Exhibition Game Safety, Compliance & Risk Assessments
Safety and compliance are fundamental to any successful exhibition or event. Interactive games can be highly effective engagement tools, but they must be deployed responsibly and in line with venue, organiser, and legal requirements. At Expo Play, we design, supply, and operate exhibition games with safety and compliance built in from the outset.
This guide explains what exhibitors should consider when using games on their stands, how risk assessments fit into the process, and how to ensure activities remain safe, accessible, and compliant throughout the event.
Why Safety Matters at Exhibitions
Exhibition halls are busy environments with high footfall, tight schedules, and shared spaces. Games introduce movement, queues, and interaction, which means safety planning is essential.
Good safety practice protects:
- Visitors and participants
- Stand staff and event personnel
- Your organisation’s reputation
- The smooth running of the event
It also ensures compliance with venue rules and organiser requirements, reducing the risk of delays, restrictions, or last-minute changes.
Risk Assessments: What They Cover
A risk assessment identifies potential hazards and outlines how those risks are controlled. For exhibition games, this typically includes:
- Equipment stability and positioning
- Electrical safety and power access
- Trip hazards from cables or queues
- Participant movement and behaviour
- Accessibility and space around the game
Games such as Pixel Play, Strike a Light 2 Players, and Batak Pro are designed to be used safely in exhibition environments, but correct placement and supervision are still essential.
We provide supporting documentation and guidance to help exhibitors meet organiser and venue requirements.
Electrical Safety and PAT Testing
Many exhibition games require power. All electrical equipment used at exhibitions must meet current safety standards and is typically required to be PAT tested.
We ensure all powered games are tested and maintained in line with regulations. When planning your stand, it’s important to confirm:
- Where power points are located
- Whether power is shared with other stand elements
- How cables will be routed safely
For environments with limited power, we can recommend non-electrical or low-power options from our Exhibition Games range.
Managing Queues and Visitor Flow
Games that attract attention can naturally create queues. While this is often a positive sign of engagement, unmanaged queues can become a safety concern.
We help exhibitors plan layouts that maintain clear walkways and emergency access routes. Items such as Crowd Barrier are useful for defining queue areas and preventing congestion, particularly during peak periods.
Queue planning is especially important at busy events such as Logistics & Supply Chain Shows, Sports & Fitness Expos, and Hospitality Shows.
Staffing and Supervision
Supervision plays a key role in safe operation. Even simple games benefit from someone encouraging appropriate use, managing turns, and stepping in if needed.
Self-run stands should ensure staff understand:
- How the game operates
- What safe use looks like
- When to pause or stop gameplay
For higher footfall or prize-based activities, managed staffing can provide consistent supervision and reduce pressure on internal teams.
Accessibility and Inclusive Design
Exhibition games should be accessible to as many visitors as possible. This includes considering:
- Clear space around the game
- Visibility of instructions
- Appropriate height and reach
- Alternative engagement options where needed
Inclusive planning not only improves safety but also ensures wider participation, which is particularly important for Public Sector & Local Authority Events and Charity Events.
Indoor vs Outdoor Safety Considerations
Safety requirements can differ between indoor and outdoor events. Indoor venues typically have established procedures, while outdoor events introduce additional variables such as weather, uneven ground, and temporary power supplies.
For outdoor use, we recommend robust options from our Giant Garden Games and Funfair Side Stalls & Games ranges. These are designed for stability and visibility in open environments.
Working With Organisers and Venues
Most exhibition organisers require exhibitors to submit risk assessments and method statements in advance. Early planning helps avoid last-minute issues.
We work alongside exhibitors to ensure games meet organiser guidelines and venue rules at major sites such as ExCeL London, the NEC Birmingham, and Manchester Central Convention Complex.
Clear communication with organisers helps ensure smooth access, setup, and operation throughout the event.
Reducing Risk Without Reducing Engagement
Safety and engagement are not opposing goals. Well-planned games enhance visitor experience while maintaining a controlled, professional environment.
By choosing appropriate games, positioning them correctly, and ensuring clear supervision, exhibitors can create interactive stands that feel confident and well-managed.
How We Support Safe Exhibition Engagement
At Expo Play, safety and compliance are part of the service. We advise on suitable games, provide documentation where required, and help plan layouts that support safe visitor flow.
If you’re planning an exhibition and want reassurance that your interactive elements meet safety and compliance expectations, we’re always happy to advise.