November 19, 2019in Eco-Friendly 0 Likes

An Eco-friendlier World

Last month, some of the greatest marches for the environment took place. A Swedish teenager by the name of Greta Thunberg has been building up an unprecedented movement. When Greta was very young, she started suffering from depression due to the physical toll her concern for the environment was taking on her. With her family’s support, she has been able to get better, but getting better also required taking action. Only a bit over a year ago, she began skipping school to sit in front of the Swedish Parliament to demand her government take action and respect the Paris Agreement regarding climate change after a heat wave and forest fires were overwhelming Sweden. She has come very far since. 

Despite the fact she suffers from several mental disorders including autism spectrum, OCD, and ADHD, she has used all of this as a driving force.  She has now been a TEDx speaker, given several speeches at high-level international events and summits, and won or been nominated for several awards including the Nobel Peace Prize.  She created an unstoppable tidal wave that very recently became a tsunami when, on September 20th, millions and millions of people around the world joined her plea and marched to urge governments to stop global warming. It is not the first global movement ever summoned, but it has certainly been one of the largest the world has ever seen regarding the environment.

Greta managed to make her family become vegan and to stop getting on board international flights. She even traveled by sailboat to New York to be coherent with her plea and avoid the incredible amount of carbon emissions of a transnational flight. With her movement, Fridays for Future, she has said that children should stop going to school and start taking action to make their governments listen because she says that if adults don’t care about her future (by ruining her home), she doesn’t care about her future (her education) either. A single person, no matter how young, can make a huge difference in the world.  So if she can do this, so can we!

Climate change can only be mitigated if we all work together.  We need a commitment to take care of our world, and leave it better than how we found it. That is why we have been taking decisive actions to become a more sustainable and eco-friendlier company. Part of our commitment is to give you quality products that last. One of the causes of global warming is the high consumption of resources that generates tremendous waste. With durable materials and high-quality setups, our booths, banners, podiums and stands are made to last, so they do not end up in a landfill somewhere. Quality is not only to serve our customers better, but to stop producing disposable materials that become garbage sooner rather than later. 

But quality is not the only way we think about our customers and our environment. For a very long time now, we have been using high-quality, resistant recycled materials to make sure we are part of the solution. We also have company policies to ensure we are contributing constantly to reduce our carbon footprint and create better, more durable, and environmentally-friendly materials. That is why we will be launching a new material to help increase our support to Greta’s fight, our global fight. Very soon you will hear about a new fabric, made completely from recycled plastic bottles, that will be printed into the banners and backdrops you use in your events, trade shows and fairs. 

We are so concerned about making the world a better place and giving added value to our customers that we worked with our vendors to make sure this was a superior replacement. In fact, it will have brighter colors and a softer hand feel, more luxurious indeed!  And guess what, this wonderful solution does not mean higher prices. So you have a tremendous value you can truly be proud of. Our customers have always been able to count on our great quality, and now great quality can be even better for our shared home, our planet.

Our efforts are part of many individual efforts that anyone can participate in. Part of the individual decisions you can make to improve your contribution to the environment definitely include choosing environmentally conscious companies. That not only means buying good, long-lasting, high-quality products, but looking into the companies you buy from to make sure we are doing everything we can to change our materials, processes, and contributions to the environment. You will soon be very pleased to know that we are innovating to help with this cause that should concern us all. We can build the future together, and hand in hand with innovation and expertise, the future is now.

October 31, 2019in BLOG 0 Likes

Lights! Events! Action!

The concept of light is one that has always fascinated human beings. Since we discovered the ability to create and harness fire, to the perfect lighting on a movie set, light is not only crucial to our survival, but it has different meanings depending on many factors. Light can become a source of security on a lonely street at night, it can help you find things in the dark, it can show your best side to highlight your best features, it can make you lose sleep at night and it can become a beacon of hope when coming from a rescue chopper. We talk about the light at the end of the tunnel, about seeing the light, enlightening a situation and use many metaphors or jokes about light because it is part of the duality of the Universe and represents the opposition to darkness. It is no wonder it has become a profession even, with lighting experts creating concepts to light works at a museum or creating the perfect ambiance for a scene in a TV show. So, if an expert needs to be hired to create a lighting concept, why shouldn’t we do that with lighting our company’s image?

Backlit displays are the go-to when you want to stand out. They always give a sense of grandeur, elegance, magnificence. More importantly they show you truly invest in your business and your customers or customers-to-be. Even better, backlit displays are not really a lot more expensive that regular displays, and a little extra effort goes a long way in terms of showing a better face to the world. If you are worried about the energy they consume or how long they last, fret no more, for backlit displays are done with energy-saving LED lighting that lasts up to ten years! They have a great shelf-life so your investment goes a long way.

Backlit displays come in all shapes and sizes, and it is up to you to decide whether you want your whole booth to stand out or to just highlight something special. For example, if you are launching a new product, how amazing would it look to place it in front of a small tabletop-type backlit display so that it shines above all else in the booth? It also depends on your budget. However great kits and great prices you can find, your budget will also determine how big of an investment you can make. It boils down to where you want to focus your efforts. If it is a matter of brand placement, you will probably want to have a big, backlit backwall to draw attention from afar and be a focal point at your industry event. If it’s selling the entirety of the company and its value proposition, these backwalls can be as big as your booth.

You might already know the benefits of tension fabric displays with their amazing dye-sub graphics. Now you can illuminate those amazing graphics so you can have a double wow factor working for you. The lighting is visible and outstanding, but not uncomfortable or “in your face”.

Another option is the Vburst, with a patent-pending design that allows for fluorescent lights to illuminate the popular accordion-style pop-up frames. It’s built to hide the hub shadows on the center of the graphic face which makes the lighting flawless and attractive. And speaking of easy to set up, the fabric is velcroed onto the frame, and so are the light fixtures, to avoid any broken pieces while allowing for wonderful lighting effect on great graphics.

The Fabric Light Boxes for backlit displays are also great options. They come in many sizes, are lightweight, durable and have sturdy aluminum extrusion frames so those graphics your marketing and sales team so thoroughly thought out, are smoothly displayed. This is also a solution with an easy setup with “push fit” graphics that are printed directly onto the back-lit specialty fabric. The fabric adheres to the LED edge lighting behind the display, so you make sure all the perfect lighting is evenly distributed and used to highlight your brand. Some of these options have single or double-sided graphics as well, so you get to decide who can see you depending on the general setup of the whole booth.

Thinking about lighting is something you might have not paid much attention to in the past, and now that it is so easy to take advantage of great lighting solutions, you still don’t have to give it much thought. Just choose the solution that adapts best to your needs and that of the particular event that is coming up. Take into account that you can change the graphics as many times as you wish, making the investment last for several events to come. You can bring the spotlight to your company and be the guiding light for those leads walking around and looking for exactly what you have to offer.

August 26, 2019in BLOG 0 Likes

Quality You Can Afford

Just like you decide to have quality over quantity when it comes to eating healthy and delicious, your company also needs the right nourishment. It’s important to establish your priorities so your sales and marketing teams are aligned in their business development efforts.

One of the best ways to attract new customers or retain existing ones is to personally engage with them at trade shows, conventions, fairs and outdoor events. The gist of it is to learn how to stand out, have top notch setups, and still respect your budget. What needs to be done is prioritize and spend your budget wisely in what will result in more client engagement, more traffic attraction and more opportunities to generate leads and close sales in an environment that screams your brand out into the world.

There are a lot of things to consider when you are thinking about investing in display equipment, like backwalls, banners, tents and flags. One of the most important aspects to consider is quality. And what is quality? Durability, versatility, portability and graphics to die for. If you are about to make an investment in a booth or stand, make sure you will be able to participate in many more events with the same hardware. The money you invest on high-quality materials will make or break your overall budget. Think ahead, consider your current situation and what this next event will lead you so you know that what you are buying now, you will be able to use for years to come. Hardware should be sturdy, durable and made to last. Ask about guarantees, expected product life, and construction advantages. This also goes for accessories and cool gadgets or digital signage. If your hardware works, if it lasts, then everything else falls into place. Find a vendor that can answer all your questions, explain all the perks, and cater to your specific needs.

