You’ve probably noticed it. A convention booth with a line wrapping around the corner. You walk up and realize a photographer is taking individual headshots for people. Normally the service is free to users because it’s part of a sponsorship package the convention sold, and sometimes it’s a large exhibitor organizing their own way to attract people to their booth. Whatever the scenario, it usually works. People love professional headshots!
So why are conference headshots so popular?
In short, because people love the idea of a new headshot! As a result, professional headshot services have become really popular at tradeshows, conventions, and conferences. They provide an easy way for attendees to get what they want, and a relatively affordable way for brands to engage people at events.
As easy and great as it all sounds…there are a few drawbacks to this approach when using traditional headshots. The wait, the line that forms, the turn-around times, and the potential awkwardness are all reasons many people DON’T participate in these activations.
So what’s the answer?
Say hello to the virtual headshot studio.
Virtual headshots for conventions, tradeshows and conferences make it easy for attendees to get professional headshots from the comfort of their own phones. Forget having to wait in line, posing in front of strangers, or waiting for your headshot to be available hours later.
If you happen to be the one coordinating the activation, this solution makes your life easier too. Virtual conference headshots make finding and booking a photographer a thing of the past. They’re also faster to edit, distribute, and are available to ALL attendees—whether they are attending in-person or virtually, on the show floor or in their rooms or offices.
How to use virtual headshots at a conference, tradeshow or convention.
Since virtual headshots are web-based, anyone can use a custom digital studio from anywhere with an internet connection—whether it's at the event itself or they’re tuning in from across the world. They're also convenient for attendees because they don't require any additional hardware or software beyond what's accessible by scanning a QR code or following a link.
Another added benefit of using virtual headshots is the ability to use the service before the event starts. Incorporate the digital studio into attendee onboarding to streamline photos for badges, profiles, and networking.
Virtual conference headshots also create an opportunity for brand exposure and content creation. While that’s not what most people think of when thinking about headshots, Facebook and LinkedIn have popularized ‘temporary’ or branded profile pictures so users can support a cause, meaningful event, or indicate something about themselves (ie. the “looking for work” overlay on LinkedIn).
These customizations mean headshots can become part of your event content strategy. Event professionals can pair virtual headshots with other Snapbar products to facilitate further social content creation, photo booth pictures, video capture, and more into one seamless experience.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a way to make your next event both efficient and memorable, consider a virtual conference headshots solution. We help our customers create high quality, custom experiences that add value while delivering quality headshots and content to attendees.
