Forty percent of exhibitors use online social media to promote their exhibits, according to a new study by the Center for Exhibition Industry Research.
Personal social networks, such as Facebook and LinkedIn, are the most popular online tools among exhibitors. Roughly 41 percent of survey respondents say they use these networks for promotional purposes, while 36 percent use videos, and 34 percent use blogs, according to the paper, entitled “Effective Methods of Visitor Promotion, Part II: Exhibitors.” The use of these three tools is expected to rise in the next three years, especially the use of blogs. In three years, 44 percent of the 218 exhibitor respondents anticipate using blogs to promote exhibits.
Approximately 26 percent of respondents use virtual events, while 23 percent use microblogs, like Twitter. These percentages are anticipated to rise to 31 percent and 30 percent, respectively, in three years. Full Article from Association Meetings.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
What’s the Real Cost? Determining Your Exhibit and Trade Show Budget
What You Should Know about Exhibit Budgeting
Companies should define a workable exhibit marketing budget, one that includes all related costs. However, the line between marketing expenses and exhibit marketing expenses can be somewhat fuzzy. You will want to create a well-defined budget that separates them.
The exhibit is typically the largest initial expense. However, over time, the cost of using the exhibit will easily surpass the initial cost of the exhibit, often significantly. When constructing a budget, evaluate your ability to maintain the expense year after year. Weigh the repercussions of scaling back. In some industries, scaling back can be more damaging than never exhibiting in the first place. Continue.
- How to differentiate between normal marketing expenses and exhibit marketing expenses
- The exhibit is the largest initial expense, but your ongoing exhibit marketing will easily surpass that initial cost
- Create a budget and maintain an accurate Return on Investment (ROI) on your exhibit marketing
- Include the Exhibit Costs, online expenses, and Show Services when developing your budget
Companies should define a workable exhibit marketing budget, one that includes all related costs. However, the line between marketing expenses and exhibit marketing expenses can be somewhat fuzzy. You will want to create a well-defined budget that separates them.
The exhibit is typically the largest initial expense. However, over time, the cost of using the exhibit will easily surpass the initial cost of the exhibit, often significantly. When constructing a budget, evaluate your ability to maintain the expense year after year. Weigh the repercussions of scaling back. In some industries, scaling back can be more damaging than never exhibiting in the first place. Continue.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Four Simple Ways to Cut Your Trade Show Marketing Budget in Half
Many times when a trade show is planned for there isnt someone who watches the budget and tracks where the money goes. But, if you do want to know where your trade show marketing dollar goes and want to do better, this article is for you.
You should track each expense and when you show is over hold a quick review to discover how much you spent. You might be surprised at how things add up.
Here are four simple ways to make your trade show marketing budget count. If you can reduce your show spending a losing show might suddenly be worthwhile.
1. Track your deadlines and discounts.
Look at your show agreement and see where you get discounts for making early commitments. A better way to look at this is the premium you pay for not being well planned. Youll see a deadline and a price before the date and an increased price after the date. Youll see yet a higher premium for getting a service on the day of the show.
Keep good records of the discount deadlines and dont miss any. That will ensure you minimize your surcharges.
Keep special track of your shipping costs and ensure you have time to ship ground and still make your setup deadline.
Good planning will really be worth your while and can save you easily 25% Full Article.
You should track each expense and when you show is over hold a quick review to discover how much you spent. You might be surprised at how things add up.
Here are four simple ways to make your trade show marketing budget count. If you can reduce your show spending a losing show might suddenly be worthwhile.
1. Track your deadlines and discounts.
Look at your show agreement and see where you get discounts for making early commitments. A better way to look at this is the premium you pay for not being well planned. Youll see a deadline and a price before the date and an increased price after the date. Youll see yet a higher premium for getting a service on the day of the show.
Keep good records of the discount deadlines and dont miss any. That will ensure you minimize your surcharges.
Keep special track of your shipping costs and ensure you have time to ship ground and still make your setup deadline.
Good planning will really be worth your while and can save you easily 25% Full Article.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Budget Guidelines for Trade Show Marketing
From Tradeshow Training:
Trade shows are the second largest expenditure of corporate marketing dollars in the US. Only the field salesperson costs a company more.
How much of that money is wasted? Oodles - if you don’t know what you’re doing and how to track it.
Clients often ask, “How much does it cost to do a trade show?” It can be a little or a lot. Remember - a tabletop show at a Chamber of Commerce networking event will cost you significantly less than a 10-day international event, but these EIGHT major components are good guidelines in budgeting.
