Planning a brand activation event is equivalent to throwing a high school party where you really, really need everyone to have a good time. That’s because you want people to remember your brand, not just the fact that you had free snacks. The secret? Interactive games. They’re the life of the party, turning passive attendees into active participants.

Games boost engagement, create unforgettable moments, and get people posting on social media, which is basically free advertising. If you’re ready to level up your next event, we’ve rounded up 10 awesome game ideas that are guaranteed to make your brand activation a certified hit. Let’s get this party started!

1. Spin the Wheel for Prizes

Who can resist the siren song of a spinning prize wheel? It’s a classic for a reason. The click-clack-click of the wheel builds suspense and draws a crowd like nothing else. It’s an incredibly simple and effective way to generate excitement.

The best part is its versatility. You can load it up with prizes ranging from branded swag like t-shirts and water bottles to exclusive discounts. If you want to raise the stakes, a grand prize will surely get everyone talking. To ensure people remember your brand, design the wheel to match your company’s colors and logo. A visually stunning wheel doesn’t just give away prizes; it becomes a centerpiece for your event space.

2. Photo Scavenger Hunt

Get your attendees moving and exploring with a photo scavenger hunt. This isn’t just a game; it’s a guided tour of your event space that encourages people to engage with every element you’ve set up. Create a list of photo challenges that subtly (or not-so-subtly) feature your brand.

Think tasks like “Snap a selfie with our brand mascot,” “Find the hidden logo,” or “Take a group photo at the sponsor booth.” This gets people interacting with your brand and your partners. The real magic happens when they start sharing their photos online. Create a unique event hashtag and watch your social media reach explode as participants post their finds.

3. Interactive Trivia Games

Think you know your brand best? Let your audience prove they do too! Trivia is a fantastic way to educate attendees about your brand’s history, products, or industry in a fun, competitive format. You can run the game with a live host for some old-school charm or use a digital platform like Kahoot! to let people play along on their phones.

Your trivia topics can be anything from company stats and fun facts about your industry to general pop culture questions that just get people laughing. It’s a low-lift, high-impact way to make your key messages stick.

4. The Timeless Classic of Cornhole

Never underestimate the power of a simple game of cornhole. It’s a crowd-pleaser because it’s easy to learn, accessible to all ages, and has a relaxed, backyard-party vibe. People can play while holding a drink and chatting, making it a perfect social activity.

To tie it back to your brand event, be sure to design your own cornhole boards with your company’s logo and colors. You can up the engagement even further by hosting a mini-tournament with a small prize for the winning team. It adds a dash of friendly competition and keeps people hanging around your booth longer.

5. Giant Jenga with a Twist

Everything is more fun when it’s giant, right? Giant Jenga is an instant attention-grabber. The sight of a towering stack of blocks is irresistible, and the suspense as it gets taller is palpable. It’s a game that naturally creates a crowd as people gather to watch and cheer (or gasp when it all comes crashing down).

Give it a branded twist by writing fun facts, icebreaker questions, or small challenges on the blocks. “Tell us your favorite brand memory” or “Do a little dance” can turn a simple game into a series of memorable, interactive moments. Plus, it’s a perfect photo op for social media.

6. Mini Sports Challenges

Tap into your attendees’ competitive spirit with mini sports challenges. Think basketball shootouts, a mini-golf putting green, or a portable soccer goal. These games bring a burst of energy to any event and are great for getting people active and engaged.

Branding is easy here. Slap your logo on the basketballs, golf balls, or the backboard. Offer small prizes for high scores or for anyone who can complete a specific challenge. It’s a fantastic way to create a lively, dynamic atmosphere that will draw people in.

7. Small-Scale Escape Rooms

Want to create a truly immersive experience? Try a small-scale escape room. You don’t need a whole building; you can set up a small, themed challenge in a tent or a corner of your event space. The goal is to have a team work together to solve a series of puzzles within a time limit.

Don’t forget to try to tie the theme directly to your brand story or a new product launch. For example, an online security company could create a challenge around “escaping a computer virus.” No matter how you go about it, this will be an amazing team-building activity that leaves a lasting impression because it’s so different from the usual event fare.

8. Interactive Art Installations

Depending on your industry, letting your attendees unleash their inner artist might be the way to go. Interactive art installations are a brilliant way to create something beautiful and collaborative. Think of a giant mural that people can paint by numbers, or a digital graffiti wall where they can create art on a large screen.

The final piece becomes a testament to the community you built at your event. It’s also incredibly shareable. People love to show off their creative contributions. Align the theme of the artwork with your brand message or current campaign to create a powerful visual statement.

9. Interactive Digital Games

In a world glued to screens, why not meet people where they are? Interactive digital games on touchscreens or mobile apps are a surefire way to capture attention at your brand activation event. These can range from simple quizzes and memory games to more complex augmented reality (AR) experiences.

For example, an AR game could have attendees search for virtual objects hidden around the event space using their phone cameras. A major benefit of digital games is the potential for data collection. You can require a quick sign-up or survey to play, giving you valuable leads and feedback.

10. Virtual Reality Experiences

If you want to deliver a genuine “wow” factor, VR is the way to go. It’s still new enough that many people haven’t tried it, making it an exciting and memorable draw. VR can transport attendees directly into your brand’s world and have them experience it in a way they just can’t in the real world.

A great example of this is an outdoor brand that simulates a mountain-climbing experience using their gear, but if you have the programming know-how, the possibilities are truly endless. It’s a high-tech, high-impact activity that will have people talking about your event long after it’s over.