Uncategorized

Advertising business to potential customers comprises the use of various media platforms. In spite of the fact that media has evolved quickly in recent years, traditional printed signs and banners still offer many advantages for businesses. Store owners may advertise their latest specials, while some entrepreneurs use banners as displays at exhibitions and trade shows. Here are some reasons why banner stands are still extremely effective:

• Inexpensive

Advertising through multiple modern multimedia platforms can become expensive, while banners remain economical for every business owner, and at the same time they are as customizable as their online counterparts.

• Efficient

Banner stands are in high demand as advertising tools, as they are used to catch potential customers' attention at reasonable prices. Banner stands can be fabricated from aluminum, fiberglass, or similar materials that are sturdy enough to hold up to wear and tear. Portable retractable banner stands are convenient for easy transport and storage. Business owners find changing a banner on a transportable stand is extremely simple.

• Practical

Whether displayed at a trade show or any other event, banner stands attract potential customers without wasting unnecessary resources.

• Repetitive

Banners reinforce the brand or service every time they are viewed, especially if placed in a high-traffic area. If installed in a window or outdoor location in a good area, potential customers will pass it often and consider working with that business more and more.

• Reusable

Advertising banners are made from vinyl, fabric or other materials that are durable and that lasts for many years if kept clean and stored away from excessive humidity. Companies regularly attending trade shows can reuse the banners at every show, meaning they get a lot of mileage out of their investment.

Just about everyone has been to industry events and has seen row after row of tables draped with covers and backdrops. In this trade show environment, what sticks out to you? What's unique? What catches your attention?

Creating an exceptional trade show booth is easy, if you are willing to put in enough time, energy and of course an investment.

Use these 6 suggestions in order to help provide you with the boost you need to make your next event an exceptional one.

1) Make Your Booth Unique

Industry events are a sizable investment when it comes to time and money. If you're planning to make an investment in a trade show exhibit, the first thing you should invest in is a booth that will stick out. Investing in a quality booth that you can use and re-use for a long time is your best option; especially if you plan on frequently exhibiting at different events. If you’re not wanting to invest in quality products for your trade show booth, it might be worth looking into different marketing and advertising avenues for your business.

Additionally, be flexible while choosing your trade show accessories so that it can be revised to different sizes (e.g. 10x10, 10x20 and 20x20). This will provide you with the overall flexibility to increase, or reduce your trade show footprint while preserving the visual components of your booth and keeping yourself true to your brand.

2) Dominate the Swag Race

There is absolutely no arguing that the promotional items you decide on will impact your ability to get attention and create hype around your trade show occurrence.

If you're concerned about the cost, remember that everyone doesn't have to get the "big reward". A great way to achieve this is to provide a cheaper promotional item in bulk and offer a few grand prizes through out the course of the show through raffles or drawings.

3) Host a Game (with Awards!)

When you have a great game in your booth that is highly relevant to your industry, while your contending entities down the aisle have only brochures, you’re much more likely to attract traffic to your booth. Ensure that your games come with an aspect of fun and that they draw in positive attention.

Do not forget to use your game as an opportunity to acquire information. Have guests sign-up to take part. This will help you to create a list you can use to follow up with after the event.

When determining your game, think about what your potential clients find amusing and relevant. Choosing a game that is highly relevant will help to build the conversation around your booth and business.

4) Demonstrate Your Product or Service

If you're investing in a trade show appearance, maybe your product or service is valuable and unique on the market. Be sure to put a lot of thought into how you will demonstrate what you are offering. A trade show is the prefect opportunity to show off your product or service’s true value.

Think about it just like a mini-infomercial. Concentrate on the worthiness you will offer to the audience, not the features. When you can make it practical, do it. The more your audience can relate to your demo, the better!

5) Use Technology

Many modern systems can be used in the trade show environment to provide an exhibitor the upper hand.

Lately, digital signage and interactive touch monitors have been included in trade show booths in an effort to engage attendees. These digital elements may be used to show processes, teach consumers, showcase testimonies and a great deal of other functions that can distinguish an exhibitor on the trade show floor.

