How can you use LED displays to attract traffic at trade shows?

Introduction

In the fiercely competitive trade show scene, how can you stand out and capture visitors’ attention? LED displays may be your secret weapon!

Not only do they instantly capture attention, but they also immerse visitors through a variety of interactive features.

So, how exactly do LED displays drive traffic to your booth? Let’s find out.

1. Why are LED displays so popular at trade shows?

1) LED displays grab attention and make people stop.

Trade shows are packed with booths, and a pile of posters and roll-up banners can easily be overlooked.

LED displays are different. Their brightness, dynamics, and long-range presence capture attention.

For example, some exhibitors use short videos showcasing new product unboxing, paired with dynamic animations and rhythmic music. Visitors will be drawn in and stop, perhaps even taking photos and sharing them.

2) Content can be adapted at any time, eliminating the need for last-minute changes.

Trade shows are constantly changing, and originally planned exhibit content may need to be changed at short notice. LED screens are incredibly flexible.

For example, they can feature new product introductions in the morning, switch to limited-time discounts at noon, and then switch to a rolling display of customer testimonials in the afternoon.

Compared to printing a bunch of posters and then having to hang, remove, and modify them, updating with a single click is incredibly hassle-free.

3) Interactive, Livelier Atmosphere.

Many exhibitors now want to engage visitors beyond just viewing. LED screens can be a great way to do this: scan a QR code for a prize draw, leave a message on the wall, or run interactive mini-games.

Some exhibitors even let visitors choose their favourite product models through the screen, instantly livening up the atmosphere and attracting more visitors.

4) Enhanced Aura of Class and Professionalism.

Large screens inherently have a sense of technology, and if the content is sophisticated, they can also create the impression that the company is capable and innovative.

For example, at a home appliance trade show, using LED screens to showcase product features and application scenarios creates a more premium and professional impression, rather than just displaying static prototypes.

5) Multiple Uses for One Screen, Higher Returns.

LED screens are more than just advertising screens. It can be used to display schedules, broadcast live, or even serve as a stage backdrop.

A single screen can serve multiple purposes, making it more cost-effective than numerous single-board displays and saving on shipping and setup costs.

2. What are the benefits of foot traffic for exhibitors?

1) Increased visibility

Simply put, more people mean your booth is more visible. Even people passing by can leave an impression on your brand, products, or services.

For example, if thousands of people pass by your booth every day, even a quick glance at a new product is much more visible than sporadic online exposure.

2) Increased number of potential customers

High foot traffic means more opportunities to meet genuinely interested people.

Unlike online advertising, exhibitions are not about online advertising; visitors come proactively, so every passerby could be a potential customer.

The more opportunities you have to interact with a large audience, the greater your chances of collecting business cards, inquiries, and even sales.

3) Create a lively atmosphere and stimulate interaction

Crowded areas are more likely to create a “popularity effect,” attracting others to your booth when they see the buzz.

For example, if a crowd gathers around an interactive game on an LED screen, passersby will find it interesting and naturally want to join in. This buzz, in turn, increases attention to your booth.

4). Data Value and Follow-Up

High footfall also generates more data value: scanning QR codes, on-site registration, interactive messages, and more can all be used for follow-up marketing.

The more people there are, the more potential customer data you collect, and the higher the likelihood of return conversions.

Simply put, footfall is a “natural booster” for exhibitions, boosting exposure, generating direct business opportunities, and creating a more engaging atmosphere.

Method 1: Use content on LED screens to create "stopping points."

At exhibitions, people typically walk quickly. What makes them stop is not only the products themselves, but also the visual appeal.

LED screens are particularly well-suited for this purpose. Compared to static posters, dynamic images are more eye-catching: short, rhythmic videos and looping animations are likely to attract visitors, even those just passing by.

And keep them glued to their desks for a few seconds. Adding some “happening soon” content, such as countdowns, raffle results, or new product unveilings, can create suspense and anticipation, keeping visitors coming back for more.

For example, at a new product launch booth, a looping unboxing animation and a message stating “Raffle results in 3 minutes” are displayed next to the screen. Passersby are likely to stop and take a look, and perhaps even participate.

This approach not only boosts booth popularity but also leaves a deeper impression on visitors.

Method 2: Engage with interactive features on LED screens

LED screens offer more than just visuals; they offer a lot of fun. The most common interactive method is to scan a QR code to participate.

After the viewer scans the QR code, a comment, quiz, or voting result is instantly displayed on the screen.

For example, a beverage brand used an LED screen at an exhibition to vote on a flavour. Visitors scanned the QR code to select their favourite flavour, and the results immediately scrolled across the screen.

Even passersby couldn’t help but take a second look, which instantly piqued their curiosity.

In addition to scanning codes, interactive haptics are also eye-catching: waving your hand can trigger special effects on the screen.

Or you can take a photo with a virtual avatar. This novel experience is far more engaging than simply looking at the screen.

Some booths also combine LED screens with sensors to create simple mini-games, such as spot-on games, ball catching, and line-connecting challenges. These are not only fun but also showcase product features.

Visitors who enjoy the experience will naturally stay longer, leaving a deeper impression of the brand.

Method 3: Integrate LED screens with exhibits/live events

LED screens aren’t just aesthetically pleasing; they can also complement the products or

live events in the booth, making visitors feel more engaged.

For example, in the demonstration area, product operation procedures can be synchronised on a large screen, allowing visitors to clearly see every step, even from a distance.

Or, using microscope lenses or 3D effects to magnify product details, visitors can see subtle designs and fine craftsmanship that would otherwise be invisible, instantly captivating them.

Some booths also integrate LED screens with stage performances or guest interactions: animations, special effects, or brand elements on the screen are synchronised with live action, giving the entire booth a sense of rhythm and ceremony.

For example, at a new product launch, an LED screen displays a dynamic product demonstration while the host explains the presentation.

While the audience is watching the performance, the content on the screen reinforces the brand’s impression, naturally allowing them to stay longer and have a more complete experience.

Method 4: Leveraging LEDs to Inspire Social Media Spread

Today, visitors to trade shows don’t just come to see the products; they also enjoy taking photos and sharing them. LED screens can help you create a “social buzz.”

For example, create a photo-taking area at your booth. Display your brand logo or a cool animation on the large screen, and when visitors take photos, the logo will naturally be included in the photos.

Furthermore, by displaying a “social ID” or live hashtag on the screen, visitors’ posts will automatically include your brand information.

Even more interestingly, some booths offer instant capture and posting capabilities.

After taking a photo or video, the system automatically generates a short video with a watermark, allowing viewers to easily share it on WeChat Moments or TikTok.

For example, a snack brand used LED screens at the trade show for interactive photo-taking.

Participants waved to trigger special effects on the screen, and a short video was automatically generated with brand elements. Everyone enjoyed and shared the experience, instantly doubling the brand’s exposure.

7. Conclusion

By cleverly utilising LED displays, you can not only significantly increase your booth’s popularity and exposure, but also attract more potential customers.

So what are you waiting for? Act now and make your LED display the centrepiece of your trade show!

Finally, for more information about LED displays, please get in touch with us.