18 Trade Show Ideas in Los Angeles: Engage Attendees and Boost ROI

by Los Virtuality

Hosting a trade show in Los Angeles is like throwing a party in the heart of entertainment paradise. Attendees have high expectations, and the pressure to deliver a memorable experience is real. But fear not! With the right attractions and a little Los Angeles magic, you can boost attendee engagement and your ROI. Here’s how you can turn your trade show into a blockbuster success with these ideas:

Discover the Best Trade Show Entertainment Ideas

Looking for standout trade show strategies in Los Angeles? Look no further! At Los Virtuality, we specialize in crafting unique experiences that make your booth the talk of the event. Our mission is simple: draw crowds, boost leads, and ensure everyone has a memorable time.

We’re always ahead of the curve with cutting-edge entertainment technology to keep your attendees engaged. Whether it’s a heart-pounding race car simulation or a daring virtual skyscraper challenge, we deliver excitement that resonates with your audience.

Here’s how Los Virtuality can help your Los Angeles trade show shine:

  • Draw in curious attendees
  • Transform visitors into qualified leads
  • Foster active participant engagement
  • Showcase your brand’s distinctive appeal

Ready to create an unforgettable experience? Let’s dive into some of the top trade show ideas LA has to offer!

18 Best Ways to Engage Attendees

Forget boring booths! Interactive simulators steal the show! Here’s how they can transform your event:

1. Golf Simulator

Bring the classic charm of the golf course right to your trade show floor with a high-tech golf simulator. Attendees can perfect their swing, aim for a hole-in-one, or test their skills against challenging virtual terrains. Add a competitive twist with a leaderboard to track scores throughout the event, and reward the top golfers with fun prizes. This activity offers a laid-back, inclusive vibe that appeals to pros and amateurs alike. It’s also a sneaky way to keep participants engaged for longer. Bonus: No lost golf balls or bad weather to ruin the fun—it’s a win-win for everyone!

2. Virtual Reality Adventures

A virtual reality (VR) setup transports attendees to another dimension—without ever leaving the trade show floor. From fighting dragons to strolling through surreal dreamscapes, VR provides immersive adventures that are impossible to resist. Attendees donning headsets are bound to draw a crowd, and the interactive experience is perfect for breaking the ice. Offer themed adventures to align with your brand, and don’t forget to create photo ops to encourage social sharing. This cutting-edge activity highlights innovation and creativity while giving guests an unforgettable experience they’ll rave about long after the event ends.

3. Surf Simulator

Capture the sunny, laid-back vibe of Southern California with a surf simulator at your booth. Perfect for all skill levels, this activity allows attendees to hang ten on virtual waves without risking a wipeout—or even getting wet. Guests can channel their inner beach bum as they balance on the moving board, while spectators enjoy the hilarious near-spills. Customize the setup with branding or surf-inspired decor to make your display truly memorable. It’s fun, unique, and perfectly tied to LA’s iconic surf culture, ensuring a wave of excitement and engagement from your attendees.

4. Ski Simulator

Turn your trade show into a winter wonderland with a ski simulator that lets attendees shred the slopes, no matter the season. The immersive setup offers a rush of virtual alpine adventure, complete with twisting turns and high-speed thrills. Balance and agility are key, making this activity both challenging and entertaining. Whether attendees are seasoned skiers or total novices, everyone will get a kick out of watching (and attempting) the experience. Pair the simulator with snow-themed decor or a wintery photo backdrop for added ambiance. It’s a cool way to heat up the excitement at your event!

5. Racing Simulator

Racing Simulator

Rev up the adrenaline with a racing simulator that puts attendees in the driver’s seat of high-performance cars. Whether it’s zooming through Formula 1 tracks or winding along scenic roads, this activity offers a pulse-pounding experience that’s impossible to ignore. Participants can race against the clock, compete with others, or just enjoy the thrill of virtual speed. Add a digital leaderboard to keep the competition fierce, and brand the setup with your logo for extra exposure. It’s the perfect way to appeal to car enthusiasts and action-seekers alike while keeping your booth buzzing with excitement.