Now that you have considered the best materials for you and your requirements, remember that graphics will tell your story. Many systems feature replaceable graphics, so you can create many different configurations for various different events and mix and match at will. Spending a few extra bucks and getting to be the coolest cat in town is all about the graphics. Many marketers are turning to dye-sublimated graphics as their preferred media. Dye-sublimation not only looks and feels absolutely incredible, but is made to last. They are washable, foldable, and all-around huggable. But you have to choose wisely, as the process can be done “on the cheap” with less than stellar results. Trust a reputable manufacturer that features up-to-date technology that can guarantee crisp resolution. What your leads see about you is what they will expect from you when you close that sale, so don’t disappoint and give them quality all around that doesn’t have to cost more.

Since you are investing in durable materials and amazing graphics, make sure your investment is well-guarded during transit. Never underestimate the importance of portable, collapsible, lightweight hardware and shipping cases. Your new investment must not only be easy to transport, but be a breeze to set up as well. The quicker you can have your displays and booths up and running, the quicker you will be able to invest time on your leads and existing clients visiting you, and we all know time is money! And if they are made to be carried and transported with ease, and even a child can set them up, you better believe that your investment will be well protected until the next time it will be used.

Small, essential aspects that don’t cost a lot more like lasting hardware, killer graphics, portability, protection and easy setup will translate into what your potential customers see in you and your brand. If you choose quality wisely, you will always look top quality yourself and your leads will not only appreciate that, but take it into account when it comes to closing the deal. So put your money where your mouth is! If you go on and on about being the best of the best, make sure to buy the best from the best.

So, there is no reason for you to blow your budget to have the best in town. We, at ExhibitDeal, are always working to give you the best deals. We are always improving ourselves to give you not only the best deal, but superior quality you can afford. You can always rely on us: an American company that will always strive for excellence while helping you get the best bang for your buck.

August 23, 2019in Trade Show Exhibits 0 Likes

What Is the Big Deal with Quality?

Nobody should have to explain why quality is important, it should just be the standard for everyone, right? Not quite. Most people ramble about quality and don’t entirely know what it really means or the benefits it brings.

Imagine catching the biggest wave you have ever surfed on and your surfboard collapsing beneath your feet just as your fingers were beginning to graze that beautiful curve of ocean water. Now imagine that wave is your next big customer, when he’s just about to sign an amazing contract and your cheap branded pen breaks into your feeble counter, while the pieces start to fall apart, just because your now ex-customer excitedly banged softly on the surface. It doesn’t matter how many times you explain how your company works differently, your services are superb, and quality is your middle name. People know what you see is what you get. Coherence is key and if you are concerned with quality, make sure you look for, consider, and invest on quality products yourself.

Sure, quality doesn’t have to break the bank, just make sure to get the best bang for your buck. Everything about you and your brand speaks heaps of your company and the products and services you provide. Participating at a fair, an outdoor event, a convention or a trade show is quite the investment. Why not make sure that investment not only lasts, but makes your brand look like the Queen of Diamonds while you’re at it? You need to buy quality products if you are to offer quality products. Full circle. So while you are considering quality, make sure to consider durability, portability, protection, and service, while looking for displays, exhibits, counters, banners and flags that can sell on their very own just by looking at them.

Your reputation precedes you, so don’t rest on your laurels. You can’t pretend to be reputable if you buy in bulk from cheap importers. When you think of quality, think home-grown and buy local to act global. Quality comes from caring hands, it comes from products specifically tailored for your needs, it is an essential part of what you have to offer. Don’t only find excellent service, and the most amazing company, find all-American products made right here in the U.S.

So when you promise quality, make sure you are buying quality as well. Nothing speaks higher quality like American hands relentlessly working for you. American quality is always a great deal! Not only will you be buying the quality you care so much about that connects to the quality your company has to offer, but you will be supporting American families that will in turn improve the economy which will translate into a better sales environment for your company! Again, full circle!

Let’s be honest, some people just don’t care about quality, can’t find its true value or understand it is just a better investment. But we do, and therefore our customers do as well! If your concern is quality, if your added value speaks eloquently about how you are unique and offer something no one else can, we get it! We are just like you! Quality is the best thing we have to offer. That is why, just as you do, we make sure the hands that make our products and the minds behind our services are not only as American as a crisp Fourth of July, but understand that without quality there is no repurchasing, no loyal customers, no consumer community and nothing to set you apart. In business, coherence can make or break you, so make sure if quality is your game, you find the partners that not only understand you, but can offer you what you and your customers deserve.

August 15, 2019in Exhibit Deal News 0 Likes

The best dye sublimation graphics and fastest delivery times are just part of the best deals you can find!

At ExhibitDeal.com, we are always working to offer you the best deals when buying trade show displays. We are always looking forward to giving you even more value without adding any extra costs, we have made major investments in impressive new equipment that enhance our printing capabilities. Now we are passing on all the advantages to you.

Always the best colors and graphic quality

Due to our new printer’s laser accurate precision system, you will notice higher resolution graphics, which are visible in crisp details, photographic images and small texts. Using premium water-based eco-friendly dyes, we now offer a wider and a more vibrant color range to deliver brighter and more vivid graphics that will attract your customers at the trade show floor.Would you like to obtain larger graphics without visible glitches? Not a problem. Our new dye-sub printer is able to do seamless prints as wide as 124 inches!

That’s not all. We are ultra-fast!

The best deals are now ready to ship 5 times faster! We can have your display ready to ship the same day you place your order. This means that if we have your artwork proofed before 12 noon (EST), we will be able to ship it within a few hours and you will get it sooner than from any other source.

So what displays can be shipped same day?

Our dye sublimated fabric graphics are used in our most popular products. Some of them include 10×10 tension fabric backwalls, pop up displays, and marketer’s favorite tension fabric banner stands. We have larger 20ft tension fabric displays and island exhibits available, as well. All of them printed in our Florida facility.

Rely on ExhibitDeal.com when sourcing trade show displays. We will match any advertised price and processing your order faster than any other company. Call us now at 866-577-DEAL or chat with an expert now!

August 9, 2019in Outdoor Displays 0 Likes

Overcoming the Challenges of Outdoor Exhibits

Climate change is not up for debate anymore, so predicting the weather has become increasingly difficult. Just as summer arrives and more events, fairs and trade shows are being taken to the great outdoors, you now have to add “meteorologist” to your list of tasks, in order to offer a safe, welcoming environment for your staff, your leads and your things.

It is no secret that trade shows and events are huge investments. While there are very important things to consider such as quality, budget, return of investment, avant-garde graphics, training your staff and much more, if you don’t protect that investment, your marketing team can’t take care of everything. So, safety first! The scorching sun, mud, rain and wind can cause accidents or even fires.

