Party Games for Hire: A Practical Guide to Selecting and Booking – Corporate Entertainment, Simulator hire and brand activation

Tired of your corporate events falling flat? If you're struggling to make your stand or conference truly memorable and drive real results, the answer isn't a bigger banner or more free pens. It's about shifting from passive experiences to active, buzzing engagement.

This is where party games for hire come in. Forget thinking of them as just a bit of fun; these attractions are strategic assets for boosting footfall, keeping attendees captivated, and, most importantly, capturing high-quality leads.

Why Interactive Games Are Your Event's Secret Weapon

Attendees interacting at an exhibition booth with a racing car, large screen, and event branding.

In a world saturated with digital noise, it’s the real-life, hands-on experiences that create genuine connections and leave a lasting impression. Let's be honest, the days when a simple branded stand was enough to grab attention are long gone. Today's audiences crave memorable moments, and that's exactly what interactive games deliver.

This guide isn't about fluffy theory. It’s a practical, real-world roadmap. We'll show you exactly how to select, book, and manage attractions like F1 simulators, reaction games, and giant race tracks to smash your business goals, whether you're at an exhibition, conference, or a team-building day.

The Rise of Experiential Engagement

The demand for this kind of hands-on entertainment is soaring. Party games for hire are at the very heart of the UK's booming "competitive socialising" scene, which saw venue growth of nearly 40% between 2018 and 2023. This isn't just a trend for nights out; it's spilling into the family and indoor entertainment sector, a market tipped to hit $2,723.37 million by 2031. Innovations like VR and fast-paced reaction games are driving huge chunks of that revenue.

This cultural shift tells us something crucial: events must offer more than just information. They have to provide an experience. This is especially true when you include effective icebreaker games for parties that get people mingling and talking right away.

By transforming your event space into an interactive hub, you create an environment where attendees naturally lower their guard. They connect with your brand on a personal level and become far more receptive to your message. It’s all about creating joy and a bit of friendly competition—two powerful catalysts for building relationships.

When you get it right, integrating party games for hire delivers a whole host of tangible benefits:

Massively Increased Footfall: A dynamic attraction like a racing simulator is a visual magnet. It doesn't just attract people; it pulls a crowd right to your stand.
Enhanced Dwell Time: Once you've got them hooked, attendees stick around longer. This gives your sales team golden opportunities to start valuable conversations.
Quality Lead Capture: Running a competition with a leaderboard gives people a genuine, fun reason to share their contact details. No more awkward clipboard moments.
Social Media Amplification: People love sharing photos and videos of themselves having a great time. Exciting games generate a ton of user-generated content, expanding your brand's reach for free.

Know Your Goals Before You Look at Games

I get it. The temptation to dive straight into browsing the latest and greatest party games for hire is massive. But trust me, that's like planning a trip without knowing where you're going. The best, most impactful events I've seen don't start with a flashy game – they start with a crystal-clear goal.

Before you even glance at a simulator or a set of casino tables, you need to ask yourself: what does a 'win' look like for this event? A hired game isn't just a bit of fun; it's a strategic tool. Nail down its purpose from the very beginning, and you're already on the path to success.

This simple shift in thinking stops you from picking an attraction that, while entertaining, does absolutely nothing for your bottom line. It changes the question from "what looks cool?" to "what will actually deliver the results I need?".

What Are You Actually Trying to Achieve?

Your main objective is the filter for every decision that follows. Are you trying to hoover up high-quality leads at a packed trade show? Or is this about rewarding your team and getting them to bond at a company away day? Maybe you're launching a new product and just need to create an almighty buzz on social media.

Each of those goals demands a totally different kind of game.

Lead Generation: Success here is all about the numbers – how many new, qualified contacts did you make? The game needs a built-in reason for people to hand over their details. Think high-score competitions where you need an email address to get on the leaderboard.
Team Building & Morale: The aim is to get people talking, collaborating, and having a laugh together. You'd measure this with things like employee feedback surveys or just by watching how teams are interacting. A giant Scalextric track with team-based races is perfect for this.
Brand Awareness & Social Buzz: You're chasing maximum visibility. You’ll be tracking social media mentions, hashtag usage, and how many photos are being shared. The game has to be a visual showstopper – something people can't resist snapping and posting online.

See the hired game as a strategic asset. If your number one KPI is lead generation, an F1 simulator running a ‘fastest lap’ competition is a powerful lead-capture machine. The prize isn't just bragging rights; it's the hook that turns a casual player into a qualified prospect.

Who Are the People in the Room?