6. 360 VR Rollercoaster Simulator

VR 360 Rollercoaster Chair Simulator

Bring the twists, turns, and screams of a rollercoaster to your trade show with a 360 VR rollercoaster simulator. Guests strap in, pop on a headset, and are instantly transported to breathtaking heights and thrilling drops—all without ever leaving the ground. The immersive visuals and motion integration make for a wildly entertaining experience. It’s perfect for drawing a crowd, as attendees will love watching their friends’ over-the-top reactions. Choose customizable ride options to suit your event’s theme and branding, ensuring the memory of the excitement stays linked to your business.

7. Mini Golf

Mini golf is a surefire way to make your booth a hit with all ages. Create a pop-up course complete with quirky obstacles, brightly colored turf, and playful themes. Attendees can show off their putting skills while mingling with others, making it a great icebreaker. This activity works wonders for keeping guests engaged, whether they’re vying for a hole-in-one or just having fun. Add branding to the course and offer small prizes for top scores to boost interest. It’s low-pressure, high-fun, and ensures that everyone leaves with a smile (and maybe a few laughs).

8. Home Run Derby (Baseball Simulator)

Swing for the fences with a baseball simulator that brings America’s pastime to your event. Guests can test their batting skills against virtual pitchers, aiming to rack up home runs and break records. The crack of the bat and cheers from spectators create an energetic, competitive atmosphere that’s impossible to ignore. Customize the simulator with branded baseball jerseys or themed decor to make it extra special. Whether attendees are hardcore baseball fans or casual players, everyone will appreciate the chance to step up to the plate—and maybe take home bragging rights.

9. Snowboard Simulator

Let attendees experience the thrill of snowboarding, no mountain required! A snowboard simulator challenges participants to balance on a moving board while navigating virtual snowy slopes. It’s a fun, interactive way to channel the adventurous spirit of winter sports. Add a leaderboard to track scores or times, and reward the best performers with prizes. Even spectators will get a kick out of watching the action (and occasional wipeouts). Deck out your space with snow-themed props for an immersive vibe, and your booth will quickly become the coolest spot at the trade show.

10. Walk the Plank Challenge

Take VR excitement to new heights—literally—with a “Walk the Plank” challenge. This daring activity combines virtual reality with a physical balance board to simulate walking across a narrow plank high above a virtual cityscape. It’s thrilling, nerve-wracking, and absolutely hilarious to watch as participants wobble their way to the “end.” Offer prizes for the boldest walkers or set up a fun photo booth nearby to capture their reactions. This crowd-drawing activity guarantees laughs and provides a unique memory that attendees won’t soon forget. Just be ready for lots of nervous giggles!

11. Soccer Simulator

Soccer Simulator

Bring the world’s most popular sport to your trade show with a soccer simulator. Attendees can take penalty shots, practice free kicks, or even defend the goal in a thrilling virtual environment. The activity is engaging for both participants and spectators, making it a surefire way to create buzz. Personalize the setup with branded soccer balls or jerseys to align with your company’s message. Add a scoring system for a competitive edge and reward high scorers with themed prizes. Whether attendees are soccer enthusiasts or just curious to try, this activity is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

12. Professional DJ

music, dj, party-7238254.jpg

A professional DJ is the secret ingredient to transforming a trade show booth from ordinary to extraordinary. Spinning high-energy tracks or chill background beats, a DJ creates an ambiance that draws people in and keeps them engaged. Guests will naturally gravitate toward your booth, curious about where the fun vibes are coming from. Want to up the ante? Let the DJ take live song requests or give them your playlist to mix in brand-specific themes. The energy and excitement created by the music ensure your space feels like the heart of the event, sparking conversations and lasting impressions.

13. Uplighting for Ambiance

Lighting is one of the easiest ways to make a booth stand out, and uplighting is the MVP of event decor. Choose soft hues for a sophisticated feel or bold, bright colors to create excitement and energy. Uplighting doesn’t just enhance aesthetics; it subtly directs attention to key areas, whether it’s a featured product or interactive setup. It’s also an Instagram-worthy touch, encouraging attendees to snap and share photos. With the right lighting design, you can transform a bland trade show booth into an inviting, unforgettable space that reflects your brand personality.

