For many, that means prepping for egg hunts, outdoor brunches, and pastel-filled festivities. And whether or not Easter is part of your tradition, springtime offers the perfect excuse to gather, laugh, and snap a few fun photos together.

If you’re planning a spring celebration—big or small—don’t let the photo booth be an afterthought. With a little prep, it can become the highlight of your event and a memory-maker for guests of all ages.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard brunch, a school egg hunt, a church gathering, or a community-wide festival, here’s how to create an iPad photo booth experience that captures the joy and color of the season.

1⃣ Set a Bright & Playful Scene

This season is all about fresh starts, floral tones, and lighthearted fun. Choose a setup that feels airy, colorful, and festive—even if your event isn’t centered around Easter itself.

Backdrop ideas:

• Pastel fringe curtains, floral backdrops, or a faux grass wall adorned with oversized paper flowers or butterflies—all perfect for capturing spring vibes.
• Take it outside for natural beauty: blooming trees and soft sunlight do the heavy lifting.
• No scenic setup? No problem. With the Simple Booth HALO® app, virtual background replacement lets you instantly transport guests anywhere—no matter what’s behind them.

Spring props and extras:

• Bunny ears, egg baskets, floral crowns, or goofy sunglasses—classic props that never miss.
• Want something fuss-free and eco-friendly? HALO users can tap into digital props, stickers, and overlays with zero cleanup required.
• Go the extra mile with custom stickers or props that match your event theme, sponsor, or school colors.

2⃣ Make It Easy for Everyone

One of the best things about a photo booth? It’s fun for all ages. 

Young people love the dress-up and silliness. Adults enjoy the nostalgia and instant sharing. And grandparents? They’ll adore printed or digital keepsakes with the people they love most.

With HALO’s easy setup and intuitive interface, guests of all ages can jump in solo or snap a group shot without needing assistance.

Bonus: Offer different capture types (photo, boomerang, GIF) so guests can choose their own adventure.

3⃣ Don’t Skip the Personalization

Whether you’re hosting a formal fundraiser or a backyard bash, a little customization goes a long way.

Make it yours with:

• Your event name or date on the photo overlay and in the online gallery.
• Your organization’s logo—great for highlighting sponsors or supporting a fundraising goal.
• Pre-made Easter themes in the HALO app, complete with a festive start screen and photo overlay

These small touches make your photos more memorable and shareable—whether families are reliving special moments from afar or you’re hoping to spread the word about your brand or cause.

4⃣ Keep It Simple (& Budget-Friendly)

Good news: You don’t need a big budget or a full production team to create a standout spring photo booth.

Simple Booth’s weekly software plans are perfect for one-time events (and start at $9 per week). Already have an iPad and stand? You’re nearly there. Add the HALO app and some good lighting, and you’re set for a sleek, modern photo experience guests won’t forget.

For DIY setups:

• Lighting is everything—set the scene right, and the photos shine.
• Grab spring-themed décor from craft stores, or give last year’s decorations a second life for a budget-friendly boost.
• Set up near a window or in a softly shaded outdoor spot—natural light does wonders for flattering shots.

5⃣ Plan for the Full Season

Spring calendars fill up fast—school events, birthday parties, community fairs, and end-of-year celebrations. If you’re juggling multiple events, having reliable gear makes a huge difference.

The HALO® iPad photo booth is designed to be event-ready and easy to transport:

• Studio-quality lighting makes photos look polished, even in gymnasiums or outdoor spaces.
• With its built-in charging system, all you need is a nearby outlet to keep it running through long days (no babysitting required).
• Lightweight, compact design with a waterproof travel case—ready for those unpredictable April showers.

From school carnivals to spring galas, it’s an all-in-one solution that moves with you and delivers every time.

Highlight Spring Events Every Year

Spring is a time of celebration—whether it’s Easter, the end of the school year, or just enjoying time with the people you love. A thoughtfully planned photo booth brings energy, connection, and a whole lot of smiles to the season.

Whether you’re DIY-ing a family egg hunt or managing a busy calendar of community events, HALO makes it simple to create a photo experience that’s fun, easy, and unforgettable. From customizable overlays to digital props and instant sharing, it’s all about capturing the magic of the moment—no matter how you celebrate.

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.”

The photo booth industry continues to evolve rapidly, making PBX a great opportunity to see the latest trends, products, and innovations. Plus, there are always lots of floor specials from vendors to make the trip worth it!