Once you know why you’re hiring a game, you need to think about who will be playing it. A deep dive into your audience is non-negotiable. It ensures the game you choose actually connects with them, making it far more engaging and effective. Don't guess – really think about the people you're inviting.

Consider these key factors:

Demographics: What’s the general age range? The gender split? The professional seniority? A group of twenty-something tech graduates will get a kick out of a VR experience in a way a roomful of senior executives might not.
Interests & Industry: What do they do for a living? What are their hobbies? An F1 simulator is a no-brainer for an automotive conference, whereas a sophisticated set of casino tables would be a much better fit for a financial services networking dinner.
The Vibe & Dress Code: Will people be suited and booted or in jeans and t-shirts? Is the event a high-energy party or a more formal, relaxed affair? A physically demanding game like the Batak Pro is brilliant fun, but it's not going to work at a black-tie gala.

Let's put it into practice. Imagine you're hosting an exclusive evening for a small group of C-suite executives. The whole point is high-level networking in a sophisticated setting. A loud, flashing arcade game would feel completely out of place and just plain awkward.

Instead, a few elegant Blackjack or Roulette tables create a refined, social atmosphere. They encourage conversation and a bit of light-hearted competition without killing the sophisticated mood. That choice shows you understand your audience. It's this kind of strategic thinking that takes an event from good to unforgettable.

Choosing the Right Game for Maximum Impact

An event space featuring a white racing car simulator, a 'choose your game' console, and a football table game.

Alright, you’ve nailed down your event goals and have a solid picture of who’s attending. Now for the fun part: picking the perfect attraction to bring your event to life. The world of party games for hire is massive, but don’t let that overwhelm you. The trick is to match the game's function directly to what you want to achieve.

Think of it this way: each game is a different tool in your event toolkit, designed for a specific job. Get the choice right, and the game becomes a central part of your strategy, not just a bit of fun on the side. Let's look at the main categories and see how they play out in the real world.

High-Speed Racing and Sports Simulators

This is where you go for pure adrenaline and high-octane competition. Things like F1 simulators, multi-car racing rigs, and sports simulators (football, rugby, you name it) are absolute magnets for a crowd. They’re immersive, they’re loud, and the thrill of the race makes them a perfect centrepiece for an exhibition stand where you need to create a real buzz.

The competitive element is your secret weapon for lead capture. Stick up a digital leaderboard for the 'Fastest Lap' or 'Highest Score', and you've instantly got a compelling reason for people to hand over their contact details. No one wants to miss out on their shot at glory.

Here’s how it works in practice:
Picture your stand at a huge tech conference. Your goal is to grab leads from competitive, driven professionals. A sleek F1 simulator, wrapped in your company’s branding, sits pride of place. That live leaderboard isn't just fostering competition; it’s giving your sales team the perfect, natural opener to chat with every single person who has a go.

Fast-Paced Reaction Games

Need to engage a lot of people, fast? Reaction games are your answer. We’re talking about things like the Batak Pro or Strike a Light, which test speed and reflexes in frantic 30 to 60-second bursts. This rapid-fire fun makes them ideal for high-footfall areas like trade shows or brand activations.

Their small footprint and quick turnover are a massive plus. You can maximise the number of interactions you have without frustrating people with long queues. They’re brilliant for driving up engagement and collecting data efficiently, and the quick gameplay often encourages people to have another go, boosting that all-important dwell time.

A key takeaway here is that the speed of the game should match the pace of your event. For a bustling exhibition hall, a fast turnover game ensures you interact with the maximum number of potential leads.

This demand for hands-on fun is a huge growth driver in the UK's entertainment scene. The family entertainment centres market is projected to rocket from USD 456.53 million in 2025 to USD 830.44 million by 2034. This boom is all down to people wanting experiences, not just things. Hired attractions are turning standard venues into memorable destinations, with ticket sales (often boosted by these games) making up a massive 40% of the UK's indoor entertainment revenue back in 2021.

Immersive VR and Unique Experiences

If you want to create a moment people will be talking about for weeks, this is the category for you. Virtual Reality (VR) setups, flight simulators, and giant Scalextric tracks offer something truly different. They create deep, memorable experiences that are perfect for product launches or exclusive corporate events where you want to forge a lasting, positive connection with your brand.

VR can whisk your guests away to another world entirely, while a helicopter flight simulator offers a thrill most people have never had. These aren't just games; they're powerful storytelling tools. They can perfectly echo your brand’s message of innovation or being the best in the business.

For team-building, you can't beat a giant 8-lane Scalextric track. It gets the friendly rivalry going and encourages people to work together. It’s a fantastic icebreaker that gets everyone cheering and chatting naturally. If you're planning an event for adults, you might also find some great ideas in these outdoor party games for adults.

