Trade Show Market Blog

Trade Show Accessories

2010-03-19T12:44:00.002-05:00

Making your booth stand out is very important at any trade show. Trade show accessories can be used to add effective elements to you display. Trade show counters are great for placing literature or monitor mounts and literature racks can help bring your message closer to the isle way so more attendees can view it. There are even trade show shipping case that can convert into podiums, not only are these cases convenient, but they are very cost effective as well.

Trade show flooring can also be used to make your booth more inviting. Its also great at reducing fatigue from standing on the show floor all day long. There many different types including interlocking tiles, rollable vinyl, and hardwood flooring.

Exhibitor 2010

2010-03-08T21:16:00.002-05:00

The Exhibitor 2010 event is fast approaching for the trade show industry. This is the yearly event that major trade show display manufacturers display their new product. Its a trade show for trade show manufactures. Its held in Las Vegas and is one of the biggest annual events for anyone in the trade show market. This year will highlight new and innovative designs for trade show manufactures that are looking to expand their market base. Pop up displays are still the most popular type of display, but there are some outdoor displays and banner stands that are gaining a lot of popularity. Custom modular displays are still a great option for exhibitors looking to make an impact without going to a full custom display. Smash Hit Displays and NWCI are set to expand to accommodate all the new products coming to the market place.

Creating an Effective Display on a Budget

2010-01-29T14:03:00.002-05:00

Trade show exhibiting can be a very expensive process, but is also one of the best ways to acquire contacts and leads. First time exhibitors usually have a very hard time investing in a trade show because of the high initial cost and uncertain ROI. What many first time exhibitors don't know is that there are many affordable display options that are attractive and durable. The two newest additions that are great for first time exhibitors are the waveline display stand and the onefabric pop up display. Both display options include full graphic prints and are VERY affordable. There are also many good articles available on the web to assist first time exhibitors. This article on following up at trade shows is very helpful for first time exhibitors who are looking to generate a high return on investment at their first show.

Trade shows are an investment and require research and effort to make them successful. Working with a knowledgeable company and talking to other exhibitors will help any first time exhibitor in creating an effective trade show exhibit.

When to Effectively Use Banner Stands

2009-11-17T10:45:00.005-05:00

Banner stands are a very popular marketing tool that work in many different situations. They can be used as informational displays in storefronts or used effectively at trade shows. There are many styles and types of banner stands that have their own specific purpose. Retractable banner stands are great for trade shows and traveling events. They pop up very quickly and assembly in a matter of seconds. This feature also makes these banner stands slightly more expensive that traditional solid pole banners.

Solid pole and spring back banners are great for in-store displays and for semi-permanent displays because they are lower cost than retractable banners with the same impact. We offer many different sizes so you can find a banner that will fit your trade show or store front. We can also combine multiple banners to make a graphic back wall. The low cost and versatility of banner stands make them a great option for any type of graphic marketing!

Economy Pop Up Displays

2009-11-11T23:39:00.003-05:00

Economy pop up displays are a great options for some exhibitors. They are very affordable and will work with a tight budget. It is important to remember that economy pop up displays are a great deal, but they are not designed for long term use. We always highly recommend high quality displays because they cost less in the long. If you need a low cost, temporary display solution then economy pop ups are a great option. If you are looking for a product that will hold up year after year, show after show, then you should look at purchasing a Coyote or Arise pop up display. These displays will last for years and will cost less per show in the long run.

Different Types of Trade Show Displays

2009-10-01T14:51:00.001-05:00

Trade shows remain one of the most effective ways to market your business. Even in a tough economy, it would be foolish not to take advantage of these shows. Most businesses, especially small businesses, have a very tight budget. I have listed a few cost-friendly trade show booths to consider when planning your next trade show.

Pop-up Displays

Classic pop up displays is very popular because, not only is it inexpensive, it is also very simple to set up and lightweight. Whether you want a large 20 foot trade show booth, a table top trade show display, or anything in between, the pop up display can be found in every size. Add graphics and you have a stunning trade show display that is sure to get positive results.

Banner Stands

These trade show displays are ideal if you have a tight budget and a small booth space. They take a matter of seconds to completely assemble and just as easily are taken down. Banner stands can be used long after the event is over, such as for retail promotional tools. The graphic banners can easily be interchanged, giving your banner stand a fresh look at every event. There are several different banner stands to choose from, including retractable banner stands, telescopic banner stands, and ceiling banners.

Truss Systems

These trade show booths come in several shapes and sizes, including 10x10, 10x20, and 20x20. Extra truss pieces can be added, allowing you to reconfigure the truss systems. The aluminum conjunctions are created to be extremely heavy-duty, yet are pretty easy to assemble, taking less than an hour. These booth displays have an open design, giving attendees and your staff more room to walk and scope out your trade show booth.

These are the three most popular trade show displays on the market. Trade shows continue to be one of the most effective ways to market your business. These display systems give you affordable solutions to meeting new customers who would never have otherwise stopped by your place of business. The cost of exhibiting at conventions is a small price to pay to get the publicity you want, as well as the sales you may never have received by not exhibiting.

