Gamifying Events with Activity Passports
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Every event planner knows the struggle: how do you keep guests engaged beyond attendance? The answer is simple: gamification — gamifying participation through fun, interactive challenges. One of the easiest, yet impactful, one you could possibly use is the activity passport.
At Helios Event Productions, we have turned mundane conferences and dealer meets into interactive, buzzing experiences by incorporating activity passports that have every guest feeling like they are on a quest.
What is an Activity Passport?
An activity passport is a booklet (or digital) provided for each attendee at the start of your event. In it, you create a list of “missions” – attending a workshop, visiting a vendor booth, posting a picture at the photo booth, etc.
Every time a mission is completed, the participant receives a stamp. Once the passport is filled, they can exchange it for prizes or other exclusive treats.
It’s easy, inexpensive and can be highly effective in promoting active participation.
Why Gamification Works
Gamification utilizes deep-seated human psychology:
- Achievement: Participants feel accomplished as they earn stamps.
- Competition: Seeing others join in will encourage others to participate.
- Rewards: Exclusive prizes or recognition will generate higher participation.
- Exploration: Encourages participants to visit all zones, maximizing opportunities for sponsors.
Types of Missions You Can Include
Each mission should correlate to your event objectives. Here are some examples:
- Attend at least one workshop
- Visit 5 sponsor booths
- Take a picture at the photo booth
- Post with the event hashtag on LinkedIn/Instagram
- Network with 3 new people and get signatures
Case Example: Dealer Engagement Program
During a corporate dealer meeting hosted by Helios, we created an activity passport challenge. Dealers earned stamps for visiting the sponsor booths, attending product demonstrations, and asking questions.
The completion rate was above 80%, and sponsors remarked having more visitors to their booth than they had ever seen before. Attendees also cornered us to tell us how much fun it added to their experience and made the event different from a “normal” conference.
Benefits of Activity Passports
Activity Passports provide measurable results.
- Higher Participation Rates: Guests don’t just show up; they engage.
- Sponsor Visibility: Ensures foot traffic to booths.
- Content Creation: Social media participation creates online buzz.
- Memorable: Guests will remember events that make them feel like winners.
Tips for Success
To ensure that your passport is fully utilized, consider following these guidelines:
- Keep missions light-hearted and simple.
- Provide meaningful yet easy-to-grasp rewards.
- Utilize digital options (QR codes) to stamp your passports.
- Call out the passport activity at the opening session.
Conclusion
Gamification does not need to be difficult. With a passport, you can gamify any event into an adventure where founders are not just passive observers.
At Helios Event Productions, we create and implement innovative gamification frameworks that attendees will still be discussing long after the event is over.
Think Event, Think Helios.
The success of your corporate event depends on how it influences the bottom line of your business.
Whether you’re planning a grand gala, an impactful conference, or a team-building retreat, Helios Event Productions is dedicated to delivering unparalleled event experiences tailored to your organization’s unique needs.
LET’S MAKE MY NEXT EVENT SUCCESSFUL
