These days we are inundated with numbers and percentages pertaining to every facet of our lives, so it would figure there are hard numbers out there for trade show events. Anyone who cares to decipher their meaning is more than welcome to take a peak.
Upon first blush my response was, "hmmm not really that interesting". But, after taking a more tactical view there were some nuggets to be garnered.
We all know trade shows work for those who invest the necessary time and money into their booth. When done properly that booth will convey the image and brand desired by the vendor in order to lure new customers. If not, we wouldn't enter the numbers of trade show displays we do per annum.
Based on that assumption, do we really feel it necessary to know that in 2005, 84% of attendees exhibited Net Buying Influences- percentage of attendees with buying power (final say, specify, recommend) for one or more products exhibited) or that the Traffic Density- number of attendees occupying every 100 square feet of exhibit space was 2.3? NO!
But, knowing the Average Hours- amount of time an average attendee spends visiting all exhibits 7.8 hours was worth remembering. Further, you might know the percentage of those attending and their buying plans was 53%. That piece of information is good to know from an exhibitor stand point knowing you have a better than 1 in 2 chance of closing an attendee each time they come into your booth. The goal based on that number should be to increase that closing percentage!
It should be noted that 53% is pretty high given its still a passive atmosphere where the customer has to make the first move in most instances. Now, that can be manipulated via contests, promotional items, giveaways, or shoe models on premesis but most booths don't go those routes because of the money issue.
Finally, just remember when looking at the breakdowns for the past few years, they're just numbers and you can manipulate the crowds with a little bit of forethought and originality to generate the outcome desired.
Friday, June 23, 2006
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
7 Deadly Sins to avoid when purchasing Promotional Items
For those tradeshow presenters pondering marketing your next trade show display or booth with promotional items, take a gander at a few of those pitfalls to avoid in order to have a successful exhibition and reap it's inherent rewards... new customers and increased sales!
1- Don't purchase throw-aways and/or non-repetitive message senders
2- Target your offerings to those who are key decision makers
3- Don't forget your loyal customer base
4- Buy your items based on quality and not necessarily price
To learn the final four hazards made when procuring promotional items, click on the article title.
You would be wise to remember these simple but important perils in order to project the most professional and impressionable booth at your show!
Further, if you are in need of promotional items for that next show feel free to contact our promotional items guru at http://www.promotional-items-inc.com/
1- Don't purchase throw-aways and/or non-repetitive message senders
2- Target your offerings to those who are key decision makers
3- Don't forget your loyal customer base
4- Buy your items based on quality and not necessarily price
To learn the final four hazards made when procuring promotional items, click on the article title.
You would be wise to remember these simple but important perils in order to project the most professional and impressionable booth at your show!
Further, if you are in need of promotional items for that next show feel free to contact our promotional items guru at http://www.promotional-items-inc.com/
Thursday, June 01, 2006
'Guys Night Out'
As I have matured, time spent with close friends, though infrequent, has become more treasured. Maybe it's the fellowship, the feelings of youth rekindled, the conversations engaged, or maybe, just maybe, its simply connecting with those we care about but for one reason or another in this age of time poverty we see less and less.
Whether its girlfriends, wives, families, friends, or work, our 'free time' as it was, has become squeezed. Typically, the first of those referenced above to be overlooked would be... friends. 'Guys night out' just convened recently and I found myself pondering many aspects of that time together afterwwards on my ritualistic nightly jog. The four horsemen gathered at a local watering hole and although it was an excuse to booze, as the saying goes, it was much more.
The group to whom I am referring has known one another for well over 20 years! Adrian, Kevin, Linwood and myself meet infrequently, attempting a once a month summit. But, that predictably doesn't happen based on our frenzied schedules. Ultimately, when we meet, I believe we all feel a bit more spry, young at heart and more animated.
Why you ask? Well, friendships spanning that duration empower each of us to speak our minds, interject thoughts we might harbor for whatever reasons with our daily personal interactions, and allow us to be ourselves.
Our 'night out' started as usual with fraternal handshakes, a bear hug, followed by drinks around the table. All the while, conversation grew from what movies had we seen lately, to books read, to World Cup Soccer, NBA Playoffs, French Open, travel abroad, shoe-model establishments, to reading relationship barometers. But after more beverages were consumed, our conversation transformed to a more serious aire. We established our typical rants on conspiracy theories of old, today's politics, the war in Iraq, into how the media had become an ever-expanding hindrance into our most basic ways of life.
