The New Trade Show Season

Happy New Year!

Another year has passed and new Trade Show season is getting ready to hit us full throttle. As I have mentioned in recent blogs it very important to give lead time when ordering trade show exhibits during the busy season. Although many of the classic displays are still for sale, 2008 will bring an entire line of new products for Smash Hit Displays.

Our newest products include the Alumalite and NLine Displays Systems. We also offer a wide variety of trade show flooring and we are getting ready add more. We will soon offer an eco friendly section of our web page in order to give customers environmentally friendly options. We are also going to begin specializing in custom displays that can be made in any arrangement possible.

The New Year will be very exciting in the trade show industry and should be very productive for all people in the Trade Show Industry. Stay current with trade show news and products by visiting this blog and SmashHitDisplays.com!

Preparing for a Successful Show

After reading an article on marketingtoday.com, I realized how many customers forget about the most important aspect of their trade show, the message of the company. When it gets busy and people are in a rush to pick out a trade show display they loose site of the goal of the trade show. It is important when selecting trade show exhibits to keep in mind what the company intends to accomplish at the show.

The first step is to look at the companies marketing strategy and the intended market segment. If the company is marketing to the baby-boomer crowd then it might be a waste of company resources to incorporate laptops and high-tech electronics into the display if it does not benefit the customer. However if the company is a high-tech graphic design firm then it might be helpful to select a display with the appropriate design for laptops and electronics.

The article below is a very simple 10 step checklist to prepare for a successful trade show. At Smash Hit Displays we stay current on all trade news in order to give our customers the most accurate and helpful information possible to be successful in the trade show industry.

http://www.marketingtoday.com/shows/0105/trade_show_mistakes.htm

Trade Show Promotions

In a recent article by Mark Yokoyama it mentions how to promote a company brand at trade shows. The article makes reference to “green” companies who want to create a wholesome image but the concept can apply to anyone who has a trade show display.
Green companies can create promotions such as handing out solar powered devices or packets of seeds with company logos on them. This concept can apply to any company for any product. It is always important to make sure the promotional campaign that is being used will benefit the company and the message of the product.

Today more and more companies are steering away from the typical paper handouts to more exciting and innovative marketing. Hand outs such as puzzles, pens, and flashlights are few ideas that marketers have used in order to get people to use a promotional tool with the companies name on it. Another useful tool at shows is to use graphic design on the display. The design team at Smash Hit Displays uses simple, eye-catching designs to grab the client’s attention, but not overloading them with information.

Always keep the display simple and choose unique ways to capture a customers attention. The trade show industry is very competitive and it’s important to stand out in the crowd. Please visit our site and check out our new Alumalite and NLine display systems. Also view our Truss Systems which are a show stopper.

Matt
Smash Hit Displays, LLC

http://ezinearticles.com/?Reduce-Trade-Show-Waste-With-Environmentally-Friendly-Eco-Swag&id=687785

Trade Shows Go Green?

Recently “Going Green” has seemed to be the newest fad, but as time passes it is becoming a lifestyle for many Americans, at Smash Hit Displays we are committed to helping the environment whenever possible. We are striving to be part of the solution which is why we are adding an eco-friendly section on our web site. This will include all products that are made from recycled or recyclable materials.

In a recent article I read the EPA listed the tradeshow industry the second most wasteful industry in the United States, second only to the construction industry. This is an alarming fact and it is apparent a change needs to be made. By offering an eco-friendly section we are hoping to address a problem and put steps in motion to start solving it.

The Green section is still in the works but in the meantime one our manufacturers have switched their fabric material to 60% recycled fibers. The products include Entasi and Allure. Please continue to visit out site and check for all of our new products but more importantly the eco-friendly page. The newest additions to our site are the Alumalite and NLine Displays. Thank You for choosing Smash Hit Displays!

http://www.tradeshowweek.com/article/CA6509827.html?q=green

Positive Attitude and Trade Shows

This is my first blog post for Smash Hit Displays, LLC. We recently purchased the company from Evan and Erik and hope to maintain as good of service as them. I am taking over Eric’s blog in order to continue providing useful information relating to SmashHitDisplays.com

Today I am going to comment on the article “Blow Your Own Horn” by Susan Ward. Her article is basically referring to self marketing and advertising. Her main point is that word of mouth and a positive image among people is one of the best ways to market a product or an idea.

In my own personal experience this is a very true statement. A positive attitude can promote your business and your image more than any type of advertising. Every company I worked with in the past had a great customer service image. I could not count how many times I have been told “Thank you for being so helpful” or “I heard you guys a great to deal with so I would like to order from you”. Most people in most situations will spend extra money or go the extra mile for a vendor who is courteous and makes them feel important.

Susan also explains that people are generally drawn to other successful people. That doesn’t mean going around and telling your customers that you just bought a BMW and are going to Hawaii. It means being enthusiastic about your position in life and being happy with what you are doing. Success is only measured ones self. It doesn’t matter how much money you make or what objects you may possess. In general people are going to be more drawn to a business owner who is happy and proud of what they are doing, than a business owner who is only concerned about making money and is miserable at their job.

This brings me back to trade show displays. Trade shows are not about having the greatest display and the greatest product ever produced. It’s about being positive and getting your name out in the marketplace. At Smash Hit Displays we will always make sure you get the best display for your money, so the only thing you have to do is sell the product.

Our show displays company, Smash Hit Displays, understands what it takes to attend and successfully complete a trade show. For all those ins and outs relating to your next show give the trade show experts a call. We can also accent your booth space with the latest and greatest in tradeshow pop up booths, trade show booth truss, or Burst displays plus tradeshow booth graphics.

-Matt

Why Do Trade Shows?

We can all agree that exhibiting at trade shows offers one of the better ways to get in front of many customers and prospects in a short period of time. Trade shows offer the opportunity to display your product and service, while at the same time also creating that all important first impression.

At a typical national trade show, with 10,000 attendees and 1,000 exhibitors, you can see and meet as many as 200 visitors per day. That number couldn’t be attempted if you were making sales calls. Granted, the time with each visitor isn’t what what’d you would desire, but it opens the door for future communication… a door that sometimes is very difficult to get your foot into.

But before you start looking for shows, you need to set your goals. To help you do this, there are four questions you need to ask yourself:

1. Why are you exhibiting?

2. Who is your target audience?

3. What is the message you want to convey?

4. What do you want to get out of the show?

Our show displays company, A Smash Hit Displays, understands what it takes to attend and successfully complete a trade show. For all those ins and outs relating to your next show give the trade show experts a call. We can also accent your booth space with the latest and greatest in tradeshow pop up booths, trade show booth truss, or Burst displays plus tradeshow booth graphics.

What to expect from a top flight trade show company

We can all tend to agree in order to attain new business from your next trade show, you would like to have a show-stopping, visually arresting and business producing trade show display, right?

But in order to attain that visually striking display you must seek out and search for a reputable trade show display vendor or distributor. Finding them is not the issue for there is a litany of suitors. The issue will be finding one that has knowledgeable people to: answer your call, take time to assimilate which display (stand up banner, tabletop pop up exhibit, portable folding booth, or exhibit truss) might best suit your immediate needs, figure out a strategic branding campaign (trade show signage), and generally act as a guide to lead you through the myriad of trade show information out there.