1. The Rent on your Space - The only constant in trade shows is the real estate -that piece of gray concrete you rent. Some shows are priced by a flat fee. Most are priced according to a square foot (sq. meter) standard for the show. Generally, it’s 10sq ft or 3sq meters (about 100 sq. feet). Prices will range from $10-$100/sq ft, or $1,000 to $10,000 per space. Check your calculations carefully.
2. On-floor Expenses - Anything that requires labor or utilities for your exhibit. This includes all labor (i.e. - I&D installation and dismantling - to setup and tear-down your exhibit) and utilities - electricity, gas, water, compressed air, etc.
3. Your Exhibit, Graphics and Accessories - All of the physical parts of your exhibit, including design fees and production, and crating.
4. Freight and Drayage - These can be confusing terms, so here is the easy way to remember. Freight is how your exhibit gets from anywhere (your office, warehouse or another show) to the current show’s loading dock. You can put it in a car, send it by plane, ship, bus or truck. Drayage, on the other hand, has a very specific meaning. It is only the movement of your exhibit from the loading dock to your exhibit space and back to the loading dock. Then “freight” takes it from the loading dock to its next destination. More.
Trade shows are the second largest expenditure of corporate marketing dollars in the US. Only the field salesperson costs a company more.
How much of that money is wasted? Oodles - if you don’t know what you’re doing and how to track it.
Clients often ask, “How much does it cost to do a trade show?” It can be a little or a lot. Remember - a tabletop show at a Chamber of Commerce networking event will cost you significantly less than a 10-day international event, but these EIGHT major components are good guidelines in budgeting.
1. The Rent on your Space - The only constant in trade shows is the real estate -that piece of gray concrete you rent. Some shows are priced by a flat fee. Most are priced according to a square foot (sq. meter) standard for the show. Generally, it’s 10sq ft or 3sq meters (about 100 sq. feet). Prices will range from $10-$100/sq ft, or $1,000 to $10,000 per space. Check your calculations carefully.
2. On-floor Expenses - Anything that requires labor or utilities for your exhibit. This includes all labor (i.e. - I&D installation and dismantling - to setup and tear-down your exhibit) and utilities - electricity, gas, water, compressed air, etc.
3. Your Exhibit, Graphics and Accessories - All of the physical parts of your exhibit, including design fees and production, and crating.
4. Freight and Drayage - These can be confusing terms, so here is the easy way to remember. Freight is how your exhibit gets from anywhere (your office, warehouse or another show) to the current show’s loading dock. You can put it in a car, send it by plane, ship, bus or truck. Drayage, on the other hand, has a very specific meaning. It is only the movement of your exhibit from the loading dock to your exhibit space and back to the loading dock. Then “freight” takes it from the loading dock to its next destination. More.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Conferences, Tradeshows Still King of Marketing Budgets
With airline traffic down and hotels working overtime to woo guests, it’s surprising to learn that businesses still allocate a whopping 25 percent of their marketing budgets to conferences and trade shows, says Page Ballenger of Exhibit Resources in Raleigh. Citing studies from the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR), Ballenger says face-to-face marketing at trade shows and conferences thrives—despite the recession and despite abundant opportunities for lower-cost, “new media” outlets.
Unlike online marketing, exhibit marketing is personal, tactile and emotional—some of the main reasons it still draws crowds. In fact, meetings and events provide the highest return on investment of any marketing channel, according to a recent Trade Show Week survey of Fortune 1,000 chief marketing officers. And even though attendance at shows is slimmer now than in the past, today’s attendees are usually top decision makers at their company. The bottom line for exhibitors? Prime space on the floor is easier to snag, and prospects for sales leads are better than ever. Full Article.
Unlike online marketing, exhibit marketing is personal, tactile and emotional—some of the main reasons it still draws crowds. In fact, meetings and events provide the highest return on investment of any marketing channel, according to a recent Trade Show Week survey of Fortune 1,000 chief marketing officers. And even though attendance at shows is slimmer now than in the past, today’s attendees are usually top decision makers at their company. The bottom line for exhibitors? Prime space on the floor is easier to snag, and prospects for sales leads are better than ever. Full Article.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Developing a New Exhibit, Design Strategy
In many cases, multiple bids on exhibit construction from designs provided by your custom exhibit designer will vary as much as 50-75% depending on how busy an exhibit builder is, other exhibits they have going into the same show or how interested they are in adding a new account to their roster.
