30 Trade Show Booth Activation Ideas for Engaging Attendees and Driving Leads

Trade shows remain one of the most effective platforms for businesses to connect with their target audience, showcase their products, and build lasting relationships. However, with countless booths vying for attention, the key to standing out is through impactful trade show booth ideas.

Booth ideas are crucial for setting the stage—think custom booth designs, interactive displays, and immersive product showcases that catch the eye and spark interest. But to truly captivate your audience and turn those visitors into valuable leads, you need strong trade show activation ideas that drive engagement, create memorable experiences, and encourage visitors to spend more time at your booth.

This guide will walk you through trade show booth activation ideas, providing the tools and techniques to create an engaging booth that drives foot traffic, generates quality leads, and leaves attendees talking long after the event is over.

1. Let AR Transform Product Displays

Augmented Reality (AR) trade show or Virtual Reality (VR) demos let attendees explore your product in a realistic, interactive environment (e.g., a simulated software workflow, 3D product walkthrough, or experiential game).

Attendees spend 3–5 minutes (versus seconds) in your booth, while collecting interaction metrics (time spent, features explored) for richer follow-up data.

By allowing attendees to scan QR codes and unlock virtual product demonstrations, videos, or gamified content, exhibitors can capture attention and engage visitors in innovative ways. 

This interactive approach not only sets your booth apart but also allows for a deeper dive into your offerings without the need for bulky product displays. 

Whether showcasing complex machinery, new technology, or interactive services, AR bridges the gap between physical and digital, enhancing the overall trade show experience and leaving a lasting impression.

For companies looking for business expo booth ideas or vendor booth display ideas, AR can provide a high-impact solution with minimal physical setup. 

Immersive tech cuts through expo noise by offering a memorable “wow” factor. It showcases complex solutions more intuitively than slides or brochures. Set up a VR headset station (e.g., Oculus Quest) loaded with a short demo app.  For AR, distribute branded tablets or enable smartphone AR via WebAR. Provide clear instructions and sanitized headset covers.

2. QR Code Product Catalogs for a Seamless Trade Show Experience

QR code product catalogs are a smart and sustainable addition to any modern trade show booth design. By placing strategically located QR codes around your booth, attendees can easily scan and access your full product catalog or promotional videos directly on their devices. 

This approach eliminates the need for printed brochures, reducing clutter and emphasizing a sleek, minimalist booth aesthetic. 

Digital catalogs allow you to showcase a broader range of products without physically displaying each item, giving visitors a simple way to explore your offerings at their convenience. This creates a more engaging and interactive experience while reinforcing your brand’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.  

For businesses looking to enhance their expo booth design, QR codes offer flexibility and efficiency. They can be incorporated into displays, signage, and even product samples, transforming your booth into an interactive space that encourages exploration. 

This creative booth design idea not only saves space but also drives traffic to your website, increasing post-event engagement. 

Attendees can download information instantly, allowing for easier follow-ups and keeping your brand top of mind long after the event. 

Learn how vFairs’ latest e-commerce module helps customize online product listings and makes managing customer transactions easier, adding even more value to your trade show presence.

3. Custom Booth Designs that Reflect Your Brand

In-person trade shows provide exhibitors with a unique opportunity to showcase their brand identity in tangible, immersive ways. From large-scale banners to meticulously designed booth structures, every element of your physical booth can reflect your company’s branding and values.

Exhibitors can leverage creative booth layouts, custom signage, and interactive elements like touchscreens or product demos to grab attention. You can design banners and standees, select booth sizes, and incorporate unique architectural elements to make your booth stand out. 

Lighting, flooring, and even custom furnishings can further enhance the experience and reflect your brand persona, enticing attendees to stop by and engage with your team.

Adding a human element to your booth is equally essential. Having knowledgeable and approachable booth staff provides a personal touch, allowing visitors to interact with representatives who embody your company’s values. 

They can guide conversations, answer questions, and leave lasting impressions that reinforce your branding message.

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4. Go Green at Your Trade Show Booth

Trade show floors often feel sterile and repetitive, but incorporating greenery can completely transform your space. Whether you have a 10×10 trade show booth or a larger 10×20 setup, adding vibrant plants and natural elements will catch attention and create a welcoming environment. 

