TradeShow Teacher, a Miami based Trade Show Consulting firm has offered customizable Trade Show Exhibitor Resource Programs to combat the problem of annual turnover in show exhibitors. Some of these programs include webinars, seminars and training materials. These programs are designed to help their exhibitors achieve higher Returns on Investment on their Trade Show expenditures, creating much stronger loyalty and reducing turnover.
A Smash Hit Displays understand the obstacles trade show producers endure year to year having to invent their show anew. We constantly wrestle with the ever-changing landscape of the trade show industry. Our site undergoes constant change including but not limited to the daily article section. This evolution is vital in order to keep up with our vacilating consumer base, as well as, our competitors.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
How to prepare for a trade show
The attached article is one of the better articles I've read over the last year detailing pre-show, at the show, and post show marketing. Please take a few moments to review B. Henderson's post.
The following article by B. Henderson is one of the better articles I've read over the past year. It details pre show, at the show and post show marketing techniques to maximize your trade show experience.
He exclaims the trade show is one of your best opportunities to come face-to-face with existing and potential customers; stating trade shows can be very effective, or of little use. The rate of return depends on how you run your booth. Most companies simply do not make maximum use of this opportunity.
Henderson theorizes a trade show is not a singular event but a microcosm of the entire marketing process. Part of an intricate, coordinated effort that begins weeks before the show, and ends a couple of weeks after the show. It involves direct mail, advertising specialties, print ads, and telemarketing . . . plus the booth itself . . . plus how the individuals working the booth conduct themselves. To glean more information on those three stages mentioned above please take a moment to peruse his article.
A Smash Hit Displays find selling trade show displays often follows Henderson's three marketing stages. There is the 1) pre sell period- discerning a client's business and marketing needs for his/her booth, 2) during the sell period- configuring a client's trade show graphics within the designated templates and parameters needed to properly elicit the desired Pavlovian response from their perceived customer base, and finally 3) post sell period- including the sale of additional graphic packages, trade show accessories, and any set-up asistance or guidance.
The following article by B. Henderson is one of the better articles I've read over the past year. It details pre show, at the show and post show marketing techniques to maximize your trade show experience.
He exclaims the trade show is one of your best opportunities to come face-to-face with existing and potential customers; stating trade shows can be very effective, or of little use. The rate of return depends on how you run your booth. Most companies simply do not make maximum use of this opportunity.
Henderson theorizes a trade show is not a singular event but a microcosm of the entire marketing process. Part of an intricate, coordinated effort that begins weeks before the show, and ends a couple of weeks after the show. It involves direct mail, advertising specialties, print ads, and telemarketing . . . plus the booth itself . . . plus how the individuals working the booth conduct themselves. To glean more information on those three stages mentioned above please take a moment to peruse his article.
A Smash Hit Displays find selling trade show displays often follows Henderson's three marketing stages. There is the 1) pre sell period- discerning a client's business and marketing needs for his/her booth, 2) during the sell period- configuring a client's trade show graphics within the designated templates and parameters needed to properly elicit the desired Pavlovian response from their perceived customer base, and finally 3) post sell period- including the sale of additional graphic packages, trade show accessories, and any set-up asistance or guidance.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Trade Show Exhibitors get pointers from Lemonade Stands
Finding a valuable nugget from our friend Susan Friedman's article archive is as easy and the steps necessary to operate a successful lemonade stand during the hot summer months. The Trade Show Coaches article explains how to attain marketing information from the simple steps involved with lemonade stands.
She proclaims everyone in business requires market research on some level. As with a lemonade stand, children confirm their neighbors don't buy cold lemonade in the winter but consume lots of it on hot summer days. They register vital demographic research as well. They know which folks in the neighborhood are more likely to buy. Perhaps they based some of their knowledge on lemonade sales from the previous summer.
Susan makes the leap from lemonade stand to trade show event producers by utilizing those basic marketing ideas and applying them to their next show. Offered are 3 of the 10 ways to garner knowledge about their target audience inexpensively. In order to view the remaining seven, please take a few moments and read the attached article.
Before the show...
- Acquire a list of businesses that exhibited at previous shows in the area or in locations with similar demographic trends and facilities. Extrapilate their success and failures at the show so yours' can avoid similar pitfalls.
- Use the Internet to find out about the show's market area. By contacting businesses in the show, you are adding to the attendance figures while at the same time gaining awareness fro your name and brand. Poll them about the products they intend to exhibit. With this information on hand, you might be able to advise them on the proper mix of products to exhibit at your show.