Exhibiting in major US cities like Chicago, New York, Las Vegas, and Anaheim is challenging enough without adding the extra complexities and potential problems of shipping in a brand new exhibit built by an outside organization with little big trade show city experience. In most cases, the results will cost you time, money and add to the frustrations trade shows have a way of delivering. Full Article
Exhibiting in major US cities like Chicago, New York, Las Vegas, and Anaheim is challenging enough without adding the extra complexities and potential problems of shipping in a brand new exhibit built by an outside organization with little big trade show city experience. In most cases, the results will cost you time, money and add to the frustrations trade shows have a way of delivering. Full Article
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
IAEE Board of Directors Says San Jose Exclusive Labor Program is Detrimental
Calls on Mayor Reed and the San Jose City Council to Set the New Program Aside
DALLAS -- 15 September 2009 -- Calling Team San Jose's recent seizure of all Teamster labor at the McEnery Convention Center a plan primarily designed to generate new revenue for that convention center, the board of directors of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) is calling upon the city's Mayor and City Council to rescind the program immediately.
IAEE says that the new program eliminates competition and like most exclusive in-house services, is very likely to drive customers' costs much higher while driving down service levels. It also tramples upon an already existing collect bargaining agreement that was negotiated by the general service contractors who service most of the business in the McEnery Convention Center with Teamsters Local 85 that runs through the end of March 2011. General service contractors who refuse to agree to the new exclusive labor program are not permitted to work in the building. If they do accept the terms of the new agreement they face grievances from Teamsters Local 85 who has already warned at least one contractor who has worked an event in the building under the new plan that they have violated their agreement.
To make matters even worse, says IAEE, the new plan exposes exhibition and event organizers, exhibitors and general service contractors to serious liability exposures because San Jose's exclusive labor agreement renders them third parties not covered by the exclusive remedies of workers compensation insurance.
The new exclusive labor plan also improperly intrudes into the business contracts of general service contractors and their organizer and exhibitor customers, some that run for many more years. Team San Jose's new program also assaults key provisions of its own existing building leases with customers who have already agreed to bring their events to San Jose.
IAEE President Steven Hacker, CAE communicated its concerns directly to Mayor Chuck Reed and the San Jose City
Council on 15 September 2009.
DALLAS -- 15 September 2009 -- Calling Team San Jose's recent seizure of all Teamster labor at the McEnery Convention Center a plan primarily designed to generate new revenue for that convention center, the board of directors of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) is calling upon the city's Mayor and City Council to rescind the program immediately.
IAEE says that the new program eliminates competition and like most exclusive in-house services, is very likely to drive customers' costs much higher while driving down service levels. It also tramples upon an already existing collect bargaining agreement that was negotiated by the general service contractors who service most of the business in the McEnery Convention Center with Teamsters Local 85 that runs through the end of March 2011. General service contractors who refuse to agree to the new exclusive labor program are not permitted to work in the building. If they do accept the terms of the new agreement they face grievances from Teamsters Local 85 who has already warned at least one contractor who has worked an event in the building under the new plan that they have violated their agreement.
To make matters even worse, says IAEE, the new plan exposes exhibition and event organizers, exhibitors and general service contractors to serious liability exposures because San Jose's exclusive labor agreement renders them third parties not covered by the exclusive remedies of workers compensation insurance.
The new exclusive labor plan also improperly intrudes into the business contracts of general service contractors and their organizer and exhibitor customers, some that run for many more years. Team San Jose's new program also assaults key provisions of its own existing building leases with customers who have already agreed to bring their events to San Jose.
IAEE President Steven Hacker, CAE communicated its concerns directly to Mayor Chuck Reed and the San Jose City
Council on 15 September 2009.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Trade Show Exhibits: Sales Process
The key relationship in the initial phases of a trade show exhibit sales process is between the Client and the Account Executive. This relationship is the most important factor in the success of any exhibit house experience. The Account Executive is the client’s advocate, acting as the liaison between the Client and all internal departments including design, engineering, production and/or accounting. The AE’s role is to be the eyes, ears, and voice for the Client, accountable for the success of every project from initiation to completion. The effectiveness of this relationship is dependent effective communication and documentation.
Account Executives should also add value to the design process by providing creative ideas and options that serve to further the goals of the project. Full Article.
