Client Background
Video Journal, published biweekly by SHINJUSHA Co., Ltd., is one of Japan’s leading publications on professional video production technology. Since 1968, it has been a trusted source for insights on cameras, broadcasting equipment, and post-production. Despite its strong reputation, competing for attention at major trade fairs like Inter BEE—Japan’s premier video and broadcasting technology exhibition—posed a unique challenge.
Challenges
At large technology fairs, visitors are primarily focused on hardware demonstrations. For a content-driven publisher like Video Journal, attracting attendees to their booth and standing out in an exhibition hall filled with cutting-edge devices was difficult.
Key challenges included:
- Limited booth visibility in a hardware-centric environment
- Engaging passersby and sparking curiosity about the brand
- Finding new, innovative ways to distribute content on-site
Solution with PressPad
To tackle these issues, SHINJUSHA turned to PressPad’s PDF-based flipbook app, enhanced with beacon integration. The native app, built for iOS and Android, unlocked full premium content whenever a user entered the range of a Kontakt.io Smart Beacon—giving visitors free access for as long as they stayed within the zone.
How it worked:
- Free Reading Zone: Visitors within range of the beacon could instantly access Video Journal’s content for free on their smartphones and tablets.
- Smart Beacon Setup: A beacon covering a four-meter radius was installed around the booth, turning it into a digital reading hub.
- Promotional Materials: Hostesses distributed leaflets at the entrance to Inter BEE, inviting attendees to experience the “Reading Lounge” at the Video Journal booth.
This combination of mobile technology and traditional outreach transformed booth visits into interactive experiences and drove curiosity.
Results
The PressPad-powered Reading Lounge delivered measurable results during the three-day event:
- High Traffic: The booth attracted significantly more visitors than in previous years.
- Content Engagement: Attendees accessed both Video Journal and related publications via the digital reading zone.
- Print Distribution: Over 3,500 free copies of the magazine were handed out, reaching nearly 1 in 10 attendees (Inter BEE reported 35,646 visitors that year).
- Sales Impact: SHINJUSHA reported its strongest sales at Inter BEE in several years, directly linked to the increased booth traffic and engagement.
Client’s Feedback
Noboru Tateishi, President of SHINJUSHA Co., Ltd., stated:
“Using beacon technology at Inter BEE was a real success. Almost every tenth visitor not only came to our booth but also took a free copy of the magazine. This visibility boost translated into our best fair sales in years.”
He added that:
“Almost every tenth visitor to the fairs has not only visited the booth but also taken a free copy of the print magazine during the Inter BEE. So it’s been a real measure of this success.”
Key Takeaway
By combining location-based mobile technology with strategic on-site marketing, Video Journal successfully turned a hardware-focused trade show into a platform for boosting visibility, building relationships, and driving sales.
Discover how PressPad can help your magazine or newsroom stand out at events, engage readers, and boost circulation. Let’s talk.
