A racing simulator is one of the easiest ways to stop people in a trade show aisle. They see someone racing, they watch a lap, and then they want a turn. This guide shows how to plan one for your booth, step by step.
Why a racing simulator works at a trade show
- It draws a crowd. People stop to watch before they play, so your booth looks busy all day.
- Rounds are short. A lap takes a few minutes, so the line keeps moving.
- A leaderboard brings people back. Attendees return to beat the top time, and each visit is another chance to talk.
- It gives your team time. While one guest drives, your staff can talk with the people waiting.
Step 1: Match the setup to your booth
One racing simulator needs about 6 × 4 ft and a standard 110V outlet. That makes it one of the few big attractions that fits a 10 × 10 booth.
| Booth size | What fits | Guests per hour |
|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 | One simulator and a leaderboard screen | 10–15 |
| 10 × 20 | Two simulators side by side for head-to-head racing | 20–30 |
| 20 × 20 and larger | Four or more simulators, or simulators plus a second game | 40–60+ |
Pick the hardware by your crowd. A Base Setup with a force-feedback wheel suits a general audience. A Pro Setup with a direct-drive wheel and a Formula-style cockpit suits car, tech and engineering crowds who know the difference.
Step 2: Run a fastest-lap contest
Keep the rules simple: same car, same track, one timed lap, best time wins. Set the car and track before the show so every lap counts on the same leaderboard. Guests can race solo for a time, or head-to-head if you have two simulators.
Offer a daily prize and a grand prize for the whole show. A daily winner gives people a reason to come on day one, and a grand prize gives them a reason to come back.
Step 3: Put your brand on it
- Simulator branding: your logo and colors on the cockpit.
- In-game branding: your logo on the screen.
- Branded leaderboard: a dedicated screen with the best lap times and your logo, facing the aisle.
At IMTS at McCormick Place, Hexagon ran two branded simulators with a live leaderboard for the full show week. Attendees kept coming back to improve their time.
Step 4: Capture leads before the lap
The best moment to collect a contact is right before a guest sits down. With a lead capture add-on, guests fill in a short form with opt-in, then drive. After the show you get a data export, and you can match lap times to names when you follow up. Scan badges too if your show uses them.
Step 5: Plan staff and the line
- A trained attendant runs the simulator, helps first-time drivers and resets each lap. This comes with the rental.
- Keep your own team free to talk with the people in line.
- Use stanchions or floor tape so the line does not block the aisle.
- Drivers need to be 13 or older.
Step 6: Sort out show logistics early
- Order electrical for the booth: one standard 110V outlet per simulator.
- Check move-in times and whether the show needs freight to go through its contractor.
- Leave an hour for setup per simulator before the doors open.
- Book about three weeks ahead, and earlier for the biggest show weeks.
Trade show checklist
- Booth size and how many simulators
- Base or Pro Setup
- Contest rules, prizes and the track
- Branding: cockpit, screen, leaderboard
- Lead capture form fields and opt-in text
- Electrical order and move-in schedule
- Who follows up with leads after the show, and when
FAQ
Does a racing simulator fit a 10 × 10 booth?
Yes. One simulator needs about 6 × 4 ft, which leaves room for a leaderboard screen and your team.
How many attendees can play?
About 10–15 per hour on each simulator. Over an eight-hour show day, that is roughly 80–120 drivers per simulator.
How much does it cost?
It depends on the hardware, the number of simulators, show days and add-ons. See our racing simulator rental cost guide for price ranges.
Plan your booth
Tell us your show, booth size and dates on our racing simulator rental page and we will send a quote. We deliver, set up and staff racing simulators at trade shows across the US. For more booth ideas, see our trade show entertainment page.
