In Texas, the Junior League of Austin (JLA) has been driving change since 1934. Their mission is simple: advance women’s leadership for real community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. Partnering with local organizations, JLA tackles big issues like food security and clothing for kids in need—and they’re always looking for new ways to amplify their mission.

In 2018, they became one of the first Austin nonprofits to adopt Simple Booth HALO®, a modern photo booth solution that helps boost engagement, spark conversations, and keep their mission top of mind. Since then, HALO has been a game-changer, helping JLA deepen connections, raise awareness, and even subtly promote fundraising at their biggest events.

Turning a holiday hit into an everyday sensation

In 2017, JLA rented HALO from a local event services company for holiday events. The response was so overwhelmingly positive that they quickly decided to purchase their own HALO setup, making it a year-round staple.

“We use it for anything and everything,” said Angela Lipscomb, JLA’s Technology Chair. From A Christmas Affair to leadership reveal nights and trunk-or-treats, HALO became a go-to feature at JLA events, offering a fun and interactive way for attendees to capture memories.

A Christmas Affair—one of JLA’s biggest annual fundraisers—features vendors renting booths to sell their goods, while JLA provides digital and printed Santa photos taken with HALO for a suggested donation. The event generates nearly $1 million overall, allowing JLA to support local businesses while raising funds for its community programs.

Amplifying the mission, one selfie at a time

What started as a practical way to save on event photography quickly became a powerful tool for engagement, outreach, and storytelling.

“People come to our events, and sometimes they don’t know what it’s all about. But having that touchpoint with someone at the booth gives us the chance to explain our mission.”

– Angela Lipscomb, JLA’s Technology Chair

“It helps people get more involved,” Angela explained. “When someone stops to take pictures, there’s usually a volunteer standing nearby who can start a conversation. People come to our events, and sometimes they don’t know what it’s all about. But having that touchpoint with someone at the booth gives us the chance to explain our mission.”

The branded photo borders also play a big role. “It reminds people where they were and how much fun they had, which often brings them back for future events,” Angela shared.

JLA has also found creative ways to adapt HALO, including pet photos with Santa. “HALO made it easier and less stressful than traditional photography setups, especially for animals that might not enjoy long photo sessions,” Angela said.

“We’re living in an Instagram world,” Angela noted. “Everyone wants a nice little vignette. HALO gives people a quick keepsake that’s fun and easy to share.”

“We’re living in an Instagram worlds. Everyone wants a nice little vignette.”

– Angela Lipscomb, JLA’s Technology Chair

More than a photo—building connections that last

HALO has become more than just an event feature—it’s now woven into JLA’s culture.

“It kind of grew organically,” Angela shared. “Once we had it, we realized we could use it anytime, for anything, without needing to rent a booth or hire a photographer. Now, people just request it on our internal site.”

HALO’s ability to drive visitor retention at events has proven invaluable. “Groups of friends will come by for a picture, then find more friends and keep coming back. It creates more opportunities for conversations and connections,” Angela said.

“Once we had it, we realized we could use it anytime, for anything, without needing to rent a booth or hire a photographer.”

– Angela Lipscomb, JLA’s Technology Chair

Beyond engagement, HALO has saved JLA time and resources. “People can take their own pictures in a nice space, without the need for someone constantly walking around with a camera,” Angela noted. That efficiency is crucial for JLA, which relies heavily on volunteer support and a minimal paid staff.

From engaging attendees to creating social media content, HALO has become a must-have tool for JLA—one they count on to keep their mission front and center.

Key features that make an impact

Through their experience with HALO, JLA quickly honed their strategy to maximize its impact and make the most of its standout features.

For JLA, a personal touch matters, so they keep each HALO experience smooth and memorable by having a volunteer photo booth attendant on-site—guiding guests and sharing more about JLA’s community programs along the way.

And who doesn’t love a little creative flair? “We use cool backdrops, physical props, green screen technology, and other fun add-ons. With 2,500 members, people bring in unique ideas—I’m always excited to see what we end up using,” Angela shared.

On top of that, HALO has been a game-changer for JLA’s social media visibility, especially at big moments like their leadership reveal event. “People love taking photos with their friends, and those pictures naturally make their way onto social media. It creates a fun buzz and attracts more people to what we’re doing—it becomes a self-fulfilling cycle.”

But it’s not just about photos—it’s about what those photos can do. HALO makes capturing high-quality group shots effortless, something traditional selfies struggle with. “Selfies only capture so much and can be awkward for big groups. HALO gets the whole picture, and attendees can share it instantly without needing to text photos around,” Angela explained.

For JLA, this organic social sharing is a powerful marketing tool, especially as a volunteer-driven organization. “Our attendees naturally market our events by sharing their photos, which saves us time and effort,” Angela noted.

“Our attendees naturally market our events by sharing their photos, which saves us time and effort.”

– Angela Lipscomb, JLA’s Technology Chair

Branding is another big win. “I love being able to add banners and overlays. It reminds people where they were and encourages them to return. For free event photos, we use branding as a kind of watermark. For photos like Santa pictures, we keep them unbranded and offer printed versions at a higher price.”

Thinking outside the booth

HALO strikes the perfect balance between nostalgia and modern fun, making it a hit with all ages. “It feels like that old-school photo booth, but without being stuck in a tiny box. Whether it’s older generations reminiscing or younger ones looking for creative rebounds, it works for everyone,” Angela said.

The keepsake factor is huge. HALO photos help JLA events stay top of mind long after they’re over. Angela shared a personal example from their trunk-or-treat event: “Looking back at photos with my son reminds me to sign him up again. That event also had a teachable moment—we asked attendees to donate coats, and my son learned that doing something nice could also be fun.”

While digital photos are always available, JLA offers printed options for select events, like Santa photos—creating an extra revenue stream while enhancing the guest experience.

HALO has also helped JLA stay strong through tough times, including the COVID-19 pandemic. “It kept things cool, fun, and fresh. Even when people were hesitant to gather, HALO let us offer hands-off photo opportunities. It kept people engaged and reminded them of the fun they had, even when things were tough. Now we’re selling out events again—and that’s great.”

“Even when people were hesitant to gather, HALO let us offer hands-off photo opportunities. It kept people engaged and reminded them of the fun they had, even when things were tough.”

– Angela Lipscomb, JLA’s Technology Chair

Creating a space of their own

Five years ago, JLA events popped up all over Austin. That changed with the opening of their very own Community Impact Center, a dedicated space to host events and serve the community.

Now, the center welcomes everything from bar mitzvahs and weddings to corporate gatherings—offering an affordable option for members, community partners, and Austin residents. True to JLA’s mission, every dollar earned goes right back into their impactful community programs.

As a women-led organization, raising the capital to secure the space was a challenge, but JLA made it happen. “You give back, and then you receive a lot, too,” Angela reflected, highlighting the lesson in wealth generation their members gained along the way.

As for HALO? They haven’t added it as an event center upgrade just yet—but they see its potential as another revenue stream to fuel their ongoing community initiatives.

Bringing it full circle—helping others do the same

Angela sees huge potential for other nonprofits to benefit from photo booth experiences. “People love taking pictures and want to remember what they were part of. Especially at galas or unique events, having a professional setup makes a difference,” she said.

“People love taking pictures and want to remember what they were part of. Especially at galas or unique events, having a professional setup makes a difference.”

– Angela Lipscomb, JLA’s Technology Chair

She encourages organizations to get creative with backdrops and themes. “It has to be something fun—like a pumpkin patch or a holiday scene—not just a blank wall. That’s what draws people in and makes them want to take photos.”