  • First things first: cover all the wiring, cables and electronics. Do so esthetically, no masking tape! Make sure you use all your resources at hand like flooring, racks and counters that protect all your electronics. Use the hardware to hide cables seamlessly while covering them with waterproof materials.
  • Pay special attention to power sources, sockets, connections and check the integrity of all cables and wires. It is not enough to cover them if they are in bad shape. Your most vulnerable connections should be in the most protected areas of your exhibit to prevent accidents and loss of equipment or materials.
  • Invest in quality tents, with backdrops and half walls. Not only will they protect your things, but they will create a welcoming, safe, more private environment for your customers and your staff. A good tent can cover enough ground to protect you from last minute rain, from exhausting heat and sunburn, and backdrops, walls, half walls and counters can also protect you from pesky winds that mess up your hair.
  • A good flag can make your brand visible from virtually any standpoint even in the windiest of days. They also come in different shapes and sizes so you can virtually pick the best companion.
  • Quality is not only important to your brand and to your customers, it also makes your investment last longer. Make sure to use materials that don’t bleed, crack or fade. Invest in high-quality visuals that look and feel amazing even in the harshest weathers.
  • Think protection. Some counters and stands come with built-in storage so you can keep your valuables away for the damaging sunrays, the wind, and water. Storage can not only protect your things, but also keep them safe as some even come with locks.
  • If it is kite season, make sure your investment doesn’t blow away. Use the adequate weight for the legs of your tents and stands to provide stability and firmness.
  • Hardware materials are important. Choose materials that don’t rust, fade or fall apart under pressure. You will be thankful you spent a little more time with our display vendor choosing the best all-American materials available.
  • Protect your investment in ways that are seemingly more subtle, but not less important. Visibility is a surefire way to protect your investment. You never know who’s watching or where they are standing, and your staff can’t be everywhere at once. Make sure your space is branded on all sides with double-sided flags, banners, walls and backdrops in several durable materials. This will make you attractive to anyone watching and at 360 degrees.
  • Keep in mind floors can get wet, they can get muddy, and if they are low-quality, they can simply fall apart. Make sure to invest in high-quality floors that are easy to clean, that can also be branded to provide an extra good feel and visual and to make it more comfortable to spend time at your exhibit. Remember, when heavy rains fall, floors can flood, so don’t leave any merchandise or products on the floor.
  • Use tables with elegant table covers to even further your branding efforts and to leave nothing on the floor. These tables can also help protect your cables as they can be taped under the table out of sight and out of harm’s way.

There are many unpredictable events that weather can bring. Being prepared will protect your investment, your team and even save your event. If you have a safe haven for people to spend some time while the storm passes, it could become the perfect opportunity to close a deal and acquire more customers. Prepare for such events and to have people stay a little longer with last-minute showcases, giveaways, activities or amenities such as fans, chairs, and tablets so they can interact with your brand. Think about what you would want if you were stranded at a booth until the rain passes or the scorching sun goes down a bit and make sure to offer a comfortable, safe and fun experience for all your leads.

June 19, 2019in Exhibit Deal News 0 Likes

One day production, free shipping, lower prices and better deals

We are always finding ways to improve and give you more. Our goal at ExhibitDeal is to see your business grow when you get the best deals from us. Now, we are happy to announce that we are ready to pass onto you our best, lowest price offers ever. And they’re here to stay, along with an improvement in delivery times, all with the same great quality.

We want you to reach your goals and beat the budget. We are leveling the playfield by offering you unbeatable deals like this OneFabric 8ft tension fabric pop-up for $501. Its one of our best-sellers,, for sure there’s no better deal in the trade show display market.

The Better The Deal, The Lower The Price

How come prices are even lower? First, we optimized our production facilities with new, bigger, faster, and more efficient dye-sub printing machines. Better turnover times, and better quality! We now produce more at the same cost, because we know better quality with a lower price tag will bring us your business.!

In addition toOn the other hand of our double production improvements, we made great deals with our major suppliers. We love passing on our savings to your. Just look at the price on the 10ft OneFabric Curved Pop Up w/End Caps.

The Art of The Exhibit Deal

We understand you may be skeptical, we all know not all deals are good. Sometimes they don’t mean ‘deal’ but tradeoff instead. Some people say ‘good deal’ and mean ‘good for me, not-so-good for you’.. But this is not the case.

Together with our new lower prices we maintain our high standards.We stand by the rule that what’s truly good for our customers is good for us. As simple as that. No tricks, no hidden cards. We play fair. That’s our statement.

Fast and free

While you like to plan and budget for success, we improve our deals for you. That’s why we are offering a selection of great products with Free Shipping. And, with our lower prices we give you what you need with the best deals you can find. Moreover,, we can also offer same day production! Ask our trade show experts about it.

And no matter how much you’ve planned, the event marketing industry was ‘born to be wild’. The essence of American entrepreneurship resides in going out, getting on the road, and meeting customers on the trade show, at the convention hall, in the hotel lobby. That’s why you need portable, lightweight displays. Find a great selection at the lowest prices available.

Be great, again or anew!

Now, here’s the thing: We got great deals, tremendous deals.. That’s what we do, because we want our customers’ business to be great.

Soplease, don’t just stay here. Go check the 8ft Waveline Curved Display and the 10ft Waveline Curve Fabric Backwall. Go get yourselves some of those nice Brandcusi banner stands you wanted for the last trade show but couldn’t afford.

Remember that success is directly connected to action: Don’t pass up on a clear opportunity to get a marketing advantage. Contact our trade show experts now! Chat with us or call 866-577-DEAL to get free advice!

February 13, 2019in Business advice 0 Likes

The graphic hare and the business turtle: a reverse fable of a winner deal.

We’ve all heard the story of the race between the turtle and the hare, where the turtle’s constancy defeats the hare’s speed. And it is usually true, except when it’s not. While it is obvious why exhibitors want to take booth graphic design in their own hands, we want you to consider the available options. Good trade show booth suppliers are in business to keep you in business. They help you be as fast as the hare without losing your business shell, nor the race to the trade show. Read about the main reasons to let an expert help with your booth graphics.

Impact

Graphic design effectiveness depends on the contextual application. This means creating a great brochure requires a different skill set than the one used in a trade show booth. The point here is you don’t have to be an exhibit expert, nor hire one, to get the maximum booth impact with your graphics. Good exhibit suppliers and manufacturers offer free services* that will help you achieve your goals at no extra cost, and will be as fast as you need them to be.

Proper visual branding

If you already have a brand manual, you know what a delicate task it is to create pieces that adhere to the manual’s guidelines adequately and coherently. Considering the scale factor of large format graphics, there’s a great risk that your usual graphic process doesn’t quite apply for the challenge of a trade show. Take advantage of professional services* and let them optimize your booth graphics to match the brand manual and maximize display impact. If you are still working on your brand manual, no need to panic. As long as you have a clear vision of what you want to communicate, a good graphic designer can help translate that into an attractive layout that will entice visitors to your booth.

High Definition Graphics

There’s a complex technical process involved in the printing of your graphics. Starting with the digital pre-processing, you need to ensure that colors are vibrant, that a proper resolution for the desired scale is used, and that sharpness is maintained. A good designer offers expertise to ease the process and keep costs low for your business. There are many details to consider, from proper black formulation to adequate gradations that don’t result in unsightly banding. It does pay to let an expert take proper care of these technicalities.

Lighting and accessories

The graphic printing process entails compensating for such external factors as illumination and positioning of accessories in your booth. Usually, even skilled graphic designers lack the experience to properly accomplish a 3D composition that accounts for shadows, obstacles, and variable lighting.

Standing out

Colors and sharpness, luminance, brightness, and composition are a heavyweight to balance with one hand. Graphic designers spend years learning how to combine colors and textures to achieve winning layouts. They can provide valuable input to allow your vision to communicate the message in a more clear and convincing image.

The secret to understanding the turtle’s story are the hidden costs: in the case of large-scale graphic design, learning by trial and error is an impossibly expensive process. And when you have an opportunity to let a graphic expert give you a free ride to your marketing goal, you should listen to the hare within you. Such a valuable service doesn’t have to cost you more.

*Exhibitdeal.com offers free graphic design as part of your deal. Contact our trade show experts about it. Conditions and limitations in our free graphic design services apply. Contact us at sales@exhibitdeal.com or call 866-577-DEAL right now!