Market resonding to lower priced displays

2009-08-16T22:19:00.003-05:00

The trade show market is currently responding well to price cuts that have been taken by manufacturers and retailers. This has caused Smash Hit Displays to start a partner company that is completely dedicated to low cost trade show stands. This company will specialize is low cost banner stands and pop up displays to capture part of the market that is looking for the lowest price available. The site is currently under construction but orders can still be placed via email or phone.

The overall market is starting to see signs of recovery but this could very easily turn around. Every company should maintain there low cost operations while investing in strategies that will result in high return on investment.

-Matt
Smash Hit Displays, LLC

Is the Recesion Almost Over?

2009-07-30T14:38:00.003-05:00

Today the stock market jumped again bringing the DJIA to over 9200. Many economists are calling this market rally a sign that the recession will soon be over. There are also economists stating that the market will fall again, even lower than the 6500 low we hit a few months ago. What does this mean for a company struggling to increase revenues and market share?

It means you can't listen to anything the "experts" say. Every industry is dramatically different and an overall assessment of the economy can not determine the potential for growth in an industry. Look at the crippled auto industry. Ford is pushing through this rough time and has yet to accept federal stimulus dollars, while GM and Chrysler are on the brink of disaster. This is a great example of how effective management and cost cutting can improve your companies bottom line. Cost controls, effective marketing, and valuable employees are the key to maintaining a profitable business.

Investing in trade show displays for your next trade show could give your company the boost it needs to get out of a slump or move up to the next level. Smash Hit Displays specializes in helping companies realize their exhibiting potential with out spending every last dollar. Our pop up displays have been very popular lately due to the great value they provide to our customers.

-Matt
Smash Hit Displays, LLC

How to take advantage of big government spending

2009-07-16T08:49:00.004-05:00

In the last six months the United States has been flooded with government infused money. This includes everything from individual stimulus checks to state assistance from the federal government. This has many people worried about a rising national debt, hyper-inflation, and lower value of the dollar. Many companies are worried about what the future may hold and have begun risk management planning and cost cutting procedures.

Every company should consider its place in the market and plan strategically to take advantage of every aspect of their business during this rough economic time. The government infusion is causing many agencies to continue there spending which gives an opportunity to attain government contracts. It is also important to rethink your marketing plan and consider what campaigns provide the most value to your firm.

It has been proven over the years that trade show exhibiting is a very profitable marketing tool that gives you opportunities for large growth very quickly. Smash Hit Displays offer many different types of trade show displays that can fit any budget or design requirements. If you ever have any questions about trade shows feel free to call us and discuss your companies options for your next show!

-Matt
Smash Hit Displays, LLC

Attendance Up Despite Rough Economy

2009-07-09T08:23:00.002-05:00

In an article today in Trade Show Week (http://www.tradeshowweek.com/article/CA6669867.html?nid=4680&rid=579526650&source=link) there is a prime example of what I have been referencing in my past blog posts. In its second year of existence, the Electronic Security Expo saw a close to 30% increase in attendees at the most recent show. This is due to the growing security industry and the demand for new technology. This is another industry that is thriving despite the overall slump in the economy.

The convention received a close to 70% re-booking rate from exhibitors showing their satisfaction with the results of the show. This article should be a key insite to the importance of finding your niche during this rough economic time. Exhibiting at a convention with good results for your industry and using effective trade show graphics is almost a guaranteed high return on investment. With many companies cutting costs and scaling back their marketing budget, it is a great opportunity for small businesses to reach out and grab a large portion of the market share that was hard to obtain in previous years.

Rember to always do you research before attending shows because a show that is not specific in your industry can end up with poor results. It's in your best interest to talk to a reputable dipslay dealer and others in the industry who know about different shows and will help you decide the correct convention to attend.

-Matt
Smash Hit Displays, LLC

Trade Show Displays & Exhibits Improve Your Brand & Image

2009-07-08T11:49:00.003-05:00

A long time ago, companies and business people would simply show up to trade shows with products for preview and their sales pitch in mind. Now, trade show exhibits are becoming a major part of these events and are just as important as the service or product that you have to offer. Consumers expect a professional atmosphere and an impressive showing of what you have to offer. How you plan for your next show can make the difference between faltering, and being hugely successful.

These days, there is a variety of companies that appear to trade shows; some make a major statement, and others simply show up with a table and a pitch. You need to ensure that you set your company apart by making a statement and providing an appealing marketing strategy at the event. You will see elaborate custom trade show exhibits to panels, pop-ups and environmentally friendly exhibits, you can showcase your company's services or products in grand style. Modular, backlit - there is such a huge array to choose from, you will have a tough time deciding what best suits the needs and budget of your company.

Also important to the success of your trade show displays are the design and details. When you represent your organization at these events, you absolutely want to be certain that your unique brand makes a statement and is easily recognized. Why attend if potential new clients or customers just walk on by, without a second glance? First impressions are often the last. You must catch the eyes of visitors, and create a memorable impression.