Family-friendly events are another prime opportunity. “It’s nice for the whole family to be in a picture instead of someone being left out to press the button.” Plus, offering printed photos for a small donation is a simple way to generate funds while creating meaningful keepsakes.

For Angela, it’s all about balancing professionalism with flexibility. “What I love about HALO is that it’s all-in-one and easy to set up. We bring it out for absolutely anything and everything—it doesn’t always have to be formal or profit-driven. Sometimes it’s just about engaging members and making them happy, which keeps them coming back year after year.”

“Sometimes it’s just about engaging members and making them happy, which keeps them coming back year after year.”

– Angela Lipscomb, JLA’s Technology Chair

Whether it’s boosting engagement, promoting their mission, or simply bringing joy to community events, HALO has been a game-changer for JLA—and it can do the same for others. As Angela put it, “It’s such a great tool. We love having it, and I hope more organizations find out about it. We were one of the first, but I’m sure we won’t be the last.”

Over the years, photo booths have played a growing role in this experience, capturing moments that bring students, faculty, and communities together while creating endless opportunities.

At State University (whose name has been changed to respect school policy), the Housing and Residence Life Office encourages students to celebrate their unique stories and perspectives. By empowering students to create programs that reflect their identities, the office fosters a dynamic campus culture built on connection, belonging, and representation.

Simple Booth HALO® helps bring these meaningful moments to life.

Known for its ease of use and exceptional lighting, HALO is a modern photo booth solution that helps students, staff, and families build relationships, create memories, and boost confidence. From high-energy events like move-in week to casual drop-in activities, HALO supports State University’s mission to strengthen community and foster connections across campus.

Celebrate & Commemorate

For incoming freshmen, the college experience is filled with “firsts” worth celebrating—and capturing. The Housing and Residence Life Office embraces this by using HALO to help students commemorate milestones, from the first day of classes to National Selfie Day.

Rick Spencer, one of their senior staff members, explains, “We are really tasked with supporting first-year students. And what we have found is folks really want to commemorate everything. So, we lean into that.”

“What we have found is folks really want to commemorate everything. So, we lean into that.”

– Rick Spencer, Senior Staff Member

A big part of the photo booth’s success lies in its strategic placement at key events like homecoming, parent and family weekends, and cultural celebrations such as Lunar New Year and Diwali. Positioned at entrances and exits, the booth becomes an unmissable part of the experience for students and families alike.

As HALO’s popularity grew, its role expanded beyond the Housing and Residence Life Office programming. With a reservation system in place, other departments and student groups now use the photo booth for their events, making it a cherished feature across the campus community.

Cost-Effective & Ready for Anything

Before the Housing and Residence Life Office had its own photo booth, renting from external vendors proved expensive, offered limited customization, and came with rigid scheduling.

“Reserving it through local companies was very costly,” explains Rick. “We were reserving this photo booth for $600 every time we used it. And we were like, okay, we use this six times a year. So, this is gonna pay for itself very quickly.”

Owning their own HALO photo booth, paired with the right software plan, has not only saved money but also made event planning more flexible. With the booth readily available, the team can organize, troubleshoot, and adapt when unexpected situations arise.

Just recently, when a group of 50 high school students was stranded in the lobby during a tour due to a bus breakdown, the Housing and Residence Life Office quickly set up HALO and a popcorn machine to keep them entertained. “It was the perfect opportunity to introduce them to who we are,” Rick recalled. “A popcorn machine and a photo booth go a long way.”

“It was the perfect opportunity to introduce them to who we are. A popcorn machine and a photo booth go a long way.”

– Rick Spencer, Senior Staff Member

Having HALO on hand allows the Housing and Residence Life Office to respond quickly to opportunities, documenting events in real-time and providing memorable experiences without the delays of external coordination.

Meeting Students Where They Are

A key factor in the photo booth’s success is its ability to seamlessly adapt to the energy and needs of each event.

“We balance that,” explains Rick. “What kind of energy does this event need? And how do we reflect that in our photo booth environment? What backdrop are we using? Is today a plain white day? A tan day? How can the photo booth support us in that?”

From lively setups with music and balloons to quieter configurations during finals week, the booth is carefully aligned with the event’s mood. This thoughtful flexibility ensures the experience feels welcoming and appropriate, encouraging participation from students, staff, and parents alike.

Even at alumni events like reunions, HALO offers a relaxed, low-pressure activity. “We just encourage them to come up when they’re ready and when they’re able,” Rick shares, highlighting its ability to engage diverse audiences and foster meaningful connections.

Boosting Engagement Across the Board

Since adding HALO to their event inventory, the Housing and Residence Life Office has seen a dramatic increase in engagement at events.

For example, at Parent and Family Weekend, the booth now sees 50 to 100 photos taken in a single day, compared to only a few candid shots taken by a photographer in the past. “Parents love it. Like, they absolutely love it,” shares Rick. “It used to be just snacks and a down spot for parents, but now the photo booth is a big part of the event.’”

“Parents love it. Like, they absolutely love it.”

– Rick Spencer, Senior Staff Member

Students take charge of promoting the events and the photo booth through flyers, digital signage in residence halls, and social media. Additionally, a campus-wide email to all 10,000 on-campus residents highlights when and where HALO will be available, driving participation even with a fraction of students attending.

The photo booth has also spurred greater engagement from international students, who are increasingly using it for cultural celebrations. “We’ve seen a lot more requests for those,” Rick added. “We had six requests just this week, and the university was only open three days!”

“We had six requests just this week, and the university was only open three days!”

– Rick Spencer, Senior Staff Member

A Thoughtful, Student-Driven Approach

Student feedback plays a key role in how the photo booth program evolves, influencing both personalization and photo-sharing practices.

Custom overlays are a student favorite and a signature part of the photo booth experience. “Everybody wants a custom overlay every time we do an event,” shares Rick. To streamline the process, they use a premade Canva template to quickly create designs that capture each event’s unique vibe.

Students have also advocated for more privacy in photo-sharing. “There is activism on campus around how student photos are used,” Rick explained. In response, they’ve shifted from sharing photos campus-wide to a more controlled, private approach, utilizing Simple Booth’s direct send options, privacy features, and their own campus system to ensure photos are sent securely to participants.

By aligning with student needs, the Housing and Residence Life Office elevates the photo booth as a powerful tool for connection, celebration, and personalization, all while balancing privacy and accessibility to ensure a seamless and respectful experience for everyone.

Bringing Energy and Lightheartedness to Important Work

The Housing and Residence Life Office has noticed a significant shift in their events, which have transformed from quiet gatherings to vibrant spaces filled with connection and play, with HALO playing a big part in that change.

“It has made our events more—honestly—more loud,” Rick explained. “They feel more like free spaces where folks can be silly and take up space.”

“It has made our events more—honestly—more loud.”

– Rick Spencer, Senior Staff Member

In an office addressing heavy topics like exclusion and belonging, the photo booth offers a welcome opportunity for levity and connection. “We’re here because people don’t feel like they belong,” Rick shared. “If we can chip away at that for even five minutes while they’re taking a photo, then we’re happy to do that.”

This mix of fun and purpose has made the photo booth a cornerstone in fostering inclusion and building a sense of community on campus, demonstrating how something as simple as a photo can create meaningful moments.

HALO’s portability and self-service features have further solidified its value. “We can just pack it up, put it in the back of a van, and go,” Rick emphasized, highlighting how its flexibility supports events across the expansive campus.

The self-service functionality is another key draw. “What really attracts people to the photo booth is that it’s self-service,” Rick adds. “Especially after COVID-19, when people became more conscious about being in crowded spaces.”

By allowing students to take photos on their own terms, HALO ensures comfort, safety, and accessibility, enhancing its appeal while encouraging meaningful engagement.

