January 2, 2007in Trade Show Displays 0 Likes

Inventive Uses for Your Trade Show Accessories

When shopping for trade show displays, save money on your overall budget by choosing trade show accessories that stretch your marketing dollars. Table top displays, literature racks and portable projection screens are all products that can be used after the trade show to enhance your office environment or used in other ways.

As you purchase your trade show booth, you will find offers to purchase additional items to make your space more efficient, more organized or more appealing to trade show attendees. If you’re on a tight budget, the costs can quickly add up, so it only makes sense to purchase those items that can later be used in your office or retail space.

Here are a few ideas to get more “bang for your buck” with your trade show accessories.

Table Top Displays

Table top displays are an affordable option to begin with because they can be used as the focal point of your trade show space, or as part of a larger trade show display. And when the trade show is over, this marketing piece can continue to be useful

The table top display is a strong visual element that contains key information about your product or company. You can extend its usefulness after the trade show by putting it on display in several different ways:

  • In your company reception area or at the front of the store to inform visitors about your company or a new product
  • In training sessions with employees to remind them of the company’s key business principles
  • As a portable marketing tool when making presentations to clients
  • To introduce the company to the general public or communicate a key message or messages when sponsoring an event

Table top displays are one of the most useful and versatile marketing accessories that are worth the investment whether you decide to attend a trade show or not.

Literature Racks

While you literature racks are very useful in organizing your printed materials at a trade show, they can also be used as an organizational tool around the office.

Organize Your Marketing Materials at the Office – If a prospect walked in off of the street and wanted general information about your company, are your printed materials easily accessible?. The literature rack will keep all of the materials organized and your staff will easily be able to see when materials need to be replenished.

Shape Up Office Décor – Do you have magazines for your clients to read while they wait to meet with you? We’ve all been to a doctor’s office that has magazines strewn all over the tables and chairs. A literature rack is an excellent way to keep all of the magazines organized and in one place. Also, you can avoid clutter by using a literature rack in your own personal office to organize the various weekly or monthly magazines, annual reports and other publications you receive.

Keep Employees Informed – You can place a literature rack in the employee kitchen or “break room” to display updates to company policies such as: health insurance or investment benefits, holiday schedules, worker’s compensation rights, special company-sponsored events for employees and the community and even the latest internal company newsletter or publication.

Literature racks are an incredibly helpful organizational tool that reduce clutter and can be used to keep internal and external audiences abreast of the latest developments within your organization.

Portable Projection Screen

Whether you are showing a slideshow or a mini-movie, the portable projection screen can be that little something extra that increases traffic to your trade show booth.

Because it is easily transported, the portable projection screen can also be used inside and outside of the office after the trade show. When giving a client presentation, your portable projection screen enables you to arrive at the meeting fully prepared to do a standard Power Point presentation, or a more elaborately executed multimedia visual. At the office, whether you are reviewing graphs with statistical data at an internal meeting or showing a slide show of candid office photos at the annual holiday party, your portable projection screen is a handy tool that can easily be stored without taking up much space.

If you use discretion when choosing your trade show display accessories, you will have materials that can be quite useful around the office. Depending on the size of your office space, and the needs of your staff, keep the table top display, literature rack and portable projection screen in mind when you want to make a wise investment with your marketing dollars.

November 6, 2006in Trade Show Displays 0 Likes

Generate Traffic, Boost Sales with the Right Trade Show Graphics

Six Do’s & Don’ts for Creating Impact

The graphic elements of your trade show display are as essential to getting results as the paint on an artist’s canvas. There are many creative directions you can go with this idea, and many of your competitors will default to using the company logo for their graphic because it’s easiest. But this works best when you have firm brand recognition, like Apple Computer or a compelling, attention-grabbing logo like Target Stores, or you have a combination of both, like McDonald’s

But if you don’t have that concrete brand recognition yet, there are plenty of alternatives to effectively executing the use of your trade show display graphics. Here are some guidelines you should follow to give you the best chance at getting the results you want.

