Driving attendee engagement and increasing exhibitor ROI is a top priority for any event organizer. A conference app provides an easy and fun way to direct traffic to exhibitor booths while keeping attendees actively involved. One of the most effective strategies? Scavenger hunt activities! These interactive challenges encourage attendees to explore the expo floor, visit new exhibitors, and engage in meaningful conversations—all while having fun. In this article, we’ll explore 10 innovative and engaging scavenger hunt activities designed to boost booth traffic and maximize exhibitor success.
First-Time Visitor
Explore something new! This activity encourages attendees to visit exhibitors who are participating in the event for the first time. It’s a great way to discover fresh innovations, emerging brands, and unique offerings that haven’t been seen at past events. Attendees who complete this challenge get a chance to engage with new exhibitors and make valuable connections.
Most Visited Exhibitor
Celebrate long-time participants! This challenge highlights exhibitors who have consistently supported the event over multiple years. Attendees can visit one or more of the most frequently returning exhibitors to learn why they keep coming back and what makes them a staple of the conference. It’s an excellent opportunity to recognize industry leaders and longstanding event partners.
Random Booth Stop
Turn your booth visits into a game! For this activity, attendees must visit an exhibitor whose booth number matches the last digit of their birth month (e.g., June → Booth #6, #16, #26). This randomized approach encourages attendees to explore new exhibitors they might not have otherwise visited, making networking and discovery more fun and spontaneous.
Ask & Learn
Engage and educate! This activity invites attendees to visit an exhibitor, ask a meaningful question about their product or service, and share a key takeaway. Whether it’s a surprising feature, an industry trend, or an innovative solution, this challenge encourages deeper engagement and insightful conversations with exhibitors.
Hidden Treasure
Hunt for giveaways! Many exhibitors offer exciting promotional items, and this activity challenges attendees to find an exhibitor with a special giveaway. Whether it’s exclusive swag, a discount code, or a raffle entry, participants get to collect fun prizes while engaging with exhibitors and learning about their offerings.
Selfie Challenge
Capture the moment! Attendees complete this challenge by taking a selfie with an exhibitor representative and posting it on social media using the official event hashtag. This activity not only drives engagement but also provides exhibitors with extra visibility online, creating a fun and interactive way to promote their presence at the event.
Demo Dare
Experience it firsthand! This activity encourages attendees to participate in a live product demonstration at an exhibitor booth. Whether it’s testing a new gadget, trying out software, or watching a live demo, this challenge helps attendees engage with exhibitors on a deeper level while seeing their offerings in action.
Meet the Reps
Make meaningful connections! This challenge encourages attendees to visit an exhibitor booth and personally meet the representatives. Whether it’s a casual chat or a detailed business discussion, this activity helps attendees build valuable industry relationships and gain insights directly from company representatives.
Color Code Quest
Match and explore! This fun challenge asks attendees to visit at least one exhibitor whose booth color matches an element of their outfit. Whether it’s a blue suit matching a blue-themed booth or a red lanyard matching a red exhibitor setup, this activity encourages movement across the event floor while making booth visits feel more interactive and engaging.
Visit Exhibitor from Same City
Find local connections! Attendees complete this challenge by visiting an exhibitor from their own state, county, or city. It’s a great way to establish connections with local businesses, uncover potential partnerships, and build relationships with exhibitors who may have a regional presence. This challenge fosters networking within local communities while supporting businesses from the same area.
As you can see, these simple yet powerful scavenger hunt activities can create an engaging and interactive experience for both attendees and exhibitors. By incorporating these challenges into your event, you can increase booth traffic, encourage meaningful connections, and enhance exhibitor ROI—all while making the experience fun and memorable. If you’re interested in rolling out these activities at your next event, drop us a note—we’d love to help you make it a success!