Location based marketing is another technology that you may well be in a position to use in your favor. As participants wander near your booth, text messages are delivered to their cellular phone containing special deals (maybe an offer to try out your game) and other announcements about browsing your booth. New systems like the iBeacon can make this possible.

6) Social Networking

Although industry events are an "in-person" event, it doesn't mean that social media can't play a role in your current trade show efficiency. Active social advertising participation through the show can allow you to resonate with followers -- attendees, and their friends who couldn't make it.

Be sure to look into Trade Show Display Pros if you’re looking for ways to improve your booth in the coming trade show season.

Trends in any industry can alter in the blink of an eye. Attending industry events and expos provides you the possibility to network with other specialists in your industry and find out about new services and techniques. Here is a set of the 10 very best, must-attend trade show events so that you can make additions to your calendar for 2018.

1. International Builder’s Show
Orlando, FL - January 9-11, 2018
This event is put on by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). It features all types of construction outfits, trade partners and design professionals. If you are in the home building or construction industry, this event will help you stay ahead of the competition in 2018.

2. CES Consumer Electronics Show
Las Vegas, NV - January 9-12, 2018
This event is not open to the public as it features the latest and greatest technology, most of which has not been released to the public. If your industry revolves around modern day technologies and efficiencies, you won’t want to miss exhibiting at this event.

3. DistribuTECH
San Antonio, TX - Jan 23-25, 2018
Looking to add new systems, automation or efficiencies to your operations. DistribuTECH is the industry leader in utility. If your business offers solutions for savings and efficiencies, this could be a great way to get the word out. Whether you’re an exhibitor or not at this show, there is surely something every business could benefit from by attending.

4. Natural Products Expo West
Anaheim, CA - Mar 7-11, 2018
This event is one of the world’s largest events that features organic and natural products. A great expo to consider featuring products at as well as a learning opportunity to see if your business can incorporate new materials for a more eco-friendly business operation.

5. Waste Expo
Las Vegas, NV - Apr 24-26, 2018
Featuring both the public and private sectors, this event can help your business lessen it’s carbon footprint and help offer new ideas for conservation. Whether you’re looking to save more money as a business or you want your customers to know that you’re doing your part, this is a show you won’t want to miss.

6. National Restaurant Show
Chicago, IL - May 22-24, 2018
The National Restaurant Show is always a fun one that happens in the heart of Chicago. If you are in the restaurant industry this show is sure to set the pace of your entire year. You will learn what the most recent technologies are in order to conduct your business more efficiently and increase your overall revenue.

7. Comic Con International
San Diego, CA - July 19-22, 2018
This is the largest event featuring comic books and popular arts! You may not be an exhibitor at this show, but there will be no shortage of fun and learning opportunities. Immerse yourself into one of the most creative events of the year.

8. International Manufacturing Technology Shows
Chicago, IL - Sept 10-15, 2018
If your business requires any type of manufacturing, the technology featured at this show is sure to have many opportunities in store for you.

9. Graph Expo
Chicago, IL - Sept 30- Oct 3, 2018
This is an event that nearly every business and industry can benefit from. If your business utilizes any type of print advertising, this is where you will find the most economical solutions for all of your printing, mailing, and formatting needs.

10. Pack Expo International
Chicago, IL - Oct 14-17, 2018
This event will cover all of your packaging needs. This show features over 2,000 exhibitors and showcases all of the latest packaging solutions and technologies that will benefit your business.

Things are quiet now, but it will not be long before trade show season is upon us once more! December is a superb time to finish preparing all the fine details of your event. In the end, a trade show presence isn't cheap, but a well-executed show can have remarkable returns on your investment.

Crowded show halls are par for the course, but trade show success is determined by setting your organization apart from the competition with an eye-catching booth and display.

Prior to the show, get in touch with your leads. Create a contact plan to let your leads know where and when they can visit your booth. Sign up for the LinkedIn group for your show, and connect to other participants there. Don't wait until the last minute to begin marketing!

Posting information and hooking up with possible leads will be the ultimate goal of any trade show, so ensure that your business credit cards, brochures, marketing collateral, and other displays are in great condition prior to going.