An epiphany struck me at some point during that period of substance and sincerity. Our band of fellowship was much more than an excuse to drink with the guys. It had become a welcome liberation to the customary turbulence that shepherds our daily lives, a time to bond with old friends and become updated with what's transpired between our gatherings. That time, though short, revives us and reminds us of who we were and who we have become to this point in our lives. It is without a doubt a recharging at times of our fraternal batteries and keeps us cognizant of who might be out of sight but never out of mind.
Whether its girlfriends, wives, families, friends, or work, our 'free time' as it was, has become squeezed. Typically, the first of those referenced above to be overlooked would be... friends. 'Guys night out' just convened recently and I found myself pondering many aspects of that time together afterwwards on my ritualistic nightly jog. The four horsemen gathered at a local watering hole and although it was an excuse to booze, as the saying goes, it was much more.
The group to whom I am referring has known one another for well over 20 years! Adrian, Kevin, Linwood and myself meet infrequently, attempting a once a month summit. But, that predictably doesn't happen based on our frenzied schedules. Ultimately, when we meet, I believe we all feel a bit more spry, young at heart and more animated.
Why you ask? Well, friendships spanning that duration empower each of us to speak our minds, interject thoughts we might harbor for whatever reasons with our daily personal interactions, and allow us to be ourselves.
Our 'night out' started as usual with fraternal handshakes, a bear hug, followed by drinks around the table. All the while, conversation grew from what movies had we seen lately, to books read, to World Cup Soccer, NBA Playoffs, French Open, travel abroad, shoe-model establishments, to reading relationship barometers. But after more beverages were consumed, our conversation transformed to a more serious aire. We established our typical rants on conspiracy theories of old, today's politics, the war in Iraq, into how the media had become an ever-expanding hindrance into our most basic ways of life.
An epiphany struck me at some point during that period of substance and sincerity. Our band of fellowship was much more than an excuse to drink with the guys. It had become a welcome liberation to the customary turbulence that shepherds our daily lives, a time to bond with old friends and become updated with what's transpired between our gatherings. That time, though short, revives us and reminds us of who we were and who we have become to this point in our lives. It is without a doubt a recharging at times of our fraternal batteries and keeps us cognizant of who might be out of sight but never out of mind.
Friday, May 19, 2006
Whats best for my WLAN?
Alrighty then. This will no doubt be a bit boring for most of you. For that I apologize. But some have requested clarity.
That said, I've had a few buddies ask 'after they purchased routers for their LAN' what were the differences between 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g and how did they affect their network capabilities. So, after reading a article and subsequently calling a friend, head engineer for an ABC affiliate station, I figured an overview would assist some, educate others and just iterate to the vast majority what they already knew.
The basic goals of anyone attempting to set up a WiFi area are strength of signal and connection speed. In order to give due justice to the progression over the last few years we will give a little history lesson.
WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) products are based on standards which were set forth from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). These standards were used to transmit data, video and voice information across radio waves.
In 1997, the IEEE created our first WLAN standard and called it 802.11. This standard had a limited bandwidth of 2 Mbps and used a radio signaling frequency of 2.4 Ghz. This standard is too slow for most of our current applications but the radio frequency is the key point to remember here.
Then in 1999, 802.11b hit the scene. This supported a larger bandwidth of 11 Mbps (greater speed) and also used the same radio frequency of 2.4 Ghz as the original. Key point to be remembered, this frequency is utilized by most household appliances: microwave ovens, cordless phones, etc. What does this mean to me? Well, if you've set up your network in a house with these items they could interfere with your connection.
The development of 802.11a occurred simultaneously with 802.11b. 802.11a supports a larger bandwidth, up to 54 Mbps, but uses a radio frequency range of 5 Ghz. The higher radio frequency limits your range of your network primarily because it makes it harder for the signal to penetrate walls and other household obstructions. Further, due to 802.11a and 802.11b using two different frequencies they were NOT compatible.
What I've told some friends trying to decipher the differences is some manufacturers out there offer network 802.11a/b gear which will allow compatibility. But, then I follow that response with the fact that just a couple years ago, 802.11g was introduced. This option attempted to combine the best of both a/b worlds with bandwidth up to 54 Mbps while utilizing the 2.4 Ghz radio frequency for increased range of their signals. Further, backwards compatibility exists between g and b, meaning g would work with b network adapters and vice versa.