Ease of portability is also important, especially if you attend numerous trade shows. Long gone are the days of exhibits and booths that are a big hassle to put up, take down and transport. Also, many companies are creating trade show exhibits in accordance with companies desires for more environmentally friendly displays. If your company is eco-friendly, there are numerous options that will also help display to visitors that you are concerned about the earth.

Your trade show displays, booths and exhibits should blend perfectly with your brand. Often, dynamic designs and brightly colored details are a good choice, as they attract the eye of the visitors. You want to easily demonstrate your message and unique brand through every touch point of your company. Think of huge corporations that everyone world over easily recognize such as Coke or Nike - this should be your goal, to have everyone recognize your special brand at first glance.

If the results you get when attending events is not stellar, you need a change. To effectively attract new clients and grab the attention of every visitor who attends, maybe you should consider the trade show displays you use. It can make an astounding difference in the success of your next show!

What is certain in an uncertain time?

2009-07-07T10:25:00.003-05:00

Once again, today another company filed for bankruptcy. Lear Corporation is an auto parts supplier and has been struggling throughout the recession. Once again, another sign of the tough times many businesses are facing during uncertain times.

Although the market is unstable and volatile, there are many opportunities for entrepreneurs and small business to bite off a piece of the market share that was once held by the large corporations that are falling. Many local banks and investment agencies are thriving due to lack of trust in the big banks. Collections agencies are the busiest they have ever been due to the amount of companies with old receivables. Any business owner should be looking at the potential during this economic time rather than focusing purely on cutting costs and mitigating the damage. If you company is currently doing poorly then it might be time to focus on a different target market. With the recent government infusion of capital there are many agencies and organizations looking for different products and services, especially energy companies.

This is key when developing your marketing plan for a trade show. Determine the target market you are trying reach and develop a marketing plan effectively capture their attention. Effective marketing at trade shows will always provide a very high return on investment and is still the best way to get you companies name notice in the market place. Trade show displays can be used a medium for communicating your message effectively to your target market. Weigh the cost/benefit of different displays to determine what will give you the highest return on investment, and work with a reputable design company that can develop a graphic that will work effectively at the show.

What is certain in this uncertain time is the potential for intelligent business people to capture a large part of the market while the large companies are struggling. Using an effective marketing plan and being financially conservative will result in a strong, stable business during a very rough recession.

-Matt
Smash Hit Displays, LLC

Attention-Grabbing Trade Show Booths and Exhibits Are Essential to The Success of Your Show

2009-06-26T12:54:00.000-05:00

The main purpose of your trade show booths and exhibits are to attract attention and draw people to your display. Sounds easy, doesn't it? When you are in the midst of hundreds or other companies vying to do the same, it may not be as easy as it sounds. How can you attract the attention of visitors, and stand out from the rest?

You want your presence and brand to be unmistakable. You also want to attract the eye of every person who comes near your booth. There are many ways to do this, but it is essential that you plan ahead. Colors, designs and other things that are unique and out of the ordinary will attract potential customers. The details make all the difference in the success of your company at the trade shows.

Recently, becoming environmentally friendly is something many corporations have undertaken. Trade show booths and exhibits have long been known (too well known) for being wasteful. Now, you can find many displays that are "green", which is very desirable for many companies. They want visitors to know that they are conscious of the environment, and keeping it clean and safe.

No matter what style you choose, your booths and displays absolutely must make a recognizable statement about your unique brand, and why you are preferable to your competition. Every aspect of your brand should be carried through everything you do and say on behalf of your company. From business cards and letterhead to your trade show booths and exhibits, your brand needs to shine through.

All too often, business owners think that the display they use doesn't really make a great impact on the show. On the contrary, the booth or exhibit you choose to use makes ALL the difference! You want a presence that cannot and will not be ignored. Bold, bright colors and eye-catching designs will help insure that your display catches the eyes and interest of every visitor that comes within range.

Whether you choose pop-up displays or have a special exhibit custom made, you want something that will do the job and still be within the limits of your budget. Even companies with a very small budget can find trade show booths that will insure your business gets plenty of attention and exposure, without spending more than your company can afford.

When you attend trade shows, do attendees seem to walk on by without a glance, as if they don't notice you even exist? This must be changed if you want your next show to be successful one, that draws interested visitors like a magnet. Consider updating your trade show booths and exhibits, and be assured that your next event will be a major success!

A Light at the end of the Tunnel

2009-04-17T11:33:00.002-05:00

With the DIA hovering around 8000 and the decline in the housing market leveling off, it seems that maybe we have experience the worst of this recession. Although the recovery will take years the bleeding seems to have stopped. Interest rates are low, there is no inflation, and homes and vehicles are at there lowest prices in years. This seems like a great time to be a buyer, but don’t fall into the same trap that got us in this mess.

With low interest rates and no inflation, the risk of hyper inflation increases. This could lead to higher prices for necessity items like food, clothing, and transportation. In personal finance and business finance this is a very important factor to consider, because over extending right now for good deals could come back to haunt you.

