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.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Narrowing your trade show list
Based primarily on budgets and obvious time constraints, most companies must find out which shows are the best for their needs from their wish list. The key to finding the best shows is figuring what shows pull in the most decision makers.
To find out who attends, ask the show management for a demographic profile of their attendees from previous forums. Typically, show literature will list only the numbers and general titles of their attendees. You'll need to do some research but in the long run you might save yourself undue time and money. Check the titles and purchasing responsibility if that information is available.
Another avenue to finding the best shows is contacting past attendees. Have a list of questions ready that will tell you if they are indeed the decision makers, and what value they placed on their time spent in the exhibit hall. You can also check out the exhibitor list from the previous year, and ask those non-competing exhibitors what their impressions of the show were and whether they will be attending again.
You also need to check with the show managers and ask how they are promoting the show and about their strategy for getting people to the exhibit hall. If it's a new show, there should be ample promotion to attract the traffic you need to make it worthwhile.
Once you've targeted the best shows to attend, you need to decide how your display space will look. We can help in that regard outfitting you with a display (truss displays, Burst exhibits, backlit graphic exhibits, or a portable folding booth) that best fits your needs, a special custom logo rug or trade show carpets, and eye catching tradeshow graphics. For all your one stop show booth needs ask for "the trade show guys" Evan and Erik.
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.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Managing your tradeshow schedule and materials
Do you wish to learn how to manage your next show and its materials? Then take a gander at our latest offering. For some, the most tedious part of any job is the paperwork; so if you're involved in managing the company's trade shows -- be prepared! There are forms to be filled out for every aspect of the tradeshow.
Where do you start? First, contact the show management for the shows you planned to attend and request an exhibitor application. You should do this as promptly as possible with the mindset many show managers require paperwork and deposits to be prepared and paid well in advance. Also, some shows base booth location on a first come, first served basis.
In terms of the exhibitor form, fill it out completely and carefully. It is usually with the application forms that you have the opportunity to choose the all-important booth location. Usually, you'll list a minimum three locations in order of preference. When choosing a location, think about traffic flow into the exhibit hall. If possible select areas toward the front, near food stands, near restrooms, break areas-- any area that will naturally have more traffic. Also, try to get a corner location. It’s like real estate 101. A corner gives you twice the visibility and usually costs more, but is worth it. You also have a better opportunity for traffic flow through your booth.
A Smash Hit Displays is a well of knowledge when it comes to preparing for that next show. Should you require some guidance in preparation or in purchasing that perfect display(lighted graphic booths, an Xpressions Pop Up) or tradeshow graphics then look no further. For we are your “one stop shop” for the best in trade show booth designs.
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.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Cutting Down Your Trade Show Budget
Cutting budgets. It’s something many of us have come to dread in past years. But in this penny pinching micro managed corporate world its common place.
When a recession or internal volatility occur, a company immediately looks at cutting budgets. Typically, the first to the chopping block is inevitably training, followed closely behind by marketing. Both are viewed as expenditures rather than income generators, so obviously they’re hot contenders for elimination.
As our author states, this is a very myopic way of thinking, especially for companies who desire to be globally competitive. Instead, at times like these when resources are under severe scrutiny, it should be looked upon as a golden opportunity to analyze company strategies.
Our author offers some benefits to success for marketing and how they relate to tradeshows.
Take a few moments and read the attached article to understand each benefit in detail for I’ve only offered one benefit below.
1. Analyze your weakest links
Examine your operation in detail, and you might discover that many of your actions are done out of habit rather than being productive or profitable. Think about some of the shows that you attend and how do they really fit into your marketing strategy. Are you attending them just because you’ve always done so, or because your competition is there? These are often your weak links, the shows that utilize unnecessary time and energy.
Another weak link is often associated with excessive employee spending at shows, such as dining at the finest restaurants and ordering the highest priced items just because the boss is paying. Consider setting up a per diem allowance and make employees accountable for expenses.
A Smash Hit Displays understands exhibiting is a powerful extension of any company’s marketing strategy and its people are the backbone. Eliminating a portion of marketing or training budgets during times of recession is tantamount to profitability suicide. As referenced above, consider looking at other places to make those cuts and focus more on the shows that make the most sense. Should you desire expert advice on display options (tabletop pop up exhibit, table top panel trade show booths, or trade show booth truss) or trade show signage please give us a call. We are here to help make that next show as profitable as possible.
