We here at Lazygamer appreciate the fine female form, though that could perhaps be construed as being sexist, a holdover of the sleazy “sex sells” marketing mantra. That entire ethos is still used very much alive in marketing today, especially at trade shows and conventions through the possibly exploitative use of Booth Babes. Do they even work though?
Once a staple of gaming conventions like E3 and Gamescom and Computex, I’ve noticed a rather sharp decline in the prevalence of the Booth Babe in recent years (they seem to increasingly be replaced by booth zombies). Other shows, like PAX, banned them years ago to make the show-going experience a little more inclusive and less sexually charged. You might be seeing even fewer of them, because they don’t really work.
Spenser Chan, the head of marketing and growth at tech company Frontback actually put it to the test (Techcrunch, via Kotaku), by having two booths at a trade show; one manned by skimpily dressed Booth Babes and another by "show contractors that knew the local area and had established people skills," who Chan labelled as “Grandmothers.”
According to Chan, the results spoke for themselves; the ‘booth babes’ generated a third of the foot traffic compared to the ‘Grandmothers’. Of course, it’s hardly any sort of scientific study, but in my own experiences I find Booth Babes – especially when it comes to gaming shows – to be wholly ineffective, to the point where it generates negative interest in a product. I’d much rather have a chat with somebody who knows and cares about the product they’re trying to get me interested in, rather than some lovely young lass who’s trying to kick-start a modelling career.
Here’s what Chan said about Booth Babes.
Booth babes are intimidating. Instead of drawing people in, booth babes actually give guys who attend tech conferences some anxiety and pause for engaging in conversation. Even booth babes themselves have said this. I think it’s just human nature for guys to be a little nervous around hot girls. The ones that had no trouble engaging our booth babes were always the overconfident weirdos.
As a social pariah, I tend to agree. Chan then goes on to call Booth Babes lazy, which I think is a little unfair and counterproductive to his argument. that said, I really do think Booth Babes are a terrible marketing tool; they’re nice to look at, sure, but they don’t make me care about, or even notice a particular product any more.
What do you think? Do Booth Babes get you more interested in the products they’re shilling?
Last Updated: January 16, 2014
Admiral Chief in Vegas
January 16, 2014 at 10:36
Geoff, trolling for hits…
RinceThis2014
January 16, 2014 at 10:53
Indeed.
Admiral Chief in Vegas
January 16, 2014 at 10:54
XD, its like he HAS to win Batman or something
Melasco
January 16, 2014 at 10:36
Does it matter?
Stephen Snook
January 16, 2014 at 10:43
They usually make me uncomfortable too. It’s the same for car shows. I’d rather someone at the very least who is knowledgeable and passionate about the product. Or just not have people there at all, then there’s no need for interaction with people at all.
Sageville
January 16, 2014 at 11:39
Nothing worse than asking a booth babe about their product and getting a rehearsed line that get’s hammered into an answer, you nod sheepishly and walk away thinking, “I actually know more about the product than those supposedly promoting it, now wheres the geek-in-charge?”
Hammersteyn
January 16, 2014 at 10:46
Sigh, it’s so easy. Assuming she is single and you want to hit on her and she doesn’t run away at the sight of you. Start by asking her about the game she is promoting, has she played any games like it, does she plays games, if she doesn’t what does she do in leisure time. I promise you the hardest part is opening your mouth and saying something.
Admiral Chief in Vegas
January 16, 2014 at 10:47
I promise the hardest part won’t be opening your mouth…
Spathi
January 16, 2014 at 10:48
*badumtish*
Hammersteyn
January 16, 2014 at 10:49
hey?
TiMsTeR1033
January 16, 2014 at 10:55
its making sense when you start talking! sentences to avoid: “So what do you do?” “You look hot in that skimpy outfit” “Are those real”
Admiral Chief in Vegas
January 16, 2014 at 10:56
I was actually jesting about boners, but yes, those sentences SHOULD be avoided.
Rather ask about the game, if she played it, if not, ask what other interests does she have, and for the love of all thats gaming, DON’T STARE AT TEEEHHHH ASSSSSETS
TiMsTeR1033
January 16, 2014 at 10:58
I fail every time, I remember going to rAge and booth babes with huge assets was trying to tell me something was like (. ) (. ) and was thinking ” what are you talking about??
Hammersteyn
January 16, 2014 at 11:01
I’ll hold your hand if I ever attend one with you
TiMsTeR1033
January 16, 2014 at 11:01
Then they will think I’m gay!