But if you weren’t able to attend this year, have no fear! Simple Booth sent our marketing team to walk the PBX 2025 trade show floor, capture photos, and take notes on all the emerging trends in the photo booth industry. We’ve brought all these findings together and broke them down for you in this article.

So without further ado, here’s what we saw at PBX 2025:

• Wooden photo booths
• Robots and glam bots
• Digital and print sharing
• 360 photo booths
• A growing ecosystem
• iPad photo booths

TLDR: Watch the video

Wooden photo booths are having a moment

Vintage aesthetics are making a strong comeback. Many booths featured vintage wooden enclosures, blending nostalgia with modern technology. This trend taps into the popularity of warm, natural materials that evoke a classic, timeless feel.

Other retro-inspired styles were also on the rise, too. Film strip-style prints and old-school flash photography equipment were particularly popular, with vendors embracing nostalgia while still incorporating modern digital features.

Robots are taking over

Some of the busiest booths included SketchBot, which transform photos into digital sketches or hand-drawn-style artwork, and the official Glambot, a high-speed robotic arm capturing dramatic video effects reminiscent of Hollywood red carpet activations.

Automation and robotics certainly can add a “wow” factor to any event, but they can also be complicated to operate and expensive to own.

Digital, prints, 3D, and mosaics

Digital sharing continues to grow in popularity, and prints are still kicking. Several major printing vendors were present at PBX and many photo booth software providers were eager to show how their software connects to printers.

Wired printing solutions that plug into an iPad were the #1 choice, including the AirCast Pro and DNP WCMPlus.

Like many other facets of the photo booth industry, we’re seeing a proliferation in features and options. Printing doesn’t just have to be on paper anymore—it can be on cookies, cupcakes, lattes, or even 3D keepsakes!

Photo mosaics also continue to have a presence, available both digitally or physically where you hang each print in a designated spot—great for big immersive exhibits or experiences.

Although it’s nice to walk away with a tangible keepsake, we were disappointed with the quality of many 2D prints—even from booths that appeared to use DSLR cameras instead of tablets. We can’t explain why, but it felt like physical takeaways should be higher quality.

The move to 3D could is interesting, but it remains to be seen if it will resonate with photo booth customers in the long term. And no doubt the media costs are a pretty penny!

360 booths seem to have peaked

Two years ago, 360 photo booths, complete with platforms for small groups to stand on and rotating arms that swing around to record slow-motion videos, were all over the trade show floor. People were excited about them and expanding their business by adding these units.

This year, we probably saw more 360 photo booths walking down the Vegas strip than we saw actually on the PBX trade show floor.

Despite some new 360 solutions like the Tortilla from PBSCO, the presence of 360 booths at PBX decreased notably. This may be because they were competing for space against other novel attractions like “glam bot” and AI software features or perhaps the fad is truly fading.

For the 360 booths that were set up at PBX, there weren’t many crowds gathered to see them in action this year. They no longer feel like the “next big thing.”

Many brands and businesses seem to be searching for the next innovation beyond the 360 experience.

The ecosystem is growing

Let’s be clear, there were a lot of photo booths at PBX 2025.

But there were also a lot of companies offering tools to help run a photo booth business. Vendors included booking software, to props and template designers, support providers, insurance, and even a photo booth podcast recording live.

AI photo booths have potential… but it’s early

AI-powered photo and video experiences were everywhere, but they didn’t always hit the mark.

Common issues we noticed:

• Some AI filters felt gimmicky—more like a “head-in-a-hole” template than truly immersive experiences.
• AI-generated often altered skin tones, body proportions, and features so much that the final result barely looks like the same person. We witnessed one woman with a darker complexion test an AI photo booth feature from a certain vendor (who shall remain nameless) and was transformed into a white cartoon version of herself. We can’t say for sure what look she was going for, but we’d imagine… not that. In her words, “It was weird.”
• Processing times were slow—one AI booth took 1.5 minutes per image, which felt like forever in a fast-paced event setting.

AI-powered effects were everywhere, though in our experience, none felt truly seamless or ready for mass-market sharing just yet, with most still having a ‘beta’ feel.

While the technology is evolving, the industry still has work to do in making AI-generated content feel more natural and compelling.

iPad photo booths are everywhere

Ever since Simple Booth released our first photo booth apps for iPad, iPads have become the #1 choice for photo booths, whether using the iPad camera for simplicity or a DSLR for the best quality.

This was clearer than ever at PBX 2025.

Almost every vendor that makes photo booths had an iPad photo booth on display.