Following the trade show, your work has merely begun. Make a plan to nurture your new leads with email promotions, special deals, and personal follow-up once the show is over. Your fellow participants were surely overwhelmed by the amount of companies and serivces they came across, so take the time to point out to them who you are and just why they should use your products or services. Then repeat a couple weeks later.

Catching up with your public expo leads is an essential piece of the exhibition process. Regardless of whether you send an email, request to connect on LinkedIn, or request a followup phone call, you need to ensure your organization is top of mind. Follow-up as quickly as you can, ideally the following day. On the off chance that you anticipate sending an email or LinkedIn request, personalization is key; use their first name, and delight them with your excellent customer service and follow up.

Customized promo items, for example, tote sacks, pens, scratch pads, apparel, etc. are a sure fire way to stand out enough to be noticed, and also increase the likelihood of your business to remain on their brains long after the show is finished.

Do you need help planning and designing your booth? Trade Show Display Pros can help! See all of the trade show displays we have to offer to help you stick out from your competition. We can also help you choose products and materials that will best meet your needs. If you frequently exhibit at trade shows, be sure to invest in products and materials that are durable and lasting.

Whether you're looking for some trade show exhibit inspiration or you're looking for shows to exhibit at, here is your list of the 12 hottest trade shows coming up in the new year. Be sure to schedule your space or get tickets well in advance.

#1 NSSF Shot Show
17-20 Jan. | Shooting, Hunting, Outdoors | Sands Expo Center | Las Vegas, NV
This show is aimed to benefit the outdoor, hunting, shooting and law enforcement industries.

#2 Atlanta International Gift Home Furnishings Market
10-17 Jan. | Gifts & Handicrafts | AmericasMart | Atlanta, GA
Whether you're looking for gifts, décor, home furnishings or accessories, you will find over 7,200 brands at Atlanta's International Gift Home Furnishings Market. This will certainly be your ultimate shopping experience of 2017.

#3 International Salon & Spa Expo
28-30 Jan. | Cosmetics & Beauty Products | Long Beach Convention Center | Long Beach, CA
This exclusive, professionals-only show has all of the education and products you need to build your business and be on the cutting-edge of the new year's styles and trends. Don't miss the largest cash-and-carry beauty show on the West Coast.

#4 SPIE Photonics West
Jan 28 - Feb 2 | Optics & Photonics | Moscone Center | San Francisco, CA
Discover the latest technologies and developments in medicine, communications, internet, autonomous vehicles and much more. This event is the world's largest multidisciplinary event featuring photonics powered solutions.

#5 World of Concrete-USA
17-20 Jan. | Building & Construction | Las Vegas Convention Center | Las Vegas, NV
The international concrete and masonry show that provides you with all of the materials and know-how to win more business and to establish efficiencies in your workflow.

#6 International Surface Event
17-20 Jan. | Architecture & Design | Mandalay Bay Convention Center | Las Vegas, NV
The largest floor covering, stone and tile event in North America. A great show to attend to learn the latest trends and the best suppliers and manufacturers you should be dealing with to help streamline your efforts.

#7 Furniture, Home Decor & Gift Market
22-26 Jan. | Home Furnishings & Textiles | Las Vegas Market | Las Vegas, NV
This biannual event features designers and retailers that bring all of the newest and most comprehensive trends, materials, décor and home furnishings.

#8 AccessoriesTheShow
8-10 Jan. | Apparel & Clothing | Jacob K. Javits Convention Center | New York, NY
Be privy to the world's finest selection of juried accessories. Experience new and contemporary designers along with the classic high-end brands and their updates.

#9 New England International Auto Show
12-16 Jan. | Auto Show | Boston Convention & Exhibition Center | Boston, MA
Regardless of your lifestyle or budget, this auto show has a wide range of styles consisting of both foreign and domestic brands that can be appreciated by all. You can use this event to easily compare features and pricing in a no-pressure environment.

#10 Miami Beach Antique Show
Jan 28 - Feb 1 | Antiques & Philately | Miami Fair Expo Center | Miami, FL
Featuring the world's largest selection of antiques from a wide range of historical time periods. This show is known for setting the pace for the rest of the years in the world of antiques.

