Power of Interactivity

Have you been looking for ways to shift the energy of your event from “just another” conference or tradeshow, to a two-way exchange where attendees are actively engaged and participating enthusiastically? In this age of information overload, it is no small feat, but incorporating interactive elements like gamification and dynamic presentations, and leveraging interactive event technology such as augmented reality (AR) and mobile applications, can create a more connected experience.

One way to motivate attendees to participate more fully in the different aspects of your event is by turning it into a game. When attendees earn points for their engagement and compete to win awards, the spirit of competition elevates an ordinary event experience into a satisfying challenge.

To implement gamification effectively, take some time to consider what your objectives are, and how to design these challenges in a way that will be most meaningful. Awarding attendees points for activities that are required or not relevant to their purpose might miss the mark, but incentives that help them better accomplish what they came to achieve can foster a more engaging event experience.

Dynamic presentations are another way to create a more interactive event experience. When information is presented in a traditional one-way format, attendees' attention, and retention, can be limited. However, incorporating more interactivity allows for a greater exchange between the presenter and their audience.

Polling and trivia give audience members a break from listening and helps them to recall what they have learned. These also allow the presenter to gain audience insights in real time, helping them deliver a more personalized presentation.

Another way to customize content to the specific audience and increase anticipation is by allowing attendees to ask questions before or during the event. Although question and answer sessions are not exactly a new idea, participants may be more excited to attend and engage more enthusiastically knowing they may have a chance to have a specific question answered, and by learning what audiences really want to hear, presenters can ensure they are delivering the right content.  

Technology can take interactivity to another level. Augmented Reality (AR) overlays immersive 3D content onto real-life environments and objects. This is increasingly being used to create interactive event experiences such as bringing product demonstrations or exhibits to life, or even enabling remote attendees to take virtual tours and navigate event exhibition spaces as if they were there.

Mobile applications offer a streamlined way for attendees to interact with the different elements of your event activations, increasing engagement and participation. We have helped some businesses and organizations even create their own custom applications to better implement many of the interactive event ideas featured above, such as competing for points, submitting speaker questions, participating in polls, or implementing AR technology. These applications also allow attendees to connect and engage with each other, allowing for greater networking opportunities.

But beyond the tools and tactics, it is important to remember your “why” for event interactions. Consider your goals, and those of your attendees, and use that as your guide when considering how and why people will want to participate, and how it can make their experiences more meaningful. As August Jackson Chief Creative Officer Ken Feurer expressed, “When we invite participants to share their stories, we're weaving a richer, more vibrant tapestry of our shared experience. It's about creating authentic connections and fostering a true sense of community.”