Strategically place hardy, eye-catching plants around your booth or accent key areas with potted foliage to soften the look of traditional booth structures.

For a unique touch, display fresh fruits or natural textures that align with your brand. This approach not only adds visual interest but also promotes sustainability, positioning your booth as innovative and inviting. 

Among the best trade show booth ideas, integrating greenery is a simple yet powerful way to stand out and leave a lasting impression.

5. Let Attendees Browse and Buy On-Site

Incorporating an online store directly into your booth is a game-changing way to convert booth visitors into customers instantly. 

By integrating e-commerce flows, exhibitors can facilitate on-the-spot purchases, allowing attendees to browse, add products to a cart, and complete transactions seamlessly. 

This not only creates a smoother purchasing experience but also appeals to buyers who prefer the convenience of digital transactions. 

For passive buyers who aren’t ready to commit immediately, offering a “wish cart” feature lets them save items for later, keeping your brand top of mind even after the event ends. Such functionality provides the perfect blend of engagement and practicality, making it a standout among creative small trade show booth ideas.  

For exhibitors seeking trade show booth inspiration, adding an online store creates a dynamic experience that bridges the gap between physical and digital commerce.

It minimizes the need for excessive product inventory at the booth while still giving attendees access to your full catalog. This is especially useful for booth ideas for events where space is limited but demand for product variety is high. 

6. Pack Your Booth with Value-Added Content

At in-person trade shows, providing value to attendees through strategic content is crucial for attracting and retaining their interest. Equip your booth with engaging materials such as brochures, product catalogs, and promotional items that visitors can take home. 

Supplement these with live presentations or interactive displays that demonstrate your products or services in action, creating memorable experiences for attendees.

Offering hands-on opportunities, such as product samples, demos, or trials, can further engage visitors and make your booth more impactful.

Generate a custom landing page (e.g., built in Unbounce or HubSpot) populated with download links. Place a large QR code at your booth. Use UTM parameters to track which shows and traffic sources delivered each redemption.

Provides measurable engagement (download rates, time-on-page), captures richer data on individual preferences, and delivers assets instantly, boosting post-show nurture.

For more insights on boosting your trade show’s impact, check out this helpful blog on trade show marketing.

7. Digital Swag Bags for Lasting Impressions

How many times have you provided your trade show booth visitors with personal swag bags that include a handful of company-branded goodies, only for them to end up in the trash cans right after? Not only is this disheartening for your company, but it is also detrimental to the environment.

Virtual swag bags are an exciting, environmentally friendly alternative for companies to cater to audiences they want to market their offerings to. Digital gifts connect the visitors with the brand without the hassle of them having to carry anything home. Here are examples of items you can include in a digital swag bag:

• E-Gift Cards
• Exclusive Discounts
• Premium Content
• Free Software Trials
• Branded Digital Wallpapers or Screensavers

For more insights on boosting your trade show’s impact, check out this helpful blog on trade show marketing.

8. 3D Projection Mapping Showcase

This booth setup idea for a trade show is unique but very interactive. Go for a dynamic projection-mapping onto a booth structure, object, or product demonstration area to bring surfaces to life with moving visuals. Projection mapping transforms ordinary shapes into immersive storytelling canvases, instantly grabbing attention and conveying messages in a visually spectacular way.

Partner with a projection-mapping service (e.g., Lightform, Blendy). Provide a digital model of your booth or fixture. Design content, animations, product highlights, data visualizations, and schedule repeated loops throughout the day.

Creates a “wow” moment that stops attendees in their tracks, increases social-media sharing, and reinforces a high-tech brand image. It serves as an ever-running demo without needing staff presence.

9. Host Expert Talks Right at Your Booth

Host short, scheduled sessions inside your booth such as lightning talks, panel discussions, or product deep dives led by internal experts or guest speakers. Position your brand as a thought leader, benefit attendees with valuable takeaways, and watch these trade show booth ideas attract visitors that might include high-value prospects.

Set up a small stage area with stools and a microphone or lapel for the speaker, plus a display showing “Next Talk at 2:00 PM.” 

Promote via event app and social. Capture attendees’ contact info by requiring a quick badge scan to enter the session. This makes follow-up easier by tying attendees’ interest directly to the session topic they attended.

Invite product designers, company executives, or industry influencers to share insights, trends, or case studies relevant to your audience. This not only draws traffic but also fosters deeper connections by demonstrating your expertise. 

