The Power of VR Influencers and Activations at Trade Shows

Trade shows represent a major investment for companies to showcase their latest products and technologies. However, with hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of attendees walking the floor, it can be challenging to stand out. This is where leveraging VR influencers and activations can set your booth apart.

In this post, we’ll look at the rise of VR/AR influencers, unique benefits for trade show marketing, and strategies to maximize your return from VR activations at your next show.

The Rise of VR/AR Influencers

VR and AR technologies have unlocked new categories of digital influencers. Just like traditional social media influencers, these CGI personalities create content while modeling, reviewing products, and playing games in virtual worlds.

Top VR influencers like Anwar Newton and Ziggy On Mars have followings in the millions generating high engagement within VR platforms. Brand sponsorships get integrated directly into their content and interactions.

AR influencers utilize the same tactics but overlay digital avatars onto real-world environments using smartphone cameras. Companies like KFC and Red Bull have already tapped AR influencers for online campaigns.

As VR/AR adoption grows, these virtual influencers build loyal audiences and become useful marketing channels.

Benefits of VR Activations at Trade Shows

While still an emerging strategy, VR and AR activations at trade shows offer several advantages:‍

• ‍Memorable - VR experiences at booths attract attention and stay top of mind after an event.‍

• Interactive - Attendees engage directly rather than passively viewing demos. VR builds deeper connections.‍‍

• ‍Gamified - VR lends itself perfectly to gamification and contests that drive repeat visitors.‍

• Capturable - VR interactions can be recorded from the user perspective then repurposed across social media.‍‍

• ‍Trackable - VR provides rich data on user sessions like attention span and interests that inform marketing.‍

• Newsworthy - VR activations can earn media coverage for your brand and products. Reporters love the latest tech.

If planned correctly, VR can be the highlight of your trade show presence and deliver significant ROI compared to other options.

Strategies to Activate VR Influencers

Here are proven strategies for leveraging VR influencers and activations:

1. Develop Your Own VR Influencer - Creating a custom CGI brand ambassador or mascot lets you directly control messaging and interactions. Have them guide users through demos at your booth in character.
2. Recruit Existing VR Influencers - Alternatively, partner with established VR influencers that match your target demographic. Pay for branded shoutouts, content endorsements, live appearances and social promotion.
3. Create Shareable VR Content  - Develop short VR videos or AR effects that attendees can participate in and then share on their social channels. User generated content drives further reach. Hashtag challenges work well.
4. Gamify the Experience - Add gaming elements like points, recognition, leaderboards and prizes into your VR experience. These rewards incentivize engagement and sharing. Contests and giveaways also work.
5. Integrate with Product Demos - Don’t let VR be siloed. Incorporate it into showcasing your products and technologies. For example, have influencers demo products live in VR or add AR overlays that show extra capabilities.
6. Capture First-Person Videos - Record VR sessions from the user’s perspective and cut into compelling first-person highlight reels to repurpose on YouTube and social media.
7. Gather Data and Feedback - VR provides a wealth of attitudinal data. Survey users and track behaviors within VR experiences to gain insights that inform marketing strategy and future product enhancements.

Immerse Attendees with VR Activations

VR influencer campaigns enable startups and brands to cut through the noise and deliver truly memorable experiences at trade shows. Keep users engaged with your technology long after the booth lights go out. With smart planning and execution, it’s a strategy that delivers measurable ROI and lasting brand impressions. Consider adding VR into your next show activation to take your presence to the next level!

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