Looking Ahead: A Lasting Impact on Community & Culture

As more universities adopt photo booths to foster engagement, State University’s Housing and Residence Life Office is leading the way with HALO, creating inclusive spaces where students feel seen and valued.

Looking ahead, Rick and other senior staff members plan to expand the program to meet rising demand, especially with new buildings set to open. “We won’t get through another school year with just one photo booth,” they shared. Plans include training student workers to manage booths at multiple events, ensuring smooth operations as the program continues to grow.

The success of this initiative has already sparked interest across campus. Departments like Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs have adopted their own booths, with the History Department expressing interest as well. “The photo booth really brings first-year residents together,” Rick shared. “If we can help them celebrate and feel valued, we’re happy to do that.”

“If we can help them celebrate and feel valued, we’re happy to do that.”

– Rick Spencer, Senior Staff Member

Beyond Housing and Residence Life, departments such as Student Affairs, Student Life, Student Activities, Campus Recreation, Intramurals, and Multicultural Affairs could also benefit from the power of photo booths to drive engagement, build connections, and celebrate diverse student experiences.

What began as a fun activity has grown into a meaningful tool for fostering community and creating lasting memories. As State University continues to evolve, HALO will remain a vital part of shaping spaces where students truly feel a sense of belonging and pride.

In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Shakertins has mastered this, becoming a vibrant hub for locals to gather and connect over craft cocktails, lively events, and standout drink specials. Since opening in 2016, Shakertins has built a loyal community by blending a welcoming vibe with forward-thinking marketing strategies.

When Brad Hawkins, Shakertins’ Director of Marketing and Events, saw an opportunity to amplify the guest experience with a photo booth, he jumped on it. He sought a trusted solution that could do more than snap photos—it had to promote the brand and drive engagement.

That’s when he discovered Simple Booth HALO®.

Since introducing HALO at four locations, Shakertins has captured over 32,000 photos, creating unforgettable moments for guests while turning every photo into a marketing win. HALO has not only enhanced their day-to-day operations and special events, but also expanded their community reach in a way that’s as fun as it is impactful.

Watch the video:

Growth Mindset

Since Brad joined the Shakertins team nearly a decade ago, the brand has transformed into a high-energy, full-service bar and dining destination—a testament to adapting to customer feedback and community needs.

With five distinct locations, Shakertins has grown into a community-focused hub, each reflecting the personality of its neighborhood. The Colony attracts a lively crowd of 20- and 30-somethings from nearby residential complexes. Allen offers a relaxed atmosphere perfect for blue-collar workers. Prosper provides a family-friendly setting, ideal for parents and kids, while Galleria (Midtown) delivers an upscale experience that’s great for corporate events. In Arlington, just steps from the Cowboys stadium, it’s all about sports and camaraderie.

As Shakertins expanded, Brad knew that each location required a tailored marketing strategy to match its unique vibe—unlike cookie-cutter chains. But one thing remained constant: the energy of their special events. From trivia nights and happy hours to live music and watch parties, events are at the heart of Shakertins’ success.

By incorporating HALO photo booths at multiple locations, Shakertins has taken these events to the next level. Guests can create lasting memories while amplifying the brand through fun, shareable photos. Open daily from 11 AM to 2 AM, Shakertins continues to be a hub for great times and epic experiences.

Getting the Word Out

Since special events are such a significant revenue driver for Shakertins, keeping them top of mind with guests is essential. Brad quickly realized Simple Booth wasn’t just for elevating guest experiences—it was a powerful marketing tool.

With an impressive 87% opt-in rate, Simple Booth’s data capture feature has helped Shakertins collect over 7,000 phone numbers, enabling them to directly market events to their community.

And text marketing, with its 98% open rate, has been a game-changer for Shakertins, far surpassing email’s diminishing effectiveness. “Email is dead. Everyone’s inbox is flooded,” Brad shared. “But a text? It’s instant, direct, and impossible to ignore. Even if you don’t open it, you’ll still see, ‘Shakertins UFC fight. No cover charge.’”

“Email is dead. Everyone’s inbox is flooded. But a text? It’s instant, direct, and impossible to ignore.”

-Brad Hawkins, Director of Marketing and Events

To create urgency, Brad sends texts the day before or day of key events, like fight nights, ensuring Shakertins is top of mind when guests are deciding their plans. For $300 a month, the strategy yields significant reach and engagement, especially for high-profile events.

Simple Booth also amplifies event promotion through social sharing. With the Shakertins logo branded on photos, guests create memorable, shareable content that spreads organically.

For corporate events, Brad takes it further by incorporating client logos upon request, crafting personalized, branded experiences that stand out from competitors.

The Definition of a Win-Win

As selfie stations grow in popularity at bars and restaurants, they offer a unique opportunity to engage guests in a fun and interactive way.

For Shakertins, Brad says, “At the end of the day, they just want their picture, and I just want their number—it’s a win-win.” With Simple Booth’s intuitive interface, guests can easily take photos or GIFs and opt into galleries, creating a seamless experience that also captures valuable customer data.

The HALO ring light is another major draw for guests. Brad explains, “People see the light and can’t help but be drawn in—it’s like a bug zapper.” The eye-catching light enhances photo quality and boosts engagement, helping to grow your guest list.

“People see the light and can’t help but be drawn in—it’s like a bug zapper.”

-Brad Hawkins, Director of Marketing and Events

Paired with playful start screen prompts like “Want to be a GIF rockstar?” or “Take a picture with me?” businesses can create a fun, interactive atmosphere that keeps guests coming back.

Beyond the fun, the system offers practical features like customizable security settings and guided access. As Brad puts it, “It’s impossible to be in two places at once,” but these tools make it easier to manage high-traffic spots and ensure everything runs smoothly. For businesses with multiple locations, it’s a game-changer.

Brad also appreciates how Simple Booth continues to evolve with regular updates. He loves the new start screen waterfall feature, which displays public photos when the system is idle. “The updates keep coming, and the product never gets stagnant,” he says, noting how the HALO app keeps guests engaged.

Keeping the Momentum Going

In today’s competitive market, Shakertins has found a way to stand out, with Simple Booth HALO playing a vital role in their business strategy.

For Brad, HALO is more than a photo booth; it’s a tool that helps grow the business and capture valuable marketing data. “Getting people’s cell phone numbers is one of the best marketing tools out there,” he shares. “Honestly, my only regret is not starting with Simple Booth at the first location.”

“Honestly, my only regret is not starting with Simple Booth at the first location.”

-Brad Hawkins, Director of Marketing and Events

HALO’s fun, intuitive features make it easy for guests to engage while providing Shakertins with practical benefits like a growing text marketing list—boasting an impressive 98% open rate. This list keeps their community excited about events like trivia nights, live music, and UFC screenings, driving attendance and keeping the brand top of mind.

By pairing engaging events with a reliable, shareable platform like HALO, Shakertins has crafted a strategy that thrives even in a tough economy. It’s more than great food and drinks—it’s about creating an unforgettable experience that keeps guests coming back for more.

Born from a Passion for Creativity

Malik’s passion for event management began during his time at the University of Houston, where he earned a degree in Event & Venue Management from Hilton College in 2014.

After graduating, he landed a job as the Corporate Sales Manager for a prominent venue in the Houston area. He was soon busy meeting with new vendors and exploring opportunities to expand the venue’s offerings.

As fortune would have it, he saw a social media blast from regional photo booth company MYEVENTISTHEBOMB (MEITB) seeking demo opportunities. Malik invited the team over to see what it was all about and ultimately loved the Simple Booth HALO® setup.

After testing the waters with the products at an art show, Malik took a leap and joined the team full-time at MEITB. Soon he was managing large activations with five or more photo booths for major clients across Houston.