Account Executives should also add value to the design process by providing creative ideas and options that serve to further the goals of the project. Full Article.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Exhibit Survey’s White Paper: Looking Past the Recession
The Exhibit Surveys folks have created a great White Paper -Looking past the recession: Exhibition strategies for the interim. In it they detail our current economic situation and what exhibitors must consider for the near term.
Synopsis: Exhibitions are down, but far from out. Real time findings from the current recession indicate cause for optimism, including sustained audience quality levels. Also, even though exhibitor budgets are down and will likely trail the recovery, the perceived value of exhibitions as a marketing tool not only remains intact but is enhanced in terms of its role within the vogue of “experiential marketing.” While discernment of the depth, duration, and breadth of this recession is still difficult, metrics that track the health of the industry and the economy show hints of a turnaround that may begin late this year. In the meantime there are strategic moves the industry can employ, particularly in terms of its key constituencies, as it rides out the storm so it may exploit the coming recovery period from a position of strength.
To obtain your free copy of this valuable White Paper, click here.
Synopsis: Exhibitions are down, but far from out. Real time findings from the current recession indicate cause for optimism, including sustained audience quality levels. Also, even though exhibitor budgets are down and will likely trail the recovery, the perceived value of exhibitions as a marketing tool not only remains intact but is enhanced in terms of its role within the vogue of “experiential marketing.” While discernment of the depth, duration, and breadth of this recession is still difficult, metrics that track the health of the industry and the economy show hints of a turnaround that may begin late this year. In the meantime there are strategic moves the industry can employ, particularly in terms of its key constituencies, as it rides out the storm so it may exploit the coming recovery period from a position of strength.
To obtain your free copy of this valuable White Paper, click here.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
TSEA ANNOUNCES FORMATION OF EXHIBITOR ADVOCACY COMMITTEE
Polling Results From TS2 Attendees on Issues Effecting Exhibitors at Trade Shows
Chicago, IL – September 9, 2009 – After polling members of the association and attendees at TS2, the Trade Show Exhibitors Association (TSEA) confirmed the need to officially form an Exhibitor Advocacy Committee. People were asked to choose up to three (3) answers from a wide variety of topics that members of TSEA had voiced distress about this year. The polling showed:
34% felt lack of choices for exhibitor appointed contractors were a top concern.
32% want independent 3rd party audits of convention attendees to help them make informed decisions about what shows will provide the best returns on their investment.
26% felt unfair convention housing policies caused the most problems for exhibit managers.
Almost 50% of healthcare industry exhibitors believe show hours opposed by education, entertainment, meals, etc is a policy of many trade shows that needs to be changed.
One TSEA member was not surprised that only 15% of participants responded that encryption of attendee’s badges was an issue. "Most exhibitors do not even know they can own lead retrieval equipment and customize it to feed directly into their internal sales and customer databases. Show management has done such a good job of ‘training’ exhibitors to rent their official show equipment that they do not even investigate the possibility or understand that some shows block the ability by encrypting their badge. Capturing leads is a key objective of exhibiting at tradeshows. By blocking the ability to use your own personal lead retrieval system they (show management) are impeding exhibitors’ ability to harness the potential business from attendees who visit their booth. It is critical that event badges be legible by all lead management scanners."
Equally unsurprising, the second highest response was that exhibitors want independent 3rd party audits. "The tradeshow industry is under pressure, as are all forms of media," stated Glenn Hansen, President and CEO of BPA Worldwide. "Exhibit departments struggle to document their relevancy and keep their share of budget. In this economic climate, more appreciate the value of having third-party verified data. "While 32% were counted at TS2 as wanting independent verified data, we would like to see this percentage triple. The goal is to share information such that exhibitors use independently certified data as a tool to help plan, budget, validate and market more effectively. Audited data helps shows stay relevant to exhibitor management. Organizers are waiting to hear from exhibitors that audited data is essential to marketing."
One item all exhibitors agree on is the need for all shows to have exhibitor advisory councils and listen to what they have to say.
As the only association in the world dedicated solely to exhibitors’ needs and rights across all industries, TSEA acts as their voice. The only way to accomplish this goal is to create a forum where exhibitors feel safe sharing what affects their ability to maximize their returns at trade shows and events. Exhibitors have long felt that if they voice their complaints and concerns to show management that they will be labeled as "troublemakers."