The key word in this current economic state is value. Spend within your means, but spend on something that will add value to your business. This is where trade show displays come into play. Trade shows in general are a very good marketing tool that give you access to buyers from all over the world. This is why a trade show display is so important. It is the only way to market your product or service to someone walking through a trade show. If you don’t spend time planning your booth layout and design the show will be a waste of money and add no value to your firm. Working with a company like Smash Hit Displays will help you to realize your exhibiting potential. We can help you to design a cost effective booth that will display your product or service better than you competitors.

Never underestimate the power of a well designed booth, it will get you the customers you want, while keeping “looky-loos” out of your booth so you can dedicate your time to prospective clients.

-Matt
Smash Hit Displays, LLC

Pop Up Displays on Ebay

2009-01-26T15:02:00.002-05:00

In these tough economic times it is very easy to look for the lowest price and not to consider what the best value is. Recently, we have been getting a lot of reports in our company of people buying pop up displays on ebay. These pop up displays have very low quality standards and are often labeled “import” displays. These displays are very cheap in price and quality. We often get customers who have purchased one of these displays and come to after their first show because the display broke. They were trying to save money in the first place, but ended up paying more in the long run because the display did not hold up.

Smash Hit Displays has recently picked up a new pop up display line. They are the highest quality displays on the market and are priced lower than any American made pop up display. We run a lean, efficient company with low overhead so we can pass along the savings to our customers. We have often been asked why we do not sell some of the cheap pop up displays that are out there. It’s simply because we offer value to our customers. Our business philosophy is to create long term customers by offering the best products at the lowest prices as well as great customer service. It’s simple, if you do well, we do well and that’s the only way to do business.

A display purchase is more than just an object to use at trade shows; it is an important marketing mechanism used to generate leads and increase business. Purchasing a display needs to be thought out and researched and at Smash Hit Displays we can help you to purchase the best displays for your company’s needs. We do not believe in high pressure up-selling and will never try to get you to spend more money than your budget, we will just find the best display set up for the funds you have available.

Here is a link to a useful display shopping guide to help guide you through all your displays shopping.

-Matt
Smash Hit Displays, LLC

New Challenges in the Trade Show Industry

2008-12-11T12:13:00.000-05:00

It has come to my knowledge in the recent months that there are many new companies showing up in the trade show industry that are causing problems in the trade show market. I have heard from customers and fellow competitors about cheap, low quality displays and uniformed, out of touch sales representative from other companies. This has been known in the industry for some time but it has dramatically increased in the past 6 months. This creates a challenge for quality trade show companies to inform online shoppers of these issues before it’s too late.
It these uncertain economic times with many industries loosing revenue and unemployment on the rise, it is more important than ever to make wise and practical investment decisions in advertising. These new trade show companies are selling poor quality products that are causing frustration to customers and wasting advertising dollars. Never be afraid to ask “where does this display come from” or “what are the specific details on the warrantee”. These questions will help you avoid cheap, low quality products.
Do not get caught up in price hunting at first. So many people will just try to find the lowest price and make there decision based on that, but the most important thing to look for in trade show products is value and service. In many cases the lowest price will also be accompanied by the highest value and best service.
Be very careful with your display purchase and do not be afraid to ask specific questions about a company or their products. It is a large investment and should be taken very seriously.
There are companies out there, like Smash Hit Displays that want to provide great products service to our customers and we are trying our best to make that known to online shoppers. Whenever you are shopping around just make sure to ask the right questions and make sure that you are getting the best product for your money.

Matt
Smash Hit Displays, LLC

Trade Shows and the Economy

2008-10-17T10:05:00.000-05:00

It has been a rough couple of months for the stock market and many companies who were heavily invested in it. There has been a “doom and gloom” picture painted by the media and many public leaders and politicians have embraced the scenario.

What are hard working Americans to think when everyone around them is telling them the economy is tanking? This has created an unneeded panic in the country and many Americans are taking their money out of banks, withdrawing from their retirement accounts, and completely freezing all their spending. This, in effect, has caused lower retail sales. America is said to have a fundamentally weak economy and that we are heading into a depression…

Once again this is a typical worst case scenario presented in the main stream media to boost their ratings. There is absolutely no reason to panic and take all of your money out of the banks. The US economy is one of the strongest in the world because of our small business base.

If you watched the most recent Presidential debate you heard about Joe the Plummer. Everyone focused on his tax concerns but the great thing about Joe is that in this “terrible” market he is in a position to buy a business and realize the American dream. If the economy is in such a terrible state, situations like this would not happen. There are many stories like this from our customer base that are very encouraging and show the strength of the American economy. I have had multiple comments in the past two months from customers saying, “I am so busy right now I cannot handle it!”

This is a prime market to take advantage of the low interest rates, affordable housing, and clearance sales from car dealerships and retailers. It is also a good time to make low risk and diversified stock investments. This is not a market to take your money and hide; this is a prime market for strong investment and guaranteed high ROI.

Now what on earth does this have to do with trade shows? It’s the same basic concept. If you see your competitors taking the retrenching approach to advertising it is your opportunity to take a larger portion of the market share. Even if the industry is declining, an increased market share will either level out or increase business.

Press forward in this uncertain market and make well planned business decisions. Some the greatest business men of our time are taking 100% advantage of this market and its paying off for them.