#11 Stylemax
22-24 Jan. | Apparel & Clothing | Merchandise Mart | Chicago, IL
Kicking off the new year with the season's latest and hottest fashions in women's apparel and accessories. Various categories and designers are featured at this show.

#12 Intermezzo Collections
8-10 Jan. | Apparel & Clothing | Jacob K. Javits Convention Center | New York, NY
Show featuring all of the latest styles in women's fashion from denim and activewear to contemporary and casual.

If you have already found and understand the benefit of attending a trade show, then it is safe to say that we are starting off on the right foot. While trade shows can be extremely beneficial and yield a high ROI, there are certain elements that significantly increase the success of a trade show event. One of the most important elements is a professional and well-designed trade show exhibit. Here are 5 reasons why your exhibit makes a difference.

Magnetize the Audience

Exhibits are the first touch point for a trade show audience. Having displays that look great will draw people in to talk to your booth staff. If your exhibit does a great job of communicating who you are and what you do, then you’re sure to bring in qualified leads and interested attendees.

Branding

One of the most important aspects of a trade show is leaving a lasting impression with your audience. Brand recognition and awareness should be one of your top priorities when exhibiting at a show. Having incredible displays will help tremendously to keep your brand top-of-mind during and after the show.

Maintaining Focus

If your exhibit is well-planned and designed then it should give your staff the opportunity to focus on interacting more efficiently with attendees. A great thing to keep in mind when designing your booth is using your displays to provide the answers to your most frequent questions. This will allow people to do some of their own investigating and allow the staff to address the more in-depth questions and facilitating sales.

Increase ROI

Most exhibitors allocate major portions of their budgets towards their trade show displays and booth space. This is essentially a requirement if you want to stand out above your competition. Showing up to a trade show event without sophisticated and well-designed displays will quickly land you in an uncomfortable position. Many, if not all of the booths surrounding you will come equipped with large, elegant displays and you will feel extremely out of place. Let’s face it, trade shows are for the big boys. However, that doesn’t mean that you have to break the bank to play with them.

Separate Yourself

The more you focus on the quality of your exhibit and how it is displayed, the more you will stand out from your competition. While most trade shows have a general theme, this ensures that you will have a lot of competition. That being said, one of your top priorities should be how you are going to stand out from everyone else at the event.

Consider what it is that you want to accomplish by the end of your event that will deem it successful. Next, determine what actions need to be taken and measures need to be in place for those successful metrics to occur. We’re willing to bet that 9 times out of 10, your results will be tied back to your displays and how effective they are.

Trade Show Display Pros is happy to help discuss your goals and budgets in order to create the most effective booth displays for your company. Be sure to give us a call today at 877-389-8645.

Whether you're a seasoned trade show exhibitor, or you're brand new to the scene, here are some great reminders to keep you at the top of your marketing and display game when show time arrives.

Be aware of what your competitors are using to display their brand. If you have never been an exhibitor before, it would be a good idea to attend a trade show with a marketing and display mindset in order to get ideas of how you want to stand out from your competition. This is also a great way to become familiar with all of the different types of displays including, pop up display tents, roll up banner stand, retractable banner stands, tension fabric displays, table top banner stands, hanging displays, and so much more.

Make the investment to ensure that the branding and design of your displays are simple, clear and aesthetically pleasing. Your design and message need to capture the attention of your audience in 3 seconds or less. Otherwise, they will move on to the next message that is more clear and enticing. Using one focal point graphic and one clear message is a great rule-of-thumb. Give them just enough information to leave them wanting more. Always be sure to keep your displays consistent with the brand and with each other. This will create a more cohesive and credible atmosphere.

Account for all of the different touch points and interactions that you will have with your audience at the show and make sure that your brand is displayed in each of those places. Whether it is a pop up display tent, a sign in table, floor graphics where they walk, directionals, whatever their eyes are going, make sure you're represented where it counts.

The majority of trade show attendees not only hold the power of purchasing decisions, but they also come to trade shows with the intention of buying something. That being said, make sure that you are displaying exactly what it is that you are selling.

Having hanging displays that are above the booths around you, tend to draw in more people. Be sure to choose displays that are going to compliment your sales process rather than be a distraction.