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.
Friday, August 10, 2007
25 Ways to Use the Media Effectively during Tradeshows
If you’ve wanted to know how to utilize media for your trade show then this article is for you. As we all know, the media has the power to influence tradeshow efforts, whether television, radio, or print. Our job is to target our endeavors to create a positive company image and brand awareness of our products and services. How do we do that? Below are just a few of the 25 important points our author has offered to help maximize our tradeshow efforts. If you wish to learn all the key points please read the attached article.
Before the Show
1. Define and select your target audience so that you can tailor your message directly to the needs, concerns, and interests of your prospects.
2. Ask show management for a comprehensive media list, complete with contact name, mailing address, phone number, and email address of all trade, business, and local press and radio and TV stations. Also ask them about their media plan for the show. In addition, learn how to Determine the Target Audience of Your Small Business.
3. Find out which publications are planning a show edition and their deadline for press releases. Realize that many of the trade journals work several months in advance.
4. Build a working relationship with the press. Get to know the editors and writers. Volunteer to be a resource for them. Ask about particular stories they are working on and consider information you may have to help them.
During the Show
5. Keep the press office well-stocked with your press kits. Also keep some press kits in your booth in case the media stop by.
6. Have a media spokesperson in your booth at all times, even over the lunch hour. Be prepared to explain your product and its importance in easy-to-understand, non-technical terms.
7. Keep show management informed of newsworthy information for the show daily and in case reporters call in looking for story ideas.
8. Heighten visibility and create positive publicity through sponsorship opportunities. Various media covering the event may automatically include sponsors names and photos, which can often generate coverage that might otherwise not be available.Again, the points mentioned above are just a sampling. There are another 17 important tips to utilize to make the most of media assistance. Remember that your target audience is composed of information seekers who are always on the lookout for advice, ideas, and information to help them. Your information must appeal to your target audience's self-interest, while at the same time promoting your own. Make sure your media assistance is backed up by a first rate booth. Such a booth can be created via A Smash Hit through the proper display of your brand through the likes of pop up trade show exhibits, truss stands, fabric tension displays and eye catching trade show graphics
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
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Lead Tracking for Trade Shows
One of the most important things we can impart on a customer is to FOLLOW UP with their leads immediately following their show. Over 79% of all leads are never followed up. That stems mainly from laziness. Don’t add to that statistic. Better yet make the most of your trade show debut by following up with potential customers. For in this ever changing multi faceted society of time poverty we must take or make the time to contact these people. Do the math. Most people aren’t following up which gives you a greater probability to close a deal because the competitive pool is lessened.
Our author offers some pointers on how to maximize that follow up routine.
Try assigning one person the responsibility of managing your company lead system. This will offer continuity in a most important area. They should be responsible for:
· Writing response letters
· Determining a fulfillment package
· Making sure the fulfillment packages are sent out in a timely manner
· Distributing leads among sales reps
· Developing a lead form to collect exactly the information your company needs
· Setting up a timetable/flowchart for following the leads
A Smash Hit Displays offer expert advice on the “follow up” and how it pertains to the trade show industry. Following that advice is the key to maximizing future business via your trade shows. All those willing to make the time to contact potential customers immediately will reap the rewards. To further understand such techniques, reach the attached article in its entirety.
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.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Making it Happen!
If you are currently in this situation or have been in the past and needed a little guidance this article is for you. This article specifically targets those who have an idea about the type of booth wanted and how they want it to look. The question then becomes how to make it happen?
First, check with all booth vendors in your area. It is important in some instances to have local access to a vendor so you can easily go to the showroom to see the products, get ideas, and also be able to easily get support, extra parts, and supplies. Now, you can also use the local vendors for reconnaissance knowing you can purchase the same or comparable booth online for much less.