February 6, 2019in Banner Stands 0 Likes

How to Give your Brand a Fresh Look with New Graphics

From time to time your brand needs some updates to keep pace with market trends and people’s tastes. If you have been promoting your products or services on trade shows or conferences, the odds are you have an exhibit that has been useful for a while. Most likely, it is now worth renewing or upgrading. Your brand might have changed its communication objectives. Or, your company may have just launched a new product or service.

Whatever the case, a trade show, conference, event or exhibition is the right place for your brand. It will help you deliver your message while getting qualified leads for your business. But you are wondering: Does my company need to buy a completely new exhibit? In short: no, it doesn’t.

Look completely new without spending a lot!

How can you save a lot of money for your company while achieving a completely new look at the trade show floor? If you already own a pop up, tension fabric display or hybrid display, you can easily replace its graphics by ordering reprints for the hardware you already have. It doesn’t matter if it is old or new, whether or not you bought it from us. It may be a model that we don’t offer, or it is available on our huge trade show display product list. We will make it look great again with brand new graphics. Our dye-sub and high definition printing equipment will give you brand crisp looks and vibrant colors that will fit your current display. If you don’t have an in-house designer, you can always trust our professional design team. They will combine expert talent, creativity, and originality to develop an exhibit space that will delight your prospects at any event.

Adding clever accessories to attract more visitors

And there you go, with your renewed trusted workhorse, the same one that got you so many businesses at previous shows. You fancy how to get more visitors this time and grow your business even more. We’ve got great options for you. People love getting into booths that are comfy, so adding some furniture might do the trick. Other passersby are just thinking that their mobile phone battery is draining and that they need a fast recharge while doing business. Our charging stations are ideal to attract them while explaining your product or service. Just ask our Exhibit Deal representatives what’s best for you considering what you already have.

Get it shipped the same day you order it

If you already have the artwork for your trusted hardware, you can upload it here. Our printing team will begin to work immediately. If you currently own a Tension Fabric Display and you are in a rush, you are at the right place. All dye-sub orders placed before noon (Eastern Time) are processed and shipped the same day, with the same high quality you expect. Not sure what kind of graphics your display needs? Ask our ExhibitDeal.com experts calling 866-577-3325. We will gladly help you find out what your current display is and will deliver a specific quote for you.

Remember: In ExhibitDeal we are continuously working to be your trusted source to get the best deal. Always!

January 30, 2019in Business advice 0 Likes

Why Trade Show Exhibiting Is Necessary, Despite Budget Limitations

We know it is hard for a new business to take a deep financial breath and plunge into the seemingly cold water of trade show exhibiting. Like all things business, face-to-face marketing returns are not obvious nor immediate but are worth the effort. We want to assure you that there are hidden treasures down there and that you’ll be able to catch your breath after the dive and be glad you took the risk.

To start with, there are conventions, events and trade shows for every budget. Tight budget or not, ask yourself this question: if you’re not making a resounding statement on the market about your business, and if you don’t want to announce your presence with a handshake, why are you in business?

The basics: choose wisely

So the question is not whether to attend but to strategically decide where and when to exhibit. Work with reachable goals that integrate coherently with your strategy. Your goals and achievements will expand as your business grows. You are in control, so you don’t have to worry. However, try to make a rational decision. Maybe you’re at once considering to boldly go where all the big brands go —to the more expensive trade shows—. Maybe you want to just show up at a local venue. The decision is not to be taken lightly, so use your demographics and market analyses to know precisely where and how can you maximize exhibit impact.

Diminishing costs over time

Getting your feet wet is the best way to feel the water, but once you’re knee-deep, you may as well swim. Once the decision is made to start exhibiting, and after you get all your trade show plans straightforwardly executed, you’ll never stop. Why? Leave aside that you’ll love it, that the returns are simply great, and that your impact will grow exponentially as you reach a larger audience in person. Doing trade shows repeatedly will have a great behind-the-scenes effect: after an initial investment in smart trade show displays, your costs don’t have to increase. Instead, as you gain experience, you’ll spend less time and less money on planning and execution. Also, with a better understanding of trade show exhibits, you’ll discover ways to cut corners and redirect resources to maximize returns.

Smart buying

Like most people, you’ve been to the ocean for fun. However, when you are going to explore a coral reef, or want to go scuba diving, you need a professional you can count on. There are risks on the high seas, and avoiding them is crucial for survival. The trade show waters are apparently calm, but you need a partner to navigate them, not only a vendor.

That’s why ExhibitDeal was created: to offer a wide selection of displays and help you buy smart. For us, smart buying means an experienced partner has selected the best quality for you at the best price. You can rely upon our offer to cut through the learning curve. Decide what your budget is, and we offer what’s best for you with that price tag. With us, no budget limit will keep you from creating a commanding presence in the trade show.

It is a simple process. You can act now!

Here at ExhibitDeal you’ll find a solution for any event you can think of. So, start with your planning, set your budget and define your goals. You know your business, so once you’ve chosen your path, you can count on us to take you there. Navigating our site should be a pleasant, no-hassle experience. You’ll find what you need. What are you waiting for?

October 7, 2016in Outdoor Displays 0 Likes

Everything is Peachy

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Today we take a homegrown venture to the Fort Collins, Colorado outdoor Peach Festival this past September. Many popular outdoor trade show display styles could be seen in use including A-frame portable signage, many canvas tents and tall banner flags.

Brewer’s Millions

Colorado has long been well associated for beer brewing with famed, generic brands like Coors, Keystone. Budweiser brewing itself has a large facility that can be seen off the highway as you journey past Loveland. The secret is in the prized mountain water of Colorado. Brewers say that the water is so naturally clean that it doesn’t have to be filtered.

Fort Collins, the largest town in the north of Colorado is a mecca of local brews. The city was once home to only a handful of local favorites, but in the last few years has blossomed into a craft beer mecca. “FoCo” as the locals have coined, now features more local craft brewing companies than perhaps anywhere in the country.

Never is this more evident than at the yearly Fort Collins Peach Festival. At this event you can see many local companies exhibiting their brand to gain awareness. Families can play games, buy food and you guessed it – enjoy all things PEACH flavored!

Not ones to disappoint, the local brewers in attendance lined up to each showcase this season’s new peach flavored beer or cider. The results? Not all flavors are for everyone, but as you move through the tents sampling the experimental flavors, you gain a real sense of the pride and rich culture that these festivals have come to embody for the town.

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A household name in Colorado, New Belgium Brewery is a popular favorite with their well known Fat Tire beer and regular experimental flavors. Their local facility welcomes visitors with tours and a unique campus-like atmosphere where bean bag and shuffle games can be played while enjoying a drink. New Belgium values fun and sustainability as brand pillars, and every employee is a part owner.

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Attendees of the admission-free event line up with their purchased tickets, eager to try what medieval concoction the Horse & Dragon Brewing Company has cooked up this year.

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Extra tall banner flags from familiar sponsor, the Rotary Club of Fort Collins. These double spike bases have been wedged far into the thick clay-like soil to resist the strong winds common in the area.

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Many businesses exhibiting to gain awareness at the festival utilized games to gain attention and contacts to market to. Submit your information and try your luck at the bean bag toss for a chance at a nice promotional offer.

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With a “sunny days per year” count that gives Florida a run for its title, renewable energy options like Solar and Wind continue to become more prevalent.

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Some exhibitor’s skip the charade of games and go straight to collecting contact information toward a raffle drawing. An alluring offer like “Free Lasik” is enough to get any glasses wearer interested. Bold marketing like this could generate hundreds of potential customers for the business.

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Thrivent Financial’s strategy gets more personal, intriguing festival-goers with the possibility of contributing to your favorite charitable cause.

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The event is a popular attraction, with local businesses offering promotions, local food and drink and many enormous bounce house choices for kids.

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We hope you enjoyed this visit out West for this year’s Fort Collins Peach Festival. Whether at a trade show, or local city sponsored event it is always important to make sure your brand looks its best and has a thought out strategy.

