Event gamification has been around for a few years. Yet, with the industry transforming itself again in the last few years, event gamification is back to the fore.
The concept involves introducing game elements into non-game settings, such as conferences, trade shows, and various events. The primary goal? To captivate participants and boost their overall event experience, turning ordinary conferences into more interactive occasions. Yet, it can also deliver valuable post-event information.
At its core, gamification entertains and achieves specific objectives. These objectives range from increasing attendee participation and encouraging networking to pushing knowledge retention. Done well, it can add a wow factor to events, introducing a new dimension that augments branding opportunities and provides organisations with new opportunities to deliver content.
Event gamification examples
Engagement and participation through event gamification
Gamification is a powerful tool for encouraging active participation. By incorporating challenges, quizzes, and competitions, attendees can earn points, badges, or other rewards for completing specific tasks or engaging in desired behaviours during the event. This boosts participation and enhances satisfaction as attendees actively seek out and enjoy entertaining activities.
Event networking
A benefit of well-done gamification is facilitating connections among delegates. Challenges that require collaboration and interaction, such as scavenger hunts or team-based competitions, provide a unique platform for participants to connect. In essence, gamification takes team-building activities beyond the usual icebreakers and puzzle tasks, riling up the team.
Plus, networking games can reward your delegates for meeting a specified number of new people or connecting on the company’s internal comms tool, such as Microsoft Viva (previously known as Yammer), Slack, or Simpplr.
Learning
Event gamification is a powerful tool for developing your delegates’ learning experiences. Incorporating educational games or interactive presentations has been shown to increase learning efficiency significantly.
When information is presented in a gamified format, people can be more likely to retain it. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies can further enhance gamified experiences if you’re looking for a fully tech-immersive event. But we always recommend caution here—don’t fall into the ‘style over substance’ category and create so many distractions that your delegates retain little knowledge.
Rewards and incentives
Motivation plays a crucial role in attendee engagement. Offering rewards, such as badges, certificates, or tangible prizes, can encourage active participation. Recognition for achievements provides your guests with a sense of accomplishment and friendly competition.
According to financemagnates.com, IBM’s flagship conference employs gamification to encourage guests to participate by pushing them to visit booths and attend sessions. So, event gamification is a tool that works well for exhibitions, supplier roadshows, and conferences.
Plus, leaderboards displaying progress and achievements add a competitive spirit to the event and an opportunity for a break in content and presentations.
Feedback
Gamification extends to feedback collection, incorporating surveys. With testing, you may find your attendees are more willing to provide input when it’s presented in a gamified and entertaining format.
Event buzz
Gamification isn’t just for the event itself; it can be a powerful marketing tool. Integrating gamified elements generates excitement and interest, aiding in event promotion. Promotional and social media campaigns featuring gamified challenges can create a buzz to encourage early registrations.
Adapting gamification to customise your event
One of gamification’s strengths is its adaptability. You can tailor event gamification strategies to align with each event’s goals and audience preferences. This flexibility in design allows you to create unique experiences each time, mainly if your event is part of a series or campaign of events.
Not ready to leap into event gamification? We can plan a standard company conference or roadshow too. So, contact our team today.