Business was great and the future looked bright, but everything was about to change.

An Opportunity to Adapt

The COVID-19 pandemic presented historic challenges for the events industry in 2020. When the world shut down, MEITB discontinued operations indefinitely, leaving its former event staff out of work.

Instead of succumbing to doubt and fear, Malik seized the opportunity to follow his passion, innovate, and build a business.

“I started Just Call Malik in 2020, right as the world was grappling with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a challenging time, but also an opportunity to innovate and adapt. It forced us to rethink our approach and find new ways to engage and entertain,” Malik recalled.

“It was a challenging time, but also an opportunity to innovate and adapt. It forced us to rethink our approach and find new ways to engage and entertain.”

-Malik McGhie, Founder & CEO

Now, Just Call Malik is a full-service event management company, offering everything from corporate conference planning to community art shows, and managing three to four events per week. The company also serves as a trusted event resource hub for the Houston area—a reputation that inspired the name, Just Call Malik.

“I call my company Just Call Malik because you can call me for any event resources. If I can facilitate a service, I will. If not, I will recommend another resource or point you to somebody else,” Malik emphasized.

Just Call Malik & Glow Booth

As Malik’s business grew, Glow Booth emerged as the dedicated photo booth brand, utilizing Simple Booth’s diverse features to meet the needs of a broad clientele.

“We provide a range of options, from self-service rentals to full-service setups with attendants and print stations. Our goal is to tailor our services to meet the specific needs of each client,” he explained.

By treating his brands as separate entities, Malik can offer diverse services and tailored solutions, all while ensuring they complement and strengthen one another. The photo booth remains a central tool in his business, consistently opening doors to new activations, business opportunities, and revenue streams.

“It’s a way to get people to interact. And most of the time it segues into something else. It just works perfectly, so I kept it that way” Malik noted.

“It’s a way to get people to interact. And most of the time it seques into something else.”

-Malik McGhie, Founder & CEO

One of Malik’s recent projects began with a photo booth activation at a hospital featuring a green screen and Simple Booth’s drawing tool. Participants signed their names on the prompt to show their support for the cause: “[Participant Name] is working to end homelessness in Houston.”

This event inspired a follow-up activation where Malik used projectors and screens to create an immersive simulation of homelessness, demonstrating the versatility and impact of his offerings.

Bridging Corporate & Community Events

Malik’s expertise in bridging the corporate world and the grassroots community has been a game-changer, setting him apart from the competition.

“This unique niche allows me to bring creative, grassroots elements into corporate events and vice versa,” Malik explained. And that’s not all. Malik takes it one step further by creating, branding, and marketing unique experiences for the public.

“This unique niche allows me to bring creative, grassroots elements into corporate events and vice versa.”

-Malik McGhie, Founder & CEO

“The way that I separated myself was by actually putting on events for the general public, coming up with ticketing, what the content is going to be, reaching out and marketing it, basically creating a brand from scratch and doing all the grassroots movement to help facilitate and grow. That’s really Just Call Malik in a whole,” Malik emphasized.

In 2016, he also founded the All Access Art Show in Houston, a creative platform that provides valuable opportunities for emerging and underprivileged artists. In recognition of their efforts, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner declared September 17th as #AllAccessArtShow Day in 2021, honoring his impact on the city’s arts community.

“My background in managing events at venues, combined with my grassroots initiatives like the All Access Art Show, has helped me build a robust network and a versatile skill set,” Malik said.

Malik’s hands-on approach and extensive experience across Houston venues, along with his involvement with the International Live Events Association (ILEA), where he’s currently serving as President of the board, have established him as a leading figure in event planning and audience engagement in the Houston market and beyond.

Activating Blank Spaces

While the buzz around 360 photo booths is growing, Malik has strategic reasons for not jumping on the bandwagon just yet.

“I find 360 booths cumbersome and less effective in delivering a clean, professional experience,” he explained. Instead, Malik champions Simple Booth HALO for its simplicity, reliability, and superior photo quality.

“HALO is really good for activating blank spaces and creating branding opportunities. I think the best selling point to a lot of clients is the branding that they get from it,” he said.

“HALO is really good for activating blank spaces and creating branding opportunities.”

-Malik McGhie, Founder & CEO

Simple Booth’s Live Feed feature, for example, keeps guests engaged and entertained by showcasing them on the big screen, which amplifies excitement and enhances participation.

“I think one of the things that makes guests go ‘wow’ is the Live Feed. It seems like such a simple thing. But the fact that people can see themselves on the big screen really brings a level of excitement to the event,” Malik shared.

Malik highlighted how additional features like background replacement technology elevate the guest experience with immersive digital backgrounds and themed step-and-repeats. “We’re continually exploring new ways to innovate and enhance our services,” he said.

He also praised Simple Booth’s self-service capability, which eliminates the need for an attendant, and the quick delivery of photos via text message.

Stay Consistent

When asked about the key to his success in building a six-figure business, Malik summed it up with one word: consistency.

“You’re going to feel like an imposter at times, but it goes back to self-value. A lot of times you just have to push past it and just keep doing what you’re doing. It will get to the point where you can’t even escape it because you were so consistent,” Malik shared.

“You’re going to feel like an imposter at times, but it goes back to self-value. A lot of times you just have to push past it and just keep doing what you’re doing.”

-Malik McGhie, Founder & CEO

And the consistency goes beyond the business itself. It requires actively getting involved.

“The next step you need to take is to go to some industry organizations. If you want to be anything, there’s niches and groups. Then think about sponsoring and actually getting active. By showcasing your product, you’re actually getting to know these people. If you truly want to be a part of that world, it’s the easiest and best way,” Malik suggested.

Big Things Ahead

Looking ahead, Malik is excited about the future of Just Call Malik, Glow Booth, and his continued partnership with Simple Booth.

“Simple Booth has been a reliable partner, offering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients. The support from their team has been exceptional. I may be a little bit biased, but I have been using this product for eight years and it definitely blows a lot of other photo booth units out of the water. And I recommend it,” he said.

“Simple Booth has been a reliable partner, offering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients.”

-Malik McGhie, Founder & CEO

Malik offered a word of advice to other companies considering Simple Booth: “Don’t hesitate. Simple Booth’s technology is a game-changer. It simplifies operations, enhances guest experiences, and offers endless creative possibilities.”

For more information, visit Malik’s Instagram profiles at Just Call Malik and Glow Booth.

Live music. Dancing. Scratch eats. Signature drinks. A night out at Ole Red means the full country experience. And to remember the nights, Ole Red partnered with Simple Booth, the modern photo booth platform, to ensure memories can be captured and shared.

But it’s turned out to be a partnership that’s yielded much more.

Interactive moments

Understanding and engaging with guests in a non-ticketed environment posed a challenge for Ole Red.

Simple Booth’s innovative HALO system introduced a fun, interactive element to the Ole Red experience, motivating guests to capture smiles and fun moments while enjoying the energy of live music and entertainment.

Watch the video:

After the guest has taken a photo but before they receive it, they are prompted to fill out a short form that includes first name, email address, and zip code. These moments provide Ole Red with a reliable method to capture crucial and accurate data.

With an 89% opt-in rate, this steady stream of data has helped Ole Red to understand their audience better and tailor marketing efforts accordingly.

“With Simple Booth, we know exactly who was in our venue. That’s really helpful for us,” said Lindsay Barber, Brand Marketing Manager for Ole Red at Opry Entertainment Group. “So, where are people traveling from? I’m able to figure that out.”

“This insight helps us figure out where our customers are coming from.”

Lindsay Barber, Brand Marketing Manager

Simple Booth has presented a new opportunity, allowing Ole Red to engage with guests and collect user-generated content (UGC) and data directly.