The ExhibitDEAL team can be reached at Sales@Exhibitdeal.com or call 866-577-DEAL, we’d love to put our experience to work for you.

September 16, 2016in Point of Purchase Displays 0 Likes

Exhibit Spotlight: Miso Pup Luxury Carriers

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Need a safe way to take what’s most precious with you? Today we put the spotlight on Miso Pup, puppy sized carriers. Miso Pup’s brand booth is a well executed use of classic, cost effective displays can help your products make a splash. We hope you’ll get some cool ideas here to use at your next event.

Who is Miso Pup?

miso-pup-logoMiso Pup positions themselves as the lifestyle brand for those who want the best, most luxurious transport comfort. Miso Pup was created from the true desire to provide PupSize® pet parents with thoughtfully designed products that allow them to “Take, Carry and Spoil” their little one. Miso Pup brand is based on an extraordinary passion and commitment to keep pups happy, healthy and by your side or in your lap.

Concept to Completion

With SuperZoo 2016 fast approaching, and Miso Pup’s new PupSize carrier line ready to debut, the ExhibitDEAL production team sprang into action to help Michelle meet her deadline.  The venue was Las Vegas’ famed Mandalay Bay Convention Center this past August 2-4th.

Let’s see how Michelle’s vision translated into art design, production and a successful exhibit presence.

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Table throw and TuboZip backwall art designed to fit the personality and target market of Miso Pup brand.

Debut at SuperZoo 2016

The Miso Pup booth, largely influenced by the vision of creator Michelle Lau, shows a clever design reminiscent of a brick and mortar boutique can do a great job of calling the right attention to your brand. Michelle’s product focused booth decided on the functional, classic backwall and table throw combo.

“I initially was looking for some sort of seating and display options. I knew I wanted a backdrop and wanted to create a look that would reflect Miso Pup.
When I decided to participate in our first trade show, SuperZoo, I searched high and low for a way to create an atmosphere that would stand out. I found Exhibitdeal on the internet.

Speaking with Exhibitdeal, we discussed the pros and cons of each product I was considering. With a fairly limited budget and their knowledge of the products, narrowing down my options was easy.”
Michelle Lau | Owner | Miso Pup

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This 10ft TuboZip Tension Fabric display acts as the booth backdrop, cleverly designed to simulate a locally owned storefront. This is a great way to reinforce the personality and setting associated with your brand.

“I wanted to create an inviting space within the 10 x 10 booth, but I needed a lightweight, portable and affordable solution. As a startup, and being by myself, I knew I needed something that I could carry, assemble and dismantle myself. I also wanted to create something that could easily be transported, if we decided to do other events out of state.
The Exhibitdeal team was so helpful. They sent me photos to give me an idea of booth space. I found a stock image online that would work and then mocked up some changes. The Exhibitdeal art department was great, they created the perfect image based on my drafts.
Michelle Lau | Owner | Miso Pup

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Continuing the “traditional storefront” theme, these two elegant white table covers present a stylized design reminiscent of an old fashioned hard wood table.

“The Miso Pup booth was a hit at the show. We received so many compliments on our booth and product line. The appearance of our booth really helped us solidify our placement in the pet industry, as a new and innovative game changer.
Honestly, the display was perfect. It came neatly packed in its own case (with wheels), which made it easy to get into the convention center. There are so many rules as to how, what and when you can set up. Wheeling in the backdrop and setting it up, by myself was truly effortless. I was so impressed and happy with the matching symbols on the frame, putting it together was a breeze.”

Michelle Lau | Owner | Miso Pup

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Michelle Lau with her merchandise displayed at SuperZoo 2016.

“Even though the display was a little more than I planned to spend, everyone was so friendly and helpful I knew I wanted to work with ExhibitDEAL.

They made everything super easy and the graphic art department created what I couldn’t myself. John and Gene were absolutely awesome. This was our first trade show and they made everything so easy.”

Michelle Lau  | Owner  | Miso Pup

Looking Ahead

Miso Pup’s booth graphics were designed to fit into a retail brand environment and not just focus on the pet industry. With this aforethought, Michelle plans to continue using her display and table throws at bigger retail industry trade shows to help her create awareness about her products.

The feedback from SuperZoo 2016 was so positive that Miso Pup has expressed interest in adding displays to grow their booth presence for the next show.

We hope you enjoyed this inside look at how we support emerging needs for the Miso Pup brand. From concept to order it has been a fulfilling collaboration we’re proud to be a part of.

The ExhibitDEAL team can be reached at Sales@Exhibitdeal.com or call 866-577-DEAL, we’d love to put our experience to work for you.

August 12, 2016in Banner Stands 0 Likes

Miami Dade Puts a New Face Forward

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Today we put the spotlight on a valued client with an impressive collection of work produced through us. Their investment in Curved Pop Ups, Counters, Throws and Retractable Banner Stands shows Miami Dade College’s trust in the consistent quality and excellence of our branding solutions. We would like to show you some of the displays that have come from our continued relationship, and maybe you can get some cool ideas to use at your next event.

 

Who is Miami Dade College?

As democracy’s college, Miami Dade College changes lives through accessible, high-quality teaching and learning experiences. The College embraces its responsibility to serve as an economic, cultural and civic leader for the advancement of our diverse global community.

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Concept to Completion

Miami Dade’s new branding displays would debut at MDC Day. The event called for visually consistent designs with unique images and text to express the individuality of each department. For different academics, our graphic design team worked with MDC to produce art that focuses on the values that make each department great.

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Preparing for MDC Day Event

This was a special event in Tallahassee for Miami Dade College to showcase their innovative education programs in the Florida House of Representatives. Program Directors from six MDC Schools had the opportunity to present their unique curriculum to State Representatives. The idea of the visual design was to highlight the students at work, using real photographs, not stock images. The result was an engaging display that could communicate the way MDC is transforming the student’s lives.

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Matthew Wohl with the new set of 10ft Curved Pop Ups, EA300 with Case Wrap and Retractable Banner Stands.

 

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Fresh off production, the new fleet of MDC 10ft Pop Ups and Retractable Banners designed for their different university departments.

 

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Miami Dade with their presentation set up. They chose the popular 10ft Curved Pop Up Display with two deep navy Draped Table Throws.

 Emerge Americas 2016 Event

MDC wanted to have a more impressive presentation at this event, to highlight their capabilities in technology and innovation. The idea was to create an open space with plenty of live demonstration of various technologies students are working on. The display design featured and L shaped wall that would help brand their space, with attractive colors and futuristic design. In the middle, a truss structure branded with large headers helped secure the equipment for a live virtual reality demonstration. A custom reception counter doubling as workstation helped complete the setup.

 

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 MDC expanded their marketing plans in 2016 which brought this amazing booth set up to life. Our popular collapsible pop up frame is seen here with an L-shape layout that spans the large booth space. Notice the excellent use of screens for dynamic messaging that prompts more visitor engagement as seen with the Interactive Kiosk setup to the right side of the Pop Up Display.

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 To the left is a tightly fit 6ft Stretch Table Cover. Quattro Connector Counter with accompanying monitor. The booth center features a four sided Truss system with large apex Banners at the top.

 

“It looks great. You did a great job.”

Matthew Wohl | Chairperson of Entertainment School | Miami Dade College

Looking Ahead

The feedback from Emerge was so successful that MDC has already contracted an even larger space for 2017. ExhibitDEAL is currently working on an impressive new design to create a visually appealing display, while incorporating features for the booth to be functional and easy to assemble. Can’t wait to make it a reality!

We hope you enjoyed this inside look at how we support the volume of display needs for the MDC brand. From concept to order it has been a fulfilling collaboration.

The ExhibitDEAL team can be reached at Sales@Exhibitdeal.com or call 866-577-DEAL, we’d love to put our experience to work for you.