A new member of TSEA said: "I never knew anyone could or would ever try to change the rules show management sets for exhibitors. I felt I just had to live with it. I am so happy to become part of an organization that cares about me and will stand up for my rights."
Association members have asked for someone else to speak on their behalf; therefore, TSEA has formed the Advocacy Committee to act as the exhibitor advisory committee to the industry. Its goal is to actively assist the association and its membership in determining what issues and, specifically, which shows are affecting face-to-face marketing professionals. The committee members’ identities and companies will not be disclosed by TSEA to ensure they can provide necessary input to change the status quo. Individual members of the committee cross all industry sectors and their mandate is to speak with exhibitors of shows in which they participate to garner support and build a united voice of exhibitors everywhere. They have all signed non-disclosure agreements so everyone can freely discuss what shows are causing our members the most difficulty.
TSEA is currently in contact with management from shows that members have brought to the attention of the committee and staff. The committee and TSEA are asking all exhibitors to support their efforts by submitting the shows and issues that have detrimental policies to advocacy@tsea.org All submissions will be kept confidential; names and personal information will be not disclosed without permission.
Chicago, IL – September 9, 2009 – After polling members of the association and attendees at TS2, the Trade Show Exhibitors Association (TSEA) confirmed the need to officially form an Exhibitor Advocacy Committee. People were asked to choose up to three (3) answers from a wide variety of topics that members of TSEA had voiced distress about this year. The polling showed:
34% felt lack of choices for exhibitor appointed contractors were a top concern.
32% want independent 3rd party audits of convention attendees to help them make informed decisions about what shows will provide the best returns on their investment.
26% felt unfair convention housing policies caused the most problems for exhibit managers.
Almost 50% of healthcare industry exhibitors believe show hours opposed by education, entertainment, meals, etc is a policy of many trade shows that needs to be changed.
One TSEA member was not surprised that only 15% of participants responded that encryption of attendee’s badges was an issue. "Most exhibitors do not even know they can own lead retrieval equipment and customize it to feed directly into their internal sales and customer databases. Show management has done such a good job of ‘training’ exhibitors to rent their official show equipment that they do not even investigate the possibility or understand that some shows block the ability by encrypting their badge. Capturing leads is a key objective of exhibiting at tradeshows. By blocking the ability to use your own personal lead retrieval system they (show management) are impeding exhibitors’ ability to harness the potential business from attendees who visit their booth. It is critical that event badges be legible by all lead management scanners."
Equally unsurprising, the second highest response was that exhibitors want independent 3rd party audits. "The tradeshow industry is under pressure, as are all forms of media," stated Glenn Hansen, President and CEO of BPA Worldwide. "Exhibit departments struggle to document their relevancy and keep their share of budget. In this economic climate, more appreciate the value of having third-party verified data. "While 32% were counted at TS2 as wanting independent verified data, we would like to see this percentage triple. The goal is to share information such that exhibitors use independently certified data as a tool to help plan, budget, validate and market more effectively. Audited data helps shows stay relevant to exhibitor management. Organizers are waiting to hear from exhibitors that audited data is essential to marketing."
One item all exhibitors agree on is the need for all shows to have exhibitor advisory councils and listen to what they have to say.
As the only association in the world dedicated solely to exhibitors’ needs and rights across all industries, TSEA acts as their voice. The only way to accomplish this goal is to create a forum where exhibitors feel safe sharing what affects their ability to maximize their returns at trade shows and events. Exhibitors have long felt that if they voice their complaints and concerns to show management that they will be labeled as "troublemakers."
A new member of TSEA said: "I never knew anyone could or would ever try to change the rules show management sets for exhibitors. I felt I just had to live with it. I am so happy to become part of an organization that cares about me and will stand up for my rights."
Association members have asked for someone else to speak on their behalf; therefore, TSEA has formed the Advocacy Committee to act as the exhibitor advisory committee to the industry. Its goal is to actively assist the association and its membership in determining what issues and, specifically, which shows are affecting face-to-face marketing professionals. The committee members’ identities and companies will not be disclosed by TSEA to ensure they can provide necessary input to change the status quo. Individual members of the committee cross all industry sectors and their mandate is to speak with exhibitors of shows in which they participate to garner support and build a united voice of exhibitors everywhere. They have all signed non-disclosure agreements so everyone can freely discuss what shows are causing our members the most difficulty.