- Use the internet to find out about the show's market area. Contact businesses in the show region via e-mail to invite them to attend. Poll them about the products they intend to exhibit. With this information on hand, you might be able to advise them on the proper mix of products to exhibit at your show.
- Contact chambers of commerce in the show region and create a mailer inviting appropriate business members to exhibit. Include questions that will glean the demographic, socio-economic, and company profile information you seek.
As with any successful venture, ideally one should do their due diligence before beginning. A Smash Hit Displays attempts such diligence on a daily basis. On some occasions we have to assist customers with their marketing directives and in the process allow them foresight into their future trade shows and gain the knowledge needed to make a qualified decision on the purchase of a trade show display, banner stand and graphics to assist them in their endeavors.
She proclaims everyone in business requires market research on some level. As with a lemonade stand, children confirm their neighbors don't buy cold lemonade in the winter but consume lots of it on hot summer days. They register vital demographic research as well. They know which folks in the neighborhood are more likely to buy. Perhaps they based some of their knowledge on lemonade sales from the previous summer.
Susan makes the leap from lemonade stand to trade show event producers by utilizing those basic marketing ideas and applying them to their next show. Offered are 3 of the 10 ways to garner knowledge about their target audience inexpensively. In order to view the remaining seven, please take a few moments and read the attached article.
Before the show...
- Acquire a list of businesses that exhibited at previous shows in the area or in locations with similar demographic trends and facilities. Extrapilate their success and failures at the show so yours' can avoid similar pitfalls.
- Use the Internet to find out about the show's market area. By contacting businesses in the show, you are adding to the attendance figures while at the same time gaining awareness fro your name and brand. Poll them about the products they intend to exhibit. With this information on hand, you might be able to advise them on the proper mix of products to exhibit at your show.
- Use the internet to find out about the show's market area. Contact businesses in the show region via e-mail to invite them to attend. Poll them about the products they intend to exhibit. With this information on hand, you might be able to advise them on the proper mix of products to exhibit at your show.
- Contact chambers of commerce in the show region and create a mailer inviting appropriate business members to exhibit. Include questions that will glean the demographic, socio-economic, and company profile information you seek.
As with any successful venture, ideally one should do their due diligence before beginning. A Smash Hit Displays attempts such diligence on a daily basis. On some occasions we have to assist customers with their marketing directives and in the process allow them foresight into their future trade shows and gain the knowledge needed to make a qualified decision on the purchase of a trade show display, banner stand and graphics to assist them in their endeavors.
Friday, February 09, 2007
Three Musketeers Energize Baltimore Trade Show
Sometimes in business it is best to divest oneself from a situation and invest in an outsider fresh perspective. That fresh perspective most times will allow a company to move or grow in a different direction.
As is the case in the attached article, there are trade shows out there who have languished the last few years and need a fresh take and marketing look to their status quo show. If you have a struggling show out there, then the following marketing trio is well worth the investment!
A few days before Labor Day weekend the "Three Musketeers" rode into Baltimore from Florida and turned a venerable antiques show—and possibly the entire trade—upside down. In a daring, dashing, swashbuckling display of promotion, organizational genius, and unbridled spending, the trio of young men from the Sunshine State saved the day, the show, and perhaps the future of antiques with vision, energy, optimism, knowledge, and a budget to back their dreams.
The Palm Beach Show Group, in its first Baltimore Summer Antiques Show, demonstrated how to transform quickly a long-standing annual event with average attendance into a fresh, vibrant, exciting new East Coast venue that's now got everybody talking and dealers begging to get into it. The gate more than tripled, from about 9000 in 2005 to close to 30,000 this year. Interviewed dealers confirmed more traffic and higher sales.
Outside of Florida, the Palm Beach Show Group is relatively unknown. But many southern dealers who know them followed them to Baltimore, convinced the time and cost would be worth it. Praise was heard down every aisle. To learn more about the dynamic duo repsonsible for refurbishing many shows over the last 4 years take a few moments and read the attached article.
A Smash Hit Displays customers receive different and fresh points of view when it comes to displaying their brand. Most times business owners don't understand how to market their company's wares in terms of trade show graphics. They tend to need an expert's eye to elucidate their competitive advantages and make those advantages paramount in their trade show exhibit.
As is the case in the attached article, there are trade shows out there who have languished the last few years and need a fresh take and marketing look to their status quo show. If you have a struggling show out there, then the following marketing trio is well worth the investment!