Growing an email list

Since implementing Simple Booth, Ole Red has captured a significant number of email addresses and zip codes. This data is crucial for driving retail and ticket sales, enabling targeted email campaigns based on geography.

And Ole Red has been continually expanding—now up to six locations including Nashville, the Nashville Airport, Gatlinburg, Orlando, Tishomingo (Blake’s hometown) and now their newest location, Las Vegas.

“People love a photo opportunity, especially when they’re traveling,” Lindsay said.

Connecting the dots

“Simple Booth has been a game-changer for us,” said Lindsay, who explained that the data capture abilities have contributed to their success.

“The software component was the biggest selling point.”

-Lindsay Barber, Brand Marketing Manager

“The ZIP code paired with that email is really valuable to us. And then ultimately, what we do on the backend with our analytics team—we marry up additional information. And that’s valuable for me as well on a marketing strategy side,” Lindsay explained.

One key insight that Lindsay uncovered from the data was that even if a person had just purchased a ticketed show in Orlando, they still needed to market all locations to them.

“The biggest value to us is being able to understand the customer, who is visiting the venue, and to be able to speak to that customer,” Lindsay highlighted.

In 2019, Ole Red began exploring ways to capture guest data and enhance in-venue engagement. After considering several options, Ole Red chose Simple Booth for its robust software capabilities and user-friendly interface.

Signage and visibility

The strategic placement of Simple Booth units in high-traffic areas, such as near elevators, has ensured high visibility and usage. Signage and on-screen prompts further promote the photo booths, encouraging guest interaction. Cutouts, neon prompts and large signs with arrows pointing to the booths also contribute to their popularity.

“The HALO’s lighting is a big draw,” said Lindsay, who noted that the Las Vegas venue, in particular, has seen great success with the photo booths.

“People prefer using it over a dimly lit bar for selfies. It’s become an experiential element that our guests love.”

-Lindsay Barber, Brand Marketing Manager

The ability to easily set up and manage the photo booths for special occasions has added value to private event packages and increased rental opportunities, making it a versatile tool that essentially pays for itself through rentals.

Opportunities to grow

Since implementing Simple Booth, Ole Red has seen a marked improvement in guest engagement and data collection, contributing to more effective marketing strategies and increased revenue from retail and ticket sales.

Ole Red’s successful integration of Simple Booth has led to discussions about expanding the number of units in locations to maximize engagement and data collection. The decision to include multiple Simple Booths in Ole Red venues underscores the value they bring to the brand.

Ole Red has provided valuable feedback to Simple Booth, highlighting the importance of reliable hardware and user-friendly features. Simple Booth’s responsive support team has been instrumental in addressing any technical challenges, ensuring a seamless experience for both Ole Red staff and guests.

“It’s been a really great add to our business,” Lindsay shared.

For more information about Ole Red and Simple Booth, visit Ole Red’s website and Simple Booth’s website.

This unique venue offers captivating and engaging experiences for guests of all ages, blending movement with digital fun to elevate every occasion.

Reclaiming Forgotten Spaces for Play 

Driven by a passion to unite the digital and physical realms, Brandon Garrett, co-founder and CEO of Electric Playhouse, has always envisioned designing morphing, vibrant environments.

“As an architect by trade, I was inspired to create spaces that are dynamic and ever-changing, unlike traditional static designs,” Brandon shared.

Electric Playhouse endeavors to bring this vision to life by transforming the increasing number of abandoned malls and retail spaces into local, entertainment platforms.

“We install a network of sensors that track movement and convert the walls and floors into interactive surfaces. This allows us to program a variety of activities by time of day, ensuring that no two experiences are the same.” Brandon explained.

Each visit becomes a unique adventure, inviting guests to fully immerse themselves and engage in playful, motion-based activities.

Curating Magic with Customization

To further enrich the guest experience, Electric Playhouse sought a versatile photo booth solution that aligned with their collective vision.

“We were looking for an all-in-one solution that could integrate seamlessly into our interactive space. Simple Booth was the perfect fit,” Brandon said.

The Simple Booth platform provides the customization and flexibility necessary for Electric Playhouse’s ever-changing environment.

“One of the standout features of Simple Booth is its customization options. We can easily change the display and incorporate different themes and branding for various events,” Brandon explained. Features like custom overlays, photo filters, digital props, and custom email and text senders help capture the magic of the venue.

Additionally, the unique digital backgrounds, which are constantly updated, add a different ambience to the photos for each visit. This flexibility is crucial for Electric Playhouse, which hosts a wide range of events, each requiring a unique look and feel.

“The ability to quickly adapt and provide a personalized experience for our guests is invaluable,” Brandon emphasized.

This adaptability, particularly in tailoring the photo booth experience to match event themes, has become a key advantage for corporate clients.

“We also host a lot of corporate events where customization is key. Simple Booth allows us to add that extra layer of personalization with branded photo experiences,” Brandon noted.

Health, Wellness, & Strategic Marketing

At the heart of Electric Playhouse’s mission is the promotion of health and active play.

“We aim to get people off the couch and moving. Our activities are designed to be engaging and physically stimulating, encouraging guests to break a sweat while having fun,” Brandon said.

This focus on health and wellness is a unique selling point that resonates with a broad audience. In a venue designed to pull people away from their screens and into the present moment, Simple Booth provides a balanced solution that enhances this experience.

“We wanted a way for guests to share their experiences without being glued to their phones. Simple Booth allows guests to take fun, memorable photos and share them on social media, promoting Electric Playhouse organically,” Brandon said.

“Simple Booth allows guests to take fun, memorable photos and share them on social media, promoting Electric Playhouse organically.”

Brandon Garrett, Co-founder and CEO of Electric Playhouse

This innovative approach not only provides memorable keepsakes but also serves as a powerful form of digital word-of-mouth marketing. This has been crucial in enhancing the venue’s reputation while actively supporting its mission of offering phone-free, body-moving fun.

In addition to word-of-mouth marketing, Electric Playhouse has effectively utilized Simple Booth’s data capture capabilities to enhance their post-visit engagement efforts.

“We capture email addresses through Simple Booth and use that data for targeted marketing campaigns. It helps us understand our audience better and tailor our outreach accordingly,” Brandon explained.

This strategic use of data has allowed Electric Playhouse to refine its marketing efforts and drive attendance.

A Space for All, Day & Night

Electric Playhouse’s appeal lies in its diversity of offerings.

“We cater to all ages and interests, from immersive dining experiences that blend art, tech, and food, to motion-activated dance floors for concerts,” Brandon said.

This variety ensures that every visit offers something new and exciting, driving repeat attendance.

“In the mornings, we offer immersive yoga sessions where the environment reacts to the participants’ movements, creating a serene yet dynamic atmosphere,” Brandon described.

By day, Electric Playhouse becomes a vibrant, family-friendly hub filled with interactive games that promote physical activity and enjoyment. As night falls, it seamlessly shifts to host exciting EDM concerts, dinner parties, or private events, ensuring that Electric Playhouse truly offers something for everyone.

Scaling the Experience

With the success of their Albuquerque location, Electric Playhouse is poised for expansion.

“We’re opening a new location in Las Vegas, and our goal is to scale to all major markets over the next five to six years,” Brandon shared.

Simple Booth will continue to play a crucial role in these new locations, enhancing guest experiences and providing valuable marketing tools.

“Simple Booth is a well-rounded product that we have come to rely on. Its customization capabilities, ease of use and quality have made it an integral part of our operations,” Brandon noted. The intuitive interface ensures that guests can easily take and share photos, making it a popular attraction within the venue.