Incorporating live Q&A sessions allows for real-time interaction, making attendees feel heard and involved.

For brands seeking trade show booth inspiration, setting up a small stage or lounge area can create a professional yet inviting atmosphere. This is a scalable idea that can work for both large exhibits and booth ideas for trade shows with smaller budgets by using simple furniture and signage. 

10. Boost Traffic with Fun and Games

Interactive games or competitions are a dynamic way to increase engagement and drive traffic to your booth. By incorporating trade show booth games like trivia, spin-the-wheel, or quick product-related challenges, you create an energetic atmosphere that naturally attracts attendees. 

A competitive edge keeps visitors at your booth longer, giving you more opportunities to showcase your products and services. 

Here are four engaging game ideas to consider:

a) Spin-the-Wheel

A classic crowd-pleaser, the Spin-the-Wheel game offers attendees the chance to win various prizes, such as branded merchandise, discounts, or exclusive offers. The anticipation of winning encourages participation and draws attention to your booth.

b) Trivia Challenge

Engage visitors with a trivia game focused on your industry or products. This interactive approach educates attendees about your offerings while providing an entertaining experience. Offering small rewards for correct answers can further incentivize participation.

c) Giant Jenga

Oversized versions of classic games like Jenga can attract attendees and create a fun, interactive environment. Participants can take turns removing blocks, with each piece revealing a fact about your company or a conversation starter, facilitating networking and engagement.

d) Virtual Reality (VR) Experiences

Incorporate VR technology to create immersive gamification experiences at your trade show booth. VR-based challenges, scavenger hunts, or interactive story-driven games can captivate attendees, encouraging deeper engagement while making your booth stand out.  

For businesses seeking interactive trade show booth ideas, gamification is an affordable and scalable solution that suits booths of any size. Tools like vFairs event gamification allow you to implement engaging activities while tracking participant involvement.  

Whether you host digital scavenger hunts or simple physical challenges, the combination of entertainment and prizes keeps your booth memorable.  

These trade show display ideas not only boost foot traffic but also ensure that attendees leave with a positive experience tied to your brand.

11. Collect Instant Feedback from Attendees

Interactive feedback kiosks are an excellent addition to your booth, offering a simple yet effective way to gather valuable insights from attendees. By incorporating a touchscreen station where visitors can rate their experience or leave suggestions, exhibitors create an engaging feedback loop. 

This enhances the overall attendee experience, showing that their opinions matter while providing you with data to improve future events. 

Here are a few ideas:

a) Offer Instant Rewards: Provide small rewards like branded merchandise, discount coupons, or gift cards for completing the feedback survey.

b) Enter a Prize Draw: Encourage participation by entering respondents into a raffle for a larger prize, such as high-value gift cards or exclusive products.

c) Exclusive Access: Offer attendees special access to premium content, demos, or behind-the-scenes tours in exchange for their feedback.

d) Social Recognition: Highlight or thank participants publicly, either at the event or on your social media platforms, for their contributions to improving the attendee experience.

As part of your expo booth ideas, feedback kiosks not only engage visitors but also encourage interaction, making them feel involved and connected to your brand.

For businesses seeking simple trade show booth ideas or booth ideas for events on a budget, feedback kiosks offer a low-cost, high-impact solution. They require minimal space and can be easily set up with basic software or integrated into existing event platforms.

12. Photo Booths with Your Brand Front and Center

A branded selfie station or mini photo booth, complete with a backdrop, props, and on-brand signage, encourages social sharing and captures attendees’ attention. It provides a fun opportunity for visitors to snap unique moments at your booth, helping to expand your reach organically as posts are shared with event followers.

To enhance the experience, install a tablet with photo-printing or app integration (like Simple Booth) or allow direct sharing to Instagram Stories. You can use a third-party widget to display the #YourHashtag feed on a screen. Offering a printed or digital copy as an incentive encourages more posts, generating user-created content tagged with your brand. This boosts your visibility and provides authenticity through peer endorsement.

A photo booth serves as a fun stop for visitors, allowing them to take a break and capture memories while subtly promoting your brand. By adding a custom event hashtag, you encourage social media sharing, extending your booth’s reach beyond the event. This user-generated content creates organic marketing, increasing booth traffic and engagement.

