Turning Visual Browsers Into Event Attendees
Pinterest has long been known for design ideas, DIY projects, and shopping inspiration. But it’s also a smart place to promote trade shows and exhibitions. With millions of users browsing every day for fresh ideas, the platform offers a unique way to share content that builds anticipation and drives interest.
Trade shows are visual by nature—booths, signage, product displays, and branding. That makes Pinterest a natural match. Posting eye-catching images and helpful content turns browsers into curious guests who want to see more in person.
Many event marketers focus on platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn, which are fast-paced and time-sensitive. Pinterest works differently. Pins stick around. They keep working for you weeks or months after you post them. That kind of staying power adds lasting value to your promotion efforts.
Designing Boards That Reflect the Event’s Theme
Every successful Pinterest strategy starts with strong boards. These boards serve as collections of visual content, each focused on a topic or theme. For trade shows and exhibitions, they should reflect the look and spirit of the event.
If the show is about interior design, the boards might include booth previews, vendor highlights, or sneak peeks of product launches. A tech-focused event could feature layouts of demo spaces, session previews, and interactive stations. Every board becomes a teaser for what’s coming.
A well-organized board gives visitors a reason to stay. Each pin should feel like a helpful or exciting piece of the bigger picture. People often save what they like for later, which means your content continues to travel even after they leave your profile.
Pinning Booth Previews and Floor Plans
Many people go to trade shows with a plan. Pinterest can help them build it. Posting booth previews lets attendees see who’s showing up and what they’re bringing. A glimpse of a custom-built display or featured product often sparks real curiosity.
Floor plans also make great pins. A well-designed map with booth numbers, entrances, lounges, and restrooms can help people prepare for their visit. Adding links or tags in your pin description can send them to a sign-up form or exhibitor list.
This kind of helpful content makes your profile more than just a promotional space. It becomes a planning tool. When people feel like your content makes their visit easier, they’re more likely to engage with it—and attend the event.
Using Keywords in Descriptions to Get Found
Pinterest is more than a visual platform—it’s a search engine. That means using the right keywords is key. When you describe your pins, choose simple phrases people might actually search for, like “tech trade show booth ideas” or “event layout for exhibitions.”
Descriptions don’t have to be long. A few thoughtful lines explaining what the image shows, who it’s for, and what action to take next can go a long way. Adding hashtags helps, too, but keep it focused and natural.
The goal is to make your pins discoverable by the right people. That includes event planners, small businesses, industry fans, or even casual users who might stumble on your content and decide to attend or share.
Sharing Stories From Past Shows
People want to know what to expect before committing to an event. That’s why past photos and stories are valuable. Pinning content from previous trade shows shows what the energy was like—what people wore, how booths looked, and the types of crowds that attended.
Images from real attendees often feel more authentic than press photos. A quick snap of someone enjoying a demo or chatting with a vendor adds human touch. These images become more than promotion—they become proof that your event is worth showing up for.
Even if it’s your first time hosting, you can share content from similar events or mockups. The idea is to give people a sense of what the atmosphere might be. That builds confidence and helps them picture themselves there.
Featuring Speaker Highlights and Session Previews
Many attendees are drawn to trade shows for the learning opportunities. Speakers, panels, and workshops are a big part of that. Featuring your speakers in Pinterest pins helps put a face to the name and builds excitement around the program.
Each pin can highlight a quote, a topic they’ll cover, or even a short video teaser. Pairing these visuals with well-written descriptions gives users a reason to click, save, or share. It also reminds them that the event isn’t just about booths—it’s about ideas.
Even if the full schedule isn’t ready, you can still start with previews. Show what kinds of content to expect. Are the sessions hands-on? Are they focused on trends, business strategy, or creative tools? Give people a reason to stay curious.
Promoting Giveaways and Contests
Contests and giveaways are always crowd-pleasers. If you’re offering anything special—like free entry, VIP passes, or gift bags—Pinterest can help spread the word. Create a pin with simple, bold visuals and a clear message.
These kinds of pins should lead to a landing page or form where people can take part. Keep the instructions short and friendly. “Pin to win” contests, where users save your content to their own boards, also help spread your reach.
The more fun it feels, the more people engage. Pinterest is a space where creative and playful content tends to do well. If your giveaway stands out in the feed, users are more likely to stop scrolling and join in.
Linking Pins to Your Registration Pages
One of the best things about Pinterest is that every pin can lead somewhere. Whether it’s a ticket page, exhibitor list, or newsletter sign-up, make sure your pins link to useful destinations. That turns casual viewers into committed guests.
Use link tracking so you can see what’s working. If a pin showing your keynote speaker is driving more clicks than one about the venue, you’ll know which content to post more of. This kind of feedback helps improve future efforts.
Every pin is a small invitation to join your event. When those pins are connected to the right pages, they don’t just build interest—they support real action. That’s how Pinterest goes from pretty pictures to practical promotion.
Encouraging Attendees to Create Their Own Pins
You don’t have to do all the posting yourself. Many Pinterest users love sharing what inspires them. Encourage attendees, vendors, and fans to create pins based on their event experience, planning tips, or favorite moments.
Offering shareable images, branded templates, or a simple hashtag helps make this easier. When others post about your trade show, their networks see it too. That spreads awareness and makes your event part of more conversations.
You can even reshare their content on your boards. That helps build community and makes people feel like their voice is part of the event. Over time, this shared content adds a real sense of life to your Pinterest presence.
Building Momentum With Consistent Updates
Pinterest isn’t just a one-time post. It works best when you keep your profile active. Posting regularly in the weeks leading up to your trade show helps keep the event top of mind. Even simple updates—like a countdown pin or new booth preview—can keep people engaged.
After the show, keep posting. Share highlights, thank-yous, and teasers for the next event. This helps your Pinterest account stay valuable year-round, not just in the months before the show.
Consistency builds trust. As your boards grow, they become a visual record of your event’s energy, people, and purpose. That kind of presence makes your trade show feel more established and worth attending again.