A few days before Labor Day weekend the "Three Musketeers" rode into Baltimore from Florida and turned a venerable antiques show—and possibly the entire trade—upside down. In a daring, dashing, swashbuckling display of promotion, organizational genius, and unbridled spending, the trio of young men from the Sunshine State saved the day, the show, and perhaps the future of antiques with vision, energy, optimism, knowledge, and a budget to back their dreams.
The Palm Beach Show Group, in its first Baltimore Summer Antiques Show, demonstrated how to transform quickly a long-standing annual event with average attendance into a fresh, vibrant, exciting new East Coast venue that's now got everybody talking and dealers begging to get into it. The gate more than tripled, from about 9000 in 2005 to close to 30,000 this year. Interviewed dealers confirmed more traffic and higher sales.
Outside of Florida, the Palm Beach Show Group is relatively unknown. But many southern dealers who know them followed them to Baltimore, convinced the time and cost would be worth it. Praise was heard down every aisle. To learn more about the dynamic duo repsonsible for refurbishing many shows over the last 4 years take a few moments and read the attached article.
A Smash Hit Displays customers receive different and fresh points of view when it comes to displaying their brand. Most times business owners don't understand how to market their company's wares in terms of trade show graphics. They tend to need an expert's eye to elucidate their competitive advantages and make those advantages paramount in their trade show exhibit.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Trade Shows got Rhythm
Julia O'Connor, one of our resident trade show experts, seems to believe there’s a unique rhythm to a trade show. Her belief shared by me is that time is short, action is compressed, and corporate expectations are high – sometimes too high. She explains the rhythm of a show depends on many factors including location, show sponsor, management, educational components, just to name a few. Her belief is that marketing plays a huge role in the determination of that rhythm.
Julia would be exstatic to teach you all she knows in one of her quarterly Trade Show Camps she holds to educate the trade show attendants and attendees. Should you feel inclined to learn the ins and outs of the industry please contact Julia O’Connor at 800-355-3910 or julia@TradeShowTraining.com for details. Her camps usually span 2 days and would be one of the better investments of your time and money in terms of trade show education.
A Smash Hit Displays tries to educate our customers on the dos and donts of the industry pertaining to their trade show displays. On a good day, most welcome support and criticism. It takes someone with an open mind to understand there are those out there who are respective experts in their own industries and we all can't know everything about everthing. That last point is expecially tough for my little brother who in his spare time believes he is a home remodeling expert, doctor, astrologist, meteorologist, orthopedist, college football coach, as well as a, college basketball coach, well you get my meaning.
Cudos to those that understand entrusting "better suited" experts saves them mucho time and money in the long run.
Julia would be exstatic to teach you all she knows in one of her quarterly Trade Show Camps she holds to educate the trade show attendants and attendees. Should you feel inclined to learn the ins and outs of the industry please contact Julia O’Connor at 800-355-3910 or julia@TradeShowTraining.com for details. Her camps usually span 2 days and would be one of the better investments of your time and money in terms of trade show education.
A Smash Hit Displays tries to educate our customers on the dos and donts of the industry pertaining to their trade show displays. On a good day, most welcome support and criticism. It takes someone with an open mind to understand there are those out there who are respective experts in their own industries and we all can't know everything about everthing. That last point is expecially tough for my little brother who in his spare time believes he is a home remodeling expert, doctor, astrologist, meteorologist, orthopedist, college football coach, as well as a, college basketball coach, well you get my meaning.
Cudos to those that understand entrusting "better suited" experts saves them mucho time and money in the long run.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Forced to adapt, business takes show on the road
Some businesses fail because they don't adapt to changes or obstacles that arise. Well, in this particular instance, the trade show company adapted and their business model changed in the process.
In 2001, Kathy Molnar, owner of Stetson Convention Services Center, watched as her business site was demolished in a mist of dust and construction activity next to the Allegheny River.
She was told the building was going through an expansion which would take 2 years.
Molnar's business adapted as she took her business on the road learning to serve trade shows at other convention centers around the country. What at first seemed a disaster turned into a breathe of fresh air. Stetson saw the revenue grow from $350,000 as a homebound Pittsburgh business to $3.5 million as a traveling trade show business last year.
