The Power of Play: How Branded Promotional Items Summer Games Drive Customer Engagement
If you are looking for a way to stand out at events and increase interaction with potential customers, consider incorporating promotional item games into your strategy. From trade shows and product launches to community festivals, and even in-store promotions, games significantly boost customer engagement.
Here’s a closer look at why games work and how you can play along!
People Love to Play Games
Playing games provides an unexpected break from the routine. People play games to unwind, have fun, test their skills, engage in a little friendly competition, or simply share a social experience with others. When you bring a game to an event, you are tapping into all those positive emotions.
Interactive and Memorable Experience
Games offer an interactive and engaging way to connect with event attendees. They bring a bit of fun to the event and connect your business to a light-hearted
and memorable experience.
Whether it’s a spin-the-wheel contest, a product-related quiz, or an interactive demonstration, Promotional item games draw individuals in, encouraging them to actively participate and immerse themselves in the brand experience.
Summer-themed games can enhance the overall atmosphere of an event, creating a festive and inviting ambiance. For example, incorporating classic summer games like sack races, water balloon toss, or beach ball relay can amplify the seasonal spirit and captivate the attention of attendees, reinforcing the sunny and enjoyable aspects of your brand experience.
Start a Conversation
Simple, easy-to-play games, like Ring Toss, Connect 4, or the Indiana favorite, Cornhole let you chat with customers in a relaxed and informal setting. Teaming a member of your staff with a customer in a competitive match forms a connection that will last long after the event is over. Win or lose, they will have a shared experience that makes you a preferred choice when it comes time to work together.
Consider adding trivia quizzes or interactive challenges related to your industry or products. This not only educates the participants about what you offer but also provides a great opportunity for engaging in conversations about your brand and its unique selling points
Give People a Reason to Play
Offer prizes, discounts, or exclusive rewards tied to game participation. This not only drives foot traffic to the booth or event area but also encourages individuals to explore the products or services you offer.
In addition to small trophies, coordinate with event organizers or other sponsors to offer a grand prize or a chance to win a special experience related to the theme of the event or the season.
For example, at a summer fair, offer tickets to a popular local event or a summer-exclusive gift basket. This not only gives people more reasons to play, it also adds an element of excitement and anticipation for the attendees, leaving a strong positive impression of your brand.
Strengthening Brand Recall and Recognition
Embed your brand or product in the minds of participants by adding your logo to the game board. The positive experience of playing the game will be linked to your brand. Put your brand everywhere in the game. This creates a visually engaging and cohesive brand experience, reinforcing your business’s identity and making a lasting impression on event attendees.
Don’t let them walk away and forget you. Create a winner’s circle, maybe with trophies. As participants snap commemorative photos, be sure your brand is visible in the background.
Get Invited to Every Party
As you look at a summer filled with sporting events, community fairs, and concerts, offering to bring your game to the event may get you an invitation to attend. The organizers will recognize the value of having games at the event to keep people entertained and perhaps stay longer. They may not have money in their budget, but if you offer to bring the game and staff it, you may find yourself as the center of attention.
Our Favorite Games
Looking for specific ideas on which game to bring to your next event? Here are a few of our favorite games:
Plinko
Each player releases their chips at the top of the board. They bounce off the pegs, randomly falling into different slots at the bottom. Each slot has a different point value. The goal is to accumulate the highest total value by landing chips in the highest-value slots
Connect 4
Can you out-maneuver your opponent as you try to connect four chips in a column, row, or diagonal Taking turns to drop the chips
into the board each move is designed to block your opponent or lengthen your row.
Add your logo to our version of this popular game. It is made of solid varnished wood and is quick and easy to put together. Durable for an outdoor environment, it Includes 35 playing discs and a carry case with shoulder straps.
Of course, every summer party in Indiana needs a Cornhole board. If you are not familiar with the rules Cornhole is a lawn game where players take turns throwing bean bags at an angled board with a hole in the far end. The goal is to score points by landing a bag on the board (one point) or putting a bag through the hole (three points).
Easy to transport, the game is popular at tailgate parties, company picnics, and anywhere Hoosiers gather to have a little fun. The large board is a perfect place to put your logo, but so are the beanbags.
And if you are looking for a truly Hoosier game, look no further than Fowling. It was invented in 2001 by Chris Hutt and some friends while tailgating at the Indy 500. The game is a combination of football and bowling. And can be played by people of every skill level.
Can we help you find your next summer game?
Erin Smith is co-owner of Spotlight Strategies, a marketing solutions firm specializing in print, apparel, promotional product and signs. An accomplished health care administrator turned business owner, Erin brings rare behavioral expertise to the world of small business.
With a Master’s degree in social work, and a thriving business she is a sought after advisor, coach and mentor to many of Indiana’s small business owners and support associations. Erin demonstrates unwavering commitment and facilitates profitability to any organization to which she directs her time and talent, and is successful in motivating and empowering people whether supporting a cause or building a company.