Do:

Think from the Customer’s Perspective – If a prospect knows nothing about your company, what would you first want them to know or understand about you? And how can you communicate that in your trade show display graphics at first glance? Put yourself in the customer’s shoes – most of us know from Marketing 101 that if you don’t get the customer’s attention in a few seconds, you can forget it. So, don’t waste their time – make them feel grateful that they stopped to talk to you. (more…)

November 3, 2006in Trade Show Displays 0 Likes

Safety and Security for Your Next Trade Show Visit

When planning to participate in a trade show, how often to you really think about safety and security? Exhibitor Online’s Candy Adams reviews potential risks in her article, “Trade Show Safety and Security.” From splitting the contents of her wallet between two pieces of luggage to making sure you safely set up your trade show display, she covers common vulnerabilities and how to protect yourself, your staff and your equipment during the next trade show that you visit.

Trade Show Safety and Security
By: Candy Adams

From airports, to the hotel, to the show floor itself, exhibit managers face threats to safety and security at every step of the trade show experience. Because much of what we do, and exactly how and when we do it, is not within our personal control, planning safety and security for ourselves, our staff, and our exhibit property isn’t something we can leave to chance.

Personal Travel Safety
What would you do if your wallet, containing all your cash, traveler’s checks, credit cards, and ID, was stolen going through the security checkpoint at the airport? This exact scenario happened to me a few years ago on a two-show road trip.

I now split my cash and credit cards between two pieces of carry-
on luggage whenever I travel. I also keep a photocopy of everything in my wallet on file at home, just in case I have to report the loss or theft of my credit cards or ID.

But simply arriving safely is only half the battle. Be aware of scams at gas stations near airports where travelers typically refuel rental cars. One thief will set up a distraction as you pump gas, and another will grab your purse or wallet from the opposite side of your car.

When checking in to your hotel, be sure the desk clerk doesn’t ann-ounce your room number in front of other guests. If this happens, request a room reassignment.

October 6, 2006in Trade Show Displays 0 Likes

Increase Sales By Thinking Beyond Your Standard Trade Show Display

The most incredible, cutting-edge, innovative product or service in the world is not going to generate revenue without a valiant marketing effort. Attending trade shows is a smart initiative to get exposure for your company – but if you are not paying close attention to the details of your trade show display, you are missing an opportunity to showcase your company above the competition.

Your trade show display creates a backdrop for you to meet new prospects and hopefully lay the foundation for a lucrative relationship with them. When a trade show attendee stops by your exhibit, they are stepping into your portable office, and you are offering a snapshot of what your company is about. If you want to keep a prospect in your trade show booth for more than a couple of seconds, you must be able to quickly establish trust – and projecting a polished, professional image, combined with a personable staff, sets an excellent foundation of trust.

(more…)

August 25, 2006in Trade Show Display Rentals 0 Likes

Stretching Your Marketing Dollar: Maximum Exposure on a Budget

You can’t get customers without exposure and you must invest some money to get that exposure. But you don’t have to go broke doing it.

Following the old, basic marketing model – putting a sign with your company’s name on the door; sprinkling your advertising budget across print, radio and television campaigns; and paying a graphic designer for a slick brochure or pamphlet – minimizes your impact in the marketplace. An important step in expanding your customer base is gaining exposure to generate interest in your brand. And if you were thinking that you couldn’t get a lot of exposure because of a limited budget, keep in mind that there are always effective, low-cost marketing options to attract potential customers.

Here’s a look at a couple of ideas to stretch your advertising dollars.

Website

Just under a decade ago, only the large companies were using their websites as effective marketing tools. Today, almost every business needs one. Your website serves as an essential piece of your overall marketing plan that fuels a sense of legitimacy for your business. If you don’t have a website, potential customers may be turned off because these days, the perception is this: if you are a legitimate professional, you have a website. It’s as important as having a phone number for your business. (more…)

August 7, 2006in Trade Show Displays 0 Likes

Leading Trade Show Exhibit Trends Create A Profound Experience for Attendees

Trade shows have traditionally served as an opportunity for industry leaders to showcase their latest products and innovations. Competing companies have always clamored for the attention of potential customers by sticking to the benefits sales model, showcasing how their product can solve a common problem.