A Smash Hit Displays’ people possess the skill set described above who will answer the phone and listen to your needs and make your trade show booth designs come to life! They will then process that information and formulate a plan to place you with the display and graphics that will achieve the outcome you desire.

What if you miss a trade show deadline?

Are you a procrastinator? If so, then don’t be too alarmed for you have mucho slack from most trade show exhibitors. Just keep in mind it might cost you to miss a deadline.

It's amazing how deadlines always creep up on us and pass us bye. With trade shows, missed deadlines aren't always a catastrophe. You'll just have to pay more for the service if you sign up after the designated time and possibly even more should you wait till the day of your show.

On the flip side, should you beat the deadlines, there are early-bird discounts or prepayment discounts. So red flag all of those so you know you can eliminate early. Also, be aware of the convention centers that require union labor. Usually, for those locations, if your booth requires any tools, then union labor must be utilized. Should you be one of the lucky ones and have a portable display such as a fabric banner stand, tabletop pop up exhibit, or a panel trade show exhibit, you won’t have to deal with the union imposition. Be sure and check the requirements because each show is different. It’s always better to study more than less for such an investment!

Used trade show displays

For those of you looking to purchase a trade show pop up booth, you might be better off looking at used displays as opposed to new ones. Taking that thought a step further; you might even feel more comfortable renting a display. Renting alleviates the need to store a display and pay for shipping to and fro to each show. But, you must keep in mind if you rent more than once that cost would have paid for a new display. So, there is a trade off of sorts and it just depends on what is most important at that time.

Whether renting or buying used displays, make sure your graphics are eye catching. The display is important because it gives you a professional looking backdrop but that’s only half of the equation. In order to add flavor and complete your display area you must add some sort of graphics. With graphics keep in mind less is more. You want to grab potential customer’s attention and you must try and imagine what your customers would consider viewing that would attract them to your booth space.

Remember your graphics need to be eye catching to the point it holds the customer’s attention. Great displays should have features like custom trade show graphics, versatility, flexibility, and should be easy to assemble. The representatives at Smash Hit Displays are experts who can assist you with your decision making process when it comes to your tradeshow equipment needs. Whether you decide to rent or purchase a used display, make sure you know all the pros and cons associated.

Training your booth staffers

If you want a quick to-do on how to train your booth staffers then this article is right up your alley.

For those who have exhibited previously you know one of the most important ways to ensure a truly successful exhibiting experience is the proper training of your booth staff.

Our author informs us your staff accounts for 90% of the "positive feelings" show attendees have about the show and your company. That number makes those representatives a substantial investment. Trade show attendees attend to become better informed about products and services they need. So they expect your booth staff to be knowledgeable and have the answers to their questions.

It's not enough to send your top sales reps and hope for the best. Engaging a trade show attendee takes a different approach than a typical sales call. You have to engage the attendee quickly and in a way that pulls them into a conversation. Simply saying "Hi. How are you today?" opens up the opportunity for the show attendee to say "fine" and keep on walking. You don’t have the time for small talk. All words should be focused and succinct and meant to engage the attendee to learn whether they are or are not a viable potential customer.

Our author offers a few steps your booth staff will progress through during the course of the show. The first is called appropriately “The First Cut”.

As mentioned previously, you want to send your "people-oriented" representatives, as well as those who know the most about your company. You should also look for enthusiastic, high-energy representatives who have a naturally positive attitude and an air of confidence. Because a large part of any type of sales presentation includes an element of consulting, your selected representatives must also be good listeners. For in order to address questions with viable answers your sales reps must hear what an attendee is saying or most importantly asking.

The second stage is “Sending the Message”.

Part of your show planning process is setting objectives. Realize what is going to be most important at that show. Do you want to take orders, build your brand awareness or introduce new products and gather leads?

Whatever your goals may be, make sure your booth staff understands exactly what they are beforehand. Arm them with “your” message(s). Empower them with information about your competition and your competitive advantages.

Remember the better organized and focused you and your staff are before the show the better your response from the attendees and possible future customers. A Smash Hit Displays love to consult for those customers willing to listen but we realize sometimes there is little time to speak during the day. Please consult our trade show tips and articles pages as you will most assuredly find some articles to better prepare you and your staff for upcoming shows. Always remember, we are here as a resource willing and able to set you above your competition when it comes to that all-important trade show!

Trade Show Strategies

The reason many of us exhibit or attend trade shows is because they are designed to let entrepreneurs meet many potential customers face-to-face in a brief period of time somewhat inexpensively.

Trade shows become a level playing field, since booth space is generally inexpensive. Even small companies can typically afford attractive displays like a portable pop up display, orbital truss display, a burst display, or a custom backlit display. With creative marketing for your trade show graphics and booth design, small businesses can actually appear as substantial as much larger corporations.

Our author offers some benefits of trade shows.
-take place at a single location
-have short runs (usually one to three days)
- bring together thousands of exhibitors and potential customers
- they are a very powerful marketing medium.

It is possible during the course of one trade show to personally meet most of your important clients and suppliers, making shows a good way to establish and reinforce relationships.

Our exhibit design team believes there are many reasons for exhibiting and some of them include:
· Generating sales leads
· Generating actual sales at the show
· Enhancing your image and visibility
· Reaching a specific audience
· Establishing a presence in the marketplace
· Improving the effectiveness and efficiency of your marketing efforts
To learn the remaining benefits for exhibiting at a trade show please read the entire article linked to this page. For our author is quite the expert in this arena.

The Trade Show Lead Sheet

We, as business owners, can address a major complaint by most sales reps concerning incomplete contact information. Try developing a lead sheet that includes spaces for all the specific information you’d need to gather on a prospect. Further, try making them small enough to keep on your person.

One critical piece of information to add to a lead sheet is a priority code or assessment. Similar to the movie rating system, try coming up with a simple 3-to-5 level rating system to assess how "hot" mature this lead might be. It’s most important to make sure your booth staffers understand and use this rating system when they talk with show attendees.

For those of you who have moved past this system to a computerized model then pay close attention. If you rent one of the electronic lead-collection systems that gather information from the attendee's swiped nametag, definitely pay the additional costs to customize the data.

As these systems are different, study the literature well, and make sure you can record as much specific information as possible. If customization isn’t possible, it might not make sense to rent one at all and simply use a lead sheet as identified earlier.

Follow-Up Flow ChartsAs is the case with any leads in sales, hot prospects grow cold swiftly if not actly upon with haste. Therefore, it is incumbent on you to move quickly with a lead follow-up process. Make sure you have a plan in place for the follow-up. What does this mean?

· Sending fulfillment packages out within five days after your show
· Allowing two to five days for lead qualification
· Allowing no more than two weeks to pass before phone contact is made reps

For the remainder of that listing, please read our author’s article because you can’t afford to miss this nuggets.

A Smash Hit Displays believes in the little things because these often progress into the larger things that make or break your show experience. For the seasoned sales veteran, there can never be too much preparation when it comes to potential customers. Acting swiftly and with a purpose will close more of those potential leads than simply flying by the seat of one’s pants. Pay attention to the tips offered previously and you will succeed in spades after your next show.