A Smash Hit Displays has adapted in its short life span seeing much competition. The competition has gotten heated; not just locally but internationally with imports starting to make a name in this aggressive market arena. But, battling through that competition and change we have carved out a niche with our customer past and present offering frank and positive direction for their display, graphic, logistic and monetary trade show questions. Should you require proper guidance based on common sense and respect, as opposed to the all mighty dollar, then do yourself a favor and contact us.
In 2001, Kathy Molnar, owner of Stetson Convention Services Center, watched as her business site was demolished in a mist of dust and construction activity next to the Allegheny River.
She was told the building was going through an expansion which would take 2 years.
Molnar's business adapted as she took her business on the road learning to serve trade shows at other convention centers around the country. What at first seemed a disaster turned into a breathe of fresh air. Stetson saw the revenue grow from $350,000 as a homebound Pittsburgh business to $3.5 million as a traveling trade show business last year.
A Smash Hit Displays has adapted in its short life span seeing much competition. The competition has gotten heated; not just locally but internationally with imports starting to make a name in this aggressive market arena. But, battling through that competition and change we have carved out a niche with our customer past and present offering frank and positive direction for their display, graphic, logistic and monetary trade show questions. Should you require proper guidance based on common sense and respect, as opposed to the all mighty dollar, then do yourself a favor and contact us.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Making a Knock-Out Trade Show Display
Having boxed back in college many millenia ago, I understand all too well the term "knock-out". I was fortunate to inflict such pain on a few opponets while also being on the receiving end a few times. In most instances I realized the more preparation I'd done on my opponent prior to that match the better suited I was before stepping into the ring. That rationale can be applied to the article referenced. It serves as a to-do list in order to create your "knock-out" trade show display.
Direct, powerful, quality, image and service are all terms your company trade show display should offer. In order to achieve those characteristics, your visual impact must make a strong first impression and communicate your message in a matter of seconds to attract future customers to stop at your booth and want to learn more about your business.
As stated above, with boxing you must consider your opponent before you step into the ring. So to, you need to consider the type, size, design and configuration of your trade show exhibit display before the purchase process. To do so, our author asks you to answer some of the following questions. In order to view all the questions pertinent to making your "knock-out" display please read the entire article.
1) What do you want to accomplish through trade show participation?
2) How do you plan to use your exhibit to meet your objectives?
3) How large are the events in which you plan to participate? Do they attract local, regional or national audiences?
4)What location type (in-line, corner, end, island) and size of display space will you reserve?
A Smash Hit Displays attempts to create "knock-out" trade show displays for our clients at all times. We succeed in this endeavor because of our "do diligence" in marrying customers with the right display. That combination all but ensures a "knock-out" display for our clients and keeps them coming back to us time and time again.
Direct, powerful, quality, image and service are all terms your company trade show display should offer. In order to achieve those characteristics, your visual impact must make a strong first impression and communicate your message in a matter of seconds to attract future customers to stop at your booth and want to learn more about your business.
As stated above, with boxing you must consider your opponent before you step into the ring. So to, you need to consider the type, size, design and configuration of your trade show exhibit display before the purchase process. To do so, our author asks you to answer some of the following questions. In order to view all the questions pertinent to making your "knock-out" display please read the entire article.
1) What do you want to accomplish through trade show participation?
2) How do you plan to use your exhibit to meet your objectives?
3) How large are the events in which you plan to participate? Do they attract local, regional or national audiences?
4)What location type (in-line, corner, end, island) and size of display space will you reserve?
A Smash Hit Displays attempts to create "knock-out" trade show displays for our clients at all times. We succeed in this endeavor because of our "do diligence" in marrying customers with the right display. That combination all but ensures a "knock-out" display for our clients and keeps them coming back to us time and time again.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Bringing your event to life
The linked article was posted by our friend Susan Friedman, The Trade Show Coach. She offers 17 tips that will bring your next event to life. They can be directly related to the trade show industry and for that reason take a few moments and glean valuable tips for your next show.
One key to a successful special event is to seek out entertainment or decorations that are unique and fun to spark conversation among guests. Before you get to the set up stage, picture the mood you want the environment to create. Try and determine what type of atmosphere will best suit your needs and market your brand. The ambiance for which you aim depends a great deal upon the type of event you're having. If it's a product launch where you want to create an aura of enthusiasm and excitement, you'll likely lean toward an exhilarating atmosphere. If you're organizing an event for your employees and their spouses, perhaps you want the mood to be somewhat romantic.
A Smash Hit Displays offers tips on a daily basis and should you feel moved to read further and add some amunition to your trade show arsenal please visit our site for the best the trade expo industry has to offer.
