Dimension Data Asia Pacific (formerly known as Datacraft) in Singapore organises several training workshops and seminars round the year for partner sales engineers and managers. These events were generally conducted in a routine manner and there was a slight but consistent decline in attendance. Furthermore, the attendees wouldn't typically stay on till the end of these 2-3 hzours sessions. We were approached to devise a way to shore up interest and boost attendance, and retain audience interest till the end of the event.
We developed and implemented a Reason-to-Stay (RTS) solution based on Augmented Reality (AR) consisting of a postcard with a cryptic design and a note telling attendees to flash this at a camera placed in a booth at the end of the event to get a surprise. When the design is flashed at the camera, a virtual gift would pop out of the screen with a virtual 3D feel, and the attendee would get the prize that she sees. Three kinds of gifts were on offer to add to the surprise element.
This tactic drove up considerable curiosity and interest, and attendees were delighted at its novelty. It also ensured they stayed on till the end. Word of this unique offer also spread among their partner community driving up attendance at future events. Recognising the success of this tactic, other country teams have also expressed their desire to incorporate the AR element in their events.