One exception was TouchPix, which has branched out to cross-platform support for Linux and Raspberry Pi. This opens up intriguing possibilities, but whether it catches on is yet to be seen.

What we didn’t see at PBX 2025

The Photo Booth Expo was a hub of energy and innovation, showcasing everything from glam robot arms to AI software features, and an ocean of iPad photo booths. Many vendors clearly poured their hearts into new concepts, though we did notice some recurring challenges.

A handful of booths still had a “DIY” feel, with visible seams, tangled cables, and materials that might show wear over time. With more clients asking for photo booths as statement pieces—whether at weddings, corporate events, or experiential activations—attention to build quality and aesthetics can make or break the perceived value.

Lighting was another area that left room for improvement. In an age when everyone’s first instinct is to share photos on social media, subpar lighting can result in images that fail to capture the moment. Some booths relied on underpowered LEDs or poorly diffused light, while even models boasting DSLR cameras at times missed exposure settings. The difference between an amateurish, washed-out photo and a crisp, well-lit image can directly influence how likely people are to share—and remember—the experience.

That’s one reason Simple Booth HALO® stands out. It was designed with an anodized aluminum body for greater durability, so it looks professional at events and survives countless transports. The integrated ring light provides consistent, flattering illumination, and each unit is crafted to be easily transportable and quick to assemble. In a market that balances speed, reliability, and polished results, HALO continues to deliver a robust solution that event professionals can set up with confidence.

By prioritizing factors like build quality, portability, and superior LED lighting, our team strives to push the industry toward better solutions that match both the creative vision of photo booth owners and the high expectations of modern consumers.

Tying it all together

The post-COVID era has brought an explosion of features, options, and variations to the photo booth industry. From 360 photo booths and AI-driven experiences to glam booths, sketch bots, and beyond, innovation continues to redefine how we capture moments.

As new ways to create photos and videos emerge, the industry keeps evolving, opening doors for fresh players and niche businesses alike—and we’re excited to be part of that journey.

The Simple Booth team left PBX 2025 with fresh ideas and valuable insights, and we hope this article left you with a few as well!

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.

So much has changed since we first released the Simple Booth Event Edition app in 2013. Here we are eleven years later, but in many ways 2024 was just as exciting and transformative as the year we started.

The photo booth industry is growing

We are seeing the photo booth industry develop more and more. Not only are group pictures, selfies, and video clips as popular as ever, but the types of photo experiences offered at events continue to broaden and diversify.

The biggest trends we saw in 2024:

1. 360 photo booths didn’t lose any momentum
2. AI photo booths started popping up everywhere
3. More locations embraced permanent photo booths

This is great news for entrepreneurs looking to start a photo booth business, as well as venues seeking a permanent photo experience for daily visitors and special events. With more opportunities to differentiate from competitors, businesses can offer unique services at profitable price points that appeal to a wide range of customers.

Considering that virtual photo booths were a brand new concept in just 2020, the continued expansion of the industry in all directions is quite remarkable.

Simple Booth continues to evolve

This year we released over 25 updates to the HALO app, including some big new features.

We kicked off this year with the launch of the new API integration for captured leads. This game-changing feature makes it easier than ever for businesses to grow their marketing lists and stay connected with photo booth participants.

In February, we rolled out multiple overlays, a highly requested feature that lets participants choose from a selection of designs to go over their photo. This opens the door to endless creative possibilities for both event hosts and participants.

The fun kept rolling through the summer. Our team took a moment to embrace the glam life, adding features like a glam filter for that flawless finish and new tools to simplify on-device editing management.

But 2024 wouldn’t be complete without diving into AI, so we introduced an AI-powered virtual background replacement. Say goodbye to green screens and hello to seamless, professional backgrounds—it’s a win-win for everyone.

For the details, check out our HALO 4 Release announcement, where we break it all down.

And then just before the holidays got in full swing, we introduced weekly plans starting at just $9 per week, making HALO software more accessible and flexible than ever before. Whether you’re in events, hospitality, retail, or any other industry, our goal is to provide solutions that you can use all year round.

We focused on our customers

2024 was about more than adding cool new features—our favorite part was taking the time to connect with you—our incredible customers.

We enjoyed reading the amazing feedback from customers (along with valuable constructive criticism we truly appreciate!). Hearing directly from you helps us improve and ensure we’re building tools that truly meet your needs.

But we wanted to dive deeper and really find out what HALO really meant to our customers. So our team conducted extensive customer interviews and published nine case studies highlighting how real businesses deploy HALO in creative and impactful ways. Many of these businesses have captured hundreds of thousands of photos and raved about the difference it made.

