promoting oral health, the ADA sets standards in clinical excellence, advocacy, and continuing education while striving to make dental care more accessible and approachable.

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