For businesses seeking creative and affordable trade show booth ideas, a photo booth is a budget-friendly option that makes a big impact. Simple elements like branded props, a printed banner, and a tablet for photo capturing can transform your space without heavy investment.

13. Live Demos to Showcase Real Value

Live product demonstrations are among the most compelling trade show booth ideas for drawing attention and engaging potential customers. By allowing visitors to see, touch, and experience your product firsthand, you create a dynamic and interactive booth environment. 

This not only showcases the value and functionality of your offering but also helps in building trust and excitement around your brand. Demonstrations naturally attract passersby, creating curiosity and encouraging them to stop and learn more. 

If you’re looking for ways to make your booth stand out, live demos are a surefire way to break through the noise and leave a lasting impression on attendees. For more ideas on enhancing the attendee experience at your booth, check out this blog on improving attendee engagement.

For companies exploring trade show booth ideas for small budgets, live demonstrations provide an impactful yet cost-effective solution. Instead of pouring resources into elaborate booth designs, focus on delivering a compelling and polished demo that highlights your product’s unique features. 

Simple setups with essential equipment, coupled with an engaging presenter, can generate significant interest without heavy financial investment. 

14. Offer a Hydration & Snack Station

Offer a branded water dispenser, smoothie bar, or snack table with coffee, healthy bites, or themed treats that align with your brand. Attendees appreciate free refreshments to combat expo fatigue and can be attracted naturally for a quick conversation while they snack.

Partner with on-site catering or rent portable beverage stations. Brand cups and napkins. Provide grab-and-go packets like granola bars, fruit, or candy displayed in branded bowls. This setup enhances hospitality, lengthens booth visits, and gives staff a natural icebreaker, like offering a snack while introducing the solution.

15. Offer Wellness Perks

A small wellness corner offering 3–5 minute chair massages, guided meditation sessions, or even oxygen bar experiences helps attendees unwind and recharge in the midst of a hectic trade show. Trade shows can be draining. Providing a moment of relaxation is both unexpected and highly appreciated, giving you an edge over more sales-focused booths. 

For massage, contract with a mobile wellness provider and set up a branded massage chair. For meditation, use a VR headset or noise-cancelling headphones with a short guided-meditation audio loop. Display availability via a simple booking app or sign-up sheet on a tablet. 

This approach increases dwell time, encourages attendees to stay for the full session, and gives your team the opportunity to engage in a more relaxed, meaningful way. It positions your brand as caring and human-centered, fostering positive associations and memorable conversations during or after the session.

16. Partner with Neighboring Booths for Cross-Promo

Collaborate with one or more non-competing exhibitors to create a joint trade show activation idea, such as a multi-booth passport program or co-hosted micro-event. Cross-booth promotions expand your trade show booth design beyond your own space and tap into the partner’s audience. Attendees love discovering interconnected experiences.

Design a digital “passport” on a mobile web app or event platform, where visitors scan badges at each partner booth to collect stamps. Once they complete all stops, they unlock a grand-prize entry or special content link. Promote the passport through joint social media and signage.

This strategy drives traffic to multiple booths, increases overall engagement, and creates a sense of shared discovery. Your brand benefits from partner marketing, and participants feel part of a larger, curated experience. Data from passport scans reveals top-performing touchpoints for follow-up.

17. Bring in a Special Guest or Company Mascot

Feature an influencer, industry expert, or costumed mascot at scheduled times for meet-and-greet sessions, photo ops, or live talks. Special guests and mascots draw naturally curious crowds, creating a buzz that radiates across the show floor. They’re a built-in audience magnet and conversation starter.

Coordinate arrival times and promote appearances via social media, the event app, and large digital displays on your booth. Use badge-scanning for entry to exclusive sessions. Incorporate a branded selfie frame or instant photo-print station to give attendees a tangible keepsake.

This tactic boosts foot traffic and increases social media mentions, while the shared photo moment reinforces brand recall. The influencer’s or mascot’s existing audience also helps amplify your reach and drive continued engagement after the event.

18. Launch an Outside-the-Booth Flash Activation

Next on the list is a trade show handout idea!

Deploy brand ambassadors or roving “flash mobs” in common areas to hand out teaser swag, perform quick demos, or invite attendees to your booth with branded flyers or chants.