Many times, trade show reps are also great resources for ideas for designing your booth. Because that’s primarily all the graphics they produce on a daily, weekly, monthly output they are accustomed to knowing what works and what doesn’t with large format graphics. Specifically speaking, they know what works and how to make your booth effective. Be smart and utilize their experience and advice – it should be free! Check references of the vendors with whom you speak. Talk to their customers and see if they are happy with both their booth and the service from the vendor. Finally, if you make time head to a local trade show and ask some of the show vendors about their booths and where it was purchased. You are about to make a potentially large investment, and a little product research is a great idea.
Also, vendors will store your booth in their warehouse or showroom while it's not in use, for a nominal charge. Some will also make sure it's clean and in good shape, and ship it for you when you need it. Make sure you know what they charge for this service.
Our show displays staff can assist you in creating graphics from images you supply, or we can create graphics from scratch. Here, cost is usually the key difference. The more graphic elements you can provide the less you will be charged in the long run. In short, understanding what you can and can’t do when it comes to purchasing that perfect display is most important to making it happen the right way. We can assist you in the afore-mentioned areas. For the best service and trade show graphics to make your display happen look no further!
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!
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
When it comes to Graphics "Less is More"
How many times have we stressed the fact that when it comes to your trade show graphics... Less is more!
As our author states, how do you get your exhibit booth to communicate who you are, what you do, and what your product or service is -- all in three seconds? Though the questions sound ominous they really aren't. A great example would be thinking billboards that you pass on the highway. They have the exact same job and most succeed in answering each of those questions within that short period of time. They have to tell you who the company is and what it's selling as you zoom past at 55+ miles per hour. Some work and some don't. The key is usually in the graphics.
To make your booth graphics have impact and work for you rather than against you, remember:
Focus on your product's or service's "benefits" rather than "services."
Use text very sparingly. You want your booth to look more like a billboard than a brochure.
Make sure there is a single focal point. Find the essence of your business and make sure everything revolves around that central idea.
Make sure your name and your positioning statement are very prominent in the design. Remember, if you're a new company, you have to create an impression, and if you're an existing company you have to maintain and build on that impression.
A Smash Hit urges our customers frequently to keep tradeshow booth graphics simple and that simplicity will garner success. For as the attached article states, less is more in the realm of trade show graphics. Though the trade show booth: popup display, truss wall, fabric structures, or lighted trade show exhibits is important because it gives you the blank canvas on which to attach your graphics, graphics tell your story and if done correctly in a way your potential customer understands in just a few seconds. Urgency necessitates speed at trade shows. Those with the message best promoted will acrue the greatest return on investment.
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.
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Following Up after Follow Up
We constantly stress to our customers when it comes to post show instructions, follow up with potential customers immediately. The more time you waste the less likely you are to land new business. This is particularly important when your sales people are charged with such tasks. For, many sales reps DO NOT follow up with leads from trade shows. The reasons they give range from the information not being complete, or they just don't have the time because they're following up on leads they feel have more potential.
Follow up should be first and foremost in your mind once your show has concluded. Though the shows can be both physically and mentally taxing, there should be no charging of batteries. That can always be done after all the follow ups have been made or attempted. Because as was stated earlier, the longer you wait the less likely you are to land new business and the more likely your trade show investment became money down the proverbial drain.
As previously emphasized, we try and urge customers to follow up after each show. Both pre and post show analysis is important if you are to make the most out of your trade show experience. Beyond the pre and post show follow up, make sure your product is high quality and cost effective. Whether you go the route of a popup display, tradeshow banner stands, truss designs, or fabric tension structures, insure you have all the information necessary to make a qualified decision pertaining to that next trade show.
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.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Filling the Fulfillment Package
What are fulfillment packages? In a sentence, they are your follow up after the trade show. How do you decide what to put in your fulfillment packages? As our author states, it's never as easy as it sounds. You don't want to simply send the same things your potential customers picked up at the show nor do you want to overload them with potentially expensive literature that they will just throw in the trash.
For these reasons, a well done but economical overview piece for your company seems more applicable. It can be used for pre or post show mailings, as well as an informational piece for your "general" response packages.
A Smash Hit Displays understands the importance of fulfillment packages. The customer who is best prepared for reaching potential customers after the show will be able to handle new customers. That general prepared nature comes with pre show and post show homework concerning the marketing of a company and display specifics. Those specifics could include the likes of show displays, table top pop up displays, custom backlit displays, and even custom logo flooring.
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.
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