Something New partnered with the ATD 2026 International Conference & EXPO to deliver an interactive trade show game booth experience designed to attract attendees, spark engagement, and create memorable moments throughout the event. Built for a busy expo environment, the activation combined carnival-style games with high-energy facilitation to help attendees step away from the traditional booth format and participate in something more interactive and social.
The experience featured a curated lineup of themed games, professionally facilitated gameplay, and prize opportunities that encouraged attendees to stop, play, and connect with exhibitors and fellow guests. Designed specifically for an indoor trade show setting, the booths created an eye-catching attraction that stood out on the expo floor while maintaining smooth guest flow throughout the event.
ATD 2026 International Conference and EXPO |
Trade Show Booth Games | Something New
Case Study
Six-Game Package
For the activation, Something New delivered a curated selection of interactive games designed to perform well in a fast-paced trade show environment. Guests could test their aim with Squirrel Throwing and The Pickle Toss, dive into playful discovery-based challenges like Bigfoot Hunt and Prize Hunt, or enjoy lighthearted crowd favorites such as The Donut Hole and Hot Dog Fishing. The mix of whimsical themes and quick-play formats created an approachable experience that encouraged attendees to stop, participate, and engage with others on the expo floor.
The variety of games allowed attendees to quickly jump into the experience while keeping the atmosphere energetic and welcoming for guests of all ages and personalities. Each game was easy to understand, fast to play, and entertaining for both participants and spectators, helping naturally draw foot traffic toward the activation area.
The combination of humor, friendly competition, and prize incentives created a fun break from the traditional expo environment while encouraging repeat participation throughout the event.
Not Your Typical Trade Show Booth
What made this activation stand out was its ability to transform a standard expo booth setup into a highly interactive guest experience. Rather than relying solely on signage or product displays, the game booths created an opportunity for attendees to actively participate, interact with facilitators, and spend more time engaged within the space.
The indoor setup was designed specifically for the trade show environment, allowing the experience to remain visually impactful while operating efficiently within the flow of a crowded expo floor. The combination of themed games, structured facilitation, and prize incentives helped create a lively destination that continuously attracted attendees throughout the event.
Features & Add-Ons
The carnival games came with full-service support from Something New as a carnival game vendor, turning the setup into a seamless, end-to-end experience.
Indoor Trade Show Booths
The booths were designed to fit seamlessly within the expo environment while still creating a strong visual presence that encouraged attendees to stop and engage.
Expert Facilitators
Our facilitators kept gameplay organized, welcoming, and fast-paced, ensuring guests could easily participate while maintaining smooth traffic flow around the activation space.
Prize Packages
Prize opportunities added another layer of excitement to the experience, motivating attendees to participate, compete, and return throughout the event.
Why it Worked
The activation worked because it introduced something highly interactive into a traditionally structured trade show setting. While attendees spent much of the event moving between booths and presentations, the game experience provided a fun and approachable way to pause, engage, and connect with others on the expo floor.
The curated game selection balanced humor, competition, and simplicity, making it easy for attendees to participate without requiring long explanations or wait times. Combined with energetic facilitation and prize incentives, the booths consistently attracted attention and created a welcoming environment that encouraged conversation and repeat engagement.
By blending interactive entertainment with a polished trade show setup, Something New helped transform the ATD 2026 International Conference & EXPO experience into something more memorable, social, and engaging for attendees throughout the event.
Carnival Games,
Reimagined.