10 Ways to Use Digital Signages to Elevate Live Events

March 11, 2025

Ever been to an event where you missed an important session because the schedule was buried in a brochure? Or got lost trying to find a booth because the signage was unclear? Frustrating, right?

Traditional event communication—static signs, paper schedules, and scattered announcements—just doesn’t cut it anymore. Attendees expect real-time updates, sponsors want more visibility, and event organizers need a way to keep everything running smoothly.

That’s where digital signage comes in. When used strategically, it doesn’t just display information—it drives engagement, enhances navigation, and creates an experience people remember. Here’s how to make it work.

1. Choosing the Right Digital Signage Setup

Not all screens are equal. To make an impact, you need the right setup.

LED Walls vs. Digital Standees – LED walls are perfect for high-impact visuals like speaker sessions. Digital standees work well for sponsor promotions and product showcases.

Interactive Kiosks – These provide digital maps, FAQs, and event schedules, enhancing attendee experience. For instance, the Houston downtown convention center installed digital kiosks offering free Wi-Fi and transit schedules, generating significant advertising revenue

Placement is key – Screens near registration booths = great for welcome messages. Near restrooms? Probably not.

💡 Pro Tip: Place high-impact content in high-footfall areas like entrance halls and waiting zones

2. Engaging Attendees with Interactive Content

People are glued to their phones—so why not use digital signage to bring them into the event experience? A notable example of leveraging interactive digital signage to engage attendees is Cisco Live, an annual conference hosted by Cisco Systems.

At this event, Cisco implemented several strategies:

  1. Live Social Media Feeds: Attendee posts tagged with the event hashtag were showcased on large digital displays throughout the venue, fostering a sense of community and encouraging social media interaction.
  2. Gamification & Contests: Cisco introduced a mobile app that allowed attendees to earn points and badges by participating in sessions, visiting exhibitor booths, and networking with peers. This gamified approach increased engagement and incentivized exploration of the event’s offerings
  3.  Augmented Reality (AR) Experiences: While specific AR implementations at Cisco Live are not detailed in the provided sources, Cisco has been active in integrating AR technologies into their solutions. For instance, Cisco’s Webex Hologram utilizes AR headsets to create immersive 3D holographic meeting experiences, indicating their commitment to incorporating AR into interactive applications.

💡 Pro Tip: Place high-impact content in high-footfall areas like entrance halls and waiting zones

3. Enhancing Event Navigation and Real-Time Updates

Schedules change. Sessions run late. A speaker cancels. Instead of scrambling, use digital signage to:

✅ Instantly update session details and room assignments

✅ Display emergency alerts when needed

✅ Show live reminders for upcoming sessions or workshops

A practical example of utilizing digital signage for enhancing event navigation and providing real-time updates is Canonical’s implementation at their industry events. Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu, employed digital signage to streamline communication and improve attendee experience.

They installed centrally managed displays throughout the venue, which allowed for:

  1. Instant Updates: The team could remotely update session details, room assignments, and schedules, ensuring attendees received the most current information without delays. 
  2. Directional Assistance: During non-exhibit hours, screens displayed directions to talks and workshops, aiding navigation within the venue.
  3. Centralized Control: A global playlist with an override function was programmed to take over all screens during key times, allowing event organizers to direct the audience to major sessions or announcements efficiently.
4. Boost Engagement with Live Social Media Feeds

People love seeing their posts on big screens. Encourage attendees to share their experiences using a branded hashtag, then display their posts in real time. This:

✅ Builds a sense of community.
✅ Increases your event’s social media reach.
✅ Gives sponsors additional visibility when their brand gets tagged.

💡 Pro Tip: Run a contest for the most creative post to encourage more engagement!

5. Make Sponsor Ads More Impactful

Static banners don’t do sponsors justice.  Digital signage has a 47.7% effectiveness for brand awareness, making it a valuable tool for sponsors. It helps by:

  • Rotating multiple sponsor ads for more visibility
  • Displaying engaging video ads instead of static images
  • Featuring QR codes for attendees to claim exclusive deals
6. Gamify the Experience to Keep People Hooked

Want attendees to interact more? Turn your event into a game.

  • Run a QR code scavenger hunt where attendees visit booths to win prizes
  • Display leaderboards for live competitions or giveaways
  • Use digital signage for live polling, letting the audience influence discussions.

Read more: Here’s Why Video Walls and Standees Steal the Show at Live Events

7. Live Stream Sessions to Avoid Overcrowding

Not everyone can fit into the main stage. Instead of turning them away, use digital signage to:

  • Stream key sessions to overflow areas
  • Allow remote attendees within the venue to watch from different locations

Create quiet viewing zones for those who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere

8. Encourage Networking with Smart Digital Directories

A big part of live events is meeting the right people. But how do you know who’s there? Digital signage can help by:

✅ Displaying attendee directories with names, job titles, and company logos
✅ Highlighting networking sessions and happy hours
✅ Suggesting connections based on industries or interests

💡 Pro Tip: Add a QR code that links to attendees’ LinkedIn profiles for instant connections.

9. Create Instagrammable Moments with AR & Photo Booths

User-generated content is free marketing. Give attendees something worth sharing:

📸 Augmented reality experiences that overlay fun effects
🎭 Digital signage-powered photo booths with branded event frames
📢 Big screens featuring attendee photos in real-time

10. Track What’s Working with Real-Time Analytics

How do you know if your digital signage strategy is effective? Simple—track it.

  • Use heat maps to see which screens get the most attention.
  • Track QR code scans to measure sponsor engagement.
  • Get feedback through real-time polls and surveys.
Make Digital Signage Work for You

Digital signage isn’t just about looking high-tech—it’s about creating seamless, engaging, and memorable event experiences. From guiding lost attendees to boosting sponsor ROI, the right digital signage strategy can transform how people interact with your event.

That’s where Intelisa comes in. With its AI-driven, cloud-based digital signage solution, Intelisa makes it easy to manage your event displays in real-time. Whether you need lightning-fast updates, personalized content, or dynamic social media integrations, Intelisa helps you deliver the right message at the right time—effortlessly.

Try it for yourself. Get a free trial of Intelisa and see how easy it is to transform your event signage. Start your free trial today!