TSEA is currently in contact with management from shows that members have brought to the attention of the committee and staff. The committee and TSEA are asking all exhibitors to support their efforts by submitting the shows and issues that have detrimental policies to advocacy@tsea.org All submissions will be kept confidential; names and personal information will be not disclosed without permission.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
4 Ways to Use Twitter at Your Next Trade Show
Do you know what do trade shows and Twitter have in common? Both allow you to make personal connections with potential clients while building their confidence in you and your brand. Neither one is an appropriate place for a hard sell routine, in fact, quite the opposite. They are “getting to know you” tools. And both can pay enormous dividends in terms of brand recognition, customer satisfaction, and sales.
Let’s look are four ways in which you can make Twitter work for you at your next trade show:
1. Start early. Establish your Twitter presence long before the show opens. Every day, post amusing or informative links, resources, observations, and announcements.
2. Share Twitter names. When you get contact information for new clients, make sure you get their Twitter ID. Make sure that yours is on your business card, as well as on your web site.
3. Keep Tweeting! During the trade show, use Twitter to keep attendees informed of events at your booth. You may want to use a Twitter client, such as HootSuite or Tweetdeck, to schedule pre-written announcements, for example, “The next demo will starting in 15 minutes at Booth 212.”
4. Follow up. After the trade show has ended, use Twitter to maintain contact with new prospects. Make sure you add them to your “following” list. Not only will that remind them of you, it also helps to make people feel warm and accepted. Source.
Let’s look are four ways in which you can make Twitter work for you at your next trade show:
1. Start early. Establish your Twitter presence long before the show opens. Every day, post amusing or informative links, resources, observations, and announcements.
2. Share Twitter names. When you get contact information for new clients, make sure you get their Twitter ID. Make sure that yours is on your business card, as well as on your web site.
3. Keep Tweeting! During the trade show, use Twitter to keep attendees informed of events at your booth. You may want to use a Twitter client, such as HootSuite or Tweetdeck, to schedule pre-written announcements, for example, “The next demo will starting in 15 minutes at Booth 212.”
4. Follow up. After the trade show has ended, use Twitter to maintain contact with new prospects. Make sure you add them to your “following” list. Not only will that remind them of you, it also helps to make people feel warm and accepted. Source.
Getting The Crowd Into Your Trade Show Booth
Getting the proper crowd into your trade show booth can be a big task, but not impossible. Walking the trade show floor on numerous occasions I have noticed that there are some impressive looking trade show displays and some just mediocre. I have also noticed some of the nice impressive booths have no crowd in them. Attendees just pass them by as if they were not there. The booth looks relatively nice with decent product displays yet no visitors to the booths (as a matter of fact I have seen some exhibitors which are the powerhouse of their market without any crowds in there booth at all) this means no new clients and also they may have gotten to be a powerhouse by other means, definitely not by displaying at trade shows. What makes the difference in attracting attendees into you booth? There are a few factors
1- In getting attendees into your both first of all you must have a friendly and inviting trade show display, this mean do not configure your trade show booth like a forte. It should be open and inviting -one should not feel trapped once they enter your booth.
2- Greet attendees in the trade show aisle not in your booth, Very few will ever freely enter your trade show booth without being invited
3- To capture attendees’ interest you must have something different from the rest of exhibitors. Try to create some sort of theme or major attraction inside your trade show booth. This will serve as a major draw for show attendees. Your trade show booth might be nice looking but still unable to entice the crowd, therefore, a crowd pleaser is a must. I have seen this happen at a recent show, true the attendance was down at the show but all in all most exhibitors said they did better that the previous year or show , why?. Fewer exhibitors mean less competition for you the exhibitor. This in turn turns into leads which eventually can result in sales. In getting the best out of your trade show you must have something unique different from the rest of exhibitors. DO not use gimmicks they only work but for so long, be creative about your product or the imagery of your booth…always introduce a theme whether in the appearance of the booth itself, your product or the actual displaying of the products themselves… be creative intelligently and forget the gimmicks Source.
1- In getting attendees into your both first of all you must have a friendly and inviting trade show display, this mean do not configure your trade show booth like a forte. It should be open and inviting -one should not feel trapped once they enter your booth.