Once again buying a high quality product from Smash Hit Displays is always a good investment decision because it will last for many years and save money in the long run. We just launched a new line of affordable and high quality pop up displays that will be sure to impress our customers.

If you decide to push forward and you reap the rewards from your business decisions do not forget the reason we are in this economic mess in the first place - Poor financial planning and too much leverage – on the business and personal level. Always make smart financial decisions and plan for the future, never jump on “get rich quick” programs and remember high return = high risk. You might make a lot, but you also could lose it all. Always make reasonable and secure business and investment decisions.

Thank You

Matt
Smash Hit Displays, LLC

Focusing on the Right Market

2008-08-19T16:35:00.000-05:00

In deciding on you next trade show display purchase it is very important to thoroughly examine your target market. I cannot stress how important it is to purchase a display that will capture your audience’s attention. At Smash Hit Displays we offer a wide range of display options from simple banner stands to elaborate truss systems. Knowing your audience will allow you to choose the display that is appropriate to draw in potential clients. There are some clients that appreciate simple, direct display designs and are distracted my modern and elaborate displays. There are also clients that will only talk to exhibitors with modern displays that they have never seen before.

That’s why it’s so important to design a display that will reach your audience in the best possible way. Smash Hit Displays can help recommend an effective display and design a graphic that will effectively capture your target audience. Please visit our web site and view our trade show articles to get advice on trade show exhibiting and call us if you have any questions.

-Matt

Smash Hit Displays, LLC

Why buy trade show products?

2008-08-14T09:45:00.000-05:00

Many customers state that anything labeled “trade show” automatically is more expensive than a standard product. Why is there a price difference? Trade show products are designed to be used multiple times and shipped all over the world. If you compare a standard home cabinet to a trade show cabinet, the same size counter will cost about twice as much as a standard counter. Why is that? The trade show counter is designed to break down into compact shipping cases and be re-assembled in minutes. This saves time and money on shipping in the long run.

We carry Ultra Form trade show cabinets that are available in a wide variety of sizes and colors. We also carry fabric tension counters which are modern and unique. Please visit our new and improved web site to view our full line of trade show products that are easy to assemble.

Matt

Smash Hit Displays, LLC

How to save money by spending more!

2008-08-05T10:14:00.000-05:00

It seems recently that weather or not the economic slowdown has hit you personally, we all are spending less because of the uncertain future; the trade show industry is no exception. It is very tempting to try and find the least expensive display in order to save money now, but in the long run you will be costing your company money. It is very important to invest in high quality trade show displays in order to get the most use out of your money.

There are many imitators out there that sell low quality products at bargain prices, and usually if it’s too good to be true it probably is. The imported pop ups that come from China have a 30% defect rate when they come from the factory, and even higher once they actually get used once. At Smash Hit Displays our preferred supplier has a less than 1% return rate on all their products!

The key word is value. Smash Hit Displays offers the highest value of any online trade show retailer. We offer high quality products that we know perform well in trade shows and last for many shows in the future. We offer customer support for any questions related to your display or trade shows in general. We also offer the lowest prices on the net for high quality displays and we back it up with great customer service. Please visit our new hybrid display section to see our newest additions to our site.

Matt

Smash Hit Displays, LLC

Advertising After the Show

2008-07-29T12:01:00.000-05:00

There is a new product out that helps exhibitors reach potential clients like never before, its called trade show news television and it allows exhibitors to broadcast over the internet with streaming video. This helps exhibitors follow up with potential clients and reach clients that could not attend the show.

This reiterates the point that follow up is very important to maximize potential clients at trade shows. Using a great trade show display from Smash Hit Displays is the first thing to create a great trade show experience for your clients. Create a fun and professional atmosphere by making eye contact, asking questions, and listening.

You can check out our trade show articles and tips to get advice and clues on how to make your trade show profitable. Just remember to get a great trade show display and present yourself well to your clients.

Matt

Smash Hit Displays, LLC

The Importance of Trade Show Displays

2008-07-28T09:28:00.001-05:00

With all the planning and rushing to organize a trade show display, it can be overlooked as to why you are attending it in the first place. The main goal of a trade show is to market a product and/or service for a wide variety of people in order to expand your client base. It is important take a step back and remembers your target client base and what it takes to get their attention over the competition.

In some industry’s it is very valuable to stay up to date with the most modern displays so you customers see innovation and change, such as the Alumalite, Nline, and Xpressions displays. In other industries a standard pop up display is the norm and anything else might be overlooked.

At Smash Hit Displays we can help guide you to the most valuable display to purchase. Our main goal is to sell you the display that is right for you and will make your client base expand. We are budget sensitive and will not push you over your budget, however we will find the right display for you!

Please visit our new go green page to view our expanding line of eco-friendly display products and please visit our Alumalite display page to see the lowest prices on Alumalite’s in the industry. Thank you for choosing Smash Hit Displays!

Matt Nixon

Smash Hit Displays, LLC

Check our new site!

2008-07-22T09:54:00.001-05:00

We have finally launched our new web site! We still offer all the same products but with an easy to use, customer friendly site! It is now extremely simple to view out custom display page which have multiple design idea to base a customer displays design. We have a new and improved graphic design page which explains our design department and shows previous designs we have created.