The Big Book

Shortly after the application has been sent in and processed, you'll receive your exhibitor packet/binder/folder of information. Unless you're a paperwork junkie, you may be a little overwhelmed by the volume of forms to fill out. The show information will include forms for everything from booth cleaning and rented floral arrangements, to advertising and promotion opportunities.
Tackle them one at a time and flag all of the deadlines. Some shows will actually provide you with a checklist and schedule of deadlines. For those that don’t, take this advice: Create your own! Be sure you really need all of the services offered.

What If You Miss a Deadline?It's amazing how things like deadlines will creep up on you. Missed deadlines aren't always a catastrophe, but keep in mind you will have to pay more for the service when you sign up after the fact. Many times, there are early-bird discounts or prepayment discounts for a lot of the show items. Try to fulfill those if possible to save some money and time.

Further, be aware of those convention centers that require union labor. For such locations, if your booth requires tools, union labor must do it. If you have a portable, pop-up or modular panel system booth, you're probably fine. Just check the requirements before you go so you are prepared.

Booth StaffingPart of the paperwork will be the total number and the names of your booth staff. Possible problem concerning staff include deciding who will attend. Depending on the show location, you may have people begging to go, or begging not to go.

Packing and ShippingYou've sent in all of the forms, everything is ready and paid for, so now you just have to pack it up and ship it. Your show paperwork will have explicit instructions for precisely how and when your booth must arrive. Make sure you review them. If your booth arrives early, you may have to pay to have it transferred and stored; if it arrives late, well... you don't want that to happen. Make sure you know all of the requirements for your shipper, as well as the convention center. Also, make sure you send everything together in the same shipment. Your drayage charge (what the convention center charges you to take your booth shipment from the loading dock to your booth space) works on a minimum charge basis. Every time something comes in that has to be taken to your booth, there is a minimum charge of usually about $200 or more. If you can keep everything together, you'll just get charged once based on the shipment's weight. So remember to send last minute incidentals to the hotel where your staff is staying instead of the convention hall.

You can rely on A Smash Hit Displays to assist with the logistical portion of your show preparation. If you have questions or need some guidance please don’t hesitate to call us. Even though we provide the likes of portable folding booth, truss wall, an xpression booth, or pedestal stands, we also can act as a show consultant to help smooth out any potential show obstacles.

Selecting the Best Trade Shows

How do we know which trade shows out there are best for us?

With over 9,000 trade shows being held every year, you must make wise choices to stretch your marketing dollars, because even though trade shows give you a great bang for the buck, they also are a huge initial investment.

The first place to start is with your industry's associations. These shows will typically be targeted right to your market, and often are reasonable in cost. You should also check trade publications with whom you advertise.

Finally, another resource is the Web. Try the following sites TSNN.com, tscentral.com, or FITA.org for show directories around the world in all types of industries. Remember no list is entirely complete so try and make sure you examine more than one directory.

Just as with the example of multiple directories, A Smash Hit Displays often urge our customers to peruse competitor sites to see the broad spectrum when it comes to our arena. Quite frankly we offer the best selection in trade show equipment and accessories whether you need a portable folding booth, truss wall, an xpression booth, or pedestal stands.

Other Things to Keep in Mind

If you plan on shipping your booth to your next show then please read the following article as it will help you avoid possible pitfalls.

First, help yourself by knowing the size and weight limitations of your shippers, as well as the conference locations for the trade shows you are attending. When it comes to shipping your display materials never assume or trivialize the smallest details. They often come back to haunt you becoming huge issues.

Second, when it comes to constructing your display know the tools you’ll need, as well as the muscle required to do it. This comes into play both from your booth staffing standpoint, and the convention center requirements. Always check with the conference facility to see if they require union labor assemble your booths. Typically, if a facility has an agreement with the labor union, then anything that requires tools to put together or can't be carried without the help of a hand truck or dolly must be put together by union labor.

Third, if you get a portable booth, make sure your cases are durable and replaceable. Shippers NEVER give your shipments due consideration as they are only worried about making specified dates and times. Keep in mind almost 90% of booth mishaps are due to the shippers! If you ship primarily with 3rd party vendors inevitably accidents will occur. So, the better shape you can keep your cases the better your chances of keeping your booth in one working piece.

A Smash Hit Displays is fully aware of the points mentioned above. Should you require a more hands on approach to shipping your product then give our crack team of experts a call. Remember, we are here to assist you and make sure your trade show experiences are profitable and stress free.

Organizing your trade show staff

Do you have a need to get your trade show staff trained and ready i.e organized? If so, then the following article is well worth your read time.

Try to assign a Captain to be in charge and manage the other staff members. Even if you are attending a small show and are only sending two staffers, it still makes sense to do this so they know who is in command. That way there leaves no doubt in their minds.

Part of the Captain's job will include organizing rotations and breaks. There are always other activities during the show such as vendor meetings, client luncheons, training sessions, etc., that warrant sending a booth staffer to attend.

Next, assign someone to manage the show leads. This is most important as it will entail following up with potential new customers! This person will ensure that follow-up letters are written, information packets are prepared for mailing, and lead forms are filled out correctly and completely.

Our author was gracious to offer additional tips that your booth staff should keep in mind at the show.

· Don't eat in the booth.
· Don't talk on the phone in the booth.
· Watch your body language. (Don't stand with your arms folded across your chest -- it's not an "inviting" stance.)
· Remember breath mints!
· Take breaks -- about five minutes per hour.
· Wear comfortable shoes.
· Dress depending upon your industry and market.
· Don't carry on conversations with other booth staff while prospects are walking by.
· Don't sit down while attendees are in the exhibit hall.
· Do venture out into the aisle to greet attendees.
· Make sure you have a pen and a lead form handy at all times.

A Smash Hit hopes after reading this article your staff will be armed and ready to achieve success for your show booth. All that remains is to outfit your booth with the latest and greatest in fabric pop up displays, ad stands, custom fabric tension displays, trade show furniture and trade show signage to make that first impression a memorable one. Next, we'll help you set up a system to get the most out of your show leads.

Narrowing your trade show list

Based primarily on budgets and obvious time constraints, most companies must find out which shows are the best for their needs from their wish list. The key to finding the best shows is figuring what shows pull in the most decision makers.

To find out who attends, ask the show management for a demographic profile of their attendees from previous forums. Typically, show literature will list only the numbers and general titles of their attendees. You'll need to do some research but in the long run you might save yourself undue time and money. Check the titles and purchasing responsibility if that information is available.

Another avenue to finding the best shows is contacting past attendees. Have a list of questions ready that will tell you if they are indeed the decision makers, and what value they placed on their time spent in the exhibit hall. You can also check out the exhibitor list from the previous year, and ask those non-competing exhibitors what their impressions of the show were and whether they will be attending again.

You also need to check with the show managers and ask how they are promoting the show and about their strategy for getting people to the exhibit hall. If it's a new show, there should be ample promotion to attract the traffic you need to make it worthwhile.

Once you've targeted the best shows to attend, you need to decide how your display space will look. We can help in that regard outfitting you with a display (truss displays, Burst exhibits, backlit graphic exhibits, or a portable folding booth) that best fits your needs, a special custom logo rug or trade show carpets, and eye catching tradeshow graphics. For all your one stop show booth needs ask for "the trade show guys" Evan and Erik.