But current trends are creating a different climate at trade shows these days. With competition for the customer’s attention stronger than ever, exhibitors are no longer fixated on separating themselves from their competitors by focusing on a particular product and simply talking about solutions and benefits. Which leads us to the first, and probably most profound, trend in trade show exhibiting. (more…)

March 3, 2006in Trade Show Marketing 0 Likes

Trade Show Exhibitor Advice: Making Sales and Lead Generation

Making the most of your trade show
By Mat Kelly

If you are getting ready to set up a trade show booth for a show, then you are already being business-savvy and doing the smart thing. Trade shows are one of the best ways to market your products or services and advertise your business to interested buyers. Even for successful companies, trade shows can increase sales and public exposure dramatically. Trade show booths allow businesses to directly connect with the people that purchase their products or services.

Though the reasons for exhibiting at a trade show are obvious, simply setting up a trade show booth is not enough if you really want to make the most of your expense and time. Generating leads and making sales are your priorities and your trade show booth – both the physical space and the display – can help you do this. When you are displaying a trade show booth, you want to project just the right image for your company; one that makes potential clients want to learn more after their first glance. Although people’s eyes should be drawn to your trade show booth, it shouldn’t be because it is simply flashier or louder than the others. Flashy or loud may be good for sales if your business is video games or music, but if your business is selling gourmet foods to restaurants you probably don’t want to advertise your booth with a flashing neon light or loud ear-splitting rap music. Your trade show booth should reflect your company’s brand and market, while still offering just that little extra effect that makes it stand out. This may sound difficult, but it really isn’t. It just takes a little pre-trade show planning. (more…)

March 3, 2006in Banner Stands 0 Likes

Using Banner Stands at Trade Shows

Banner Stands Increase Trade Show Traffic
By Mat Kelly

Attending a trade show can be a very effective method of promoting your company and its products. And one of the most effective ways to optimize your trade show display and increase traffic to your booth is through the use of banner stands. A banner stand for your trade show display draws attention to your booth and helps you deliver your message to prospective clients, current customers and business contacts at what is usually a highly competitive event. Your trade show display should stand out from the crowd, and a banner stand is a great way to make sure it does.

Banners themselves are typically constructed with either fabric or vinyl. There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of material, so you should consider how you will use your banner stand before deciding between fabric and vinyl. Fabric banners are durable and long-lasting. Fabric doesn’t reflect light like vinyl, which can decrease your banner’s readability. Fabric banners also don’t bend or crease so they travel well. However, fabric banners are not easy to clean and can become dingy or faded with time. Vinyl banners are easy to wipe clean and allow for brighter colors and sharper image definition on them making them more eye-catching than fabric banners.

There are many aspects of banner stands that make your investment in one worthwhile. Banner stands can be designed with your company logo or graphics, and include the important information you want to convey to prospective clients. They can be used in conjunction with a trade show display or on their own to advertise a product, announce an event, or showcase information about your business. They can be used as an extension of your trade show booth at a show because they can be set up in other areas like the show lobby or at the end of an aisle. Additionally, banner stands are lightweight, portable, and easy to set up and take down.

Once you have invested in a banner stand, you will find many uses for this vital piece of equipment outside of trade show displays. Banner stands are reusable and long-lasting. You might consider setting up your custom banner stand in a shopping mall to draw customers into your store, in a hotel lobby to direct the flow of traffic, at a movie theater to advertise an upcoming film, at a sporting event to showcase team information, or wherever your audience is likely to be found. The benefits of a custom banner stand will last your business far beyond trade show displays, and with proper care can be used for several years of succinct, eye-catching advertisement for your business or company.

Please visit ExhibitDeal to help you create the perfect banner stand for your next trade show. ExhibitDEal also specializes in trade show displays and mural design.

February 25, 2006in Trade Show Displays 0 Likes

Making Trade Shows Interesting

Attending trade shows can be an effort in futility, imagine being a presenter at a trade show. Sometimes you need more than just a trade show display…

One of the hard parts about running a conference is figuring out a reasonable strategy for the trade show. Some conferences don’t have a trade show at all; if you can get the attendees to pay all the costs associated with an event, then that’s a worthwhile strategy.

