An iPad.  A handheld tablet-computing device from Apple Inc. The iPad is designed for consumers who want a mobile device that is bigger than a smart phone but smaller than a laptop for entertainment multimedia.  But how can you as a marketing manager use these devices effectively and efficiently within your trade show exhibit space? Here are some of the top benefits that most people receive when using an iPad to engage trade show visitors at their booth:

• Increased interest and traffic at your booth – Everyone is drawn to iPads. People that see an iPad in a place where they are not used to seeing one will usually take the time to check it out. That’s exactly what you want when you attend a trade show, people to take a minute to stop by your trade show booth. This is what iPad delivers over and over again.
  
  
• More time spent at your trade show booth – Once the iPad has lured people to your trade show booth, usually those folks stick around your booth a little longer than they would a booth without an iPad. This provides you with an opportunity to share information with those folks about your products, services, company, and industry.
  
  
• Increased engagement in your company – People who take time to stop by your booth, and then spend some extra time while there, are also more engaged in what you have to say then those folks who simply pass by, say hello to be polite, grab your free tchotchke and leave. Having an iPad at your booth provides you with an opportunity to talk to someone who is actually listening to you and wants to learn more about such an innovative company.
  
  
• Ability to convert booth traffic into online connections – As we will discuss a little later in this article, there are apps out there that allow you to collect email addresses right on you iPad. Say goodbye to that pad of paper that you used to use to collect email addresses. Now you can collect email addresses on your iPad right there at your booth. You don’t even need an internet connection to do it!
  
  
• Opportunity to show educational content about your products, services, company, and industry – Do you have YouTube videos detailing your products or services? How about a website? Maybe you have product specs saved as PDF files. Any of these pieces of content can be served up on the iPad for your trade show booth visitors to read or watch.

The list above provides a snapshot of just a few of the top benefits that using an iPad at your trade show booth provides. Depending on how you use the iPad, which apps you run, and how many people show up, there are a lot more benefits that you’ll enjoy. Take a look at our design studio for the latest in iPad solutions!!

Information from this article was obtained through Ryan Taft and his article - Use an iPad at your trade show booth to engage customers.   Ryan Taft is a Twenty-Something entrepreneur who enjoys helping companies leverage the power of Social Media Marketing to increase sales. Ryan runs a Social Media Marketing Company, Catalyst Marketers. He also released an iPad app, OnSpot Social, which is designed to help business owners collect Social Media Connections and Email Addresses on an iPad right in their store.