One key to a successful special event is to seek out entertainment or decorations that are unique and fun to spark conversation among guests. Before you get to the set up stage, picture the mood you want the environment to create. Try and determine what type of atmosphere will best suit your needs and market your brand. The ambiance for which you aim depends a great deal upon the type of event you're having. If it's a product launch where you want to create an aura of enthusiasm and excitement, you'll likely lean toward an exhilarating atmosphere. If you're organizing an event for your employees and their spouses, perhaps you want the mood to be somewhat romantic.
A Smash Hit Displays offers tips on a daily basis and should you feel moved to read further and add some amunition to your trade show arsenal please visit our site for the best the trade expo industry has to offer.
Friday, February 02, 2007
Make a Knock Out Trade Show Display
Trade show displays are a powerful medium for marketing your business and brand. They can reflect the quality, image and service your company and its products offer. To be effective, the visual impact of your display must make a strong first impression and communicate your message in a matter of seconds to attract prospects to stop at your booth and learn more about your business.
Entreprenuer asks you questions before you get started on choosing your display in order to avoid pitfalls or unnecessary work. Here are just a few of those timely questions:
1) What do you want to achieve from trade show participation?
2) How do you plan to utilize your exhibit to meet your goals?
3) How much money are you willing to invest in your exhibit? The cost of your booth, lighting and accessories can range from under $1,000 to more than $20,000 for a top-end customized display.
Answering these and the other questions within that article are crucial to choosing the right display for your company. I ask you to take a few moments out of your regular routine and read
the attached article. You will gain much insight and save valuable time in the process.
A Smash Hit Displays has a staff loyal to fitting our customers with the best display for their needs. It can't be emphasized enough how important it is to choose a display that fits your companies' objectives at shows. So, take the time to read the linked article, answer the questions with candor, then make the call necessary to create that eye popping display that will communicate your message to the masses at your upcoming shows... to us!
Entreprenuer asks you questions before you get started on choosing your display in order to avoid pitfalls or unnecessary work. Here are just a few of those timely questions:
1) What do you want to achieve from trade show participation?
2) How do you plan to utilize your exhibit to meet your goals?
3) How much money are you willing to invest in your exhibit? The cost of your booth, lighting and accessories can range from under $1,000 to more than $20,000 for a top-end customized display.
Answering these and the other questions within that article are crucial to choosing the right display for your company. I ask you to take a few moments out of your regular routine and read
the attached article. You will gain much insight and save valuable time in the process.
A Smash Hit Displays has a staff loyal to fitting our customers with the best display for their needs. It can't be emphasized enough how important it is to choose a display that fits your companies' objectives at shows. So, take the time to read the linked article, answer the questions with candor, then make the call necessary to create that eye popping display that will communicate your message to the masses at your upcoming shows... to us!
Thursday, February 01, 2007
What's in your laptop at Trade Shows?
Our buddy, Julia O'Connor's, Trade Show consultant to the stars, recent article is good food for thought. She discusses laptops at trade shows and how easy it is for someone to pilfer private information.
Here are just a couple of questions Julia poses about your laptop at a show. Keep in mind the questions could be applied to any briefcases, backpacks, wallets, and personal items as well:
- Do you have information, records, data that are irreplaceable?
- Could that information compromise your businesses security if stolen?
- Would the information be easily replaced?
If your answer to any of those queries was si, then it might be wise to keep a stern eye on your laptops. Try deleting any personal information, stripping down the file content before each show or locking those files with encrytion software just in case it is stolen.
A Smash Hit Displays is here for our client's needs. Sometimes those requirements include a bit of schooling on how to prepare for an effective trade show. Should you like to read further on other Trade Show Tips please visit our site or give us a call.
Here are just a couple of questions Julia poses about your laptop at a show. Keep in mind the questions could be applied to any briefcases, backpacks, wallets, and personal items as well:
- Do you have information, records, data that are irreplaceable?
- Could that information compromise your businesses security if stolen?
- Would the information be easily replaced?
If your answer to any of those queries was si, then it might be wise to keep a stern eye on your laptops. Try deleting any personal information, stripping down the file content before each show or locking those files with encrytion software just in case it is stolen.
A Smash Hit Displays is here for our client's needs. Sometimes those requirements include a bit of schooling on how to prepare for an effective trade show. Should you like to read further on other Trade Show Tips please visit our site or give us a call.
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