Trade show Ideas: 5 Powerful Secrets to Attract More Visitors
  • By Jordan OGrady
  • August 8, 2025

Trade show Ideas: 5 Powerful Secrets to Attract More Visitors

Let’s face it—most trade shows are 90% awkward handshakes and a sea of branded pens no one actually wants. So looking for some great Trade show ideas, then read on..

So how do you stand out? How do you make sure your stand isn’t just another stop on the “collect freebies” tour?

Easy. You add a little magic.
Literally.

Checkout more information here https://jordanogrady.co.uk/tradeshow-magician/

I’m Jordan O’Grady, professional close-up magician, crowd wrangler, and corporate engagement wizard (the cool kind, not the Gandalf kind).

Trade Show Ideas

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside some of the biggest names in the industry – including TV magician Stephen Mulhern – at major trade shows.

These events are all about drawing in the right crowd and keeping them engaged, and that’s where my magic really shines. Using interactive, high-impact performances, I create a constant flow of visitors to the stand, turning curious passers-by into enthusiastic leads for the business.

Working with industry professionals at this level has allowed me to perfect the art of stopping traffic in even the busiest exhibition halls – and that’s exactly what I bring to every trade show I perform at.
Here are 5 genuinely unique Trade show ideas to pull people to your trade show stand faster than you can say “free tote bag”…

1. Live Close-Up Magic That Stops People in Their Tracks

If your goal is footfall, you need something that interrupts the scroll of reality—and nothing does that quite like magic.
I mingle by your stand, performing quick, mind-blowing tricks that make people stop, laugh, and wonder what just happened.
Curiosity is the best bait. And magic is the hook.

Amazing Ideas for your trade show

2. Branded Magic That Tells Your Story

Imagine a signed card disappearing and reappearing inside your product’s packaging. Or a mentalism trick revealing your company’s slogan.
This isn’t just entertainment—it’s customised brand messaging disguised as witchcraft.

3. Engagement = Leads

Let’s be honest: most people avoid eye contact with sales staff like they owe them money.
But a magician? People come to me. They invite the interaction.
While they’re amazed, entertained, and laughing, you’ve got the perfect moment to slide in with a business card or product demo.

trade show ideas to increase footfall

4. Create Shareable Moments

In a world fuelled by Instagram and LinkedIn humblebrags, magic creates perfect moments for selfies, videos, and viral content.
“Oh my god, how did he do that?!” turns into,
“Look what happened at this stand—tag them!”

5. Stand Out from the Noise

Look around at any trade show: everyone’s trying to be loud.
You don’t need to be louder. You need to be different.
Magic is memorable, unexpected, and surprisingly professional.
And yes—people will remember you because of me.

Ready to Attract Visitors Like Magic?

If you want to stand out at your next trade show, stop thinking like a booth… and start thinking like a stage.
Let me help you turn your stand into a hotspot of engagement, energy, and unforgettable moments.

🎩 Enquire now to add magic to your next trade show