From a trip to the vibrant streets of New Orleans to learn how Creole Cuisine is spicing up marketing efforts, to a visit to Nashville where Ole Red is bringing the country lifestyle and photo booths together, we’ve been blown away by the stories of how HALO works for these amazing brands.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

This year, HALO has made its mark across a variety of industries.

We’ve seen it add a touch of elegance to the opera, bring excitement to sports arenas, amplify the electric vibes of the music industry, and charm mini-golf enthusiasts across the pond.

HALO has also shined in the event services industry, helping companies like Amore Entertainment and Just Call Malik earn six figures in revenue and capture countless memorable moments for clients.

We are so proud of what our customers have achieved, to be able to tell such captivating stories, and the part we get to play in them.

Bring on 2025

We can’t wait to carry this energy into 2025, and we have some exciting projects in the pipeline. Stay tuned for details on some major product announcements in the new year!

It’s been amazing to see how HALO owners use the hardware and app to elevate their businesses and create unforgettable experiences. Your creativity and business savvy continue to inspire us.

As a result of all the great things happening, we grew our team by almost 50% in 2024. New folks joined us and roles were filled in sale, engineering, and marketing. It’s been great to see how fresh perspectives and talents are helping us push boundaries and make new things possible.

Here’s to an incredible 2024 and an even brighter year ahead. From all of us at Simple Booth, thank you for being part of our journey.

Let’s make 2025 the best year yet!

But that vibrant green backdrop? It doesn’t exactly “blend in” at most venues or events.

Then there is the classic problem that anyone wearing green will mysteriously “disappear,” making green screens almost unusable for events like St. Patrick’s Day or Green Bay Packers games.

Finally, there’s a better way.

Introducing Virtual Background Replacement

Now, you can get all the benefits of a green screen with no screen at all!

Our newly updated HALO photo booth app (version 4) lets you magically teleport guests to a tropical beach, a famous city skyline, or a custom-branded scene that brings your creative vision to life—all without the hassle of buying, transporting, or setting up a physical backdrop.

In a little bit, we’ll give a quick rundown of how it works, along with some tips and tricks to help you pull off an unforgettable activation.

But that’s not all…

In addition to the new Virtual Background Replacement feature, we’re happy to share a ton of major improvements to the HALO 4 app, including:

• Fast App Launch: The app now loads presets and in priority order, so you’ll access your presets list more quickly, with the most recently updated presets loading first.
• Refreshed Design: The app’s overall style has been revamped for a more consistent and modern feel, especially in the settings.
• Improved Ease-of-Use: We’ve redesigned screens for selecting props, creating presets, editing galleries, and more to enhance usability and make the experience more visually appealing.
• Data Capture on Preflight: A new status item on the preflight screen will alert you if there are data capture settings issues, like having data capture turned on without any fields enabled, or vice versa.
• Preset and Gallery Info in Mission Control: You can now see current preset and gallery names in Mission Control, along with a button to sync the latest updates from the backend.

As you can see, our team has been focused on making HALO the most reliable and user-friendly photo booth app available, all with you in mind. These improvements are designed to enhance your experience and make every photo opportunity seamless.

These updates are part of a series of major feature releases we’ve rolled out in 2024, including:

• Glam Filter – Create a flawless look in every photo
• Multiple Overlays – Give guests the option to choose from different branded overlays
• API Integration – Pull data directly from Simple Booth into your business systems
• On-Device Editing Option – Lock down your settings to scale up to multiple locations

With all the recent improvements, there’s never been a better time to try Simple Booth or run it again with fresh options.

Now, back to the most exciting new feature of them all: virtual background replacement.

How Virtual Background Replacement Works

Virtual Background Replacement is now available on the Core plan and up to use at your event or venue.

To get started, head to the online dashboard to customize your preset settings for your next photo experience.

After opening up the preset you plan to customize, it’s time to dive into the design process.

Scroll to the Background Replacement panel, check the box to enable it, and make sure to select “Virtual” for the method.

Next, you’ll need some background images to upload, which is where the fun begins!

Finding the best background images

The background image is a key element in your overall design, and there are many creative directions you can explore.

There are many ways to find great backgrounds, whether by licensing images from stock photo websites, finding free open-source images on platforms like Shutterstock or Unsplash, or even creating unique images using AI prompts with tools like Canva or DreamStudio.

The best background images will also fit in with your stylistic choices for overlays and other branding.