Hammersteyn
January 16, 2014 at 11:11
No no, you tell them you’re bi. They will find it more attractive.
Admiral Chief in Vegas
January 16, 2014 at 11:12
I’m baie-sexual, ek hou BAIE van sex
TiMsTeR1033
January 16, 2014 at 11:13
hahahaha
Hammersteyn
January 16, 2014 at 11:38
hehehe
Hammersteyn
January 16, 2014 at 11:00
You troll 😛
Anon A Mouse
January 16, 2014 at 10:58
So this is fine then?
TiMsTeR1033
January 16, 2014 at 11:00
Thats fine if you intend to go to prison yes!
Sageville
January 16, 2014 at 11:07
Pfft
Hammersteyn
January 16, 2014 at 10:47
I’m not sure how effective they are at promoting though, Jaggermeister promo girls on the other hand. When they walk into the pub I get the urge to get more shots of than a redneck with a shotgun.
Admiral Chief in Vegas
January 16, 2014 at 10:48
LOL, they operate about 50m from my office…
Hammersteyn
January 16, 2014 at 10:49
Jeez you must be the Zen master of self control
Admiral Chief in Vegas
January 16, 2014 at 10:52
You have NO idea, hence why my office is in different building
TiMsTeR1033
January 16, 2014 at 10:51
The rule of thumb, you will only order if you can buy 1 a drink too 😉
Hammersteyn
January 16, 2014 at 11:01
I’ll by her a shot.
RockMossel2014
January 16, 2014 at 11:19
I was drinking in a very english part of town when these jagger girls came in. I remember shouting at the top of my lungs: “SKOTE!!” Turns out they were afrikaans and they actually ended up drinking with us!
TiMsTeR1033
January 16, 2014 at 11:21
what does that mean for us english folk who are unskilled in Afrikaans?
RockMossel2014
January 16, 2014 at 11:24
The word “shots” directly translated means “skote.” It started as a joke, because those shots refer to gunshots, but then it kinda sticked.
TiMsTeR1033
January 16, 2014 at 11:25
I learn something new everyday! 7 de laan needs to try harder to teach me! lol
RockMossel2014
January 16, 2014 at 11:27
Don’t ever listen to anything Oom Oubaas says, his metaphors and words are deliberately messed up! Also, I dont watch 7de Laan.
Admiral Chief in Vegas
January 16, 2014 at 11:30
TWO TOP TIPS from Mossel
Admiral Chief in Vegas
January 16, 2014 at 11:26
Where did you meet them up?
RockMossel2014
January 16, 2014 at 11:29
The Shack – Cape Town. A very rock n roll bar. Dirty and the drinks are cheap! Like R15 a draught.
Alien Emperor Trevor
January 16, 2014 at 11:42
Heh I used to go there a lot. When I was @ Cape Tech I’d head there before an exam to study.
RockMossel2014
January 16, 2014 at 11:44
Hehe. Friends of mine did that once. They scored like 20% in whatever test they wrote!
Alien Emperor Trevor
January 16, 2014 at 11:53
That’s because you’re not meant to have more than two. More is bad lol. I had 3 double brandies once – got there late & the lecturer was giving me the evil eye. I still passed though 😀
RockMossel2014
January 16, 2014 at 11:14
OMW dude they get me every time! Every fucking time! It’s like I think I will actually hook up with them. And those awesome test tubes you get to keep…I have more of those than I’m proud of.
Admiral Chief in Vegas
January 16, 2014 at 11:15
I wonder if they are in now, will go look and post a pic if they are…
TiMsTeR1033
January 16, 2014 at 11:17
DO IT!!!
Admiral Chief in Vegas
January 16, 2014 at 11:26
Heh, I’d rather not post pics of them publicly…
Might show em on Skype though…
TiMsTeR1033
January 16, 2014 at 11:27
need to get skype at work!
Hammersteyn
January 16, 2014 at 11:37
It’s like the queen be walks in and we are the drones.
Kensei Seraph
January 16, 2014 at 10:47
I’m one of the people who gets somewhat intimidated when a random hot chick I have never met approaches me to try sell me something.
On a separate note, a cardboard cutout would probably be a better idea in a lot of cases.
GalacticLordCaptainAwesomeness
January 16, 2014 at 11:01
Is that why you have all those subscriptions to Destiny, Woman’s Health?