If you need help with deciding which displays to use in your space, give us a call and talk to a pro at Trade Show Display Pros 877-389-8645.

Knowing the elements of a trade show will help you prepare for an event. The infographic above explains the different elements of a trade show. While it is not an all inclusive list of all of the required elements, these are some of the most critical things to prepare for.

1. Sales Area
Having a designated area for talking to prospects will help you facilitate and maximize your sales at your show. Without this element, your booth has a greater potential to become cluttered and confusing and can end up driving traffic away from your booth. Perfecting this element will lend your space credibility and comfort for those that are passing through.

2. Freebies
This is an element that requires a great deal of thought. When there isn't enough thought put into this element, you run the risk of sending the wrong message about your brand. Make sure that what you are giving away is a true display of your brand's character and also creates value for your potential prospects.

3. Attention-Getters
Whether your booth has a guest speaker, visual components on a screen, technology to interact with, or any other form of being able to interact with your audience, having something to grab their attention will help your overall success. Every product and service is going to require a different approach to interact with customers and an understanding of that approach will help you appropriate plan for this element of your trade show display.

4. Great Speakers
Having a knowledgable booth staff that are able to comfortably converse with others is a necessity. The interaction between attendees and your booth staff will most certainly leave a lasting impression and having an outgoing staff will serve your business much better than having a staff that doesn't have incredible communication skills. Whether you hire a professional speaker that does a 15 minute demo every hour on the hour, or you simply have a handful of great staff members that represent your brand very well, make sure you have a strong representation at the show.

5. High Quality Displays
Your trade show display will have an incredible impact on the success of your show. Human nature draws us all to what is bright, aesthetically pleasing, and that shares a message that resonates with us. Investing in tension fabric displays, banner stands, pop up trade show displays or a plethora of other options, will dramatically improve the aesthetics of your space which naturally leads to more traffic. Choosing to use information on your displays that will allow you to reuse them is the most cost-effective way to go.

6. High Efficiency
Making sure that you have systems in place to help your booth run efficiently will benefit your sales, your presentation and overall success. While this seems like it could be a rather simple element, it is actually an element that requires a great deal of thought and planning. When you start to consider all processes involved in your display, you'll quickly understand how critical this planning is. Whether you are considering storage, data collection, marketing materials, business cards, or new leads, everything needs to have a protocol to follow to keep things moving smoothly.

7. Lead Generation
Collecting information from your new leads shares a huge role with the efficiency element. So much so, that it warrants it's own element. Make sure that you have a system in place to be able to capture your leads and their necessary information. Often times, this is one of the leading performance indicators of a trade show and you want to make sure you have something to show for it. In today's world of technology, having a computer or tablet handy to input information will help save you a lot of time once the event is over.

8. Demonstration
Humans have a natural need for understanding and if you can capture their attention with something that helps them understand your product or service, you'll be leaps and bounds ahead of the competition. Demos often draw a lot of extra attention to their booth's, especially when they are hands-on. Put some thought into what you offer and come up with a clever visual representation of the value and benefit it provides.

Need help with planning your booth space? Trade Show Display Pros can help you design your displays and give you great ideas on how to enhance your space in order to improve your trade show success. Give us a call today 877-389-8645.

If there is one thing about trade shows that you want to be well-versed in, it is the trade show display shipping process. Making sure all of your exhibit materials get to the show in one piece and on time, is critical to the success of your show. If you have materials that require hiring a freight company to ship, there are several things you should be aware of well before the show. Keep these ideas in mind as you prepare for your upcoming events.

Don't fall for the exhibitor marketing tactics.

As an exhibitor, you will be subject to a plethora of marketing directed towards you in order to make your trade show experience more successful. Many trade shows will take exclusive distributors for certain services and freight companies will likely fall into the category. It is important to understand that the recommended freight company is not your only option. Be sure to still do your research and choose a company that will work well with your needs.

Be sure to carefully consider your timeline.

Having a clear calendar of your arrival, setup, take down and departure will help you manage your shipping timeline. Understand that the "expected" shipping date does not guarantee that your items will be in your booth on that date. If you have to do some adjusting to your schedule in order to ensure that your collateral arrives safely and on time, do so. This may require you to arrive earlier and leave the event later in order to ensure that all job are carried out.

