Archive for the ‘Trade Show Exhibits’ Category

A Sign of Maturing – Trade Shows Sans Booth Babes

Thursday, July 3rd, 2008

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The rationale behind hiring a trade show model is simple – nail the first impression by leveraging the old advertising maxim of sex selling. And for years the trade show model was a staple, pulling show-going crowds towards booths and hopefully towards products. Recently, though, trade show models, or as they are more commonly known “booth babes,” have been going the way of the caribou. Case-in-point, the 2008 SHOT Show, previously known for its pairing of guns and babes, was so lacking in trade show models that Field and Stream Magazine was forced to pad their annual review of models with pictures of men sporting unusually long beards, and causing many readers to question, why are exhibitors messing with a good thing?

In 2006, the Electronic Software Association (ESA), the trade group behind the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) issued a press release stating that for the first time, the dress code, typically flouted by models, would be enforced. And by “enforced” the ESA meant a warning followed by a $5000 fine. Common motives associated with this new rule enforcement stemmed from the reputation of the trade show (previously described by IGN’s David Adams as “ribald”), the fear that the ESA was marketing sexually-explicit content to children, and the fact that the video game industry was reaching sales parity with Hollywood. There is, of course, a common thread between these arguments: the product didn’t need the sex, instead it needed to be viewed as professional. For the ESA, the video game had matured beyond the quick, impulsive sell that sex grants, and was finally a legitimate part of living rooms around the world.

The ESA was telling exhibitors to do something every trade show exhibitor should be doing anyways, they should be considering their brand. Whether you are an entrepreneur, an executive, or merely an employee, trade shows are worked with the explicit intent of drawing quality attention to your brand. The trade show exhibitor is there to build excitement that should ultimately turn a booth visitor into a repeat customer. The booth is a means to forging a lasting relationship on a personal basis. Working a booth allows a company to press the flesh and promote with a passion that simply can’t be found in traditional advertising. So, why would a company risk potentially isolating half the attendees at a conference with a booth babe?

Half? Well, close to it. According to a survey conducted by AffiliateTip.com, 70% of the female respondents and 41% of the male respondents (56% overall) said that they were less likely to visit a booth that used a booth babe. Conversely, 29% of the overall respondents said that a booth babe caused a null opinion, and a mere 15% said that a booth babe would positively impact their opinion of a booth. Perusing blogs will lead to an even larger mountain of anecdotal evidence that suggests that not only are individuals less likely to visit your trade show displays if a booth babe is present, but they are actually more likely to form a negative opinion of your company to boot.

Of course, not all trade shows are following the trend presented by the ESA, yet booth babes seem to be disappearing just the same. The use of booth babes at YAPC (Yet Another Perl Convention) sparked a thread on the Use Perl official message board regarding whether or not booth babes should be used at other conference. The quote that seemed to sum the experience up was “that is so auto show.”

The debate surrounding the use of booth babes even leaves the trade show, with various media outlets debating about whether they should continue to feature photos of the “best” babes, often opening up the discussion to readers. Tom’s Hardware, a forum and media outlet focusing on technology posed the question to their readership and the first response cut to the heart of the issue – juxtaposing the ‘for’ being juvenile and mainstream against the ‘opposed’ being adult and technical. Tech Republic, also opened the question up to their readers, and gathered likewise responses. It seemed that even the media was turning their backs on booth babes.

There is, of course, one final theory on why exhibitors were shying away from trade show models. At the 2006 E3, Disney was there presenting the video game tie in for their Pixar animated feature “Cars.” There between near-life-size examples of the film’s star cars was, you guessed it, a trade show model. The model in question was decked out from head to toe in skintight black jumpsuit, complete with plunging neckline and a checkered-flag racking stripe running up her sides, and covering just enough to show that Disney could play by the new E3 rules. Perhaps the world at large saw Disney’s display as truly jumping the shark and everyone simply moved on.

Whichever theory you subscribe to – maintaining an professional image, fear of isolating potential clients, or merely staying one step ahead of Disney, the use of trade show models are certainly on the decline. And as John Davis, editorial director for Ziff Davis Media Game Group told ABC News, "Not having the booth babes isn’t going to make any difference." Instead, of babes, the new trend seems to be presenting your products in a professional manner, with booth workers who go beyond gimmick or sex and instead have a passion for your brand and a knowledge base to match. Guess which one leads to more quality sales?

