How to Use Games at Outdoor Exhibitions
Outdoor exhibitions offer a fantastic opportunity to engage attendees in a lively, open environment, and adding interactive games can turn your stand into an irresistible attraction. However, setting up outdoor games requires careful planning to ensure a seamless and safe experience for both your team and your visitors. Here’s a guide to making the most of outdoor games at exhibitions, from planning to setup.
1. Choosing the Right Outdoor Games for Your Audience
The first step is selecting games that suit your event’s theme, goals, and audience. For outdoor events, larger-than-life games like Giant Jenga, Mini Golf, and Giant Buzz Wire are excellent options that catch attention and allow for plenty of space for players and spectators. Classic funfair games, such as Hook a Duck or Coconut Shy, also add a nostalgic element that’s hard to resist.
2. Weatherproofing Your Setup
Outdoor events are subject to weather changes, so it’s essential to prepare for all conditions. Choose durable, weather-resistant materials for games and displays, and bring along covers or pop-up tents to protect games from rain or excessive sun. Games like Mini Golf and Hoopla are generally sturdy and can withstand a range of weather, but it’s wise to monitor forecasts and have contingency plans ready.
3. Space and Layout Considerations
One of the main advantages of outdoor setups is the flexibility of space. Make use of this by creating a layout that feels open and inviting. Spread out games so they are accessible from multiple angles, allowing attendees to flow freely between different areas. Leave plenty of room for queues around popular games like the Strike a Light (2 Players) or Giant Connect Four, and ensure high-traffic areas are visible from a distance to draw more guests to your stand.
4. Ensuring Safety and Stability
Outdoor games must be set up with safety in mind. Secure games and equipment, especially large items like Giant Jenga and Picnic Benches, to prevent tipping in the wind. Use weighted bases, stakes, or sandbags to stabilise games, particularly if they involve small parts like balls or pins. Safety signage, clear rules, and on-site supervision are also helpful in maintaining a secure environment for all attendees.
5. Creating a Branded Experience
Outdoor settings are ideal for custom branding, as there is more space to incorporate eye-catching visuals. Personalise your games with your company’s logo, colours, and messaging to create a cohesive brand experience. Adding banners, branded barriers, and a Bunting display around your games can further enhance your stand’s visual appeal. Games like the Batak Pro or Dance Machine can also be custom branded, increasing brand exposure with every interaction.
6. Plan for Power and Maintenance Needs
If your outdoor games require power, make sure there is a reliable power source nearby. Some venues provide temporary outdoor power solutions, but check ahead of time to arrange this. You’ll also want to schedule regular checks on the games throughout the event to ensure they’re in top working order and remain visually appealing, especially if weather or high traffic could impact their condition.
7. Managing Foot Traffic and Flow
Outdoor exhibitions often attract larger crowds, so it’s important to plan for the flow of visitors. Use Crowd Barriers to create clear paths, queue areas, and designated play spaces. Organising games in clusters based on themes, such as competitive, skill-based, or prize-winning games, can also help attendees navigate your space more easily, leading to better engagement.
8. Preparing for Cleanup and Breakdown
Outdoor events require careful breakdown and cleanup to leave the venue as you found it. Schedule extra time for packing up larger items, and have a team on hand to assist with removing heavy games, tents, or barriers. Ensure that all branding elements are removed, and be prepared to transport everything safely, particularly if you’ve used weighted items for stability.
With the right planning, outdoor games can become the centrepiece of your exhibition stand, drawing attention, promoting interaction, and leaving a lasting impression on attendees. Follow these tips to create an outdoor experience that highlights your brand and keeps visitors entertained from start to finish.