5 Things you need before your next in-person board game event (from a marketing perspective)

So you’re headed off to a board gaming event to market your game. That’s awesome! It’s probably one of the best ways to get your game out there and create buzz.

Here are a few things that I think are essential to an in-person event for your board game.

I sold my board games at a local holiday street market. My family came out to support me 😆

1 — A QR code (preferably multiple)

Make sure to distinguish all your QR codes!

At the very least, you need a QR code to your website.

Preferably you’d have multiple pointing to different social media accounts so that users can scan whichever code they want. But make sure that each code is properly labeled so that you don’t get confused!

Click here for a step-by-step tutorial on how to make nice custom QR codes for free (with no ads or redirects).

2—Business cards

I went to my first event without any business cards. You wouldn’t believe how many people asked me for a card at that event. I went straight home and had some made that very night.

Make sure to put all your contact information and a link to your social media / website on the business card. Also try to make it eye-catching with some funny slogan or nice artwork. Include a QR code too for convenience.

The business cards I use for my cut-throat corporate board game, Welcome to Sysifus Corp

3—Have something eye-catching

I’ll let the photos here speak for themselves.

I am not actually stabbed in the back.

Everyone that walked by and read my slogan laughed. Most stopped by to chat. Some even took photos!

4—Offer something for free

I offered free stickers from my upcoming card game to anyone who wanted them. Inside each of the envelopes were three stickers and a small thank you note with a link to the website and a QR code that pointed to the website.

5—A helper

This might seem super obvious but having someone help you is tremendously important.

Here’s a short list of all the amazing things my girlfriend did for me while I was busy tending to my booth.

1. Got me food / water.
2. Took photos of the event outside of my booth/area.
3. Took photos of me interacting with other people. (Important for marketing after the event)
4. Help tend to the booth while I’m in the bathroom.
5. Secure spots during busy times.

A picture of me and my girlfriend at PAX Unplugged 2021. Thank you Lahee 🥺

Thanks for reading! Want more tips?

This article is part of a series of marketing tips that I wrote. If it helped you in any way, please let me know in the comments or by email at 1min@unicornwithwings.com! So many people have helped me on my journey and I’d love to pay it forward. No strings attached at all.