Managing your tradeshow schedule and materials

Do you wish to learn how to manage your next show and its materials? Then take a gander at our latest offering. For some, the most tedious part of any job is the paperwork; so if you're involved in managing the company's trade shows -- be prepared! There are forms to be filled out for every aspect of the tradeshow.

Where do you start? First, contact the show management for the shows you planned to attend and request an exhibitor application. You should do this as promptly as possible with the mindset many show managers require paperwork and deposits to be prepared and paid well in advance. Also, some shows base booth location on a first come, first served basis.

In terms of the exhibitor form, fill it out completely and carefully. It is usually with the application forms that you have the opportunity to choose the all-important booth location. Usually, you'll list a minimum three locations in order of preference. When choosing a location, think about traffic flow into the exhibit hall. If possible select areas toward the front, near food stands, near restrooms, break areas-- any area that will naturally have more traffic. Also, try to get a corner location. It’s like real estate 101. A corner gives you twice the visibility and usually costs more, but is worth it. You also have a better opportunity for traffic flow through your booth.

A Smash Hit Displays is a well of knowledge when it comes to preparing for that next show. Should you require some guidance in preparation or in purchasing that perfect display(lighted graphic booths, an Xpressions Pop Up) or tradeshow graphics then look no further. For we are your “one stop shop” for the best in trade show booth designs.

Cutting Down Your Trade Show Budget

Cutting budgets. It’s something many of us have come to dread in past years. But in this penny pinching micro managed corporate world its common place.

When a recession or internal volatility occur, a company immediately looks at cutting budgets. Typically, the first to the chopping block is inevitably training, followed closely behind by marketing. Both are viewed as expenditures rather than income generators, so obviously they’re hot contenders for elimination.

As our author states, this is a very myopic way of thinking, especially for companies who desire to be globally competitive. Instead, at times like these when resources are under severe scrutiny, it should be looked upon as a golden opportunity to analyze company strategies.

Our author offers some benefits to success for marketing and how they relate to tradeshows.
Take a few moments and read the attached article to understand each benefit in detail for I’ve only offered one benefit below.

1. Analyze your weakest links
Examine your operation in detail, and you might discover that many of your actions are done out of habit rather than being productive or profitable. Think about some of the shows that you attend and how do they really fit into your marketing strategy. Are you attending them just because you’ve always done so, or because your competition is there? These are often your weak links, the shows that utilize unnecessary time and energy.

Another weak link is often associated with excessive employee spending at shows, such as dining at the finest restaurants and ordering the highest priced items just because the boss is paying. Consider setting up a per diem allowance and make employees accountable for expenses.

A Smash Hit Displays understands exhibiting is a powerful extension of any company’s marketing strategy and its people are the backbone. Eliminating a portion of marketing or training budgets during times of recession is tantamount to profitability suicide. As referenced above, consider looking at other places to make those cuts and focus more on the shows that make the most sense. Should you desire expert advice on display options (tabletop pop up exhibit, table top panel trade show booths, or trade show booth truss) or trade show signage please give us a call. We are here to help make that next show as profitable as possible.

25 Ways to Use the Media Effectively during Tradeshows

If you’ve wanted to know how to utilize media for your trade show then this article is for you. As we all know, the media has the power to influence tradeshow efforts, whether television, radio, or print. Our job is to target our endeavors to create a positive company image and brand awareness of our products and services. How do we do that? Below are just a few of the 25 important points our author has offered to help maximize our tradeshow efforts. If you wish to learn all the key points please read the attached article.
Before the Show
1. Define and select your target audience so that you can tailor your message directly to the needs, concerns, and interests of your prospects.
2. Ask show management for a comprehensive media list, complete with contact name, mailing address, phone number, and email address of all trade, business, and local press and radio and TV stations. Also ask them about their media plan for the show. In addition, learn how to Determine the Target Audience of Your Small Business.
3. Find out which publications are planning a show edition and their deadline for press releases. Realize that many of the trade journals work several months in advance.
4. Build a working relationship with the press. Get to know the editors and writers. Volunteer to be a resource for them. Ask about particular stories they are working on and consider information you may have to help them.
During the Show
5. Keep the press office well-stocked with your press kits. Also keep some press kits in your booth in case the media stop by.
6. Have a media spokesperson in your booth at all times, even over the lunch hour. Be prepared to explain your product and its importance in easy-to-understand, non-technical terms.
7. Keep show management informed of newsworthy information for the show daily and in case reporters call in looking for story ideas.
8. Heighten visibility and create positive publicity through sponsorship opportunities. Various media covering the event may automatically include sponsors names and photos, which can often generate coverage that might otherwise not be available.Again, the points mentioned above are just a sampling. There are another 17 important tips to utilize to make the most of media assistance. Remember that your target audience is composed of information seekers who are always on the lookout for advice, ideas, and information to help them. Your information must appeal to your target audience's self-interest, while at the same time promoting your own. Make sure your media assistance is backed up by a first rate booth. Such a booth can be created via A Smash Hit through the proper display of your brand through the likes of pop up trade show exhibits, truss stands, fabric tension displays and eye catching trade show graphics

Lead Tracking for Trade Shows

One of the most important things we can impart on a customer is to FOLLOW UP with their leads immediately following their show. Over 79% of all leads are never followed up. That stems mainly from laziness. Don’t add to that statistic. Better yet make the most of your trade show debut by following up with potential customers. For in this ever changing multi faceted society of time poverty we must take or make the time to contact these people. Do the math. Most people aren’t following up which gives you a greater probability to close a deal because the competitive pool is lessened.
Our author offers some pointers on how to maximize that follow up routine.
Try assigning one person the responsibility of managing your company lead system. This will offer continuity in a most important area. They should be responsible for:
· Writing response letters
· Determining a fulfillment package
· Making sure the fulfillment packages are sent out in a timely manner
· Distributing leads among sales reps
· Developing a lead form to collect exactly the information your company needs
· Setting up a timetable/flowchart for following the leads
A Smash Hit Displays offer expert advice on the “follow up” and how it pertains to the trade show industry. Following that advice is the key to maximizing future business via your trade shows. All those willing to make the time to contact potential customers immediately will reap the rewards. To further understand such techniques, reach the attached article in its entirety.

Making it Happen!

If you are currently in this situation or have been in the past and needed a little guidance this article is for you. This article specifically targets those who have an idea about the type of booth wanted and how they want it to look. The question then becomes how to make it happen?

First, check with all booth vendors in your area. It is important in some instances to have local access to a vendor so you can easily go to the showroom to see the products, get ideas, and also be able to easily get support, extra parts, and supplies. Now, you can also use the local vendors for reconnaissance knowing you can purchase the same or comparable booth online for much less.

Many times, trade show reps are also great resources for ideas for designing your booth. Because that’s primarily all the graphics they produce on a daily, weekly, monthly output they are accustomed to knowing what works and what doesn’t with large format graphics. Specifically speaking, they know what works and how to make your booth effective. Be smart and utilize their experience and advice – it should be free! Check references of the vendors with whom you speak. Talk to their customers and see if they are happy with both their booth and the service from the vendor. Finally, if you make time head to a local trade show and ask some of the show vendors about their booths and where it was purchased. You are about to make a potentially large investment, and a little product research is a great idea.

Also, vendors will store your booth in their warehouse or showroom while it's not in use, for a nominal charge. Some will also make sure it's clean and in good shape, and ship it for you when you need it. Make sure you know what they charge for this service.