Understand the process and all of its moving parts.

Having a clear understanding of the process is going to help you tremendously. If you are a new shipper, you probably don't realize how many moving parts and responsibilities are involved in the process. In order to plan more efficiently for your event, be sure to take note of what is required before, during and after the show in order to ensure a seamless process for all that are involved.

Always be aware.

If you are a experienced shipper, understand that processes change and making assumptions can add a great deal of unneeded stress. Consistent and thorough communication with your freight company will help all parties avoid mistakes and any miscommunication. Don’t fall into the traps that assumptions will often lead you into. Every show is different and will generally result in different requirements to fulfill your shipping needs.

Keep track of your paperwork.

We can't tell you how many replacement orders we process because people lost track of their displays and their paperwork at the show. Whether you are setting up or taking down, it is important to realize how many things are happening at once and how easily it is for items and communication to be lost. Be accountable for your displays and ensure they are taken care of properly. Taking the time to ensure that all of your belongings are accounted for and taken care of will save you a lot of money in the long run.

Be sure to do your research on reviews of trade show shipping and exhibition logistics companies before you send off your valuable and essential trade show displays. Running into shipping problems right before an event is the last thing you want to be dealing with.

When you are attending a trade show as an exhibitor, there are a lot of things you need that you might not have thought of. We have complied a list of essentials for you to gather and a to-do list before you go.

First up, stating the obvious, remember your banners, hardware and marketing signage. Odds are, you probably have some table covers, floor graphics, kiosks or other trade show graphics to help show off your products and services. A great way to make sure that you haven’t forgotten anything is to draw a bird’s-eye view of your booth space and get a sense for where everything will be placed. Having this will not only get you more familiar with your space, but you’ll also be able to check items off the list when you’re packing everything up.

While you are busy worrying about the big stuff you need to bring, don’t forget the little things that will be crucial to your success. Be sure to stock up on pens, business cards, note pads, sticky notes, paper clips, rubber bands, staples or any other office supplies that you know will come in handy while you’re at the show. Consider if you’ll be handing anything out and what you’ll need to make that process go smoothly. You might even consider literature racks if you have brochures and fliers that you’re handing out. This will make it so people can gather information about your business if you are already speaking with someone else.

Next, you’ll want to consider your setup. An actual tool kit with a screw driver, hammer, pliers, etc. will typically come in handy and always provide for a much more efficient setup. The last thing you are going to want to be doing while you’re setting up is running around trying to track down a tool. Some other great items to have on hand, just in case, include velcro, tape (preferably tape that matches your banner stands and setup), baby wipes, box cutters… you see where we are going with this. Try to think of what your setup will consist of and the tools and accessories you can bring to help aid your process.

If your trade show display has any type of electronics involved, make sure you have all of your adapters. If you have certain equipment that is essential for your display, it is never a bad idea to have a backup if possible. Having a monitor or speaker go out in the middle of a show could be catastrophic. Extra extension cords are also never a bad idea. Just remember to tape them to the floor so that people are not tripping over your cords or damaging your equipment.

It is always handy to have a list of local vendors that are close to the convention center or your hotel in case you have any last minute needs or emergencies. Small and large format printers are great contacts to have as well as any specialty items that you can think of. Doing your research prior to the show will help ease your stress if something unexpected comes up before or during the show.

Last, but not least, don’t forget to take care of yourself and the team. A first aid kit is always a great thing to have on hand in case someone ends up getting a headache, sore throat from talking or encounters and unforeseen injury during the show. Throat lozenges, bandaids, aspirin, ibuprofen, and eye drops are all worthy attributes to a trade show first aid kit. While considering the health and well-being of the booth staff, make sure that you are stocked up with plenty of easily accessible water and power bars. As the show goes on, you’ll most likely end up getting shorter and less breaks than you had anticipated. Be sure to stay hydrated and nourished!

If you’re questioning whether or not you should bring something, it is better to be safe than sorry. Being over-prepared is a good strategy when it comes to preparing your trade show tool kit. Remember to always refresh your tool kit after the show so that there isn’t anything missing the next time.