Although Electric Playhouse has rarely needed technical support, Brandon praises the quality and responsiveness of the Simple Booth team.

“We haven’t had any issues that required support, which speaks to the reliability of the product. It’s great to know that support is there if we need it,” he said.

Brandon also commended the HALO hardware: “The HALO hardware from Simple Booth is not only visually appealing but also incredibly reliable. It has been running smoothly since we opened in 2020.”

Forward Thinking

Electric Playhouse’s innovative approach to merging digital and physical experiences has redefined interactive entertainment, crafting unique and engaging environments that captivate visitors. Simple Booth’s versatile and customizable solutions enhance this experience by allowing guests to capture and share those memories with others.

As they expand to new locations, Electric Playhouse is set to continue pushing the boundaries of incredible, immersive entertainment.

For more information on Electric Playhouse, visit their website.

But sometimes, it’s through adversity that we find our way.

This is the story of Amore Entertainment, a photo booth and entertainment services company, launched during one of the most difficult times imaginable. Despite the odds, they have not only survived—but thrived.

Founded by Lorenzo De Luca and his wife, Cristina Martini, in 2020, Amore Entertainment has become a beacon of resilience, adaptability and exceptional customer service in the events industry.

Launching into uncertainty

When Lorenzo and Cristina decided to turn their shared passion for entertainment into a business, they named it Amore Entertainment, drawing inspiration from their affectionate nickname for each other, “Amore,” which means “love” in Italian.

Little did they know that just two weeks after launching their business, the world would virtually shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We bought the equipment, took money out of savings, and went full force. Then, two weeks later, everything shut down,” recalled Lorenzo. “Three months later, I lost my job. That’s when I decided to get things on the road with Amore Entertainment.”

The early days were marked by uncertainty and a relentless pursuit of opportunities. Lorenzo and Cristina had to pivot quickly to adapt to the new normal.

“We had invested so much and the pandemic hit us hard. We had to think creatively and stay resilient.”

-Lorezo De Luca, Amore Entertainment

It was during this tumultuous period that Lorenzo discovered Simple Booth.

Amid the chaos of the pandemic, Simple Booth’s contactless photo booth technology became a game-changer.

“Simple Booth was one of the only companies offering a contactless photo booth at that time. It helped us stay relevant and kept the business afloat,” he explained.

Overcoming major challenges

The pandemic presented numerous challenges, however it also opened doors to innovation. Simple Booth’s contactless photo booth technology was instrumental in helping Amore Entertainment navigate these tough times.

“The contactless photo booth allowed us to offer a safe and fun experience to our clients. It was a game-changer for us,” Lorenzo said.

The ability to offer contactless services set Amore Entertainment apart from other companies.

 “People were asking why other photo booth companies didn’t have this technology. It kept us relevant and helped us build a loyal customer base,” he added.

“It kept us relevant and helped us build a loyal customer base.”

-Lorenzo De Luca, Amore Entertainment

Four years later…

Amore Entertainment overcame initial hurdles to achieve remarkable growth over the years, resulting in over 40,000 photos captured.

Starting with a single photo booth, the company has since expanded its inventory to include multiple photo booths, roamers and a wide array of entertainment options like flower walls, grass walls, live entertainment and DJ services.

“Our first event was two weeks before the pandemic hit. Now, we’re coming up on our fourth year, and we’ve grown in staff, services and reputation,” Lorenzo said. “We’re that one-stop shop for event planning, from photo booths to centerpieces and flower arches.”

Lorenzo’s commitment to innovation and customer service has been the driving force behind this growth.

“We’ve invested in new technology and expanded our services to meet the evolving needs of our clients. It’s been a rewarding journey,” he said.

Set apart by customer service

What sets Amore Entertainment apart from other event service companies is their unwavering commitment to customer service.

“I won’t offer you something I wouldn’t want at my own wedding,” Lorenzo said. “We’re not just there to take pictures; we’re there to make people smile, to dance with the crowd, to be part of the celebration.”

Lorenzo’s personal touch and the infectious enthusiasm of his team have garnered them a loyal customer base.

“We shut down the photo booth during speeches at weddings to ensure no disruptions, and we engage with guests, making the experience memorable. It’s those little details that make a big difference,” he said.

Lorenzo’s approach to customer service is deeply personal.

“I love seeing people smile. It’s not just about taking pictures—it’s about creating memories. We dance with the guests, make them laugh and ensure they have a great time,” he said.

This dedication to customer satisfaction has earned Amore Entertainment rave reviews and a steady stream of referrals.

The right tools made a difference

Lorenzo cites the simplicity and efficiency of Simple Booth’s technology as a key to their early success. “I knew nothing about photo booths when we started. Simple Booth’s easy-to-use interface and comprehensive features made it possible for us to offer a professional service without a steep learning curve,” Lorenzo said.

Amore Entertainment has leveraged their public profile on Simple Booth as a central part of their marketing strategy.

“We don’t have a traditional website, so our Simple Booth profile acts as our online portfolio. It’s where potential clients can see our work and get a sense of what we offer,” Lorenzo said.

The public profile feature has been instrumental in building Amore Entertainment’s brand.

“Clients can scroll through our events, see the different setups we offer, and get a feel for our style. It’s a powerful marketing tool,” he said.

Additionally, the ability to create and customize galleries on the spot has been a significant advantage.

“I can make changes on the fly, which is crucial in the fast-paced environment of events. Simple Booth’s platform is intuitive and reliable,” he explained.

“We use our Simple Booth public profile as a website. It’s a great way to showcase our previous events and services without the expense of a traditional website,”

– Lorenzo de Luca, Amore Entertainment

Connecting and building relationships

Word-of-mouth and social media are key factors in Amore Entertainment’s ongoing growth.

“We encourage guests to share their photos on social media and tag us. It’s amazing how much visibility we get from people sharing their experiences,” Lorenzo explained.

He also highlights how personal connections have been essential in expanding their client base.

“We don’t just hand out business cards. We engage with our clients, follow them on social media, and build relationships. It’s about creating a community,” he said.

“We engage with our clients, follow them on social media, and build relationships.”

-Lorenzo De Luca, Amore Entertainment

In addition to their online presence, Amore Entertainment is deeply involved in their local community.

“We’re part of a local Italian community group that hosts events throughout the year. It’s a great way to stay connected with our community and showcase our services,” Lorenzo said.

Expansion ahead

While weddings remain a significant part of their business, Amore Entertainment is looking to expand into corporate events.

“This year, we’ve seen an increase in corporate clients, and we’re excited about the creative opportunities this brings,” Lorenzo said. “Corporate events allow for more innovation and customization, and Simple Booth’s features make it easy to offer a seamless experience.”

The move into corporate events represents a new chapter for Amore Entertainment.

“We’re excited about the potential in the corporate market. There’s so much room for creativity and innovation,” Lorenzo said. “Simple Booth’s features, like customizable screens and text messages, will help us offer a tailored experience to our corporate clients.”

As Amore Entertainment continues to grow, Lorenzo dreams of creating more jobs and building a community within his company.

“If I can create jobs and a fun, collaborative working environment, that would be my dream.”

-Lorenzo De Luca, Amore Entertainment

Lorenzo’s vision for the future includes expanding their services and continuing to innovate.

“We’re always looking for new ways to improve and offer more to our clients. Simple Booth has been a big part of our success, and we’re excited about what the future holds,” he said.

Pursuing dreams

Lorenzo’s story is a powerful example of perseverance and dedication. It shows how his unwavering commitment, combined with Simple Booth’s supportive tools, has driven his success even during tough times.

“Simple Booth’s simplicity and functionality have been crucial. We’ve built our reputation on being reliable and innovative, and Simple Booth has been a big part of that,” he said.