Now, in terms of pros and cons, 802.11a pros consist of the fastest speeds, supports more users and the smaller radio frequencies prevent signal interference from other household devices. Its cons are highest cost and shorter signal range. 802.11b pros include lowest cost and best signal range and not as easily obstructed. Cons are slowest speed, supports fewer simultaneous users, and interference from appliances is greater. 802.11g pros are fastest speed, supports multiple users and signal range is best and not as easily obstructed. Its cons are costs more than b and appliances may interfere.
In closing, I hope this little lesson gave some clarity and understanding as to the history of the 802.11 standards and which one offers the best answer to your WiFi network questions.
That said, I've had a few buddies ask 'after they purchased routers for their LAN' what were the differences between 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g and how did they affect their network capabilities. So, after reading a article and subsequently calling a friend, head engineer for an ABC affiliate station, I figured an overview would assist some, educate others and just iterate to the vast majority what they already knew.
The basic goals of anyone attempting to set up a WiFi area are strength of signal and connection speed. In order to give due justice to the progression over the last few years we will give a little history lesson.
WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) products are based on standards which were set forth from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). These standards were used to transmit data, video and voice information across radio waves.
In 1997, the IEEE created our first WLAN standard and called it 802.11. This standard had a limited bandwidth of 2 Mbps and used a radio signaling frequency of 2.4 Ghz. This standard is too slow for most of our current applications but the radio frequency is the key point to remember here.
Then in 1999, 802.11b hit the scene. This supported a larger bandwidth of 11 Mbps (greater speed) and also used the same radio frequency of 2.4 Ghz as the original. Key point to be remembered, this frequency is utilized by most household appliances: microwave ovens, cordless phones, etc. What does this mean to me? Well, if you've set up your network in a house with these items they could interfere with your connection.
The development of 802.11a occurred simultaneously with 802.11b. 802.11a supports a larger bandwidth, up to 54 Mbps, but uses a radio frequency range of 5 Ghz. The higher radio frequency limits your range of your network primarily because it makes it harder for the signal to penetrate walls and other household obstructions. Further, due to 802.11a and 802.11b using two different frequencies they were NOT compatible.
What I've told some friends trying to decipher the differences is some manufacturers out there offer network 802.11a/b gear which will allow compatibility. But, then I follow that response with the fact that just a couple years ago, 802.11g was introduced. This option attempted to combine the best of both a/b worlds with bandwidth up to 54 Mbps while utilizing the 2.4 Ghz radio frequency for increased range of their signals. Further, backwards compatibility exists between g and b, meaning g would work with b network adapters and vice versa.
Now, in terms of pros and cons, 802.11a pros consist of the fastest speeds, supports more users and the smaller radio frequencies prevent signal interference from other household devices. Its cons are highest cost and shorter signal range. 802.11b pros include lowest cost and best signal range and not as easily obstructed. Cons are slowest speed, supports fewer simultaneous users, and interference from appliances is greater. 802.11g pros are fastest speed, supports multiple users and signal range is best and not as easily obstructed. Its cons are costs more than b and appliances may interfere.
In closing, I hope this little lesson gave some clarity and understanding as to the history of the 802.11 standards and which one offers the best answer to your WiFi network questions.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Birthday Girl
Today is a special day for my family. This monumental day marks the birthday of my mother-in-law. Now, I know what some of you are thinking out there. But, that old sterotype doesn't hold true in this instance.
I could could not have asked for a better mother-in-law ('beauty in purple' standing next to her lovely daughter). She welcomed me into her family the first time we met and to this day still puts up with my personality flaws... of which I have a couple.
Now, I'm not much of a birthday celebrater but in this case I gladly make an exception. Mary Ellen is an amazing lady who is constantly giving of her time and talents. Teacher by day and mother both day and night she is constantly using those called upon talents to aid her family and friends.
Mother of two girls and one boy and oh yeah married for 32 years, she is constantly in the middle of the soap opera we all know as "our lives".
Whether making a full course meal for a holiday or consoling one of her children, she pours her heart and soul into every occurrence.
As she is in much need of a vacation, her summer respite from school and the students is almost within her reach.
In closing, Mary Ellen I pray your birthday was both entertaining and satisfying.
Your son who loves you much!
New Projection Screens better investment than LCD or Plasma? YEP!
For those of you unaware of the new style projection screens out there... be aware! You will start viewing these screens with more and more regularity at future trade shows. They are proving to be a better investment based on weight, ease of use, and looks.
The newer screens are much lighter than your LCD or Plasma screens(hereafter referred to as competitors) out there and can be hung almost anywhere within your display area. The competitors can only be placed in certain places and often need to be accompanied by costly stands!