Admiral Chief in Vegas
January 16, 2014 at 11:07
BWAHAHAHAHHA
Admiral Chief in Vegas
January 16, 2014 at 11:07
Wtf is Destiny sub?
TiMsTeR1033
January 16, 2014 at 11:08
He likes to look at the pictures for research!
Kensei Seraph
January 16, 2014 at 11:31
Destiny isn’t coming out on PC yet (I have hope) and I’ve never even heard of a game called Woman’s Health.
Admiral Chief in Vegas
January 16, 2014 at 11:34
Well played! 😛
Sageville
January 16, 2014 at 11:35
“Woman’s Health” worst simulator game eva!
RockMossel2014
January 16, 2014 at 11:43
Woman’s Health: Tales of a born again Gynie. Best. Game. Ever.
TiMsTeR1033
January 16, 2014 at 10:50
What about have your stand and then have the babes be moving around with a clear indication to the game or product… thus you see booth babe and think “oh they were advertising this” and go there..
Umar digs KOS-MOS
January 16, 2014 at 10:52
I tend to attract all the booth babes’ attention because of my natural sexiness
Admiral Chief in Vegas
January 16, 2014 at 10:52
HAHAHAAHAHAHAAA
RinceThis2014
January 16, 2014 at 10:54
I just feel awkward. What are you supposed to do with them? I mean I couldn’t eat a whole one, not right there anyway. They don’t know the product they are selling, and I kindda also feel sorry for them. Also makes me wonder whether they are doing that to fund their degree in astrophysics…
Umar digs KOS-MOS
January 16, 2014 at 10:56
…..wait…EAT?
TiMsTeR1033
January 16, 2014 at 10:56
can be taken in many bad ways..
Admiral Chief in Vegas
January 16, 2014 at 10:58
Yes, indeed, if you are skilled, they love it
Umar digs KOS-MOS
January 16, 2014 at 10:59
WAIT WAIT….WAHT??????
Admiral Chief in Vegas
January 16, 2014 at 11:00
NOMNOMNOMNOMNOM aaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh (sounds of pleasure)
RinceThis2014
January 16, 2014 at 11:03
The line… The admiral somewhere over the horizon 0-O
TiMsTeR1033
January 16, 2014 at 11:06
ended off with a ” boy you were hungry weren’t you!”
RinceThis2014
January 16, 2014 at 11:08
And in some cases, a cigarette…
TiMsTeR1033
January 16, 2014 at 11:09
but of course!
RockMossel2014
January 16, 2014 at 11:15
hahahaha!!!
RinceThis2014
January 16, 2014 at 11:00
BWAHAHAHA! At least one penny dropped 😉
TiMsTeR1033
January 16, 2014 at 11:00
I caught what you were saying man!
RinceThis2014
January 16, 2014 at 11:02
If I had a penny every time I heard that, I’d have 2 pennies… 0-O
Umar digs KOS-MOS
January 16, 2014 at 11:12
I didn’t 🙁
TiMsTeR1033
January 16, 2014 at 11:14
one day Umar you will be a real boy!
Umar digs KOS-MOS
January 16, 2014 at 11:14
I wana be a real boy now!!1….WAAAAAH 🙁
TiMsTeR1033
January 16, 2014 at 11:16
To be a real boy, one must meet Master Rince!
RinceThis2014
January 16, 2014 at 11:17
Well that ain’t ever going to happen with @umarbastra:disqus Almost as bad as the Nana!
TiMsTeR1033
January 16, 2014 at 11:18
perhaps Umar and Nana are the same person! *Tinfoil hat engage!
Umar digs KOS-MOS
January 16, 2014 at 11:24
na na na na batman….
RinceThis2014
January 16, 2014 at 11:25
Hehehe. Well, after you ditched both of us last night and our planned Spur date I don’t think we will see him for a while…
TiMsTeR1033
January 16, 2014 at 11:26
you had a planned spur date?
Admiral Chief in Vegas
January 16, 2014 at 11:26
So you guys ARE dating?
TiMsTeR1033
January 16, 2014 at 11:26
The plot thickens
Umar digs KOS-MOS
January 16, 2014 at 11:26
God dammit Rince … Now you made it public knowledge
TiMsTeR1033
January 16, 2014 at 11:27
what would your wife think!! shame on you Umar!
Umar digs KOS-MOS
January 16, 2014 at 11:28
Nana is involved too
TiMsTeR1033
January 16, 2014 at 11:28
So having a 3 way! 0_0
Admiral Chief in Vegas
January 16, 2014 at 11:28
Who is the boy and who is the girl in the relationship?