In a sincere conclusion, Lorenzo offers advice to others in the entertainment industry: “Don’t sell yourself short. Be ready to make sacrifices—but if you work hard, your dreams can come true. Simple Booth has made a huge difference for us, and I believe it can do the same for others.”

For more information on Amore Entertainment, visit their Instagram or Simple Booth public profile.

TLDR: Watch the Video

From the bustling streets of the French Quarter to the scenic banks of the Mississippi River, the Big Easy pulsates with a joie-de-vivre energy that is reflected in its cuisine. Often hailed as the culinary capital of the South, New Orleans boasts a unique blend of Creole, Cajun and French influences that have shaped its rich culinary landscape.

At the pinnacle of this scene is the Creole Cuisine Restaurant Concepts, a beloved family-owned and operated Louisiana business established in 1989 that runs some of the Crescent City’s favorite restaurants, bars, and events spaces.

With a primary focus on providing unforgettable experiences for Bayou locals and visitors alike, Creole Cuisine has found a winning formula that keeps patrons coming back for more.

At the heart of their successful marketing strategy lies a commitment to innovation and engagement, exemplified by their timely adoption of Simple Booth, a bar and restaurant photo booth solution that has captivated guests and enhanced their overall experiences.

“Make it visible and it’ll work”

Simple Booth’s HALO setups are prominently placed near the location entrances to create excitement and fun memories with the photos displayed in real-time.

“Simple Booth is front and center. It’s attractive and easy. People see it from the outside and it draws people in,” said Brent Ledet, Director of Marketing at Creole Cuisine, which employs more than 1,500 team members across its 35 locations.

“Everyone in the room can see who just took a picture and then the image rotates into the gallery. It really just feeds itself and it’s very hands-off.“

“It sells itself.”

-Brent Ledet, Director of Marketing at Creole Cuisine

This immediacy creates a dynamic atmosphere that keeps guests entertained, invested, and engaged.

Driving Engagement with Seamless Integration

What sets Simple Booth apart is its seamless integration into Creole Cuisine’s marketing efforts, where they rotate the Live Feed into their digital signage, along with a mix of digital ads.

“We use it to cross-promote elements, like packaging user-generated content into marketing videos displayed on digital monitors within our locations,” Ledet explains. This strategy not only boosts engagement but also drives incremental revenue by enticing guests with immersive experiences.

“For example, we have guests who are using Simple Booth to take an image of them doing Jell-O shots. Say we’ve collected a dozen of these images and we’re able to package these dozen images to a short 15-second video, which then gets applied to our digital monitors in the location,” said Brent. “People put it together on their own. We don’t really have to say anything. They see people having fun, taking a shot, and toasting. It’s an add-on buy where they weren’t thinking about Jell-O shots, but now it’s in their mind.”

An Astronomical Number of Guest Uploads

“It is a tremendous hit for people who are stopping by, walking the street, and going in-between the galleries,” said Brent, who uses Simple Booth as a way to monitor traffic and see how it aligns with sales, and as an indicator of the number of people in the building. “It’s unique for us. I don’t see too many of our competitors with this–that’s attractive.”

And the results? Thousands of uploads every weekend in their most prominent venues, totaling over 200,000 and growing every day.

Creating Engagement in a Vibrant City

Situated in such a vibrant locale means catering to diverse guest preferences, from young spontaneous Bourbon Street revelers to families and meticulous event planners.

“We have to market to two different types of guests: the impulsive and the planner,” Ledet said. “This was one element that seemed to attract groups and engagement. Anything we have to keep a guest in the location a little bit longer is helpful.”

The journey with Simple Booth began when Creole Cuisine’s IT director introduced the innovative solution to the team. Recognizing its potential to enhance guest engagement, Simple Booth was initially deployed at Flamingo A-Go-Go, one of their vibrant locations known for its Instagrammable ambiance.

Withstanding the Late-Night Punishment of Bourbon Street Traffic

Bourbon Street is known for lively, fun-loving guests who’ve indulged to excess during long evenings out in the Voodoo City. So the Simple Booth gear has to be able to withstand the rigors of N’Awlins.

“It’s durable. The iPad is extremely user-friendly and easy to use,” said Brent, who noted when there has been a challenge, it’s usually operator error, but those are few and far between. “The product’s been very stable for us. We have very few challenges with maintaining it and keeping it online.”

Simple Booth’s equipment doesn’t protrude and is easy to tuck away, which is important as it commonly takes a central, fixed place at the front of the establishments with plenty of foot traffic.

“It rarely gets bumped,” Brent said.

Looking Toward the Future

From capturing family moments at Flamingo Landing to adding flair to special events like White Linen Night, Simple Booth continues to delight patrons and drive engagement.

As Creole Cuisine continues to innovate across its diverse portfolio of busy bars and upscale restaurants, Simple Booth remains a cornerstone of their marketing strategy. Ledet expressed interest in exploring new features and advancements offered by Simple Booth, reinforcing their commitment to providing exceptional experiences for guests.

“It’s been terrific for us,” said Brent.

At Simple Booth, we take pride in spotlighting top-notch uses of our technology that captivate audiences and also drive tangible business results. In this case study, we’re thrilled to highlight how Sports Illustrated Tickets (SI Tickets) has leveraged our solutions since 2022 to revolutionize fan experiences.

“Simple Booth delivered an easy, seamless and effective way to activate at any event, requiring minimal hardware, and boasts best-in-class account management.”

– SI Tickets Marketing Team

Here is a glimpse into the premium user-generated content from their SI Fan Covers campaign:

Recently, we sat down with their marketing team to find out how they implemented Simple Booth so successfully.

Join us as we delve into the innovative strategies employed by SI Tickets to engage their audience, featuring insights from their marketing team and a closer look at their successful SI Fan Covers campaign.

Tell me about Sports Illustrated Tickets.

First launched in June 2021, Sports Illustrated Tickets is a fan-first, secondary ticketing marketplace, with over $2.5 billion in inventory and 50 million sports, concerts and theater tickets. Sports Illustrated Tickets features transparent pricing, charging zero ($0) fees on more than 250,000 events and guarantees a 100% refund if the event is canceled for any reason. Simply put, the ticket price you see is the price you pay at checkout.  With the largest audience in the industry, the Sports Illustrated Tickets marketplace connects more buyers and sellers than any other ticketing platform around the world. 

Sports Illustrated Tickets also operates Box Office, an innovative event management and blockchain-backed primary ticketing solution, the first global platform to combine a complete NFT ticket solution for events of any size with visibility and adjacency to traditional, non-NFT tickets alongside the biggest events around the world. 

How do you promote Sports Illustrated Tickets? What brings people to your events?

We promote Sports Illustrated Tickets through owned, earned and paid channels.

Additionally, our partners – event hosts, organizers, promoters, directors, coordinators – who utilize our primary ticketing platform, Box Office, help generate incremental awareness and visibility through their own marketing channels and audiences. 

Through our affiliate program, we have partners who have integrated our real-time live event ticketing widget on their websites, further driving awareness and visitors to Sports Illustrated Tickets. The widget provides sports, concert and theater events and pricing  geo targeted to audiences in real-time. 

There is no loyalty in the ticketing market. Most consumers just shop for the lowest price. That said, Sports Illustrated Tickets is a fully-transparent, fan-first platform. We charge zero fees to more than 250,000 sports, concerts and theater events, and guarantee a 100% refund if the event is canceled for any reason.  The price you see listed at the top of the funnel is the price you pay at checkout, plus applicable state sales tax. No hidden fees. No surprises at checkout.

What was your first encounter with Simple Booth? How did you find or hear about it?