The projections screens are virtually indestructible and only a quarter-inch thick. Their advantages over the competitors are many: light weight, easy travel features, ease of set-up, many size options and low costs. Also, projections screens can be set up quickly to display products, services, video, Power Point presentations or advertisements looking every bit as crisp and clear as their competitors.
Plus, unlike their competitors, they emit no glare, reflection or washout and light cannot shine through. The screen's matte material provides an intensive translucency, making presentations appear to pop off the screen.
Screens come in a variety of sizes, shapes and custom cuts up to 6.5' x 10'.
Finally, for renters, a small projector and a screen are easier to handle and less expensive than a plasma screen TV.
For inquiries please take a look at c-techsolutions and then call us smashhitdisplays. We'd love to outfit you with a projections screen to make your next show a crystal clear success!
The newer screens are much lighter than your LCD or Plasma screens(hereafter referred to as competitors) out there and can be hung almost anywhere within your display area. The competitors can only be placed in certain places and often need to be accompanied by costly stands!
The projections screens are virtually indestructible and only a quarter-inch thick. Their advantages over the competitors are many: light weight, easy travel features, ease of set-up, many size options and low costs. Also, projections screens can be set up quickly to display products, services, video, Power Point presentations or advertisements looking every bit as crisp and clear as their competitors.
Plus, unlike their competitors, they emit no glare, reflection or washout and light cannot shine through. The screen's matte material provides an intensive translucency, making presentations appear to pop off the screen.
Screens come in a variety of sizes, shapes and custom cuts up to 6.5' x 10'.
Finally, for renters, a small projector and a screen are easier to handle and less expensive than a plasma screen TV.
For inquiries please take a look at c-techsolutions and then call us smashhitdisplays. We'd love to outfit you with a projections screen to make your next show a crystal clear success!
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Where the hot spas are
This was compiled by Sue Pelletier, MeetingsNet. It was my duty to post here in honor of my wife, who is a huge fan of the Homestead Spa. Plus, the proximity to Mother's Day is no coincidence. Every mom should experience a day of pampering. What better gift to present on Mother's Day than a gift certificate to a Spa. So, on behalf of them here are some tops spas to jot down just in case you feel the need to give generously:
Where the hot spas areMay 5th, 2006
According to Forbes, the top spas are:
The Spa at Chiva Som, Hua Hin, Thailand
The Spa at CordeValle, San Martin, Calif.
The Spa at The Four Seasons Resort Bali, Jimbaran Bay, Bali, Indonesia
The G Spa at Hotel Gansevoort, New York City
The Greenbrier Clinic at the Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, W.V.
SpaHalekulani at Halekulani, Oahu, Hawaii
The Spa at The Lanesborough, London
The Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne, Fla.
Chi Spa at The Shangri-La, Pudong, Shanghai, China
The Spa at Stoweflake, Stowe, Vt.
The Spa at The Homestead Resort , Hot Springs, Va.
Oh yeah, mom and Shan enjoy the certificates ;)
Where the hot spas areMay 5th, 2006
According to Forbes, the top spas are:
The Spa at Chiva Som, Hua Hin, Thailand
The Spa at CordeValle, San Martin, Calif.
The Spa at The Four Seasons Resort Bali, Jimbaran Bay, Bali, Indonesia
The G Spa at Hotel Gansevoort, New York City
The Greenbrier Clinic at the Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, W.V.
SpaHalekulani at Halekulani, Oahu, Hawaii
The Spa at The Lanesborough, London
The Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne, Fla.
Chi Spa at The Shangri-La, Pudong, Shanghai, China
The Spa at Stoweflake, Stowe, Vt.
The Spa at The Homestead Resort , Hot Springs, Va.
Oh yeah, mom and Shan enjoy the certificates ;)
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Why you should choose a color other than black, blue or silver for your display?
When it comes to purchasing a table top, 8 foot, or 10 ft trade show display, one should try thinking "out of the box" in terms of selecting a color. The three most commonly chosen colors are black, blue and silver. Actually, they are purchased in that order.
Speaking as a devil's advocate, Why would you chose a display in one of those colors when everyone else is doing the same? Wouldn't your mission be to separate yourself from the competition? What better way to do that then flaunt a different color i.e yellow, red, green, etc.
Differentiating yourself from your fellow presenters should be one of your trade show goals. For it is the job of the display to attract attendees to your booth...period. That's all a display in its bare essence is supposed to do.