We are most proud of our Go Green section which showcases all the newest green trade show displays on the market. We have put a lot of time and effort into launching this section and we have we can meet our customers’ needs by offering a green alternative to standard trade show products.

We still offer the classics: pop up displays, panel systems, truss systems, banner stands, and fabric tension, as well as a full line of trade show accessories. Please keep view our site to see out most recent trade show display additions like the Alumalite and Nline series displays.

Our company is getting a facelift!

2008-07-16T09:51:00.000-05:00

At Smash Hit Displays we take great pride in our easy to use, customer friendly web site but we have taken it to the next step! We are getting ready to launch a new and improved web site that is more interactive and easy to use than our current site. We will not be offering a full line of green trade show products as well as all the latest trends such as Alumalite and Xpressions displays.

With shipping prices going through the roof, we will still offer free ground shipping on select items to save all of our customer’s money. We also offer a full line of lightweight, compact displays that are very easy to ship and can be carried onto airplanes.

The most impressive aspect of our new site will be the custom display section which will feature an expanding page of custom displays and options to customize a display to your companies needs. We will continue to offer great service and customer support as well as our popular pop up displays and banner stands!

Why Do Trade Shows?

2008-07-08T09:17:00.000-05:00

Trade shows are exhilarating . . . and they are difficult . . . and they are hard work for both the buyers and the sellers. Although buyers who like trade shows like them to be exhilarating they know trade shows will be hard work. They would like them to be less difficult to work. That may be "the impossible dream." Trade shows are hard work for buyers because they require lots of walking, information gathering and, yes, sometimes even decision-making.

Trade shows are exhilarating for buyers for several reasons. First, they are a change of scenery from their daily routine. Secondly, they will be seeing new products, services and ideas that will stimulate their thinking and planning processes. Thirdly, they will be seeing and talking to people they do not get to see very often, suppliers, people in the same business, and yes, even competitors. They can all laugh, cry, brag, and commiserate together. They can exchange ideas and solutions to common problems. And lastly, they may buy some product or service that will help their firm or their firm's customer be better at what they are doing.

For those who exhibit at a show, I am not saying that it is not hard or difficult work. It is! It is hard work! Anything worth doing demands hard work. It is difficult because most of the people who staff a trade show exhibit are either outside salespeople, telephone salespeople, management (who are told that they should "press the flesh") or, often, not even salespeople. And, to make matters worse, they are being asked to work in a temporary and unfamiliar work environment.

Trade shows, no matter where one is in the distribution system, are a form of retailing -- the customer enters the seller's territory. Just as it is difficult for a "retail type" to be asked to knock on doors, it is difficult for someone who has not been trained in a retail selling situation to do a good job. People who are uncomfortable working at a trade show cannot do a good job!

It is for these reasons that trade shows are more difficult for buyers than they should be. They are having to shop in stores where the sales help does not really want to be there. This leads to inattentive salespeople or unattended booths. Another reason is that most trade show exhibit spaces are not arranged and/or signed to make it easy for first-time customers/buyers to know the nuances of what is being exhibited.

Not all buyers have the same abilities or experience. Some are professional buyers in their field. Anyone who exhibits, wishes there were more. Most buyers are not. Between 40% and 60% of the people attending a show have never been to a show, or that particular show, before. Most exhibitors do not realize this!

To uninitiated buyers, a trade show is a "cacophony of vision." There are 500 different musical groups who are all playing simultaneously. Some are orchestras, some are trios, some are soloists. Some are playing classical music, some are playing last year's tunes. To the uninitiated, they are all playing hard rock. Musicians (exhibitors) hears only their own music (merchandise or service). Buyers would like them to play one at a time. And it is not just the uninitiated who feel this way.

Trade show performance

2008-07-07T11:38:00.000-05:00

There are lots of ways to improve your team's performance at trade shows from snazzy new displays to intensive training to rewards and incentives for top producers. it's difficult to even count the myriad ways. But many of these trade show improvement methods come with hefty price tags.

Don't despair. There are many ways to pump up performance without breaking the bank. In fact, I've collected 27 low or no cost ways to improve your next trade show. Use these trade show tips to make your next trade show your best ever:

1. Research the trade show before you commit: Does it attract a large number of people from your target audience?

2. Give yourself enough time: Planning and preparation for a major trade show can take 12 to 18 months.

3. Involve top management in the planning process.

4. Send e-mail reminders to loyal customers and strong prospects before the show, urging them to stop by your booth.

5. Define goals and objectives for trade show participation.

6. Share these goals and objectives with your booth staff. They can't achieve your goals and objectives if they don't know what they are.

7. Plan for security as needed: you don't want expensive prototypes or demo models 'walking away'.

8. Brief your team on common trade show espionage practices and how to defend against them.

9. Send enough people to ensure adequate trade show booth coverage throughout the show.

10. Give each booth staffer a specific role, with job expectations clearly spelled out.

11. Stress the value of friendly greetings, polite manners, and appropriate body language.

12. Take the time to familiarize your team with the lead collection technology you'll be using before the trade show.

13. Make sure at least some of the people going to the show are prepared to answer technical questions.

14. Send friendly, personable people with a genuine enthusiasm for your company, its products and services. These may not be your most senior people: make your choices based on effectiveness, not seniority.