Our show displays staff can assist you in creating graphics from images you supply, or we can create graphics from scratch. Here, cost is usually the key difference. The more graphic elements you can provide the less you will be charged in the long run. In short, understanding what you can and can’t do when it comes to purchasing that perfect display is most important to making it happen the right way. We can assist you in the afore-mentioned areas. For the best service and trade show graphics to make your display happen look no further!

When it comes to Graphics "Less is More"

How many times have we stressed the fact that when it comes to your trade show graphics... Less is more!

As our author states, how do you get your exhibit booth to communicate who you are, what you do, and what your product or service is -- all in three seconds? Though the questions sound ominous they really aren't. A great example would be thinking billboards that you pass on the highway. They have the exact same job and most succeed in answering each of those questions within that short period of time. They have to tell you who the company is and what it's selling as you zoom past at 55+ miles per hour. Some work and some don't. The key is usually in the graphics.

To make your booth graphics have impact and work for you rather than against you, remember:
Focus on your product's or service's "benefits" rather than "services."
Use text very sparingly. You want your booth to look more like a billboard than a brochure.
Make sure there is a single focal point. Find the essence of your business and make sure everything revolves around that central idea.
Make sure your name and your positioning statement are very prominent in the design. Remember, if you're a new company, you have to create an impression, and if you're an existing company you have to maintain and build on that impression.

A Smash Hit urges our customers frequently to keep tradeshow booth graphics simple and that simplicity will garner success. For as the attached article states, less is more in the realm of trade show graphics. Though the trade show booth: popup display, truss wall, fabric structures, or lighted trade show exhibits is important because it gives you the blank canvas on which to attach your graphics, graphics tell your story and if done correctly in a way your potential customer understands in just a few seconds. Urgency necessitates speed at trade shows. Those with the message best promoted will acrue the greatest return on investment.

Following Up after Follow Up

We constantly stress to our customers when it comes to post show instructions, follow up with potential customers immediately. The more time you waste the less likely you are to land new business. This is particularly important when your sales people are charged with such tasks. For, many sales reps DO NOT follow up with leads from trade shows. The reasons they give range from the information not being complete, or they just don't have the time because they're following up on leads they feel have more potential.

Follow up should be first and foremost in your mind once your show has concluded. Though the shows can be both physically and mentally taxing, there should be no charging of batteries. That can always be done after all the follow ups have been made or attempted. Because as was stated earlier, the longer you wait the less likely you are to land new business and the more likely your trade show investment became money down the proverbial drain.

As previously emphasized, we try and urge customers to follow up after each show. Both pre and post show analysis is important if you are to make the most out of your trade show experience. Beyond the pre and post show follow up, make sure your product is high quality and cost effective. Whether you go the route of a popup display, tradeshow banner stands, truss designs, or fabric tension structures, insure you have all the information necessary to make a qualified decision pertaining to that next trade show.

Filling the Fulfillment Package

What are fulfillment packages? In a sentence, they are your follow up after the trade show. How do you decide what to put in your fulfillment packages? As our author states, it's never as easy as it sounds. You don't want to simply send the same things your potential customers picked up at the show nor do you want to overload them with potentially expensive literature that they will just throw in the trash.

For these reasons, a well done but economical overview piece for your company seems more applicable. It can be used for pre or post show mailings, as well as an informational piece for your "general" response packages.

A Smash Hit Displays understands the importance of fulfillment packages. The customer who is best prepared for reaching potential customers after the show will be able to handle new customers. That general prepared nature comes with pre show and post show homework concerning the marketing of a company and display specifics. Those specifics could include the likes of show displays, table top pop up displays, custom backlit displays, and even custom logo flooring.

Do Trade Show Giveaways and Free Gifts Work?

The answer to that all important question is ... "Yes"! Well thought out giveaways do in fact work. Irrelevant and unrelated unimaginative freebies on the other hand do not. Don't cater to giveaway grabbers who will dart into your booth, grab a freebie and dart back to the aisle without so much as making eye contact with your staff.

Try to direct those giveaways toward potential customers, those who express interest in your services or goods. You can even make a game out of the giveaway transaction by having visitors answer basic questions pertaining to your industry or company itself. Be creative and that potential customer will appreciate the forethought.

For effective giveaways provoke questions and give visitors a reason to pause long enough to learn something about your company. Our author also offers the idea to develop a theme for your booth and integrate the giveaway into that theme. You don't have to spend a lot of money to devise a great giveaway and create a branding influence for your company.

For the best in exhibit trade shows look no further than Smash Hit Displays. For we try to be creative when marketing or branding customers at their upcoming trade shows. Giveaways are one great way of promoting such wares at those shows. Another is having eye catching tradeshow booth graphics in order to catapult you over your competition. It doesn't take a huge investment to position yourself to succeed at your next show just a little preparation and professional assistance. We offer many products lines whether pop up exhibit, truss stands, fabric tension structures and the understanding of what is needed for a successful campaign.

Designing and Caring for your booth

The following article is pretty good. It explains the different items and questions to be answered before considering your booth purchase and design.

Such items include the size and type of booth meaning pop up display boards, truss designs, backlit graphic displays, fabric tension displays or a tabletop pop up booth? Within each style lies a huge variety of booth configurations. Further options could place you with a large custom booth which would require multiple booth spaces and an assembling crew or a smaller, 10' version that can be easily shipped, assembled, and disassembled by your booth staffers. Often, the smaller, modular versions can be broken down and used as two tabletops as well.

I took the liberty of adding a few items from our author's list explaining what should be taken into consideration when deciding on your display area. For those willing to look at the remaining list, please click on the attached link. Those items to consider are:
What are your functional needs for the booth?
Do you need seating so you can sit and discuss at length with prospects the great benefits of your services or products? If your product or service is more complicated or technical, this functionality might work well for you.
Do you need shelving for books or product displays, video capability, or storage?
Do you need the booth to be easily assembled, disassembled and packed?
Do you need to be able to reconfigure it for different shows or other uses?
What kind of traffic flow do you need through your booth?
What are your aesthetic needs?
Do you need a display with movement to illustrate your product?
Do you require tradeshow signage?

A Smash Hit Displays will help you understand all the finer points needed to build your display booth. There are many questions that arise when building or purchasing that first display. Once you've answered those questions with our assistance, you should have a better idea of the type of booth you need, how the booth will look, and how it will fit your budget.

Basic Training

According to our author, trade show selling consists of four phases:

Engagement

The burden of attracting people to your booth can be daunting assuming you haven’t invested in a third party. The typical rule of engagement is: Don't ask a question that will allow the attendee to simply give you a one word answer and keep on walking. Ask what product or service they need or want; whether the show has been as helpful for them as previous shows; familiarity with your company, etc. Be creative -- this is a critical step, and the goal is to stop them and carry on a conversation.

Qualification

Do not waste your time on those who aren't really interested in your product. It pays to qualify potential customers right off the bat. There's nothing worse than seeing six good prospects walk by while you're politely listening to someone who you suspect doesn't even need your product.

Presentation

It’s time to tap dance and dazzle prospects with your product’s many benefits as opposed to the other guys'. Try to make sure your presentation is five minutes or less and memorable.

