How to Give Trade Show Attendees a Cell Phone Boost—and a Marketing Message

Media company Hercules Networks recently launched a line of charging stations with advertising capabilities. Ideal for attracting the attention of trade show attendees or conference-goers in need of some juice for their Blackberrys, the automated charging machines (also known as A.C.M.s) have 12 slots for a variety of mobile devices including iPods, PDAs, and cell phones. As the user waits for the 10-minute charge to complete, an LCD screen plays a 10- to 20-minute cycle of advertisements or promotional content chosen by the renter.

The machines, which come in freestanding six-foot tall models or a two-foot tall wall-mounted style, also have a 3- by 2-foot billboard that can be branded with a logo or image. Each machine rents for $1,200 per event, which includes ads and video content (with set-up and installation) and allows users to charge their phones for free. The company can also create custom videos for an additional charge.