Recommended Hardware

A kiosk is a touch-screen device pre-loaded with your event so guests can walk up and start designing straight away. Run more than one station if you expect a queue — more stations means higher throughput, because several guests can design at the same time.

• iPad tablets — A popular choice: lightweight, bright, and responsive, with Apple Pencil support for drawing and signing.

• Android tablets — A good value option that runs the Android kiosk app. Choose a model with a large, bright screen.

• Windows PC with a touch-screen monitor — Ideal when you want a larger screen. The same PC can also run the Print Server in the background.

• Several stations for faster throughput — Two or three stations roughly double or triple how many guests can design at once. Keep them identical so any guest or staff member can use any station.

Kiosks are handled by hundreds of guests, so make sure they are stable and safe from being knocked or taken.

• Secure table with mounts — A sturdy table with tablet mounts or enclosures attached to it keeps devices at a comfortable viewing angle and prevents them being picked up.

• Freestanding stands — Floor stands for iPads and other tablets work well when you do not have table space, or want guests to design standing up.

• Cable management & power — Keep chargers and cables tidy and out of the walkway. Keep devices powered throughout the day with a mains lead or a power bank.

• Comfortable height & screen glare — Place stations where overhead lights and sunlight do not reflect on the screen, at a height guests of different heights can reach.

This is where designs become physical items. Keep it close to the kiosks so guests can see their item being made, but separate enough that staff can work without being crowded.

• Secure table for printers and machines — Put your printer hardware on a stable table with room around it — for the machine itself, for loading, and for finished items to cool or dry.

• Blank items ready to be customized — Keep blanks (shirts, mugs, cards, tote bags, and so on) within reach, sorted by type and size, with spare stock close by.

• A PC to run the Print Server — A Windows PC on the same network turns any printer or machine Windows can print to into something every kiosk can send jobs to.

• Staff to operate the station — Plan for at least one person on the production table and one greeter or helper at the kiosks. Larger events need more.

A compact Niimbot Bluetooth printer can print each guest a receipt the moment they submit their design. It is entirely optional, but it is a popular extra that adds polish to the experience.

• Popular and easy to buy — Niimbot printers are widely sold online and in electronics stores at an affordable price, so they are simple to source, replace, or add as a second unit.

• Two supported models — The Niimbot B21 and M2 are both supported, and each works with a variety of media types and sizes, so you can pick the receipt format that suits your event.

• A wow factor — A receipt printing the instant a guest taps submit makes the activation feel polished and gives guests something fun to take away.

• Better organization and workflow — Each receipt carries an order number and a QR code. Staff can scan it to find, collect, or reprint an order, which keeps the production queue and collection point organized.

• Guests stay informed — Guests have their order details to hand and can scan the QR code to track their order status — so they can leave the area and come back once it is ready, instead of waiting at the table.

• Charge it and pack spare media — It pairs with the kiosk over Bluetooth, so keep it within range of the station, fully charged, with spare label or receipt rolls on hand.

Kiosks, the print server, and the admin area all need to talk to each other, and AI features need the internet. Venue Wi-Fi is often slow or crowded, so bring your own connection.

• Tethering from a phone — Simple and quick for small events. Check that your plan allows tethering and that the phone has a full battery or is plugged in.

• Portable router — A portable router with its own SIM card gives you a dedicated network that guests and other exhibitors are not competing on. For the best internet performance, use ethernet connectivity wherever you can, and choose a router with multiple network bands (such as 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) to avoid congestion.

• Wireless mobile network device — A dedicated mobile hotspot works well as a stand-alone connection if the venue has good mobile coverage.

• Download for offline use — If connectivity is a risk, download the event onto each kiosk first so guests can keep designing even if the network drops. AI features and sticker search still need the internet.

Guests who know what to do move through faster and ask staff fewer questions. Tell them what is on offer, what to do, and what happens next — in the room and on screen.

• Clear call to action — A large sign above or beside the stations saying exactly what guests get, for example "Design your own tote bag — free, takes 2 minutes."

• Landing page instructions — Use the landing page image and Start button to explain the offer and what guests do first.

• Canvas welcome notice — The instructions overlay appears when the canvas loads. Use it for a short tip, such as how to add a photo or which area of the item will be printed.

• Collection and queue signs — Show where to wait, how long it takes, and where to collect. If you give out a receipt with a QR code, say so on a sign.

• Shorten long queues with a QR code — If in-person queues are long, consider setting up a QR code that guests can scan to design on their own device using the web version of the event.

Something will go wrong at some point — a cable fails, a tablet runs out of battery, a printer jams. Having a spare means a small problem stays small.

• A spare kiosk device — A charged, signed-in spare tablet or laptop with the event already downloaded lets you swap a station in seconds.

• Spare consumables — Ink, film, labels, receipt paper, and blank items — bring more than you think you need.

• Chargers, cables, and adapters — Duplicate chargers, extension leads, USB cables, and any adapters your devices need.

• A second connection — A second hotspot or SIM means a network failure does not stop the event.