Closing

The most important and usually hardest of all the phases is successfully closing a customer. Ask them how they would prefer your follow up. That puts the honus on them by forcing them into a calculated response. The more specific you can be, the more likely they will remember you during the follow up.

A Smash Hit Displays understands and appreciates the inherent hurdles which must be cleared in order to generate the desired response from each trade show. Empowering a company with such capabilities means outfitting them with the proper displays i.e. (tradeshow pop up, tradeshow banner stand) and trade show graphics. Those items will assuredly assist and allow them to focus on the preparation for the sales staff to engage, quantify, present and close potential customers.

Buying vs Renting Your Next Trade Show Exhibit

Renting versus buying. For some companies it might be wise to rent for the first show. Renting a trade show display would allow them to critique the booth and its wares. Further, renting means you don’t have to store the display or transport. You simply pay a rental fee and the display arrives for that designated number of days and then simply ship it back to the distributor of choice.

Further, as is the case with our company, we honor rental fees toward the purchase of a new display knowing it is just good business. Customers feel better knowing their investment for the rental will be taken off a new display price tag and genuinely endear themselves to us. It’s a reciprocal relationship and whatever we can do to ease the nerves of someone making a large investment in their businesses future will be attempted.

Buying a display is the alternative to renting. You should really do your homework beforehand figuring out which display best fits your immediate and long term needs. Maybe there is a specific model available which can adapt and be altered to become larger or more expansive. Truss wall, lighted graphic booth, fabric tension structures, or custom exhibit booths all fit in such categories.

When it comes to renting or buying its inevitably what makes the best sense at that time. But should you require either, A Smash Hit Displays will no doubt be able to assist in finding that special display just for you as well as create or print graphics to compliment and enhance your company’s brand image.

Trade Show Basic Training

Most will agree trade show displays are the fastest and most effective means by which to focus your customer’s attention on your product. But, to yield positive results out of your investment you need to attract viable customers, and this requires eye-catching displays with knock out trade show graphics.
For some a new display might be a rather large investment. In order to offset that investment you could rent a display. Most common rentals are pop up displays. These are lightweight, easy to transport and take little time to set up and tear down.
That avenue can be cost effective and actually allow you to find out if the display rented is the one you really want. If in fact you do like and want that display you can simply apply the rental price to the actual purchase price. For a better understanding of our rental options, please call A Smash Hit Displays. We will make sure you are outfitted with the best possible display for your needs.

Types of Trade Show Lighting

There are a few different options available when it comes to lighting your trade show booth. Our booth displays offer lighting within packages or as accessories with the following: banner stand exhibits, pop up exhibits, panel trade show display, truss booths and our fabric structures.

For those who have attended shows previously, you know the difference between a well lit and poorly lit booth. You don't want to be the booth that has little or no lighting. When you ignore lighting you take away valuable attention which could be paid to your booth or more importantly your graphics. An exhibit that is lit well stands out in a crowd.

The two most common versions available are Las Vegas Trade Show Lights and what our author calls Full Impact Lights.

When purchasing your trade show lights, you need to be sure that you check with the convention or conference center where you will be exhibiting to ensure that the type of light you are purchasing is allowed. The Las Vegas Convention and Conference Center and Chicago Convention Center don't allow many common trade show lights because of the fire hazard that these lights create. In an effort to protect their massive facility from careless exhibitors, many types of lights that get hot quickly have been disallowed. Your only alternative is the Las Vegas Light often smaller wattage- 50- 75 watts.

Full Impact Displays
No matter how much money and time you are willing to devote to creating the perfect trade show display, your exhibit will not reach its full potential without the use of trade show lighting. Full impact displays require well placed lights that are designed to highlight specific areas of the booth. With an action as simple as turning on a light switch, you could make your company logo visible from across the convention floor.

When you are in need of lighting or have questions pertaining to your upcoming shows please call your local neighborhood trade show experts- "SMASH HIT DISPLAYS"

Trade Show Success Happens When You Plan Ahead

The title to the attached article says it all. Preparation is key to a successful trade show display. In order to learn our aurthor's 10 easy steps to a successful trade show display, please read the attached link.

Just remember as with our trade show signage, pop up exhibits, truss stands, or tension fabric displays to keep it simple. For simplicity combined with proper pre-show preparation will take your display to the next level and have you ready for your next show.

For the best advice in portable booths applied to your proper presentation added with simplicity look no further than your local trade show display experts.

Generating Sales from Trade Shows

The quintessential article for generating sales from trade shows. Generating qualified leads and converting them into purchasers is the goal of each trade show exhibitor.

When it comes to the success of a trade show, selling or advertising your booth is a proactive idea. By selling, I mean advertising your company brand by sending current customers and prospectives a note or an email with your booth number, inviting them to stop by and pick up a small gift, participate in a giveaway, or take advantage of special show prices. Should they accept and want to buy from you at the show, it's a good idea to have a separate location (or at least a quiet spot in the back of the booth) where you can close the sale.

Trade show or group selling is slightly different than other sales methods, but it's not complicated. Sales fundamentals still apply: contact as many visitors as possible. The more attendees you encounter, the more potential qualified leads. Develop a short list of questions to quickly separate the serious from the browser. Focus on the buyers. Prepare a 30-second rundown of the benefits of using your products. Get contact information and then move on to the next prospect. Buyers are busy, too, and they'll appreciate your cordial efficiency.

Because trade shows pack a flurry of opportunity in a few days, you have less time to invest with each prospect. That means show pressure can be intense and the hours long. Be sure you're aptly staffed and rotate the group to keep them fresh. Upbeat staffers with stamina make good salespeople.

Should you be in the market for a new portable display booth, try looking at our impressive inventory options. Whether you need a portable banner stand, tabletop pop up exhibit, orbital truss display, or a fabric trade show booth, we can outfit your booth space to accent your business brand and make you stand head and shoulders above your competition. But, make sure you target potential and current customers well before the show to generate anticipation and increase your selling opportunities. Be proactive and you will reap the rewards desired.

Trade Show Magicians can Fill Your Booth!

At a trade show you not only have to compete against your competition’s sales reps but also you have to compete against all the ‘attention-grabbing’ strategies they use. So, louder doesn’t always mean more traffic. One thing that really draws a crowd IS a crowd. How do you draw a crowd other than utilizing the typical trade show equipment?

Just say the words "Abracadabra"...

That's the impetus behind this article. If you want to build a small crowd that grows larger, consider how magic works on people. It is irresistible! For a good trade show magician understands his role in your booth area and works to build an interested, feel-good crowd.

If you try this idea know just producing magic for an audience is not enough. You'll need a plan!
There are really two things you have to do to make this not just a good strategy but a great one.

1) You have to find a way to engage people during or after the magic to find who they are. Look at your booth layout, train your staff and create some sign up tools.
But in some way you have to take advantage of the fact a large crowd has stopped at your booth.

2) You must ensure your key marketing message is incorporated into the act. Trade show magic is not about entertaining people. People in good moods are easier to approach and converse.
But this is a chance to add that EXTRA piece of having a larger group hear your key marketing message. So take this chance to get your message to your audience. A special offer at the end would do the trick.

Spend the time BEFORE the show during your planning sessions to use trade show magic to go to the next level.

