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We’ve Captured Over a Million Smiles — Here’s What That Taught Us About People, Brands and Connection

woman smiling

September 10, 2025

Let me paint the picture.

Your guests walk into the event. They are polished, professional and not quite sure what to expect. Then they see it — a glowing 360 booth surrounded by laughter, arms flying through the air and a slow motion spin capturing every angle like it belongs on a music video set. A few steps away, someone scans a QR code, types in their email, and the video lands in their inbox before they have even grabbed a drink.

The mood shifts.

People loosen up.

Phones come out.

The vibe gets contagious.

This is not just a photo booth.

It is a branding moment.

And we have built our business around helping you create them — one smile and one spin at a time.

So what changed?

They got pulled into something they were not expecting.

An experience that felt less like a gimmick and more like the highlight of the event.

It was not just fun. It was thoughtful. Branded. Strategic.

And every photo, video, and email sent was doing something behind the scenes — keeping your company top of mind.

At Smiling Dog Entertainment, we have been doing this for over 10 years. We have captured well over a million smiles — and counting. From holiday parties to brand activations, trade shows to rooftop galas, we have learned a lot about what lights people up.

Spoiler alert: It is not the snacks.

Although we do offer a popcorn machine rental if you are into that.

Why Photo Booths Actually Work at Corporate Events

Corporate events are great for delivering information. But creating connection? That takes intention.

People do not remember the fourth speaker or the catering.

They remember how they felt.

They remember what surprised them. What made them laugh.

They remember moments that broke the script.

And they share those memories with their family and friends, while attaching that same memory of fun and laughter to YOUR brand.

Our booths are not just photo stations. They are energy starters. Conversation magnets. Memory makers. And when your brand is baked into every frame, print and digital share — they are marketing tools too.

What We’ve Learned From a Million Photos

  • People want to have fun — they just need an invitation. That is what a great booth does. It draws people in and makes it easy to say yes.
  • The quietest people often take the wildest photos. Never underestimate the power of a glittery hat and a group of coworkers hyping each other up.
  • Branded moments last. Long after the event ends, that logoed photo strip or emailed boomerang lives on — on desks, in inboxes and all over social media.

It’s More Than a Booth — It’s a Whole Experience

We are not just showing up and snapping pictures. We are helping tell your brand story in a way that feels real, human and honestly — way more fun than another elevator pitch.

Whether it is:

  • A mosaic wall that builds your logo image by image
  • A green screen that takes guests from downtown to outer space
  • A custom backdrop or branded print template made just for your event or a glam booth that makes everyone look like a celebrity

We design moments that feel good. And we make it easy for you to shine.

Ready to create something memorable?

If you have a corporate event on the calendar and want to be the reason people actually had a great time, we would love to be part of it.

Click here for more information.

Let’s capture the kind of moments people will still be talking about next quarter.

Smiles guaranteed.

Find one-of-a-kind resources and tools to help your business succeed in Greater Des Moines (DSM). Network with professionals at local events, learn about Partnership initiatives and find new ways to attract top talent to the region.

Shane Kiesner

Shane Kiesner, Founder of Smiling Dog Entertainment, has spent more than 10 years helping clients elevate weddings, corporate functions and celebrations. Known for creativity and exceptional service, Shane leads a team dedicated to transforming ordinary gatherings into extraordinary experiences.