We were in search of opportunities to engage fans on-site at events in a way that was uniquely Sports Illustrated. We looked for ways to activate our wide variety of  partnerships with an activation that is turnkey, broad reaching, impactful and most importantly authentic to the Sports Illustrated Tickets brand.

Did you look at other options? What caught your interest with Simple Booth? Why did you choose it?

Simple Booth delivered an easy, seamless and effective way to activate at any event, requiring minimal hardware, and boasts best-in-class account management.

What problem did Simple Booth solve for you?

Leveraging the iconic Sports Illustrated cover and offering a commemorative and shareable digital keepsake to countless fans through Simple Booth is seamless, turnkey, impactful and a memorable experience for our consumers.  

How did you implement Simple Booth to be so successful at your events?

As an added value to our primary client partners, we provide the SI Digital Fan Cover Experience through Simple Booth software at NO cost. This activation provides a great way to deliver a commemorative and shareable digital keepsake to thousands of fans attending our events. We’ve rolled it out with our brand ambassadors on-site at various sporting events like NFL games, soccer matches and more. 

How do you get people to take photos or do they naturally gravitate towards the photo booth?

Since the Simple Booth experience doesn’t require a static footprint, we mobilize our brand ambassadors to engage fans at various high-traffic locations in or around the event. Our Sports Illustrated Digital Fan Cover creates a commemorative and shareable digital keepsake, making fans’ event experience extra special in a way only Sports Illustrated can deliver.  

Everybody has a phone in their pocket and can take selfies anywhere. What makes the Sports Illustrated Tickets photo op experience different? Why do you think people participate instead of just taking selfies?

No matter what generation you are, nearly every guest has seen, read or owned a copy of the iconic Sports Illustrated magazine. For many athletes, even from a very young age, being on the cover signifies the pinnacle of success in sports. Many dream of achieving it and in many ways being immortalized by the most trusted name in sports. To have the opportunity to see yourself on a Cover, makes that dream a unique reality for many.  And because it’s digital, it’s instantly shareable in the moment, but it’ll always be a keepsake they can enjoy for a lifetime. They will always remember the event in which they received their SI Digital Fan Cover. To us, that’s what it’s all about.    

What happens with all the photos? What do the participants do with them? What do Sports Illustrated Tickets do with them?

We feature key SI Fan Covers on https://www.sitickets.com/covers, and we encourage fans to download their photos and share on social media.

Do you use the analytics or data capture features? What data do you capture and what do you use it for?

Yes, anyone who participates in our Sports Illustrated Fan Cover experience becomes part of our audience and can instantly receive our offer of a free $10 wallet credit to purchase sports, concerts and theater tickets to more than 250,000 events on our global Sports Illustrated Tickets marketplace. 

What’s your secret to engaging fans and capturing photos?

Making it fun, exciting, and most importantly mobile. Seeking out fans instead of forcing fans to come to you instantly makes the experience more engaging. 

What are your go-to customizations for your events?

The SI Digital Fan Cover Experience remains our hero activation for obvious reasons, but we do customize the bottom left quadrant of the image with creative from a particular event, team, date or  partner logo.  

Has Sports Illustrated Tickets grown since implementing Simple Booth?

We’ve grown substantially in the past 18 months. Not only have we seen a strong increase in awareness, but we’ve also experienced strong growth in new accounts. Part of that growth comes from the fans we engage with at events through our Simple Booth Sports Illustrated Digital Fan Cover Experience. It remains one of our most popular experiential activations.  

What features drive the most value for your business? What features do customers enjoy the most?

The emotional connection fans have to the iconic SI Cover not only makes it special but also shareable for many. This affords an opportunity for our brand to get exposure to not only those in the Digital Fan Covers, but everyone they share with in their circle as well.  We believe that shareability is something our customers enjoy as well. We don’t just sell you tickets, we help you make the most of your live event experience.

What kind of business would you recommend Simple Booth to?

Any business that is looking to grow visibility, grow customer attrition, engage guests and elevate their event or activity. 

When a fan wants more than just a seat in the audience, VIP Nation, launched in 2011, delivers premium concert ticket packages and backstage experiences.

Every package is bespoke and curated for the artist and tour, offering first-class treatment, backstage memories, and “high-fives and selfies” with artists.

And many of those backstage memories powered by Simple Booth HALO®.

So why did VIP Nation choose Simple Booth?

The answer lies in the quality of our products and consistency of our deliverables.

“Before Simple Booth, we didn’t have a photo booth partner,” said Crystal Lafata DeStevens, Director of VIP Nation, who has been working at Live Nation for over 15 years and using Simple Booth for the last 7 of them. “We were using a basic iPad case on a tripod before but we really needed the light to make the photos look better, so we invested in the hardware and HALO ring light to make our photo booth experience shine.”

HALO made it smooth & consistent

Now, VIP Nation manages a fleet of Simple Booth HALOs, the signature hardware solution from Simple Booth backed by their best-in-class software solution.

“Simple Booth makes it consistent,” said Crystal, who’s now teamed with Simple Booth for the last seven years.

“The staff knows what to expect, what the photo booth will look like, how to set it up and the fans know how to use it. Easy.”

-Crystal Lafata DeStevens, Director of VIP Nation

She describes Simple Booth as “an affordable option we can use over and over again.”

Crystal appreciates that the hardware is portable yet sturdy, comes with high-quality lighting and the final output looks sharp. Part of that is the ability to brand every photo, with the overlay “making any environment look better,” she said.

One of the most important features to her is that she can manage issues or last minute changes remotely. With 130+ tours each year and growing, visiting cities around the country, and events often happening at night or on the weekend—being onsite to tweak things is impossible.

Simple Booth enables remote management of the booth through the web dashboard.

With Simple Booth powering the photos, Crystal knows she can enjoy peace-of-mind on a big Friday night with multiple activations happening simultaneously.

How HALO elevates the VIP experience

Setups can vary between tours. HALO is offered in the VIP lounge as a fun way for fans to capture selfies and stay entertained.

“Sometimes, there are additional activations happening in the room,” she said. “But everyone loves taking pictures and posting them. ‘Like, look what I’m doing—and you’re not. It’s an easy sell.”

Other times, it’s set up as a step-and-repeat for a photo with the artist. In that case, VIP Nation provides an attendant to help speed things along, since the artist is always under a time constraint before the show.

Upon request from the artist, they will sometimes also capture fan email addresses or other information, using the Simple Booth data capture feature.

All these fan selfies provide user-generated content for VIP Nation to promote their concert experiences.

“We use some of the photos from the photo booth, from the meet-and-greets, as social media posts. People are sharing it, posting it, hashtagging it,” Crystal said.

And the amount of content is substantial: VIP fans have enjoyed taking over 150,000 photos with HALO.

The Swiss Army Knife of photo booths

Simple Booth software and hardware delivers all the VIP Nation team needs for most creative requirements, from green screen background replacement to black-and-white glam effects. Oftentimes, it exceeds expectations.

For a recent tour, Crystal’s team needed to create a black-and-white glam booth effect with washed-out and flawless faces. “The HALO provided the perfect amount of light we needed to create what the artist’s team was looking for in the VIP Lounge.”

Special effects or not, everyone appreciates premium lighting like the soft and flattering glow from the HALO ring light.

“We all appreciate being well-lit because it makes you look better,” Crystal said.

The fans also enjoy the different capture options available in HALO, from short video clips, to moving GIFs and still photos.

HALO is always a hit

Simple Booth’s versatility extends to all kinds of business use cases and fun events. In Crystal’s words, “Every party these days needs a photo booth. As long as it’s there, people are using it.”

Simple Booth is the proven industry leader in adding fun to events, unleashing creative opportunities, and bringing consistency to photo experiences.