2- Greet attendees in the trade show aisle not in your booth, Very few will ever freely enter your trade show booth without being invited
3- To capture attendees’ interest you must have something different from the rest of exhibitors. Try to create some sort of theme or major attraction inside your trade show booth. This will serve as a major draw for show attendees. Your trade show booth might be nice looking but still unable to entice the crowd, therefore, a crowd pleaser is a must. I have seen this happen at a recent show, true the attendance was down at the show but all in all most exhibitors said they did better that the previous year or show , why?. Fewer exhibitors mean less competition for you the exhibitor. This in turn turns into leads which eventually can result in sales. In getting the best out of your trade show you must have something unique different from the rest of exhibitors. DO not use gimmicks they only work but for so long, be creative about your product or the imagery of your booth…always introduce a theme whether in the appearance of the booth itself, your product or the actual displaying of the products themselves… be creative intelligently and forget the gimmicks Source.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Can You Afford Not To Exhibit At Trade Shows
Exhibiting in a trade show can involve a major investment of money and time. The financial returns for your business can be first-rate if you learn some of the secrets of trade show booth success before signing up for a show and investing in your displays. In these economical times a great decision can make or break you.
Most exhibitors are already dedicated to their exhibit space if you are a regular trade show exhibitors. Last year outlook on the economy was not as bad and it seems these day, so naturally you committed to a larger or same size exhibit space. So now it’s probably too late to reduce your exhibit booth size. A great alternative to this is to rent your next tradeshow displays and opt in to an all inclusive trade show rental package. Most of your competitor are probably are doing it already and rightly so, it helps to reduce the high cost of trade show exhibiting. All inclusive packages eliminate the hidden cost, and mishaps associated with having a custom trade shows, such as, shipping, installation and dismantle.
Successful trade show promotions require a strategic plan involving everything from pre-show promotion to post-show follow up.
Tradeshows are great venues for generating qualified leads and super opportunities to meet existing and potential customers face-to-face and talk with them about your products and services in a very informal environment. Trade shows can be very effective, or of little use; it all depends on how you develop and execute the plan. Continue.
Most exhibitors are already dedicated to their exhibit space if you are a regular trade show exhibitors. Last year outlook on the economy was not as bad and it seems these day, so naturally you committed to a larger or same size exhibit space. So now it’s probably too late to reduce your exhibit booth size. A great alternative to this is to rent your next tradeshow displays and opt in to an all inclusive trade show rental package. Most of your competitor are probably are doing it already and rightly so, it helps to reduce the high cost of trade show exhibiting. All inclusive packages eliminate the hidden cost, and mishaps associated with having a custom trade shows, such as, shipping, installation and dismantle.
Successful trade show promotions require a strategic plan involving everything from pre-show promotion to post-show follow up.
Tradeshows are great venues for generating qualified leads and super opportunities to meet existing and potential customers face-to-face and talk with them about your products and services in a very informal environment. Trade shows can be very effective, or of little use; it all depends on how you develop and execute the plan. Continue.
Friday, September 4, 2009
How to Get the Best Out of Trade Show Services
You've heard the expression–The devils in the details. This is especially applicable to trade show exhibiting where success hinges on all the big and little things that constitute a trade show appearance.
The process starts with the obvious: selecting the right trade shows to attend; designing a high quality exhibit booth to properly portray your company; and arranging to get the trade show display to the exhibit floor on time.
Your trade show exhibit builder has the expertise to help you make your event a success. But it can often be any one of the following pesky details relating to trade show services, which, if overlooked, can undermine an otherwise well-planned trade show experience.
Here are ten key recommendations from Tips & Techniques for Exhibiting Success by Nomadic Display: Continue
The process starts with the obvious: selecting the right trade shows to attend; designing a high quality exhibit booth to properly portray your company; and arranging to get the trade show display to the exhibit floor on time.
Your trade show exhibit builder has the expertise to help you make your event a success. But it can often be any one of the following pesky details relating to trade show services, which, if overlooked, can undermine an otherwise well-planned trade show experience.
Here are ten key recommendations from Tips & Techniques for Exhibiting Success by Nomadic Display: Continue
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Free Report: 9 Things to Know When Buying a Custom Booth
Trying to decide if you should invest in a custom tradeshow exhibit? Don’t know if it’s worth the money? How about downloading a free report “9 Things You Need to Know Before Buying a Custom Tradeshow Exhibit.”
You’ll find a brief comparison of the pros and cons of custom vs. pop-up or modular, as well a look at other considerations such as drayage and shipping.
(PDF – approx 400 KB). Download here.
You’ll find a brief comparison of the pros and cons of custom vs. pop-up or modular, as well a look at other considerations such as drayage and shipping.
(PDF – approx 400 KB). Download here.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)