Matching Party Games to Your Event Goals

To make the decision even easier, we've put together a quick-reference table. Use it to align your primary goal with the type of game that delivers the best results.

Event Objective	Recommended Game Hire	Why It Works
High-Volume Lead Capture	F1 Simulator, Batak Pro	Creates a competitive buzz with a clear incentive (leaderboard) for data submission. High turnover.
Brand Awareness & Buzz	Giant Scalextric, VR Pods	Highly visual and shareable on social media. Creates a memorable, unique brand experience.
Team Building & Morale	8-Player Scalextric, Foosball	Encourages friendly competition, collaboration, and natural interaction between colleagues.
Client Networking & Hospitality	Casino Tables (Blackjack, Roulette)	Creates a sophisticated, relaxed social hub where conversations can flow easily in a low-pressure setting.
Driving Footfall to a Stand	Racing Simulators, Strike a Light	The combination of sound, visuals, and competitive action naturally draws crowds from across the hall.

Choosing the right game is all about understanding what you want it to do for you. With a clear objective, you can pick an attraction that not only entertains but also delivers tangible, measurable results for your event.

Refined and Social Casino Tables

For those events that call for a touch of class and a more relaxed vibe, casino tables are a surefire winner. Blackjack, Roulette, and Poker create an instant social hub where networking feels completely organic. They are the perfect fit for corporate hospitality evenings, awards dinners, or client appreciation events where building relationships is the top priority.

The gameplay is naturally social and sparks conversation between players. It's a shared activity that breaks down barriers, giving your team the perfect opportunity to mingle with clients in an elegant, low-pressure environment. The focus here is on crafting a refined, enjoyable experience that makes your brand look and feel premium.

Navigating Logistics and Safety with Confidence

A man reviews a safety checklist during event setup, surrounded by coiled cables and equipment in an empty arena.

You’ve found the perfect game, and the vision for your event is starting to feel real. Now comes the nitty-gritty – the practical details that separate a good event from a truly seamless one.

This isn’t the boring part. Far from it. Getting the logistics and safety sorted early is what lets you relax on the day, knowing everything is under control.

Any professional hire company will walk you through their requirements, but it pays to know what to ask. In my experience, the biggest on-the-day headaches almost always come from something simple, like a doorway that’s two inches too narrow or a lack of power sockets. A quick chat with your venue and supplier upfront can save you a world of pain later.

Mastering the Venue Logistics

Before you even think about signing a contract, you need to make sure the game will actually work in your chosen space. Every piece of equipment has its own footprint and needs, so think of this as a quick compatibility check.

Don't just get the basic dimensions of the game itself; ask about the total operating space required. A racing simulator might have a 3m x 2m footprint on paper, but you’ll need extra room for people to get in and out, plus space for a crowd to gather and watch.

Here are the absolute must-ask questions for your venue and hire company:

The Journey In: What’s the route from the loading bay to the event space? Are there any sneaky stairs, tight corners, or narrow corridors to contend with? Pro kit is often seriously heavy, and a clear, step-free path is non-negotiable.
Lift Access: If you’re not on the ground floor, what are the lift’s exact internal dimensions and, crucially, its weight limit? This can be an instant deal-breaker for larger attractions.
Power Up: How many standard 13-amp sockets does the equipment need? Where are they? You must confirm the game will have its own dedicated power, not sharing a circuit with the caterers or the DJ.
Timings: What’s the earliest the setup crew can get in, and what time do they need to be completely clear? Make sure your venue booking covers these build and breakdown windows to avoid any surprise charges.

Getting these details nailed down isn’t just about making the crew’s life easier. It's about protecting your investment and making sure the centrepiece of your event actually gets into the room and works flawlessly.

The Non-Negotiable World of Health and Safety

This is the one area where there are absolutely no shortcuts. When you bring in an external supplier, you’re entrusting them with the well-being of your guests. A proper, reputable company doesn’t just supply a game; they deliver a fully compliant, insured, and professionally managed service.

Your supplier should be proactive in providing all the necessary paperwork. This isn’t just about ticking boxes; it's the proof of their professionalism and covers your own due diligence as the event organiser.

Key Safety Documents to Expect:
A professional outfit will have all their H&S documentation ready, often bundled together as RAMS (Risk Assessments and Method Statements).