Breaking free from booth boundaries extends your presence into the venue, catching attendees off guard and prompting them to seek you out. It creates FOMO and word-of-mouth.

To bring your trade show giveaway idea to life, equip roaming staff with tablets showing a countdown timer (and small, easy-to-carry giveaways, stickers, and lanyards). Consider using geo-fenced push notifications via the event app to alert nearby attendees of a pop-up demo or giveaway drop.

This strategy increases booth visits by creating urgency and surprise, tapping into the natural human draw toward events happening “right now.” It also lets you reach attendees who might have otherwise missed your booth entirely, ensuring broader visibility across the floor.

19. Add a Custom Photo Vending Machine

You know what’s an innovative trade show booth idea?

An automated kiosk that prints branded Polaroid-style photos or GIFs on the spot when attendees tag your booth on social media. Combining the nostalgia of instant printing with social integration, it entices attendees to engage both in-person and online.

Set up a photo kiosk with a camera, printer, and social-media API integration (e.g., Snapbar). When a user posts with your #hashtag, the system recognizes the tag and prints their photo automatically. Provide custom sticker frames or branded borders.

This not only generates social buzz and gives attendees a keepsake but also creates a powerful feedback loop, connecting digital engagement to physical foot traffic and giving your team real-time insight into campaign performance.

20. Airzooka Bowling Alley

A lightweight “bowling” setup using Airzooka air cannons and inflatable pins or plastic cups, where attendees compete to knock down the most pins, is a great trade show display idea. This playful twist on bowling is eye-catching, family-friendly, and invites multiple participants, creating dynamic booth energy.

Purchase Airzooka blasters and small inflatable pins. Set up a designated safe play area within the perimeter of your booth. Use a tablet to log scores and names, triggered by a simple web form. Display a real-time “Top Bowler” board on a monitor.

This game generates fun, shareable social content as participants often grab photos or videos, while also keeping visitors engaged longer. The score-logging process not only adds a competitive edge but also serves as a seamless and effective way to capture leads.

21. Deploy Robot Greeters

Small branded robots or automated kiosks that welcome guests, deliver brochures, or answer FAQs via pre-programmed scripts and touchscreen interfaces make for a futuristic booth centerpiece. Robots instantly convey a high-tech brand identity and draw crowds curious to interact with cutting-edge gadgets.

Lease or purchase autonomous robots (e.g., Temi, Pepper). Program greeting messages and upload PDF brochures or sign-up forms to the robot’s interface. Position it near your booth entrance with a clear path.

This setup creates a memorable first impression and frees staff to engage in higher-value conversations. Robot interactions can feed lead-capture data into your CRM, while the novelty factor sparks conversations and attracts even more booth visitors.

22. VR Pictionary Showdown

Attendees don VR headsets and use hand-controlled tools to draw in 3D space, while teammates guess the images in real time. This novel twist on classic Pictionary entertains both participants and spectators, showcasing your embrace of immersive experiences.

Equip a headset (Oculus Quest) and a 3D-drawing app (e.g., Tilt Brush or custom Unity build). Set up a camera capture so spectators can view the drawings on a screen. Host timed rounds and display results on a leaderboard.

This activation encourages group participation and social sharing—photos or videos of live 3D drawings often go viral. It positions your brand as a playful innovator, while the interactive format helps capture leads, spark conversations, and build strong recall post-event.

23. AR Cosmetic Try-On Station

An AR mirror or tablet app that lets visitors virtually apply makeup, clothing, or branded design elements, ideal for retail, beauty, or branded merchandise vendors. Virtual try-ons eliminate hygiene concerns of physical samples and provide a personalized demo that feels “magical.”

Partner with an AR provider (e.g., ModiFace by L’Oréal) or use WebAR tools to launch the experience in a browser. Equip a floor-standing smart mirror or tablet with the app pre-loaded. Capture lead info when users save or share their looks.

This delivers a customized, memorable interaction that directly ties product benefits to the user. It also encourages instant social sharing (“Look at my virtual lipstick!”), while giving your team valuable insights into attendee preferences and behavior.

24. Batak Pro Reaction Challenge

A fast-paced LED reaction wall where lights flash randomly and participants hit targets as quickly as possible. This high-energy activation appeals to competitive instincts and attracts onlookers eager to beat the top score.