It’s important to select a background image that complements your image orientation, whether it’s portrait, landscape, or square. This will depend on your iPad’s orientation and whether you choose the square crop mode.

For optimal results, we recommend the following sizes. For additional guidance, visit our Background Replacement Guide.

One vs multiple background choices

If you upload a single background image, it will automatically apply to each photo taken. But if you add multiple background images, guests can choose their own background before they take their photo, adding a more personal touch to their experience.

You can upload up to 50 background images, allowing plenty of room for creative possibilities. However, it’s best practice to choose 10 or fewer images if possible. This offers variety for an engaging experience without overwhelming the participant with choices.

By default, guests choose their background image before taking their photo, so that they can see a live preview and pose or interact with the background. You can also allow guests to choose a different background after taking their photo by enabling the “Background Replacement” feature in the “Editing Tools” panel, allowing them to see their background alongside all your other design elements.

Once you’ve uploaded your background images, you can test them with your other photo design elements to ensure everything feels cohesive. Open the HALO app on your iPad, launch your preset, and tap the start screen to launch the photo booth.

Try Live Feed to show it off

To create a truly immersive experience, consider pairing Virtual Backgrounds with our Live Feed feature, which projects photos in real-time using a projector, TV screen, or even your website. Many of our customers have found this combination to be an effective way to boost engagement and showcase their creativity during their event or at their venue.

Creating an immersive experience not only builds excitement during the event but also encourages guests to share their moments with friends and family on social media. This social sharing generates valuable user-generated content (UGC) that you can leverage for marketing—just be sure to follow all local regulations and best practices when handling user data.

For added control, on the Pro plan and up, you can use the Data Capture feature to include an opt-in for social sharing permissions. Guests on any plan can also choose to mark their photos as private (if the gallery isn’t already private), giving them control over their individual privacy. This way, they can fully enjoy the experience while feeling confident about how their images are shared.

Future Improvements

We’re excited about how these updates will enhance your HALO app experience and unlock new creative possibilities. The new virtual background replacement feature is designed to make event setups smoother and help you create even more immersive experiences for your guests.

Remember, the HALO 4 update brings many other improvements, including faster app launch, a refreshed design, and more intuitive screens for selecting props, creating presets, and editing galleries. You’ll also benefit from data capture alerts and better preset management in Mission Control, making the entire experience more streamlined and efficient.

As always, we’d love to hear how these updates are working for you and any suggestions you have for future improvements. Feel free to reach out to us anytime at halo@simplebooth.com.

A quick note: For events like pictures with Santa, we don’t recommend using the virtual background replacement feature. The software may interpret parts of costumes or outfits as background elements, leading to unexpected results. Instead, we suggest using a green screen or no background replacement for the best photo outcomes.

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.

That’s why today we’re excited to announce a new feature that makes it easier than ever to manage multiple activations or locations remotely.

Ease-of-use meets access control

When you first launch Simple Booth HALO®, you have the option to create and edit presets from either the web dashboard, on the iPad, or both. Making changes from the iPad is convenient when Wi-fi is unreliable or you are on-site and need to make last-minute changes. 

But other times, it’s critical to lock down your devices because you’ve already configured the settings perfectly from the web dashboard. 

For example, branding may have been pre-approved by a client, there could be a brand ambassador who is only supposed to launch the booth and not change or create new settings, or it’s a permanent installation (such as at a restaurant, bar, or venue). 

In all these situations, it’s vital to have assurance that your settings won’t be changed on-site.

Now, peace of mind is as easy as the press of a checkbox.

On-device editing

With the new “Allow On-device Editing” checkbox available on the web dashboard, you can seamlessly limit access from devices in the field with a checkbox in your account settings.

The box is checked by default, which allows editing across all your devices in the field.

By unchecking this box, your marketing team will maintain full control over the settings on the web dashboard, while the on-site team will have a predefined list of presets to choose from. This simple change helps minimize errors and keep your activations on track.

Tip: At the same time, you may want to update your “Default Gallery Privacy Level” setting. This will help ensure that new galleries are created with the intended gallery privacy level.

The new setting is available to all users with web dashboard access (included in all HALO plans).

Next steps for large organizations

Disabling on-device editing is useful for any account that needs to limit on-site access. If you need even more control over which presets to launch, we have a solution that involves separate accounts linked together for full control over permissions.

For personalized advice on setting your account up for success, please reach out to our team using the form below.

We’re committed to helping your team succeed, whether you’re new to Simple Booth or a seasoned user, and regardless of your team size.