About the Author

Mat Kelly is the president of ExhibitDEAL, a leading provider of trade show displays , trade show flooring , and other trade show accessories. An environmentally friendly company, ExhibitDEAL can be found online at: http://www.exhibitdeal.com .

ExhibitDEAL’s “Eye On America” Video Feature Added to Website

Thursday, May 15th, 2008

Video showcases ExhibitDEAL’s environmental awareness in their business practices.

Santa Monica, CA (PRWEB) May 15, 2008 - Making a strong stance on “going green” elevated ExhibitDEAL’s positive reputation from its previous storefront only store to its current online only operation. The conscious change in venue landed the leading provider of trade show exhibits in a featured spot on NBC’s “Eye on America”. The episode, which aired in April, has recently been added to the ExhibitDEAL website and can now be viewed at: http://exhibitdeal.com/environment.html .

In the episode, ExhibitDEAL is recognized for its green initiatives through sound practices companywide. The most notable changes implemented include the exclusive selling of their trade show exhibits online as opposed to using a brick and mortar storefront and recycling the few natural resources the company does use – such as ink cartridges and other office supplies. The company also opened a green line of trade show flooring which is constructed primarily from recycled materials.

The episode also highlights how company employees have gotten in on the act by cycling to work, using recycled products whenever possible, and by avoiding the use of disposable products like plastic cups and stirrers. Employees company-wide have also made conscious efforts to go digital whenever possible to reduce the use of paper and other natural resources.

ExhibitDEAL is realizing the benefits of going green and for doing their part for the environment. Not only is the Santa Monica operation setting an example for others to follow, but reduced overheads have allowed the company to grow and realize increased monetary profit increases as well.

ExhibitDEAL is working proof that going green has its advantages.

About ExhibitDEAL

ExhibitDEAL is a Santa Monica based trade show exhibit company. They offer environmentally friendly Point of Purchase Displays and flooring, as well as literature racks and banner stands . A pioneer in going green in the trade show display industry, ExhibitDEAL can be found online at: http://www.exhibitdeal.com .

Contact

Mat Kelly

http://www.exhibitdeal.com

866-577-3325

Press Contact

George R Perry

SEO Company

ExhibitDEAL Continues to Offer Popular Custom Trade Show Displays

Friday, May 2nd, 2008

Custom modular displays changing the way companies view trade show exhibits.

ExhibitDEAL, a leading provider of trade show exhibits and accessories, recently announced the launch of its custom modular display line which enables a company to customize their trade show displays into an endless number of configurations. Available in both custom laminate and fabric designs, these portable units provide the foundation for exhibits that are scalable, functional, and eye-catching. ExhibitDEAL can be found online at: http://www.exhibitdeal.com .

The concept of trade show displays is not new; however, the one-size-fits-all display unit is ground breaking in the trade show industry. With over 80 panel sizes to choose from, custom modular display buyers can now purchase one display that meets both their current and future needs.

By adding and/or removing modules, exhibitors are able to fit seamlessly into the trade show spaces provided without having to worry beforehand about the exact floor layout. From corner booths to open spaces, exhibitors are able to customize their trade show displays by choosing what components to include. Accessories such as locking display cases, pullout keyboard shelves, and stand-off graphics then intermix to complete any exhibit imaginable.

"This is the perfect solution for large and small businesses alike. Not only are the displays as durable as our standard floor model units, but they also provide scalability and functionality on every level," said Mat Kelly, President of ExhibitDeal. "Custom modular displays are changing the way companies plan their trade show designs in amazing ways. We are excited to see the new ways our customers configure their displays to meet their changing needs.”

The exhibitDEAL custom modular display system is made possible through an exclusive patent-pending panel locking mechanism and color-coded, numbered parts to ensure accurate seam alignment, precise setup, and easy teardown. For more information on custom modular displays, visit exhibitDEAL online at: http://www.exhibitdeal.com/products-custom_displays.html .

About ExhibitDEAL

ExhibitDEAL offers portable trade show displays at nearly half the market rate. They keep their prices low while providing excellent customer service and producing trade show displays of outstanding quality. Plus their 100% money-back guarantee is the only one in the industry. More information on ExhibitDEAL’s custom modular displays can be found at http://www.exhibitdeal.com/products-custom_displays.html .