15. Check in with your team throughout the trade show to assess performance, reward positive behaviors, and stop negative trends before they get out of hand.

16. Establish a dress code for your staffers: They'll look more professional and act as better ambassadors for your company.

17. Don't forget the shoes, hair, and accessories: people notice the details. Manicures are crucial, as your team will be shaking hands hundreds, perhaps thousands, of times during the show.

18. Two words: Breath Mints.

19. Practice asking qualifying questions with your booth staffers.

20. Product demonstrations are a great way to draw a crowd: Make sure your team knows how to give an effective, engaging presentation by having them practice before the trade show.

21. If you are sponsoring entertainment, a speaker, or other event, make sure your team knows what to do during this time. From working the crowd to collecting leads, there's plenty they should be doing to promote your company's name and image.

22. Designate a 'go-to' person to act as a liaison with trade show management. The better your relationship with management is, the better your show experience will be.

23. That exhibitor's service manual the trade show organizers sent you when you registered? Read it: it's chock full of valuable information to help ensure a stress-free show.

24. Copy appropriate pages from the exhibitor service manual and pass them along to the relevant staffers: It doesn't help you to know when everything has to be broken down and off the show floor if you're not the person doing that work.

25. Order services ahead of time. Making deadlines = big savings.

26. Establish a follow up protocol for hot leads, promising prospects, and likely customers. Use this protocol to turn leads into sales.

27. Say "Thank You" to attendees for stopping by, to anyone who fills out survey information or participates in a demonstration, during your follow up calls.

Green Page is Ready to Go!

2008-05-30T10:18:00.001-05:00

Smash Hit Displays has launched our Go Green Trade Show Display Products! We are trying to do our part in helping the wasteful trade show industry become more environmentally friendly. There are many ways our green products help the environment. Some products offer recycled graphic print materials, while others are made from renewable, sustainable products.

One environmentally friendly attribute that is often overlooked is overall quality. Buying a quality product, where it is considered “eco-friendly” or not, is the best way to help the environment. At Smash Hit Displays you get both! Environmentally friendly trade show display products that outlast and outperform the competition!

Not only do we sell eco-friendly products we also practice sustainability in our operations. Smash Hit Displays is located in Washington State and powered by Puget Sound Energy which uses over 80% renewable hydro-electric power. Our internet hosting site, AISO.net, is powered 100% by solar energy. We turn off our lights when we don’t need them and all of our computer equipment is energy star qualified!

Please visit our Go Green Page as often as possible to view our expanding line of sustainable trade show display products!

Matt Nixon

Smash Hit Displays, LLC

New Products

2008-05-29T09:50:00.001-05:00

The trade show industry has been expanding rapidly over the past 10 years, and most exhibitors are using trade show displays in order to capture their customer’s eye. It is very important to realize that it takes new and innovative trade show display products to capture the customer’s attention.

Smash Hit Displays is now offers the Alumalite 10 foot display. The display takes up the same space as a typical Pop up Display but has a unique style that stands out among other displays. The Alumalite is very affordable for the type of trade show display it is and Smash Hit Displays offers the lowest price in the industry.

Make sure to keep you trade show booth looking sharp with new and innovative displays. Your customers will appreciate the exciting trade show experience and will remember you booth above all others.

Matt Nixon

Smash Hit Displays, LLC

Trade show attendance down!

2008-05-23T12:49:00.000-05:00

In a recent article in Trade Show Week, stats have shown a decrease in trade show attendance and increase in exhibitors. This means fewer customers per exhibitor. With increased competition it is very important to make your display stand out. At Smash Hit Displays we provide trade show display consulting services to our customers to insure they receive the best display for their money. Along with our graphic design guidelines we can make a display that stands out among all others!

Our newer products such as the Alumalite and N-Line Series Displays are different than typical trade show displays. They are more innovative and stand out amount other trade show booths. Truss systems are also a good way to stand out in the crowd.

Always keep in mind that the trade show industry is continuously changing and exhibitors are updating their displays regularly so always stay on top of the competition with the newest displays from Smash Hit Displays!

Matt Nixon

Smash Hit Displays, LLC

How to catch their eye with graphic design!

2008-05-20T10:00:00.001-05:00

Trade show exhibits with graphic prints are by far the best way to get a clients attention at a trade show. We provide many tips at Smash Hit Displays to ensure our customers receive a graphic with the best quality and content around.

The first tip is to keep your colors on the neutral side, and stick to company colors. This will create a display that is pleasing to the customer and it will create a positive feeling at your booth. The second tip is to keep your most import images, text, etc. at eye level. You only have 1-3 seconds to capture someone’s attention so keep the best content where people can see it! The last tip is to keep it simple. Going overboard with graphic images and design is usually distracting to buyers and can be an ineffective use of funds. Keep your graphics simple and you will have more people stopping at your booth.