August 8, 2016in Trade Show Advice 0 Likes

How to Avoid These 10 Event Planning Mistakes

Today we take a look at some Trade Show Event Planning Mistakes as discussed over at the Tradeshow Guy Blog. These are good general tips for starting out that any new exhibitor should keep in mind. You’ll want to keep your booth setup quick and straight forward and pay attention to your placement. Since depending on your budget, you may not be able to overshadow your competitors with sheer display size and flashiness.

You’ll want to leverage any free or inexpensive marketing media you can, like social channels and pre-show email marketing. Always stay attentive to the goals of your brand and the trade show venue where you are presenting.  This article comes from Tradeshow Guy guest writer, Miriam Couturie. So let’s check them out!

Event planning is no easy task, but it’s a vital part of marketers’ jobs. Companies spend about 20 percent of their budgets on marketing for events. Plus, 67 percent of business-to-business marketers find marketing at events as one of the most effective ways to meet future clients and customers. This is your opportunity to shine as a brand at the exact moment customers are most open to new relationships and budget allocation for upcoming initiatives. Don’t let that opportunity slip away by making these easily avoidable mistakes.

Mistake #1 Being Invisible

Blending into the background is never a good idea. The whole point of attending events is to advertise, so standing out is a must. With so many others at your events, get creative to draw some attention to your booth. Don’t just show up with a white tent. Make sure to invest in one that has your logo. You can also consider adding giveaways or games to your booth to make it more interesting. Even a little music can go a long way. Finally, make sure to bring business cards so that it’s easy to swap contact information and follow through on next steps.

Mistake #2 Sending the Wrong People

Your staff represents you and your company so send team members who really know what they’re talking about, and that you would feel comfortable speaking to your best clients. If you send people who can’t speak to your brand or products, your company may appear incompetent and could hurt your image.

Mistake #3 Poor Location

It’s your job to select the perfect spot for your event. Locations depend on the nature of the gathering — you probably wouldn’t choose a small, quiet cafe for a big tech conference. The easiest way to avoid this? Aim for high-traffic areas. Put your booth near anything that could end up with a long line. You can feed off the success of free booze bars, or big swag giveaways, and infiltrate those lines to strike up conversations with everyone.

Mistake #4 Difficult Booth Setup

There’s nothing worse than having to rush through setting up a complicated booth. The simplest solution is to look into easy-up tents. Custom outdoor event tents, or even custom canopy tents for indoors, are a great answer. Not only will this take some stress out of the event, but you’ll have greater visibility with custom printed graphics.

Mistake #5 Ignoring Social Media

Social media has become vital: Eighty-four percent of event organizers promote their events on Facebook, and 61 percent use Twitter. Don’t think that because you’re attending in person, you can bypass social media. Instead, design a custom hashtag and encourage booth visitors to use it. Many events promote their own hashtags that can help advertise your tent and company. Posting photos of your booth/tent and posing for photos with other social media active attendees will give you a deeper reach into the community, so don’t be shy. Be the life of the party online and off.

Mistake #6 Underestimating Costs

Events are expensive, and not allowing wiggle room in your budget is a vital mistake. Maybe there’s an entry fee you didn’t know about, or one of your props breaks and needs replacing. Fact is, you can always have to expect the unexpected so be prepared to spend more than you planned. Plus, with event costs increasing by between 2.5 and 5 percent each year, this year’s booth will likely cost a little more than last year’s.

Mistake #7 Not Making Your Website Mobile-Friendly

Because 44 percent of attendees use their phones at events, it’s vital to have a mobile-friendly website. That means moving away from tiny font and photos, aiming for data that is visible, and clickable, on a Smartphone. Chances are that your booth visitors will be looking at your website to view your product line, but if your website is not mobile- friendly, you could end up losing out on sales. This is a risk, you do not want to take and must avoid at all cost.

Mistake #8 Leaving the Booth Unattended

You went through all the trouble of signing up, paying for, traveling to, setting up, and planning your day around manning the booth …. Why are you wandering around and abandoning your booth? What if you walked into Starbucks and no one was behind the counter? What if you went into Best Buy and there were no nerds in blue shirts around to help you find the giant TV you probably don’t need? Event booths are useless without you at the help.

Mistake #9 Paying Full Registration Price

Event registrations take up a big chunk of cash. But because nearly 65 percent of event planners believe early-bird discounts are a great way to promote events, by thinking ahead you can find discounted prices, leaving extra room in your budget for an outstanding booth.

Mistake #10 Forget to Follow-Through

Attending the event is only the beginning of a marketer’s work. After meeting potential customers or clients at an event, it is vital to gather their contact information. Business cards are ideal — hand out your own, too. Follow up within a week after the event, so you and your company are still fresh in their minds.
Conclusion

By avoiding these mistakes, your event is sure to go off without a hitch. Taking these steps can help you stand out in a large crowd of other businesses and attract more attention and new clients and customers. Avoiding these common mistakes can do wonders for your company.

You were already doing all these things, right? Of course you were!  Many of these general pitfalls can be difficult to avoid – choosing a location is first come first served and budget may be a limiting factor in many of these tips. At any rate, getting started early will help you be choosy as much as possible and hunt for the best DEALS.  It is more difficult to be creative and make a big splash when planning your next event, if you get started nice and early.

Have questions on what booth displays and accessories will give you the most benefit at your next show? We have created and even repaired thousands of trade show exhibits, give the ExhibitDEAL team a call to discuss some cost effective solutions that will help you to look fantastic on your exhibition day.

ExhibitDEAL can be reached at Sales@ExhibitDeal.com or call 866-577-DEAL, we’d love to put our experience to work for you.

July 15, 2016in Trade Show Advice 0 Likes

Tips for Improving Your Trade Show Meeting ROI

When attending a trade show, one of the most important goals of your exhibit booth team should be scheduling and meeting with companies you would like to work with. Your company is there first and foremost to represent your brand and create awareness about what you do, as well as your latest products.

The best ways to capitalize on all the effort of planning and attending a trade show for your company is to engage in pre-show marketing and outreach from your sales team to schedule valuable meetings with their accounts or leads.

This week we feature the insights of Anne Thornley-Brown at PlanYourMeetings.com who shares many valuable thoughts on how to prioritize and follow up on your meetings in order to properly benefit from the efforts leading up to them.
Check out these excellent tips to improving your after trade show return on investment. Let’s have a look!

Your meeting/conference is over. Attendees have returned to their homes and offices. What happens next will have a direct impact on how participants perceive the value of your event.

It’s important that they retain the valuable tips, information and strategies you offered. It’s even more important that they be able to apply what they learned.

Follow-up is one of the most important aspects of event design, but it’s also the most neglected areas of corporate event planning. Here are 11 steps you can take to achieve measurable ROI.
Before your meeting adjourns

Rule of three.Give participants time to identify three specific tips, insights or strategies they learned and pinpoint how they will use them when returning to work. It’s in the mail. Ask participants to write this information down, put it in an unsealed envelope and address it.

Do this after the last break. if you leave it until the end of your meeting, you’ll miss anyone who slipped out early.
Take note. Go through the envelopes and make note of participants’ comments. Use this information when communicating the event’s value the next year.

After your meeting

Go video.Consider posting clips with highlights from keynotes and breakout sessions on YouTube. In the real world. Include specific tips for applying the meeting content in the real world. Videos are underused but have a huge impact.

Be specific.A week after the meeting, send participants a summary of highlights from both general and breakout sessions. Be sure to include specific suggestions on how the tips, strategies and other content can be used on the job.

Seek feedback.Include the video clips and a survey, so participants can offer feedback about the meeting.
Again, be specific. Offer tangible giveaways to guarantee high participation.

You’ve got mail. Two to three weeks later, mail the envelopes with the follow-up plans to remind participants what they learned and how they planned to apply it.