A Smash Hit Displays doesn't use magic when promoting our trade show products which include pop up display stands, truss designs, fabric trade show booths, custom backlit displays, and high impact tradeshow booth graphics. But, we do love the idea of utilizing magic when it comes to building an interested anxious crowd around your display area. For that's all a trade show booth and proper graphics are supposed to ellicit. Magic when performed with your plan in mind will augment your display to simply attract more potential customers than your competitors.

Top Five Trade Show Exhibits

Well this one speaks for itself. Our aurthor believes the following display types are the top five trade show exhibits or as I like to say most used.

When it comes to portable trade show booths the most common type on the market today is the pop-up, expandable-frame style. What most people don't realize is its inception was almost 16 years ago.

The first models had flexible fiberglass frames with aluminum channels bars and rollable fabric that was attached to the framework via magnets. Over the years the basic design has not been altered but the materials, sizes, and weights have made the trade show pop up exhibit less expensive and easier to transport than ever before.

Today’s frames can expand to larger sizes allowing 10' wide exhibits to be transported in a small durable trade show cases. Most of the standard10' models weigh less than 90 pounds in their case which often includes the fabric panels, lights, and channel bars. Pop-ups come in a variety of sizes with a number of different options to give consumers greater flexibility when planning for their trade show booths. Within the industry there are 5 common types:

- Standard pop up exhibits
- photo mural tradeshow graphics displays
- Fabric pop up exhibits
- table top pop up display
- 20 pop up display

For the greatest selection of pop ups at the lowest prices on the planet please view our portable booths options. Further, to compliment your display purchase you have the best artistic designers to add that graphic flare to make your display stand out from the crowd. For trade show graphics can create a stunning almost mesmerizing backdrop which will attract potential customers to your display area. And in the end that's all your pop up and graphics are charged to elicit... results!

The Definition of Trade Show

Definition: An exhibition for companies in a specific industry to showcase and demonstrate their new products and services. Generally trade shows are not open to the public and can only be attended by company representatives and members of the press. Also, an exhibition of businesses offering franchises and/or business opportunity packages for sale.

Why you ask are we boring you with the Encyclopedia Britanica definition of a trade show? Because sometimes you must go back to the basics in order to define your goals. Going back to the basics allows for a mental reboot so-to-speak. By understanding the basic definition you should gain a better understanding of what is required for the next show to be a raving success.

A Smash Hit Displays try to go back to the basics when we deal with new customers. Why? Because keeping it simple is the key to any successful advertising or branding campaign. Basic understanding of your product/service combined with that same understanding of the show requirements will position your company to succeed where your competition might come up a bit short. Our basic trade show display systems include: pop up display, panel trade show booth, truss stands, backlit graphic exhibits. Where we try and stretch the imagination when it comes to tradeshow booth graphics. That’s where simple and basic is key but with a certain flair in order to set yourself apart from the pack. Try our products and services and you’ll never venture any further.

Green Acres

There was a long running sitcom back in the early 80's and for those who can remember the verse line sang, "Green acres is the place for me, farm living is the life for me..."

That line couldn't have been any more poignant than while I was perusing the attached article. For no matter what propaganda you might read or see, "green" products or services are here to stay and are growing in popularity every day. Just take for example the PA Green Expo which takes place in Harrisburg, PA. The show's facility just underwent an 82 million dollar expansion. When money of that magnitude is invested in such a fashion it proves that "green" is here to stay and it crosses all business realms. So, take notice and understand what you need to do to prepare to climb on board a train that's quickly gaining momentum.

Out trade show booth design company operates in a small capacity as a "green" friendly business. We take care to understand those customers who are or who wish to represent that mantra at their respective shows. Whether pop up trade show exhibits, truss wall, fabric structures or banner stands, we can take a customer's brand and represent their wares in the form of top notch trade show signage.

Design Tips for Vinyl Banners

For those of you out there interested in large scale vinyl banner design, then the attached article is perfect. It details what one should or should not do when constructing large scale graphics. Generally speaking, a vinyl banner is easy to design. Anybody with a little bit of graphic design experience can design a banner. And even if you have no experience, your supplier can point you in the right direction, or even design your banner for a small charge.
A Smash Hit Displays prefer receiving banner graphics via photoshop or illustrator. Also, these two are the most popular hence most common.

Understand the necessary requirements needed to have your graphics appeal to that target market. When it comes to vinyl banner graphics or any large format scale pieces the "less is more" mantra is muy importante. Potential and existing customers don't want to read a bunch of text of sift through a myriad of numbers on your graphics. They want to be wowed by a mission statement, catch phrase, tag line with vivid colors and your logo. Keeping it simple is often times the toughest part of the graphic process.

Remember we offer full scale graphic assistance in addition to our wide array of banner stands, pop up displays, panel systems, truss systems. Should you need some handholding when it comes to the graphic process we are capable of that as well. There is no job too small we can't perfect. When it comes down to it, your graphics should speak about who you are, what you do, and the benefits you offer those who are intested.

Exhibit Booths

Attracting new customers and business partners is the sole purpose of any exhibit booth. Those launching new products or services should always prepare wisely when creating their exhibit space in order to put their best foot forward to generate wider interest from both existing and new customers. By constructing eye-catching booths, exhibitors ensure they are highly visible, distinguished from their competitors, and their brand is easily recognized.

Booths can be classified into several types: tabletop banner stands, popup display, panel trade show display. All these are basic booths which can be cost effective and make a bold statement and separate your business from the rest of the pack.

To design a booth, exhibitors usually use the services of their in-house creative resources or seek the services of specialized professional exhibit booth service providers. The booth services offered by professional providers include a gamut of items, including lighting and display options. They have a solution for every need - from exhibitors seeking basic booths to the ones looking for contemporary high-tech booths.

Our tradeshow company offers many different booth options not mentioned above including: trade show extreme truss, xpressions exhibit, custom backlit exhibit, plus modular trade show exhibit, digital printed carpet, and trade show lighting. In addition to the displays, we also offer great trade show signage with one-of-a-kind ideas meant to transform your goods/services into eye catching branding areas.

Youth zeal paying off for ad firm

H6 is a top flight ad agency which arose from a simple banner graphic company. Through humble beginnings came a graphic house that speaks in the language of signs- banners, acrylic light boxes, and three-dimensional designs.

Why talk about such a business in this day’s edition? Because it goes to show you perseverance and persistence go a long way when it comes to creating your own future. Following your dream takes time and much hard work but like anything else you have to put in the time in order to reap said rewards.

Our exhibit display invests time in many ways for its customers whether its coming up with just the right tradeshow popup or a custom fabric tension display fit for their show needs or that perfect tradeshow signage which speaks volumes about their business to prospective and current customers. That said, it’s the preparation that makes all that possible. Preparation like H6 when they decided to go to the next level. When you're ready to go to the next level for your trade show preparation give us a call!

Trade show sweet treats

Who knew Canada’s BookExpo would have produced so many nuggets of useful information for fellow trade show exhibitors.
Though the show was, on the surface, to be primarily about books – the publishing, marketing, selling, and writing – most BEC-goers knew that being on the trade floor was also about eating, drinking, and getting swag i.e. (free things).
Among the most useful items, were cloth and canvas bags, which come in handy for packing the various other promotional pieces from the other booths. Those items included: books, posters, postcards, T-shirts, mugs, toys, stationery, stickers, candy, and assorted items that get nabbed by grazing conventioneers.
The promotional products proved to elicit huge responses and were a great investment. That should tell you to pay close attention to your promotions for your next show. There are many attendees and exhibitors alike who love the swag aspect. That marketing ploy will also help engrain your name/logo/brand into their heads well after the event if you picked the right poison, so to speak.