Rent or purchase a Batak Pro wall. Connect it to your booth’s badge-scan system so that scores are logged against attendee profiles. Display live results on a monitor and offer tiered rewards based on speed.

This setup generates excitement and sustained traffic as competitors return to improve their times. The digital scoring provides precise engagement metrics, and the gamified experience creates an ideal opportunity for your team to initiate meaningful follow-ups based on participant enthusiasm and performance.

25. Interactive Display Cases

Glass or acrylic product cases outfitted with touch panels; when tapped, associated products light up and trigger detailed specs, videos, or 3D renders on an adjacent screen. Combines the allure of physical displays with digital depth, giving attendees the best of both worlds in a compact footprint.

Install capacitive touch sensors on the case. Wire each sensor to your interactive software (custom HTML5 or platforms like Intuiface). When a sensor is triggered, the software pulls the relevant media asset from a local server and plays it on nearby displays.

This setup encourages exploration and self-guided learning, enabling staff to focus on high-value conversations. The tactile interaction enhances memory retention and allows your team to track interest patterns based on which products were most frequently activated.

26. Host Live Music or Performances

A small live music setup, solo guitarist, DJ, or acoustic duo, or scheduled performers (magicians, caricature artists) directly in your booth. Live performance creates an event atmosphere, draws crowds organically, and differentiates your booth from static displays.

Rent sound equipment and negotiate time slots with event management. Promote performance times on social media and digital signage. Provide branded earplugs or quiet zones for those needing a break.

This approach enhances booth memorability, encourages repeat visits for favorite sets, and positions your brand as the most vibrant and engaging presence on the trade show floor.

27. Design a Comfortable Lounge & Charging Spot

A branded rest zone with plush seating, charging stations (USB and wireless), and ambient decor offers attendees a place to recharge both their devices and themselves. Trade show fatigue is real, and providing this space not only attracts visitors but also gives your staff a chance to engage in organic conversations. 

As attendees stop to charge their phones, your reps can initiate meaningful discussions, learning more about their interests and needs, unlike other booths where attendees might rush by.

Install multi-port USB charging stations or wireless chargers, all branded with your logo. Add café tables or lounge furniture with subtle signage like “Recharge Here Courtesy of [Brand].” Don’t forget to provide disposable sanitizing wipes for added convenience and hygiene.

This setup creates a welcoming atmosphere that boosts goodwill, fosters longer, more relaxed engagements, and positions your brand as one that values comfort and attendee well-being, making it a great opportunity for more personal connections.

28. Feature Live Entertainment or Music

A live performer, DJ, acoustic musician, or even a roving caricature artist, who entertains visitors and sets an energetic tone. Entertainment draws curiosity and crowds, making your booth feel like a destination rather than an obligation.

Hire local talent or partner with event entertainment services. Provide a small stage area with proper sound equipment. Promote set times to build anticipation (e.g., “5:00 PM DJ Set”).

This approach turns your booth into a memorable attraction, sparking conversations and leaving attendees with a lasting impression of your brand’s dynamic presence.

29. Launch a Multi-Sensory Experience

An experiential booth that engages multiple senses, visual (LED walls, projection mapping), auditory (ambient music, sound effects), olfactory (branded scent), and tactile (interactive wearables or textured surfaces).

Multi-sensory stimuli enhance memory recall compared to visual-only setups; attendees remember and discuss the booth longer afterward. Use simple devices: programmable diffusers for scent, Bluetooth speakers for curated playlists, LED strip lights tied to motion sensors, or projection-mapping services (e.g., Lightform) to animate static surfaces.

This immersive setup fosters a lasting emotional connection, distinguishes your booth architecturally, and converts passive foot traffic into active brand engagement.

30. NFC “Tap-to-Unlock” Perks Wall

Using the Right Tech for a Dynamic Booth Experience

To ensure your in-person trade shows deliver maximum impact, it’s essential to leverage the right event technology. Tools like mobile apps can enhance attendee engagement by providing interactive maps, schedules, and real-time notifications, while e-commerce modules simplify on-site sales and streamline product orders directly from the booth.

By integrating these technologies, you can create a more engaging, efficient, and memorable experience for attendees – boosting both customer satisfaction and event ROI.

If you’re ready to take your in-person trade shows to the next level, explore how vFairs’ Event Management Platform can help.