RinceThis2014
January 16, 2014 at 11:30
Uh uh. Don’t act like you knew. You suspected Trevor, not Umar and Banana!
Admiral Chief in Vegas
January 16, 2014 at 11:31
You are cheating on Trev with the Banana AND Umar???
TiMsTeR1033
January 16, 2014 at 11:32
Its like Days of our lives!
Admiral Chief in Vegas
January 16, 2014 at 11:34
O_O
Alien Emperor Trevor
January 16, 2014 at 11:37
It’s not an orgy if there’s only two of you. That’s just maths.
RinceThis2014
January 16, 2014 at 11:38
HAHAHA! *vomit
Alien Emperor Trevor
January 16, 2014 at 11:39
Of course we have to use an Oculus Rift to interact with the Banana.
RinceThis2014
January 16, 2014 at 11:41
Brilliant! I promote this! GATE 2 OPEN
Alien Emperor Trevor
January 16, 2014 at 11:43
If we open gate three does OVG get let out?
TiMsTeR1033
January 16, 2014 at 11:46
Dear lord DO NOT OPEN IT!
RinceThis2014
January 16, 2014 at 11:46
Well, GATE 3 is Satan, GATE 4 is OVG…
RinceThis2014
January 16, 2014 at 11:38
Well, have you met Trev? 0-O
Admiral Chief in Vegas
January 16, 2014 at 12:05
Nope, but it does explain some things…
TiMsTeR1033
January 16, 2014 at 11:30
Atleast you planned the Spur date during the week and not on a Monday. You have some class Nick I respect that!
Umar digs KOS-MOS
January 16, 2014 at 11:31
LOOOOLZ free burger monday rocks!
TiMsTeR1033
January 16, 2014 at 11:31
It does hey can take out the mrs and not feel bad for being cheap!
Umar digs KOS-MOS
January 16, 2014 at 11:32
HAHAHA, in this economy you have to make that money last
TiMsTeR1033
January 16, 2014 at 11:32
You do! Times are tough esp in Jan! this month must hurry up and end!
RinceThis2014
January 16, 2014 at 11:32
I are nutting but like classy hey.
TiMsTeR1033
January 16, 2014 at 11:33
They girls *cough boys* must love you!
RinceThis2014
January 16, 2014 at 11:00
I mean, uhhhh, no, wait guys, come back!
TiMsTeR1033
January 16, 2014 at 10:56
Eat one whole or not there anyway… what are you a monster?
Anon A Mouse
January 16, 2014 at 11:00
Booth babes will never work. Either people hit on them or avoid them. Those who actually want to know something about the product will walk away frustrated because they will not know anything about it most of the time.
TiMsTeR1033
January 16, 2014 at 11:02
apparently some eat them
Anon A Mouse
January 16, 2014 at 11:03
They do tend to taste better in the mornings though.
TiMsTeR1033
January 16, 2014 at 11:04
ah speaking from experience! @rincethis:disqus pay attention!
oVg
January 16, 2014 at 11:04
Booth Babes are the same as marriage.
An old fashioned social necessity of social acceptance built around archaic indoctrination.
Admiral Chief in Vegas
January 16, 2014 at 11:06
Still single eh oVg?
oVg
January 16, 2014 at 11:08
SPforever
Admiral Chief in Vegas
January 16, 2014 at 11:12
I DEMAND that there be lil’ oVg’s running around before 2015!!!
oVg
January 16, 2014 at 11:13
I tried 🙁 but the local sperm bank will not allow gingers.
Admiral Chief in Vegas
January 16, 2014 at 11:14
Just PLEASE don’t spawn with another ginger, there is enough bad things in this world 😛
TiMsTeR1033
January 16, 2014 at 11:14
I can’t blame them..
Alien Emperor Trevor
January 16, 2014 at 11:35
Dye your sperm before handing them in.
Admiral Chief in Vegas
January 16, 2014 at 11:51
O_O
RinceThis2014
January 16, 2014 at 11:13
Still would imply he is trying not to be 😛
RinceThis2014
January 16, 2014 at 11:08
YES YES YES! What you said! #foreverSP man!
RinceThis2014
January 16, 2014 at 11:08
PS, what the heck was in your coffee this am!? 0_O
oVg
January 16, 2014 at 11:09
Hemileia vastatrix 😛
Sageville
January 16, 2014 at 11:41
Sounds like some sort of STD
Sageville
January 16, 2014 at 11:13
Apparently a dictionary….
