For a small trade show activation, the best free tools are usually the ones that combine:

• lead capture: forms, QR codes, spreadsheets, mobile-friendly entry
• gamification: spin-the-wheel, quizzes, polls, scavenger hunts
• easy setup: no-code or low-code
• works on phones/tablets without special hardware

Here are the strongest free or freemium options by use case:

1) Lead capture forms

Google Forms

• Best for: simple lead capture, quiz-style entry, and quick setup
• Pros:
  • Completely free
  • Easy QR code sharing
  • Responses go straight to Google Sheets
  • Can add logic and required fields
• Cons:
  • Basic branding
  • Not very “event-y” unless you customize the look

Tally

• Best for: cleaner-looking forms than Google Forms
• Pros:
  • Free tier is generous
  • More modern UI
  • Easy embedding and sharing
  • Good for creating a polished lead form
• Cons:
  • Some advanced features are paid

Typeform free tier

• Best for: more engaging, conversational forms
• Pros:
  • Strong attendee experience
  • Good for qualification questions
• Cons:
  • Free plan is limited in responses and features

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2) Gamification tools

Woobox free/freemium

• Best for: contests, giveaways, simple promotions
• Pros:
  • Good for sweepstakes and social promo mechanics
  • Easy to run a prize draw
• Cons:
  • Free features can be limited depending on campaign type

Outgrow free trial / limited free use

• Best for: quizzes, calculators, interactive lead gen
• Pros:
  • Great for quiz-based engagement
  • Strong lead qualification
• Cons:
  • Usually more trial-based than truly free long term

Interact free trial

• Best for: quizzes and personality-style lead capture
• Pros:
  • Good for capturing qualified leads through quiz results
• Cons:
  • Not fully free for ongoing use

Airtable + form + manual gamification

• Best for: flexible DIY setups
• Pros:
  • Free tier can handle a small activation
  • Great as a backend to store leads
  • Can pair with a game element like points, badges, or prize entries
• Cons:
  • Requires a bit more setup

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3) QR code and easy access tools

QR Code Monkey

• Best for: creating trackable QR codes for lead forms or prize pages
• Pros:
  • Free and easy
  • Good for signage and booth displays
• Cons:
  • Tracking options are limited unless you use UTM links and analytics

Canva

• Best for: booth graphics, signage, simple digital spin-wheel assets
• Pros:
  • Free tier is useful
  • Makes it easy to create QR posters and promo graphics
• Cons:
  • Not a lead capture tool itself

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4) Simple prize draw / gamified lead capture setup

If you want a very practical free setup, use:

• Google Form for lead capture
• QR Code Monkey or Canva QR to generate a QR code
• Google Sheets to store leads
• Wheel of Names for live prize selection
• Optional: Airtable if you want better filtering and tagging

Wheel of Names

• Best for: live prize wheel / random winner selection
• Pros:
  • Free
  • Very easy to use
  • Great for booth excitement
• Cons:
  • Not a full lead capture system; pair it with a form

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5) Best “all-in-one” free-ish option

Jotform

• Best for: lead forms with some gamified elements
• Pros:
  • Free plan available
  • Good form logic
  • Integrates with spreadsheets and CRMs
  • Can create surveys, quizzes, and contest forms
• Cons:
  • Free plan limits submissions/month

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Recommended free stack for a small trade show

Option A: simplest and most reliable

• Google Forms
• Google Sheets
• QR Code Monkey
• Wheel of Names

Best if you want something quick, free, and dependable.

Option B: better attendee experience

• Tally or Typeform
• Google Sheets
• Canva for signage
• Wheel of Names

Best if the booth experience matters and you want a more polished feel.

Option C: more gamified

• Jotform or Outgrow
• Airtable
• QR code tool
• Wheel / prize draw tool

Best if you want quiz-based qualification or a more interactive activity.

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What I’d recommend in practice

For a small trade show activation, the most effective free setup is usually:

1. Put up a QR code on a sign
2. Send people to a Google Form or Tally form
3. Offer entry into a daily prize draw
4. Use Wheel of Names to pick winners live
5. Export leads to Google Sheets for follow-up

This gives you:

• low friction
• good lead data
• some excitement
• minimal cost

If you want, I can also give you:

1. a best-tool shortlist by budget and complexity, or
2. a ready-to-use trade show lead capture + prize draw workflow.