From 2001 until late last year there was such a downturn in the high tech industry that vendors were having a hard time justifying the costs for booths and booth staff. The XML conference certainly noticed the downturn. It wasn’t all about the money, of course. As Tim said, a web site can function as a booth and doesn’t pack up and go home after a couple of days.

Except for, everyone now has a web site, many complete with blogs and RSS feeds and Flash demos of happy customers using the product to do marvellous things. If you know the names of the companies whose products you’re interested in, or the standard name of the type of product you’re looking for (so you can at least google for it), then you’re probably well served by the web. Always assuming that what you’re looking for is the slick, polished, demo information that most web sites specialise in. If you don’t know what types of products you might need, or you don’t know the names of relevant companies, then you have a harder time trying to find it. Or maybe you’re just suspicious of whether the products shown in the slick demos really can solve the issues you have.

I’m reminded of the scientific research community. When I was doing my PhD, you either had time to keep up with the related literature, or you had time to do your own research. You didn’t have time to do both. The way you found out about stuff that actually was relevant to what you were working on was to go to a conference or two a year, listen to the papers, and talk to people. Merely publishing your research in a recognised journal was not enough; you had to take the research to where they were going to be. I think we’re getting close to this with web sites, where one of the only ways for vendors who aren’t household names to be found is to go to a trade show and make it worthwhile for attendees to stop by their booths.

So what makes it worthwhile for attendees to stop by a booth? Part of the answer is for what they can’t get off the web. Eric Sink points out, amongst a lot of other interesting comments, that the big difference is face time. Time to put companies and products into perspective, compare them to the competition, maybe talk to some real developers. Time to see whether they can trust the vendor to fulfill the promises that vendors always make about ship dates, feature sets, and standards-compliance. And time to find out about that new style of product that they hadn’t known even existed before this week.

At the XML conference we’re doing our bit to help attendees get an experience they can’t get on the web. We’re emphasizing interoperability demos, and comparative product demos. We’re getting new vendors on to the show floor, and a lot of vendors this year are planning product launches at the conference. It looks like it’s going to be a good complement to the technical program, showing attendees another side to the innovations going on in XML-land.

January 20, 2006in Trade Show Information 0 Likes

Getting the Most from Attending a Trade Show

Trade shows can be an excellent opportunity for you and your business, whether you are an entrepreneur or you’re representing the company you work for. Thousands of people set up trade show booths and trade show displays across the country at a huge variety of industry events. However, many people don’t know how to take advantage of the opportunities a trade show offers. Some plan on simply attending, setting up their trade show booth, and then staying there all day hoping to attract new business. Manning a trade show display is only part of the reason you should be attending a trade show. The other vendors at a trade show can provide you with a wealth of new information and contacts in your industry; all accessible in the same room on the same day—this is the unparalleled attraction of a trade show for your business.

If you plan to attend a trade show, make sure you are not the only person there representing your company, even if you are a small business owner with few employees or a sole proprietorship. You will need at least one person to staff your trade show booth, and another to walk the floor taking in the other trade show displays. If necessary, get your spouse or a good friend to come with you and give them a crash course on how to handle your trade show booth while you check out the other vendors – and only do so when it is slow so you don’t miss important business opportunities. When you make reservations for the hotel you will stay at during the show, try to find a room as close as possible to the actual location—preferably within walking distance. That way, you won’t have to bring anything with you to the venue other than the materials for your trade show display.

Before you attend a trade show, go over the list of vendors who plan to put up trade show booths. Make lists of the vendors you must see, the vendors you would like to see, and those you can live without seeing. You may even be able to schedule appointments with your top priority vendors. Research the companies and determine ahead of time what you would like to find out from each trade show display and what your goals are regarding each vendor: are they competition, or a potential contact? If they are a potential contact, how would they specifically benefit your company? Have questions ready to ask vendors to save yourself time walking the floor. Another good timesaving strategy is to obtain a map and a directory of the trade show when you arrive on location, before the show begins. Use the map to plan your route, and check your prioritized list of vendors against the directory to find out whether any vendors have been added or dropped out.

