What is a Kiosk?

One of the common questions that you hear as an exhibit house is “What is a kiosk, and how can it help us?” This is an important question to be asking as part of your experiential marketing presence.

Kiosks increase consumer engagement, interaction, and improve client relationships.

What is a Kiosk?

Kiosk Definition: A stand-alone physical structure found in public areas that displays information or advertisements for passersby. More sophisticated kiosks encourage users to interact and include touch screens, sound, and motion video similar to an ATM machine. Kiosks are often used in malls, trade shows, and professional conferences as a way to draw and interact with foot traffic. Because they are so effective, smart marketers use these workhorses frequently. As a result, there has been a wide variety of different kiosks becoming available on the market.

Benefits of Utilizing a Kiosk:

Utilizing kiosks in any form or function can be very beneficial if used the right way. Below are just some of the benefits that can be gained from using a kiosk at your next trade show or event.

• Kiosks provide a highly interactive display element – Interactivity is key for any type of event where you are hoping to boost interest in your product, service, or cause. With graphics, you can create any fun design on the kiosk, making it stand out to the crowd. Include an interactive element to keep potential prospects or clients around longer, increasing your opportunity for gaining their business.
• Kiosks can provide secure storage areas for assets and marketing materials  If you are exhibiting at a trade show or corporate event, you are going to have marketing materials and handouts. Kiosks, while they serve the main purpose of displaying important information and advertisements, also often have room to store these extra marketing materials.
• Self-Service kiosks allow companies to more efficiently run their business – Whether you are using a kiosk in your company’s location or at a trade show or event, it is likely that a self-service type of kiosk will help you be more efficient. For example, kiosks can be used to collect contact information. By having a kiosk with a computer or tablet built in, trade show attendees can provide their information electronically. This will make it easier on the business as well as the prospect who is providing their info. No more pen and paper contact forms!

How to go about renting or purchasing a kiosk?

The first step in acquiring a kiosk is to ask your trade show booth vendor if they rent kiosks. Then, share your concept with them. From there, a representative will discuss your needs and budget before providing a rendering of your kiosk design. After receiving the initial design, you will typically go back and forth with a series of revisions before ultimately coming to an agreed-upon design. Once you arrive at this stage, it is as simple as determining the rental or purchase terms and amounts and signing off on the quote provided. After the sign-off, your exhibit vendor will produce your kiosk design, then provide, deliver and install the finished product, and remove it after the trade show or convention.

Types of Kiosks:

Kiosks come in a variety of shapes, size, and features.

Rental Kiosk:

Rental Kiosks are a great option when you are attending a trade show or event on a moderate budget. Rental Kiosks tend to be a bit more modular, but still leave room to add custom components. The are significantly more budget-friendly than a full custom kiosk, and provide high-level returns if you will be exhibiting at multiple events in a year. Get your rental kiosk branded with your company’s graphics and advertising campaigns to increase its impact.

Custom Kiosk:

Custom kiosks tend to be more expensive, but provide the ultimate branding and interactive experience. Everything from the kiosk design, shape, materials, graphics, lighting, and much more can be completely customized to suit your company’s needs and branding efforts. These tend to incorporate such components as charging stations to iPad mounts and everything in between. If you can make room in your budget, a custom kiosk is a great way to draw attention to your space.

Portable Kiosk:

A portable kiosk is a great choice for a tight budget. These are often very basic level kiosks that provide a work area, some branding, and storage space. There are a variety of different portable options available at varying levels of quality and cost. These kiosks are easy to install as well, cutting down the time and cost of set up. Portable kiosks tend to be relatively lightweight and easy to transport.

Self-Service Kiosks:

Self-Service Kiosks are the ultimate way for any business (especially retail locations and service providers) to utilize technology to increase customer satisfaction and reduce fixed costs. The goal of the self-service kiosk is to take employees out of the equation by satisfying customer needs with a high-quality user interface and digital kiosk display. This convenient technology is used everywhere from rental car providers and airports to fast food restaurants. These kiosks are a significant initial expense, but more than pay for themselves with the ability to cut fixed-costs in the long-run.

Mall Kiosk:

If you have ever been at the mall and someone approached you in the corridor upselling their product, they will typically be stationed at a mall kiosk. There is a reason why every mall has kiosks in them–they work! If you have a good design, product display, and most importantly high-quality staffing, mall kiosks can be a great way to sell consumer goods.

Metro Exhibits’ Kiosk Capabilities:

• Kiosk Design
• Interactive Kiosks
• Portable Kiosks
• Retail Kiosk
• Kiosk Rental
• Custom Kiosk
• Trade Show Kiosk
• Interactive Kiosk Design

Learn more about the kiosks that we can provide, or are in need of an exhibit as well, reach out to us today and one of our sales representatives will be in contact to help you have a successful event!