Simulators and virtual reality at events: which to choose for your audience and space

Simulators are the game that holds visitors the longest and best conveys innovation. But not all of them do the same job: a MotoGP simulator and a VR headset need different spaces, audiences and goals. This guide will help you get it right.

Three questions before choosing

1. How much space do you have? Virtual reality fits in 2 × 2 m; a car or motorbike simulator needs 2 × 2 m; the penalty simulator, 5 × 5 m.
2. What power supply is there? Most run on a standard socket, but the snowboard simulator draws up to 3,600 W. Check the technical sheet and confirm with the venue.
3. What do you want to convey? Speed and competition, technology, sport or an immersive brand experience.

Driving simulators: competition and leaderboards

The car simulator and the motorbike simulator are the most requested by automotive, mobility, energy and insurance brands. Their big strength is the fastest-lap leaderboard: it creates competition between visitors and a natural reason to collect contact details. Each round lasts about three minutes and a technician is always on hand.

Virtual reality: the demo people remember

Virtual reality is ideal for showing what won’t fit on a stand: a factory, a tourist destination, a surgical procedure. With the mirror screen, the audience sees what the player experiences. Variants such as VR hang-gliding add movement and spectacle.

Sports simulators: visual impact

Skiing, snowboarding, surfing, skateboarding or penalties suit sports, drinks and fashion brands, and seasonal campaigns. They are very visual, but check space and power carefully.

Branding

All of them take a wrap on the structure and a waiting screen with your video. With driving games you can choose the car or track; with virtual reality, load your own content or 360° videos. Allow production time if you want a bespoke experience.

Our recommendation

For a busy trade show, combine a simulator (retention and demo) with a quick reflex game (flow and lead capture). For a company party, two head-to-head simulators and a team championship. If you would like us to look at it with your floor plan, get in touch.