A Smash Hit Displays offers pop up trade show options, trade show booth graphics, portable banner stands, and trade show lighting. These items will give you the foundation for a great display space. But, in order to achieve greater response try pondering the many promotional advantages available. Try to put yourself in the attendee’s place to figure what would motivate you to purchase from this or that particular exhibitor. Keep in mind the promotional items will last, for some, well after the event ends so try and keep your company information prevalent so when they use your item they see or think of you well after the event’s impact has faded.

At BookExpo silly dress is optional

The attached article references a trade show for book publishers but talks about an aspect most need to address when exhibiting. How do you stand out from the crowd? Setting yourself apart from your competition is key. In this particular instance the mode was inexpensive but achieved the desired result… stand out!

One of the characters wore an overly large nametag. The nametag read, “Hello, I'm Scott" and was worn as a vest.

"There are 30,000 people here," he said. "Everyone wants to make a name for themselves. The challenge is how you get your name out there and be remembered."

There were a few others in costumes which provided the same response as the oversized nametag. Something to discuss, an icebreaker, attention getter, etc.

These small and inexpensive ideas are just a few ways to separate yourself from the crowd. At your next show, once you’ve purchased the base elements for your display space including your display, ie. (truss designs, fabric tension structures, custom backlit displays), trade show flex floor, and trade show signage, take a few moments to ponder how you could promote yourself in an inexpensive manner. Remember the ideas from the article as a little brainpower can go a long way.

Trade Shows true value: Follow Up Leads

Trade Shows true value, believe it or not, is after the show with the "follow-up"!

For most it's tempting, after the preparation to get ready for a trade show and the hours on the trade show floor, to just come back and collapse. But as I stated earlier, the real value of being at a trade show -- why it's worth your money -- comes when you follow up on the leads and contacts you make.

Our author offers some guidelines in order to make the most out of the "follow-up":

Organize leads while still at the trade show. Most people return from a trade show with a stack of business cards.

Start tracking contacts and leads as you get them. For every trade show, bring a separate-bound notebook, stapler, and pens.

Start the follow-up process as soon as you get back to the office. You don't want to lose the momentum created at the show. Rule of thumb is if you wait more than 48 hours to start following up, there's a good chance you'll never do it.

Have a follow-up "summit" in your office to review leads. Bring all those who will have follow-up responsibility together to discuss the leads, make follow-up assignments and set deadlines. Turn those business cards into an action plan.

Make the first follow-up. The easiest way is to send each lead an e-mail. Thank them for visiting your booth, remind them who you are and what your company does, and tell them they'll be hearing from you again soon. Personalize your message and don't be too vague in your subject line, so they don't think your message is spam.

Do what you've promised -- immediately. If you've had good interactions with strong leads and promised to do something for them when you got back to the office do that right away.

Add all your new leads and contacts to your company's mailing list and contact management system. The people who aren't in the market for your product or service immediately are still involved in your industry, so they're most likely to know others who may be interested in your products or services.

As I've stated countless times on this site, trade shows are one of the most effective and efficient ways for business owners to build their customer base. But they take work, before, during and -- especially -- after the show. You've got to turn that pile of business cards into gold. Proper preparation would have included the purchase of certain displays like pop up display units, trade show booth panels, brand identification through high end tradeshow booth graphics, and possible accessories including banner display stands, trade show lighting, and special custom printed carpet. All these items combined with your pre, during and post show marketing will no doubt help increase bottom line sales and increase your new customer base.

Why bother building a Brand?

Picture this scene: At a conference in Dallas not long ago, a graphic designer from Kentucky sits down with another gentleman and exchanged business cards. One looks at the others logo, and studies the name on my card. He knows that logo and asks if they’ve been in touch in the past. The other echoes the same sentiment realizing they know each other from somewhere in time.Although they weren't able to pinpoint when or why they'd exchanged mail previously, they guessed it had been at least five years back. Neither had an extraordinary memory. Rather, one had created a distinctive visual identity for the other’s logo, while the other had devoted effort to linking a name with creative marketing. For at least five years the look and reputation had lurked in the other's memory banks, while thousands or hundreds of thousands of other business identities had come and gone without leaving a significant trace. Why? Memorability. This short analogy illustrates a key element of successful branding.
I’ve touched on branding recently in a few posts to show you the customer how important a good brand can be for your existing and new customers!
WHAT IS BRANDING?Branding is the process of creating distinctive and durable perceptions in the minds of consumers. A brand is a persistent, unique business identity intertwined with associations of personality, quality, origin, liking and more.Though most people associate brands with big firms, the smallest enterprise can use branding techniques to ensure similar rewards. When a home-based entrepreneur ties a nicely designed tag on all her products telling the story of who she is and where her creations come from; she's branding her goods. When the local super market bundles groceries in bags bearing its logo instead of generic "Thank you!" or plain bags; that's branding.While we associate brands with national names like Coca-Cola, Wendy’s or Breyer’s, branding doesn't require the economic windfall of a Nextel. Branding doesn't even require a product or a tangible delivery mechanism.
Techniques of branding include association of a company with logos, distinctive colors, slogans, musical sounds or songs, unusual qualities, mascots, packaging, a memorable name, behavioral hallmarks and much more. The attached article concentrates on why well-executed efforts to create a brand -- instead of merely doing good work or producing good products -- pay off.
To further understand the benefits of branding and position your business for such please read the attached article as it goes into greater detail what can be achieved with some properly timed effort.

Such effort and branding can be found in a one of our booth displays. Research and learn from the attached article on how to properly brand your services/goods. Then talk to us concerning your forum into the trade show arena. Whether you need banner stand exhibits, table top pop up display, trade show exhibit truss, a fabric trade show exhibit, a customized trade show exhibit, or striking trade show booth graphics, A Smash Hit Displays is your branding headquarters. Learn from the best in the business on how to reach the next level for your trade show marketing.

What size Trade Show is best for you?

Though bigger is not necessarily better, the high foot-traffic at big trade shows can drastically increase a small company's sales. But even a modest booth at a huge show can cost tens of thousands of dollars. And that's just the tip of the iceberg — add the cost of staffing, shipping and construction, and you've made a pretty big investment, especially for a small company. Big shows often last for several days and sometimes move to different cities, further increasing costs.

Just as important, the competition for attention at big events is stiff enough that your small booth could easily get lost in the crowd. Unless you can afford to make a splash, you may not get noticed.

The potential rewards for small or local trade shows may be more limited, but they make good training grounds for the mega- and midsize events.

Is bigger better when it comes to trade shows? I believe its in the eye of the beholder. What I do believe is being totally prepared for your next show. Thorough preparation would include proper homework beforehand. Such preparation includes finding a tradeshow pop up booth that best suits your needs with the proper trade show signage to make your brand sing. Further preparation could include trade show light and trade show booth flooring to set your booth apart from the crowd. Whether you go big or small take a look at what A Smash Hit Displays can do for you and your brand.