Risk Assessments: This document identifies every potential hazard—from trip hazards to electrical faults—and details the measures in place to control them.
Method Statements: This is a step-by-step plan explaining exactly how the crew will safely install, operate, and take down the equipment.
Public Liability Insurance (PLI): Always ask for a copy of their current insurance certificate. £5 million is a common level of cover, but many established suppliers like PSW Events hold £10 million, which is often a standard requirement for bigger, more prestigious venues.
PAT Testing Certificates: Every single piece of electrical equipment must be regularly tested for safety (Portable Appliance Testing). Your supplier must be able to provide up-to-date certificates for everything they bring on-site.

The presence of trained staff is the final piece of the safety puzzle. They're not just there to press 'start'. They are experts in operating the equipment, managing the queue, and dealing with any issues that might crop up. Their presence ensures the activity runs smoothly and safely, freeing you up to focus on your guests.

For something big like a mobile rock climbing wall hire, this professional oversight is absolutely essential. They’re there to make sure fun and safety go hand-in-hand.

Maximising ROI Through Branding and Lead Generation

Let's stop thinking about this as a 'cost' and start seeing it as an 'investment'. When you hire the right party games, you’re not just paying for a day of fun; you’re bringing a powerful marketing tool right into the heart of your event. The real magic happens when you turn that attraction into a seamless extension of your brand and a machine for delivering tangible results.

The trick is to see the game as the centrepiece of a brand activation, not just a standalone item. It’s your chance to make your company’s presence felt in a dynamic, memorable way that a static pull-up banner just can't compete with. This is how you turn passive attendees into active, engaged participants who are genuinely connecting with what you do.

Make Your Brand the Star of the Show

Proper branding is about so much more than just slapping a few logos on the side of a simulator. It’s about creating a cohesive, immersive experience where your brand is a natural part of the fun. When someone sits down to race, they should feel like they're stepping into your world.

Think about the sheer visual impact. A Formula 1 simulator completely wrapped in your company's colours becomes an unmissable landmark at any exhibition. It doesn't just attract attention; it commands it.

Here are a few practical branding options we see work brilliantly:

Full Bespoke Wraps: For big-ticket items like racing simulators or the Batak Pro frame, a complete vinyl wrap delivers the biggest visual punch.
Custom Digital Leaderboards: Displaying your logo and brand colours on the live leaderboard screen keeps your brand front-and-centre throughout the competition.
Branded Backdrops and Banners: Create the perfect photo opportunity by setting up branded backdrops behind the game. You'll be amazed how much this encourages social sharing.
In-Game Branding: Many of our digital games allow for customisation, letting us place your logo directly within the virtual world of the game itself.

In all my years of doing this, the most successful activations are always the ones where the branding feels completely integrated. It's not an afterthought; it’s woven into the fabric of the experience, reinforcing who you are with every single interaction.

Turning Fun Into Measurable Leads

Once you've got their attention, the next step is turning that engagement into valuable data. The beauty of using competitive games is that they provide a natural, non-intrusive reason for people to share their details. Nobody wants to be cornered with a clipboard, but almost everyone wants a shot at winning the top prize.

This is where the game slots perfectly into your sales funnel. There's a reason the competitive socialising market is booming. In the UK, it saw a venue increase of nearly 40% between 2018 and 2023, with hire rates for motion-based games jumping by an estimated 25% in 2023 alone. Brands are tapping into this post-pandemic desire for real-world fun to drive real-world results.

A well-planned competition removes all the usual friction from lead capture. You're not asking for something for nothing; you're offering a fair exchange – their data for a chance to win.

Proven Lead Capture Strategies:

Top Score Takes All: The classic 'fastest lap' or 'highest score' competition is a simple but incredibly effective way to get people to sign up. Just make entering an email or scanning a badge a requirement to get on the leaderboard.
QR Code Integration: Placing QR codes on the game's branding that link directly to a simple sign-up form is a game-changer. It makes the process incredibly fast and mobile-friendly.
Prize Draws for All Players: If you want to capture data from more than just the ultra-competitive types, enter everyone who has a go into a prize draw. This widens your net and makes every participant a potential lead. Our guide on using a spinning prize wheel has even more ideas for how to incentivise sign-ups.

To really get the most out of your event, it's worth understanding why brand building is important to a successful lead generation strategy. When you blend a strong brand presence with a smart lead capture mechanic, your hired game becomes a direct contributor to your sales pipeline and a clear driver of business growth.

Your Event Blueprint From Booking to Breakdown

Bringing a brilliant party game to your event is about more than just picking something cool and hoping for the best. To really nail it, you need a plan. From that first spark of an idea right through to analysing the results, thinking through the entire journey is what separates a good event from a great one.

A solid timeline is your secret weapon. It keeps the pre-event panic at bay and makes sure everyone – from your internal team to the venue manager and your game supplier – is on the same page.