During the trade show, be active in your quest for information. Don’t feel bad about passing by trade show booths that don’t interest you. Like you, they are attending the trade show to generate new business, and they don’t want to waste time talking to someone who isn’t a potential customer. Visit your targeted trade show displays, engage in a dialogue with the vendors, and ask questions. If the trade show booth offers handouts, samples or other materials, take only those you actually want to find out more about. It can be difficult to tote a loose stack of glossy brochures, catalogues, and bulky product samples around a busy trade show floor. If possible, arm yourself with an empty briefcase or duffel bag to stow materials. Use your time wisely to gather intelligence on your competition and make new industry contacts that will benefit your company.

When the trade show ends, especially if it is a multiple-day event, take the time to make notes and organize the materials you gathered before you leave the event. If you need to mail reports, brochures or other materials to your colleagues, prepare the mailings right away while “who gets what” is still fresh in your mind. Make sure to store your trade show display safely so nothing is damaged and you can find everything you need the following day. When you return from the trade show, remember to follow up with the contacts you have made—and start preparing for next year’s trade show!

December 30, 2005in Trade Show Information 0 Likes

Preparing for your next trade show

Countdown to Success: Twelve Things to do Twelve Months in Advance

When a show’s a year away, it may seem like you have lots of time to get ready. Twelve months is not long, especially with all the pre-show planning…

By Susan Friedmann, 12/29/2005

When a show’s a year away, it may seem like you have lots of time to get ready. But appearances can be deceiving. Twelve months is not long, especially with all the pre-show planning, training, and preparation you’ve got to do. Here is a checklist of sixteen vital items that need to be done approximately one year before you set up your exhibit:

1. Identify Where The Show Fits In Your Marketing Strategy

Every show has a purpose. Do you want to introduce a new product to a new market? Increase existing services in an existing market? Increase your visibility in a new geographical region? Reinforce existing customer relationships? Knowing what you want to achieve at any given show is vital to your success.

2. Decide Which Products To Focus On

Your company may produce dozens, even hundreds of different products. Obviously, you can’t showcase all these items at a trade show. Attendees would be overwhelmed. Instead, with one eye on your marketing strategy, select those products that need to take center stage. Remember that 70% of people attending shows are looking for something NEW!

3. Identify Your Target Audience

Ideally, every show would be attended solely by consumers desperate to buy your products and services. However, things don’t always work that way. Determine who the decision makers are in your industry, and exhibit at the shows they attend. You want to spend your time talking with the people who have the power to make purchasing decisions.

4. Identify Your Exhibit Objectives

Clearly explain to your booth staff what goals you expect them to meet during the show. Make these goals quantifiable. Examples could be number of leads generated, target sales figures, gathering marketing intelligence or educating your target audience.

5. Write an Exhibiting Plan

Writing out an exhibiting plan not only clearly delineates what needs to be done before, during and after the show, what your exhibit team need to do, and a timetable. Include every step of the show in the written plan, leaving nothing out. Re-reading this plan will allow you to identify any items you’ve overlooked.

6. Establish an Exhibiting Budget

An exhibiting budget should include every item needed for show participation. Beyond registration and space rental fees, include charges for show services and transportation. Add in the cost of your exhibit design, signage, graphic, and display materials as well as advertising, promotion and special activities. And, finally, don’t forget your exhibit team’s travel, accommodation and meal expenses.

7. Reserve Your Booth Space

Prime real estate go fast! To get the booth space you want, remember to reserve early. Avoid discounted spaces in out of the way aisles or near the bathroom. The savings realized won’t balance out all the attendees who never get near your booth or worse, who go by in a big hurry with other things on their mind!

8. Pay Deposits

Check in with the accounting department to make sure deposits are paid on time. This often-overlooked item can cause all kinds of headaches, not to mention high late-payment charges.