14. LED Dance Floor

There’s nothing like an LED dance floor to turn your booth into the life of the trade show. The dazzling lights and interactive floor encourage attendees to kick off their shoes (figuratively) and bust a move. Whether it’s a planned dance-off or spontaneous fun, the energy this creates is contagious. Guests can’t resist joining in, making it a magnet for engagement. The LED setup also doubles as a visual centerpiece, drawing attention from across the event. Pair it with upbeat music or even an impromptu dance lesson to make your brand synonymous with good vibes and great memories.

15. LED Video Wall

An LED video wall is the ultimate way to grab attention and share your brand’s message in style. This dynamic, customizable display can showcase live event feeds, promotional videos, or interactive content that captivates attendees. Its bold, vivid visuals ensure your booth stands out, even from across a crowded venue. Want to amplify engagement? Incorporate touch-screen elements or fun animations that attendees can interact with. The video wall’s versatility makes it a powerful tool for storytelling and brand reinforcement, leaving a lasting impression on your audience. Think of it as the billboard your event didn’t know it needed.

16. Photo Booth

Everyone loves a good photo booth, and it’s a guaranteed hit for your trade show. Equip it with fun props, custom backdrops, and branding to make it unique to your event. Attendees can snap solo pictures, goofy group shots, or classy headshots—and they’ll walk away with a keepsake that doubles as free marketing for your brand. Opt for digital photo sharing so guests can post directly to social media, complete with your event hashtag. Bonus points for adding themed filters or augmented reality effects! A photo booth is interactive, memorable, and the perfect blend of fun and function.

17. Live Band

Set the perfect tone for your event with a live band that gets attendees moving and grooving. Whether it’s jazzy sophistication, acoustic indie vibes, or high-energy pop covers, music creates an inviting atmosphere. A live band can adapt to the mood of your crowd, adding a personal touch that canned playlists can’t replicate. Position the band near your booth to attract passersby or host mini-concert sessions for a dedicated audience. Pair it with snacks and seating to create a relaxing oasis within the trade show hustle. It’s an investment in ambiance that attendees won’t forget.

18. LED Party Robot Dancers

LED Party Robot Dancers

Nothing screams “showstopper” quite like LED-lit robot dancers. These towering, futuristic performers light up the room (literally) with their high-energy moves and glowing costumes. They’re ideal for drawing a crowd, turning heads, and creating buzz throughout the trade show floor. Plus, they offer endless photo and video opportunities—attendees will line up for selfies with these dazzling machines. Customize the LED colors to match your brand, and you’ve got a walking, dancing advertisement that wows your audience. It’s the perfect mix of entertainment and spectacle to make your event unforgettable.

Why Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is the ultimate trade show destination, and not just because of its sunny skies and palm trees. As the entertainment capital of the world, LA knows how to host a showstopping event. The city offers a wealth of world-class venues, from the sprawling Los Angeles Convention Center to unique spaces like rooftop terraces and beachfront settings. Plus, its cultural diversity, vibrant nightlife, and iconic landmarks mean attendees will have plenty to explore beyond your event. Whether your guests are networking or sightseeing, Los Angeles sets the stage for creativity, innovation, and unforgettable memories.

Top Los Angeles Hotels

When your attendees need a luxurious place to relax after all the fun, LA delivers. Here are some standout options:

1. The Beverly Hills Hotel:

2. The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles

3. The NoMad Hotel

4. Four Seasons Hotel

5. JW Mariott Los Angels

Additional Sources

17 Party Game Rentals Ideas: https://www.losvirtuality.com/blog/party-game-rental-ideas-in-2025/
Top 19 Ideas for an Engaging Corporate Party in Los Angeles: https://www.losvirtuality.com/blog/top-ideas-for-a-corporate-party-in-los-angeles/
VR Rental in Los Angeles: https://www.losvirtuality.com/blog/virtual-reality-rental-los-angeles/

Final Thoughts

A trade show in Los Angeles offers endless opportunities to wow your attendees and boost your ROI. By incorporating these interactive simulators, fun physical challenges, and vibrant ambiance ideas, you’ll create an event that stands out from the crowd. When you add the LA factor like sunshine, glamour, and excitement, you’ve got a recipe for a trade show that’s as unforgettable as it is effective. So, roll out the red carpet, bring your A-game, and make your event the blockbuster hit of the season!

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