The Planning and Execution Timeline

Let's walk through a typical timeline for a corporate event or an exhibition stand. Breaking it down into phases makes the whole process feel much more manageable.

3-6 Months Out
- Nail Down Your 'Why': First things first, what does success look like? Are you chasing leads, boosting brand awareness, or just giving your team a well-deserved morale boost? Get this clear from the start.
- Get the Budget Signed Off: Lock in the funds for your chosen attraction. Don't forget to factor in any extras like custom branding or prizes.
- Start Window Shopping: Begin scouting for party games that actually fit your audience and objectives.
1-2 Months Out
- Lock It In: You've done your research, so now's the time to get quotes, check availability, and formally book your supplier.
- Logistics, Logistics, Logistics: This is crucial. Send your supplier all the venue details – floor plans, power socket locations, loading bay access times, the lot.
- Approve the Artwork: If you're branding the game, now's the time to sign off on the final designs for any custom wraps, digital leaderboards, or backdrops.
The Week Of
- Final Checks: Give your supplier and the venue contact a quick call to reconfirm every single detail. Timings, contact numbers, parking – leave no stone unturned.
- Brief the Troops: Make sure your on-site staff know exactly what's happening. They need to understand the game's purpose, how the lead capture works, and any key messages you want them to share.
Post-Event
- Dive into the Data: Time to look at the leads. How many did you get? Were they the right kind of people?
- Calculate Your ROI: Now you can measure the event's performance against those initial goals you set months ago.
- The Debrief: Chat with your team and the supplier. What went brilliantly? What could be even slicker next time?

This is how a game hire contributes to your return on investment over time, evolving from initial brand buzz to solid, qualified leads.

As you can see, the value isn't just a one-day thing. It starts with getting your brand seen and heard, and ultimately funnels down into real sales opportunities.

Working with a seasoned supplier makes this whole process a breeze. When you have a professional team handling the logistics, health and safety, and on-the-day operations, you're free to do what you do best: connect with your guests and smash your event goals.

Common Questions About Hiring Party Games

When you're pulling together a corporate event, you've got a lot on your plate. Diving into the world of entertainment hire can bring up a few questions. Let's tackle some of the most common queries we hear from event planners to help you get everything sorted with confidence.

How Much Space Do I Need for Popular Games?

This is usually the first question on everyone's mind, and for good reason. The space you need can vary wildly from one attraction to another. It’s not just about the physical footprint of the game itself, but also about giving your guests enough elbow room to play and for others to watch without feeling cramped.

A single F1 racing simulator, for instance, needs a dedicated area of around 3m x 2m. But if you're thinking bigger, like one of our crowd-pulling 8-lane giant Scalextric tracks, you'll need to earmark a space closer to 6m x 4m. Any professional supplier worth their salt will give you the exact dimensions and power requirements upfront, so there are no surprises when they arrive at your venue.

Can the Games Be Branded with Our Company Logo?

Absolutely – in fact, you should insist on it. This is where a fun activity transforms into a powerful brand activation. The best hire companies offer a whole host of customisation options to make sure your brand is the star of the show.

This could be as simple as adding your logo to the digital leaderboard, or you could go all out with a full vinyl wrap for a racing simulator. We often create branded backdrops that are perfect for photo ops, too. My advice? Bring up branding early in the conversation. You’ll be surprised at the creative possibilities.

One of the biggest mistakes I see is treating branding as a last-minute addition. When it's properly integrated from the start, the whole experience feels more polished and professional. It reinforces your brand with every single interaction and every photo that gets shared on social media.

What Is Included in the Hire Cost?

Your quote should be clear, transparent, and all-inclusive. The last thing you want is a bill full of unexpected extras after the event. The hire cost for any decent party game should cover a lot more than just the equipment.

Typically, the price will bundle in:

The game itself for the agreed-upon duration.
Delivery, professional setup, and breakdown by their trained crew.
On-site staff to run the game, engage with guests, and keep the energy high.
Full public liability insurance for your complete peace of mind.

It’s always smart to double-check if things like travel costs are included, especially if your event is outside the supplier’s standard service area.

Do We Need to Provide Staff to Run the Games?

Nope, you shouldn't have to lift a finger. A full-service hire company will provide their own experienced staff, often called brand ambassadors. These aren't just technicians; they're trained to operate the gear safely, manage any competitions, and create a fun, welcoming atmosphere for everyone.

Having their team on hand is vital. It means the attraction runs like clockwork, and it frees up your own people to focus on what they do best – networking with clients and making sure your event goals are being met.