Please visit Smash Hit Displays and view our graphic design page as well as our Hop Up displays for the most cost efficient trade show booth with graphics.

Matt Nixon

Smash Hit Displays, LLC

Get ready for a new web page!

2008-05-16T09:50:00.000-05:00

Here at Smash Hit Displays, we pride ourselves in provides great customer service. We will soon be revamping our web page with more informative descriptions, new products, and a wide range of green trade show display products! We will now offer a full line of custom trade show displays as well as premium graphic design service.

The trade show display industry has been expanding rapidly the last few years and we know it can be hard for new customers to find the perfect display for their show. Our customer service department is very experienced and can guide anyone through our site to find the best trade show booth for your company.

Always keep us in mind when deciding on your next trade show displays product. Please call us if you ever have any questions so we can guide you through a successful trade show display choice!

Matt Nixon

Smash Hit Displays, LLC

Best Value for Trade Shows

2008-05-13T00:29:00.000-05:00

The current economic condition is causing confusion among many people around the world. Some fear recession and other think it is a hick-up that will soon pass. Regardless of the future of the US economy one thing is certain as of today, people want the most value for their money. Consumers and business want the most productivity for their dollar now more than ever. Smash Hit Displays offers the best value for their customers. We only offer quality American made products. We are the highest value retailer on the internet. While some competitors offer cheaper displays, they are not as valuable. A typical pop up display that Smash Hit Displays offers will last the customer a minimum of five solids years of heavy trade show display use. Imitation displays offered by some competitors are imported and are useful for about one or two trade shows.

Smash Hit Displays strives for customer satisfaction and value. We only sell displays that we would use or have used ourselves. There is no question that when a customer buys from Smash Hit Displays they will receive the best product and service for their money.

Here comes the busy season!

2008-01-10T12:02:00.000-05:00

The Trade Show season is hitting full force in the month of January. The new trends for 2008 are the show stopping Truss Systems as well as unique Custom Displays. The design team at Smash Hit Displays can design just about any display a person can imagine. We have multiple manufacturers that create custom designs for customers. The benefit in Truss Systems and Custom Displays is the uniqueness of the display. The standard trade show exhibitor uses a Pop-Up Display or a Panel System Display which make Truss Systems and Custom Displays a show stopper.

During the busy season it is important to remember to make your booth stand out. This could require some lead time so be sure to give yourself plenty of time when ordering a Trade Show Exhibit. Never hesitate to call us at Smash Hit Displays when ordering a Trade Show Display!

The Housing Market and Trade Shows

2008-01-02T14:06:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! The trade show season in 2007 was great and the new 2008 season looks good but some aspects of the economy could cause problems for sellers. For the past 6 months the housing market has been up and down because of defaulting sub prime mortgages and risky MBS investments. Although the economy is holding steady the phychological implications are still making buyers nervous. Now what on earth does this have to do with trade show displays?

This has a lot to do with the buyers that visit the trade shows. It is important to understand the current state of the economy and big business in order to adapt a sales pitch to the appropriate crowd. Small businesses are usually the ones most worried when the economy is uncertain, big business can usually absorb bumps in the economy. If the main target for your trade show is small business owners, then it could be a good idea to offers information that convinces the buyer their money is being well spent. Recent customer feedback and potential return on investment numbers are good things to inform the buyer about.

Although the economy as a whole is uncertain right now, it is quite simple to retain current customers and capture new ones if you have a great trade show display and the right attitude to accommodate the buyer’s state of mind. Check out our new Alumalite, NLine, and Entasi Displays. Also view our Truss Systems which are gaining more and more popularity. Thank you for choosing Smash Hit Displays!

-Matt

The New Trade Show Season

2007-12-31T15:23:00.000-05:00

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

2007-12-28T14:13:00.000-05:00

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

2007-12-27T11:47:00.000-05:00

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?

2007-12-20T12:27:00.000-05:00

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

2007-09-12T11:42:00.000-05:00

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?

2007-09-04T11:54:00.000-05:00

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

2007-08-30T10:17:00.000-05:00

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?

2007-08-29T08:21:00.000-05:00

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

2007-08-28T11:01:00.000-05:00

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

2007-08-27T07:57:00.000-05:00

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

2007-08-24T10:11:00.000-05:00

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

2007-08-23T08:46:00.000-05:00

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

2007-08-22T10:06:00.000-05:00

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

2007-08-21T08:43:00.000-05:00

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

2007-08-20T09:08:00.000-05:00

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

2007-08-17T13:31:00.000-05:00

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

2007-08-16T08:50:00.000-05:00

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

2007-08-15T08:06:00.000-05:00

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

2007-08-14T09:53:00.000-05:00

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

2007-08-10T08:29:00.000-05:00

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

2007-08-09T08:03:00.000-05:00

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!

2007-08-08T07:22:00.000-05:00

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"

2007-08-07T08:08:00.000-05:00

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

2007-08-02T07:55:00.000-05:00

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

2007-08-01T08:32:00.000-05:00

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?

2007-07-31T09:59:00.000-05:00

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.