Put a Pin in it
At EXHIBITORLIVE 2025, Hill & Partners invented a clever, low-tech method of engaging booth visitors in conversations about their past, present, and future. On the reception desk facing the show aisle rested three corkboards, each holding push pins with color-coded heads. One board was labeled “Where Are You From,” another was labeled “Where Are You Going,” and a third was labeled “Where Do You Want to Explore.” Attendees could choose a pin and place it in a corkboard map behind the reception desk that was clearly marked with Hill & Partners' global locations. This interactive setup allowed attendees to be part of the story Hill & Partners was telling about its global reach. By fostering organic, low-pressure conversations, staff could connect with attendees on a personal level, sparking discussions about their home, their adventures, and their dreams. Simple, low-tech solutions can have a big impact by not only telling a brand's story in a personal and dynamic way, but by drawing show attendees in and helping them become part of the experience. Bust a Move
When your booth isn't in a prime location, sometimes the best strategy is to turn it into an intriguing game and make people hunt for you. At EuroShop 2023, mannequin manufacturer Hans Boodt purchased a sliver of space near the Hall 12 entrance and kept it intentionally bare. The only attraction was an oversized bust perched atop wooden crates, surrounded by rubble sprayed with purple graffiti pointing directly to the company's main booth (A17). The edgy art installation was impossible for passersby to ignore, doubling as a teaser for what the larger space held and a wayfinding sign for curious attendees. Instead of fighting for attention in a crowded hall, Hans Boodt turned a low-profile space into a high-impact billboard that piqued curiosity and funneled attendees straight to its true destination. This technique was proof that sometimes less really is more — especially when “less” is a giant statue covered in graffiti daring people to see what else you've got up your sleeve. Elephant in the Room
At Art Basel, a herd of 100 life-size wooden elephants didn't move an inch — and yet they stopped everyone else in their tracks. Crafted by Indigenous artisans of The Real Elephant Collective using invasive lantana wood and modeled after real elephants, the sculptures transformed a stretch of Miami Beach into an instant migration path. The genius wasn't motion but placement: an installation so striking that attendees instinctively rerouted their steps, lingered for photos, and shared the experience widely. For exhibit managers, the lesson is clear: Strategic staging of bold, photo-worthy elements can shift attendee flow, create social-media buzz, and give your space gravitational pull. A clever arrangement of oversized props, immersive art pieces, or even a single sculptural focal point can become a navigational landmark and make your booth a destination.