Wouldn't it make more sense for you to choose a color which is actually boisterous and stands out in the crowd? For once the attendee is drawn to your display it is then up to you to finish the deal and attain a new customer.
But, I digress. We were talking color. Alright, still not convinced try looking at the situation from 180 degrees. If you are an attendee and you have limited time to visit many booths in a single day, wouldn't your eyes draw you to a booth which is set apart from the pack. A different color would almost brand your booth area. In actuality, a different color would draw the attention of the attendee because it breaks the monotony of the sterotypical color base.
So, in closing before you invest in a pop up or panel system try purchasing a display in a different color than black, blue or silver. You'll thank me for it before the show after you've had a chance to look at all the dull booths around yours', during the show as the attendees are drawn to you like bees to honey, and finally after the show when your cash register is filled to the gills with the mighty greenback!
Speaking as a devil's advocate, Why would you chose a display in one of those colors when everyone else is doing the same? Wouldn't your mission be to separate yourself from the competition? What better way to do that then flaunt a different color i.e yellow, red, green, etc.
Differentiating yourself from your fellow presenters should be one of your trade show goals. For it is the job of the display to attract attendees to your booth...period. That's all a display in its bare essence is supposed to do.
Wouldn't it make more sense for you to choose a color which is actually boisterous and stands out in the crowd? For once the attendee is drawn to your display it is then up to you to finish the deal and attain a new customer.
But, I digress. We were talking color. Alright, still not convinced try looking at the situation from 180 degrees. If you are an attendee and you have limited time to visit many booths in a single day, wouldn't your eyes draw you to a booth which is set apart from the pack. A different color would almost brand your booth area. In actuality, a different color would draw the attention of the attendee because it breaks the monotony of the sterotypical color base.
So, in closing before you invest in a pop up or panel system try purchasing a display in a different color than black, blue or silver. You'll thank me for it before the show after you've had a chance to look at all the dull booths around yours', during the show as the attendees are drawn to you like bees to honey, and finally after the show when your cash register is filled to the gills with the mighty greenback!
Monday, May 08, 2006
Margaret Katherine
Well now. It seems my nephew, Joe "the Golden Child", has some new competition! Margaret Katherine, newest member to the family as of Friday, will shortly open Joe's eyes to the fact he's no longer top dog!
Well, Joe you took advantage of that mantra for two years. Now, it's time to pass it along to your baby sister. To say the young lady is a welcome addition as our side of the family has wished for a little lady for many years now is a major understatement!
Marg and mom are well and recouping from their hospital time. Congrats and look forward to seeing you both very soon ;)
Uncle E
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Graphic Requirements from your Favorite Printer...
Have you ever felt like Charlie Brown when he answers the phone and here's the wa wa wa wa wa wa on the other end. Well , we are constantly being wa wa'd (scolded) by our favorite printer, Simon. Simon like all of us lives in the age of time poverty where we are constantly trying to shave time from our regular activites to make time for other activities. This is especially important when it comes to large scale printing graphics.
In order to do so in the most time effective way, we've found a few proven methods to uploading graphics to the printer. One should save their graphics as a tiff as opposed to psd, jpeg, eps, etc. Reason being, tiff files saved in LZW compression act more like a zip file and take less time to render. This as Simon will attest to means the time it takes for him to open and render/transfer the image to the screen is cut sometimes in half.
Further, when you are sending large format files always attach a pdf version of the file so your favorite printer can eyeball the product to make sure the tiff matches up correctly with the pdf. If you have any PMS colors which are embedded in the graphic attach a smaller file to inform the printer that matching needs to happen for this particular file. I'm sure there were a few points missed which Simon will fill you in on as soon as he responds to this article.
Well, as stated above time is of the essence so I bid you adue.
In order to do so in the most time effective way, we've found a few proven methods to uploading graphics to the printer. One should save their graphics as a tiff as opposed to psd, jpeg, eps, etc. Reason being, tiff files saved in LZW compression act more like a zip file and take less time to render. This as Simon will attest to means the time it takes for him to open and render/transfer the image to the screen is cut sometimes in half.
Further, when you are sending large format files always attach a pdf version of the file so your favorite printer can eyeball the product to make sure the tiff matches up correctly with the pdf. If you have any PMS colors which are embedded in the graphic attach a smaller file to inform the printer that matching needs to happen for this particular file. I'm sure there were a few points missed which Simon will fill you in on as soon as he responds to this article.
Well, as stated above time is of the essence so I bid you adue.
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