9. Ensure Booth Design Meets Objectives

There are no one-size-fits-all displays. Make sure your design meshes with your marketing plan, helping to support current objectives while maintaining your corporate image. Booth layout is vital. Make sure it contains all the needed elements, including a quiet place to talk with hot prospects.

10. Assess Your Current Exhibit

Give your current trade show exhibit a critical once-over. Does it still look sharp and engaging, or is it tired, faded, and worn? Signage and graphics sometimes travel around the globe several times in a year – and they don’t always look better for it. Check flooring material for wear and tear as well as your other displays.

11. Purchase New Items as Needed

Purchase new items as far in advance as possible. This way, if there are any mistakes, you’ll have time to make necessary corrections. Additionally, allowing yourself extra time gives you the room to negotiate for the best deals. As you replace worn items, make sure the old ones are disposed off you wouldn’t want your booth staff setting up last year’s signage by mistake.

12. Order Show Services

Show services should be ordered in advance. These can include electricity, signage, audio/visual equipment, booth cleaning services, plants and flowers, telephone and computer hookups, waste removal, and furniture. You’ll be sure to get everything you need, and enjoy a substantial savings over those who wait for the last minute to order these items.

Written by Susan A. Friedmann,CSP, The Tradeshow Coach, Lake Placid, NY, author: “Meeting & Event Planning for Dummies,” working with companies to improve their meeting and event success through coaching, consulting and training. For a free copy of “10 Common Mistakes Exhibitors Make”, e-mail: article4@thetradeshowcoach.com; website: http://www.thetradeshowcoach.com

December 28, 2005in Trade Show Information 0 Likes

Trade Show Giveaways: What Free Promotion Works Best?

You have your trade show exhibit ready to go, the trade show booth is set up, and your product is a winner. Now all you need are the customers. Standing room only, please. Right?

——–

Well, for most trade show exhibitors, attracting customers is just as important as the product they are selling. Enter trade show giveaways! Trade show giveaways are promotionals tools (items, handouts, marketing materials) designed to attract customers, promote business, and help market a product after the trade show exhibit is over. By using these strategies, the goal is to bring business to your trade show exhibit, then give the customer something to remember your product by. Hopefully, the promotional item will be a success and your customers will leave satisfied, happy, and gladly telling everyone they encounter about your fabulous product and great free trade show giveaways.

There are some choices to make when deciding what promotional tools to use. Ultimately, the goal is to choose the promotional method that will attract the most visitors to your trade show booth, and make your trade show exhibit a success. You will also need to determine the amount of marketing dollars you have to spend on your promotional materials. If you are unable to afford what you believe is the best promotional or marketing tool available, then you may have to settle for other items until your budget allows you to expand in this area. Many promotional tools are designed to be kept by the customer, and to remind the customer continually of your products and services. This is accomplished through items that have been customized with your company’s information and logo. Items such as free pens, notepads, balloons, magnets, and key chains are perfect examples.

Another great and effective trade show marketing strategy is to have a raffle where the entrants are required to either sign up at your trade show booth (using their contact information) or leave a business card (you can set up a bowl or container to collect the cards), and then after they have enjoyed the exhibits, they will return to your booth for the announcement of the prize winner. The wonderful benefits from using this technique is that you have a book full of contact information and a container full of business cards that you may use in the future to contact these potential customers.

Another great idea is to use an attention grabber to attract customers to your trade show booth. This includes ideas such as: setting up a massage chair (sit back and watch how long the line grows as customers wait for their free massage), or even setting up a free food giveaway. These are just a few things you can do to catch the eye of the customer. Things such as free massages and food will help bring the customer to your trade show booth, and and a free promotional item is something they can take home with them to remember your company’s name.

Above all else, it doesn’t matter how many trade show giveaways, free food, or raffles that you have if you don’t have a ready-made script and properly greet all of your potential clients. When you notice a customer looking at your display, immediately greet them with a smile and start a friendly conversation with them.
Your products, giveaways, and tickets are there to work for you, but you must be the one to work them. If you need to have assistants help you, then by all means do so. You should never enter into a trade show exhibit without adequate preparation and help.

Remember that the most important giveaway that you have to offer all of your customers is your genuine smile and friendly conversation.