PORT ORANGE, Fla. — Attendees sporting colour-coded bracelets might be the new normal for tradeshows and large-scale events of the future.
Entrepreneurs who made their debut on Shark Tank, have just launched their next idea that serves the tradeshow and events industry: Social Bands.
Social Bands are colour-coded bracelets that allow users to silently communicate their social distancing preferences. If they wear red – they’re not comfortable with any contact; yellow – they’re okay with elbows only; and green – they are willing to give handshakes, high-fives, or hugs. 
According to co-founder, Desiree Haller, the bracelets are meant to be worn in places where large groups gather, like tradeshows, workspaces, warehouses, etc.
Haller said the Social Bands are necessary for tradeshows especially, because of all the business that happens at them that can’t be replaced.
“When I was back in the office after the first heat of the pandemic, I had meetings and walk-ins coming in, and there was always that initial awkward moment when I first met someone,” she said. “I didn’t know if I should go in for a handshake or stay back six feet. So that got my wheels turning and a lightbulb went off to create Social Bands so you could see peoples’ preferences at a glance.”
For an exhibitor, the bands are perfect, so they know how to treat each and every attendee that walks up to their booth.
“A big part of business is human interaction and it needs to go on,” she said. “We need tradeshows to sell products and for businesses to make deals.”
For large-scale events and tradeshows, Haller explained that the bracelets would be handed out at entrances, (near pop-up banners to explain the colour system) so attendees and customers can choose their preference before entering the show floor.
“This way, attendees can choose which colour they want to wear that day or weekend, and it puts the decision-making into their own hands,” she said. “It really takes the guesswork and awkwardness out of the equation when meeting face-to-face again.”
“This is new and uncharted territory for all of us,” added Haller. “And while most of us are ready to get back to business, we need to find new ways to be considerate — especially to those who are immunocompromised or have a loved one who is.”
To learn more, or to purchase Social Bands for your next tradeshow, event, or workplace, visit: socialbandbands.com.
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