Admiral Chief in Vegas
January 16, 2014 at 11:14
LOOOL
RinceThis2014
January 16, 2014 at 11:15
HAHAHAHAHAH! DING LEVEL UP
Sageville
January 16, 2014 at 11:12
I prefer to see cosplay peeps at conventions instead of a pretty face that invariably know very little about the product they are promoting.
Don’t get me wrong, when I see a hot lady dressed to attract male attention, I will be duped into looking… wimins are sneaky like that.
RinceThis2014
January 16, 2014 at 11:14
You would rather see Darryn in his sweaty Batman costume than the above? 0-O *Backs away…
Sageville
January 16, 2014 at 11:33
What can I say, I’m a sucker for sweaty rubber, so squeaky…
Alien Emperor Trevor
January 16, 2014 at 11:34
It can’t be worse than his sexy firem.. I’ve said too much.
TiMsTeR1033
January 16, 2014 at 11:34
Yes that downvote was from me! you deserved it!
Alien Emperor Trevor
January 16, 2014 at 11:36
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
RinceThis2014
January 16, 2014 at 11:40
HAHAHAH! 🙂 Who down voted you? 0-O
TiMsTeR1033
January 16, 2014 at 11:41
ME!
RinceThis2014
January 16, 2014 at 11:41
lol
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
January 16, 2014 at 11:13
Mmm. That actually makes some sense. I’d also much rather chat to someone who knows what’s going on.
That being said I think booth babes are a non issue. Have em, don’t have em. It really doesn’t bother me in the least to be honest.
TiMsTeR1033
January 16, 2014 at 11:15
NO! what is this you speakth! we need booth babes! for um research purposes!
Admiral Chief in Vegas
January 17, 2014 at 11:47
Right, ‘research’
😛
DrKiller
January 16, 2014 at 11:27
Its not that we are scared to talk to them, its just that we know they don’t know the product where they are standing at. Imagine you talk to an Intel booth babe and you are like.. “So what do you think about the new generation i5 processors”, she’ll probably be like… “the what?”
Admiral Chief in Vegas
January 16, 2014 at 11:29
Just imagine if they surprise you with a full technical analysis and breakdown of the model range, price and performance.
You’d better have a wedding ring handy to propose THEN AND THERE!
DrKiller
January 16, 2014 at 11:30
haha I was thinking the same thing! But what are the chances it will happen 🙁 lol
Admiral Chief in Vegas
January 16, 2014 at 11:35
There are still chances dude, ALWAYS a chance!
Anon A Mouse
January 16, 2014 at 11:39
I’m more afraid that they will know far more tech jargon than I do, then what?
TiMsTeR1033
January 16, 2014 at 11:43
Then you get her drunk regularly, drunk people never sound clever.
Rags
January 16, 2014 at 11:28
I don’t care if it works or not. They are like a cracker at a wine expo. Cleans the palate after much tech and marketing bs. 😛
Admiral Chief in Vegas
January 16, 2014 at 11:29
LOOL
Alien Emperor Trevor
January 16, 2014 at 11:51
I couldn’t care less whether they’re there or not. I’d certainly notice if they’re there, because I’m not that blind, but it’s nothing further that a simple acknowledgement that she’s pretty & then I move on to what I’m really interested in. If I wanted to ogle women I’d go to a strip club… or outside. I tend to feel insulted when a woman tries to sell me something & her sales pitches revolves around, “I have boobs!”
General JJ Raven (John)
January 16, 2014 at 11:54
There are women at some of these stalls?
Alien Emperor Trevor
January 16, 2014 at 12:56
Yes, but not for sale. It’s deceptive marketing.
Jaded_Reprobate
January 16, 2014 at 12:31
Lies i tell you…. ALL LIES
Admiral Chief in Vegas
January 17, 2014 at 11:46
O_O
Gavin Mannion
January 16, 2014 at 17:28
I like booth babes, however I’ve never once thought that they are marketing consultants. They are nothing more than eye candy for the guys and girls. And yes there are a ton of booth hunks at these conventions.
Admiral Chief in Vegas
January 17, 2014 at 11:46
“booth hunks”
O_O
VampyricSquirrel Monk
January 17, 2014 at 08:30
I don’t enjoy R@ge as much since there’s no booth babes… but I don’t see why they couldn’t just add booth hunks to the mix to make everyone happy. 😛