Track success. Six weeks later, invite participants to share how they’re successfully applying what they learned and the benefits of using the strategies they learned. Share the stories. Publish the success stories in your company or association blog or magazine.

These simple steps will significantly boost the perceived value of your events, conferences and business meetings. And next year, you’ll be glad you have the information.

What do you think? Is planning for trade show meetings both before and afterwards as important as Anne Thornley-Brown affirms?

We love talking about the best exhibit booth designs and accessories that will help you network and generate leads better. From Tables that charge your visitor’s mobile devices to to iPad-ready presentation podiums that put lead tracking right at your fingertips, we have the options to empower your success.

ExhibitDEAL can be reached at Sales@ExhibitDeal.com or call 866-577-DEAL, we’d love to put our experience to work for you.

June 7, 2016in Trade Show Advice 0 Likes

10 Ideas for Off-Floor Marketing to Increase your Exhibit Effectiveness

Source: www.exhibitoronline.com

There is no shortage of knowledge, news and great ideas over at Exhibitor Online. We’ve searched through the latest and greatest in an effort to bring you some of the most interesting and radical trade show marketing techniques out there.

We absolutely love the bold, unconventional and even disturbing ways these brands have literally taken their creativity to the streets. From leveraging the nostalgia of popular culture, to outright alarming pseudo protests. These off-floor campaigns use their unorthodox methods to get heads turning and bring more attention to what their company is doing. So let’s check them out!

Ten examples of off-floor activations that increased exhibiting effectiveness. By Linda Armstrong.

Exhibiting companies have a tendency to trot out every bell and whistle imaginable and attempt to “out-clang” one another on the show floor to win attendee mindshare. However, far too often they overlook the opportunities outside their swath of booth space. After all, promotional potential abounds far beyond the confines of an exhibit.
By extending your efforts into the registration area, the transportation hubs leading to the venue, and even the streets of the host city, you have myriad new opportunities to grasp – allowing you to squeeze even more awareness, sales leads, and return on investment from your spend.

Granted, some shows forbid off-floor activations, and others roll them into paid sponsorships. You’ll need to check the show, venue, and perhaps even host-city regulations if you want to play by the rules. Nevertheless, it’s likely well worth your time to at least consider integrating an off-floor experience into your marketing mix.

Here, then, are several noteworthy examples that helped exhibiting companies increase awareness, distribute product samples, and even foster leads.

Totally Tanked
The sight of an M4 Sherman tank crushing a taxicab will stop just about anyone in their tracks, which is why Wargaming Group Ltd. set up just such a scene in front of the Los Angeles Convention Center during the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). To promote its World of Tanks online game, Wargaming positioned a real Sherman tank atop a bright-yellow Los Angeles cab, whose right side and roof had been crushed by the 30-ton vehicle. The M4 Sherman had actually “precrushed” the cab at a local junkyard in order to meet Los Angeles Fire Department safety codes. But once the cab was delivered to the convention center and the tank was driven atop it by the tank owner and a Wargaming employee, it remained parked – and guarded – in the same locale for the duration of the show. During show hours, staffers invited guests to pose for a photo, courtesy of Wargaming’s photographers. Staff then uploaded and sent the photos to participants to post on social media. Nearby banners directed attendees to the firm’s booth. While permission to host the event was purchased from show management for $50,000, Wargaming felt it was worth the cost. For in addition to generating a flurry of photos and social-media posts, it scored tens of thousands of social-media impressions. You might even say that they crushed it.

Friends With Benefits
Few TV sitcoms achieve more popularity than “Friends,” which aired for almost 10 years, received nominations for 62 Primetime Emmy Awards, and ranked No. 21 on TV Guide’s 50 Greatest TV Show of All Time. This unbelievable popularity is exactly why Bally Technologies Inc., a manufacturer of slot machines and electronic gaming systems, launched its “Friends”-themed progressive video slot machine. To generate attention for the product at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas, then, Bally Technologies teamed up with exhibit house Derse Inc. to create a “Friends”-themed photo opportunity in the lobby of the Sands Expo, where G2E was held. The roughly 200-square-foot space, which was secured via sponsorship, recreated the lounge from the TV show’s Central Perk cafe. Here, a sofa, coffee table, and throw rug sat in front of a graphic backdrop featuring an image of the cafe’s interior and the Bally Technologies logo. Old analog TVs stacked eight high on both sides of the graphic panel harkened back to the early ’90s when the show first aired. Two actors portraying the roles of Phoebe and Chandler from the TV show staffed the exhibit (a $30,000 investment that covered the design, construction, materials, and installation). During show hours, a professional photographer was on hand to snap attendees’ photos as they posed on the set. Within 24 hours of being taken, the professional photos were posted at a website (ballytech.smugmug.com) for attendees to share. In addition, the set remained in place after the show closed each day, so attendees could snap a photo any time the venue was open. And by sharing the photos via social media and using the hashtag #BallyFriends, they were entered to win official “Friends” swag courtesy of Bally Technology.

Pets on Parade
IDEXX Laboratories Inc. developed a street-based promotion that was head and shoulders above all others. Going into the 2015 North American Veterinary Community Conference, IDEXX was launching a revolutionary kidney-function test for cats and dogs. Working with Chicago creative agency Live Marketing Inc., IDEXX had planned a high-visibility launch event on the show’s second day, and as such, it needed to draw hoards of attendees to the booth space for the new-product reveal. To do so, the team created a couldn’t-miss street team comprising four greeters in red, IDEXX-branded attire, and two stilt walkers, one wearing a Dalmatian costume, and the other dressed in a poodle suit. Starting the day before the show opened, the group roamed the public areas, restaurants, and hotels around the two Orlando, FL, convention centers where the show was being held. In addition to posing for pictures, the street team also handed out 5-by-7-inch invitations to the product reveal. All told, the stilt walkers, crowd gatherers, and their costumes cost roughly $20,000, but IDEXX felt the investment was well worth it. For while IDEXX hoped to lure 500 people to the booth, it actually attracted 1,000 people, thanks at least in part to its off-floor tactic.

Uber Occupation
At Comic-Con International: San Diego, the folks at USA Network (a media unit of NBCUniversal Inc.) didn’t just host a little street-based activation; they dominated the city’s Gaslamp Quarter with a couldn’t-miss transit stunt, courtesy of a partnership with Uber Technologies Inc. The 300-vehicle activation was an effort to promote the sci-fi TV series “Colony.” Set in the near future after the city of Los Angeles has been occupied by a suppressive force, the series centers on one family’s struggle to bring liberty back to the people. Throughout the show, the occupying power uses militant enforcers, aka Redhats, to maintain control. At Comic-Con, then, USA Network attempted to occupy San Diego by blanketing the Gaslamp Quarter near the convention center with fully costumed Redhats and “Colony” branded military vehicles and SUVs offering free Uber rides. To promote the stunt prior to the show, USA Network teased the event via Twitter, and Uber sent out an eblast to all San Diego riders. When the campaign went live, an in-app Uber message further promoted the activation to San Diego riders. Thus, between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. July 9 â?” 11, 2015, attendees and San Diego residents alike could access the Uber app and choose a “Colony”-branded, retrofitted SUV or Pinzgauer military vehicle. Inside, riders found a driver (who was hired by USA Network and trained by Uber) and an ambassador, both of which were dressed as Redhats. Throughout the ride, the pair expounded on the new series (set to debut in early 2016), and handed out postcards promoting the series and a star-studded “Colony” panel presentation at the show. Riders received their own logo-adorned red berets similar to those worn by the Redhats. In addition, USA Network branded pedicabs and bikes from ride-share program DecoBike San Diego with the series’ logo and distributed even more post-card wielding Redhats throughout the Gaslamp Quarter. All told, the activation received more than 10,000 ride requests and operated at approximately 90- to 100-percent capacity for the duration of the three-day event. Talk about a military takeover.

Fresh-Fruit Freebies
An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but it can also generate show-wide awareness. Or at least that’s what happened when Vita-Mix Corp. staged an apple-centric promotion at Ambiente, a consumer-goods trade show in Frankfurt, Germany. Going into the show, marketers wanted attendees to understand that Vita-Mix brand blending products can be used to make health-conscious soups, sorbets, raw-food dishes, and even full meals – thereby fostering a healthy lifestyle. To that end, the firm’s exhibit house, Derse Inc., crafted a stunning booth featuring literally hundreds of apples embedded into translucent Plexiglas walls. To relay this health-centric message and apple theme to even more of the show’s 144,000 attendees, marketers secured a show sponsorship that allowed them to set up two off-floor activations in main corridors leading from adjoining hotels to the convention center. Heading toward the main venue during show hours, attendees first stumbled upon a distribution station where staff continually made fresh smoothies and distributed them to passerby, many of whom were drawn to the display by the sound of the whirring blenders. Meanwhile, a second display further down the hallway more closely tied to the apple theme. Here, attendees discovered several large crates of apples and banner stands extolling the virtues of Vita-Mix blenders. A gloved staffer handed out apples, which featured the Vita-Mix logo and booth number in safe-to-eat printed text, and directed people to a healthy-blending demonstration in the exhibit. The two-pronged activation cost roughly $14,500, which is a pittance considering the apple tactic alone distributed approximately 2,500 apples each day of the show – generating show-wide awareness and helping Vita-Mix meet or exceed all of its booth-related objectives.

A Mock March
To promote its bed-bug elimination services at the International Hotel, Motel + Restaurant Show, Steritech positioned nine picketers outside the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center’s main entrance. Supposedly picketing on behalf of the millions of bed bugs killed by Steritech’s services, the sign-wielding actors handed out 4-by-6-inch fliers urging attendees to visit Steritech’s booth and “Speak out for your blood brothers!” The cheeky promotion was on the up and up, as organizers obtained a protest/picketing permit from the City of New York, making it legal to “march.” Costing an estimated $4,000, the promotion extended Steritech’s presence to thousands of attendees and drew many of them to the company’s 10-by-10-foot booth.

Van-tastic Idea
At the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society show in New Orleans, Iatric Systems Inc., a health-care information-technology firm, colored outside the lines with an activation that literally drove brand awareness. The firm was plagued by a relatively diminutive exhibit in the back of the hall, and a miniscule budget that allowed no room for official show sponsorships. Thus, Iatric marketers devised an activation whereby local businesses offered special discounts to HIMSS attendees wearing a colorful Iatric-branded wristband (aka a slap band). To generate interest and awareness for the brand and the “Get Slap Happy!” program, Iatric marketers rented a white panel van and plastered the sides with magnetic graphics featuring messages about the promotion, including Iatric’s logo, images of the bands, and a call to action to visit the booth to pick up a band. Iatric then hired a driver to maneuver the van around key routes near the convention center at prime times when people were coming and going from the venue. The driver even honked and waved to draw the attention of the 35,000 attendees that were milling about. In addition, Iatric parked the rented van outside of a key off-site hospitality event it hosted for C-level attendees. All told, Iatric paid $150 to rent the van and $100 for the magnetic signs. But the brand awareness generated by this simple moving billboard was priceless.

Devil Worship
When you’re launching a TV series based on the iconic horror film “The Omen,” a traditional marketing approach is about as bland as angel-food cake. Therefore, to introduce its upcoming “Damien” series (set to air in 2016) at Comic-Con International: San Diego, A&E Network staged a devilish activation that was a deliberate attempt to poke fun at the Christian protesters that have become near-permanent fixtures around the San Diego Convention Center. A&E sent a series of street teams into San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, where they appeared to join the nearby Christian proselytizers. However, upon closer inspection, team members wore black T-shirts with a red “666” on the front and the words “It’s All for You” on the back. Several members also held red and black picket signs featuring text such as “There is only #Damien,” “From Flame Damien Will Rise,” and “My Blood for Him.” Team members handed passersby pins featuring three sixes and pamphlets directing them to www.ItsAllforYou.com, a promotional microsite that warned “He is the only way to deal with the coming end.” Meanwhile, pamphlets proclaimed that “The end of days is near!” and cautioned onlookers against the coming “great atrocities all around.” Over the course of three days, the street teams handed out 15,000 pamphlets and 10,000 pins; plus, “Damien” netted 9,000 Twitter mentions and more than 30,000 Facebook engagements during that same time. What’s more, 25 news outlets, such as The New York Times, Wired, AdAge, The Hollywood Reporter, and others, featured news of the activity, resulting in 12.5 million unique impressions during the show. Now that’s a devilishly good idea.

Orange Swarm
For a little person in a giants’ world, it’s hard to get your voice heard. That’s why Jacobsen, a Textron Innovations Inc. company, devised its Orange Everywhere off-floor strategy for the Golf Industry Show in San Diego. While the company is among the top three U.S. providers of professional turf equipment, its name recognition pales in comparison to its two major competitors. Therefore, Jacobsen and its exhibit house, 3D Exhibits Inc., set out to develop show-wide brand awareness on the streets of San Diego instead of right next to major competitors. Prior to the show, Jacobsen purchased 2,000 corporate-orange, branded wristbands that it intended to hand out to attendees. The idea was to blanket the show in Jacobsen orange. To prompt people to wear the bands, Jacobsen would position roving ambassadors throughout the convention areas, where they’d distribute free “Orange Everywhere” T-shirts to anyone wearing the band. However, Jacobsen had to first get the bands in attendees’ hands. Held in the San Diego Gaslamp Quarter the night before the show opened, Jacobsen’s hospitality event served as a key distribution point. As attendees walked to the venue, they saw the orange Jacobsen logo projected onto the exterior of a major hotel and five orange Dodge Chargers parked in front of the building. Together with the logo, the cars, which were each emblazoned with Orange Everywhere logos on their doors and hoods, seemed to brand the whole district as Jacobsen territory. After attendees partied the night away and exited the club wearing their wristbands, pedicab bike operators sporting orange T-shirts offered them a free lift back to their hotels. Almost 1,000 people donned the bands before the show even opened, creating a show-wide curiosity factor. Finally, 20 brand ambassadors dressed in Jacobsen orange filled nearby environs during the show, and handed out branded orange T-shirts to those wearing a band. Jacobsen’s tactic also aided show-floor results, as the firm doubled the number of leads collected compared to the previous year.

Tea Mobile
October temperatures in Las Vegas can top out in the low 90s. And when you’re trekking from a hotel to the show venue, that’s warm enough to work up a thirst. So at the National Association of Convenience Stores Show, Red Diamond Inc., a provider of coffee and tea products, took advantage of that heat-induced thirst by setting up an off-floor oasis. After contacting the Las Vegas Monorail Co., the company rented a prime locale at the monorail stop adjacent to the convention center. Here, it stationed a service desk, graphics, and coolers filled with ice-cold Ready-to-Drink Tea pints. Starting before the show opened and extending after it closed each day, staff handed out samples and directed people to the Red Diamond booth. By bringing the tea to the people in their hour of thirst, Red Diamond touched more attendees than it would have otherwise. Plus, the company made a lasting impression by quenching attendees thirst exactly when they needed it most.

Pretty risque ideas right? It is clear to see that sometimes a great idea for generating a buzz is going to run the risk of putting off a few people. As the old saying in show business goes “there is no such thing as bad publicity.” While these campaigns are very brand specific, if you leverage their unique approach you can create awareness far beyond the trade show like you never thought possible.

Have questions on what booth displays and accessories will give you the most benefit at your next show? We have created and even repaired thousands of trade show exhibits, give the ExhibitDEAL team a call to discuss some cost effective solutions that will help you to look fantastic on your exhibition day.

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