Contact

Mat Kelly

866-577-3325

http://www.exhibitdeal.com

Press Contact

Shanda Harper

SEO Company

ExhibitDEAL To Be Featured By “Eye On America”

Friday, February 15th, 2008

Leading Trade Show Displays company recognized for going Green

Santa Monica, CA – (PRWeb) – February 15, 2008 – ExhibitDEAL, a leading provider of trade show exhibits and accessories, is proud to announce their appearance on the NBC series “Eye on America”. 

 

The episode, which focuses on companies with Green and Sustainable practices, will show how ExhibitDEAL has continued to be an industry leader while lowering their carbon emissions through selling their products online and recycling the few natural resources they do use such as office supplies and ink cartridges.  ExhibitDEAL’s feature on “Eye on America” will air in April.  Check your local listing for exact dates and times.

 

“We’re very proud to be recognized for doing our part for the environment,” Mat Kelly, president of ExhibitDEAL said.  “It’s good to know that what we’re doing is making a difference and we hope that other companies will take notice and follow suit.”

 

Aside from selling their products online and recycling, ExhibitDEAL also offers a line of Green Trade Show Flooring.  Most of their employees ride bicycles to work, and instead of disposable cups and coffee stirrers, they use travel or ceramic mugs and silverware.  All of this, coupled with their online practice of their transactions, set-up instructions, and artwork specifications all being digital, have produced a company that continues to grow without continuing to take a toll on the environment.

 

About ExhibitDEAL

ExhibitDEAL is a Santa Monica based trade show exhibit company.  They offer environmentally friendly Point of Purchase Displays and flooring, as well as literature racks and banner stands.  A pioneer in going green in the trade show display industry, they can be found online at:  http://www.exhibitdeal.com .

 

Contact

Mat Kelly

http://www.exhibitdeal.com

866-577-3325

 

Press Contact

George R Perry

SEO Company

ExhibitDEAL to Offer Top Point of Purchase Displays

Tuesday, January 29th, 2008

POP Displays great for trade shows and as sales booths

Santa Monica, CA – January 23, 2008 – Continuing to offer the very best trade show displays, booths, and accessories, ExhibitDEAL is happy to announce the addition of Point of Purchase Displays to their already impressive selection of trade show products.  ExhibitDEAL can be found online at:  http://www.exhibitdeal.com .

Offering a line of over 200 new, top of the line POP Displays, ExhibitDEAL is one again showing why they are an industry leader for trade show booths and exhibits.  An excellent choice for both trade shows and as sales booths in office buildings, malls, and outdoor venues, POP Displays are quickly growing in popularity with an increase in the number of options available to customize the display to the needs of the owner.

“These are great, new, fun [POP] Displays and we’re very excited to be adding them to our line,” Mat Kelly, President of ExhibitDEAL said.  “They’re perfect for those that already have a trade show display and want to give their business that extra nudge, or those just looking to branch out into new areas.  There really is a POP Display for everybody and every business.”

Since 2000, ExhibitDEAL has been leading the industry with trade show displays and booths that are on the cutting edge of style and material trends.  Their selection of trade show exhibits and accessories, which include banner stands and literature racks, is second to none, and their continued commitment to the environment is clear by their selection of Green Trade Show Flooring, all of which can be found on their website:  http://www.exhibitdeal.com .

 

Contact

Mat Kelly

866-577-3325

http://www.exhibitdeal.com

Press Contact

George R Perry

SEO Services Company

ExhibitDEAL Goes Green With Flooring

Monday, November 19th, 2007

Trade show display company starts offering environmentally friendly trade show flooring

Santa Monica, CA – November XX, 2007 – ExhibitDEAl, a leading provider of trade show displays, trade show flooring, and other trade show accessories, is proud to announce the addition of environmentally friendly trade show flooring to their selection of trade show displays and accessories that can be found on their website at:  http:///www.exhibitdeal.com .

In light of so many companies going “Green,” NBC most recently aired episodes of their hit shows The Office and 30 Rock, along with others, featuring story lines centered around environmental awareness, the demand for companies both small and large to be more environmentally aware is on the rise.  With that in mind, ExhibitDEAL has begun to offer a line of environmentally friendly trade show flooring that is of the same quality expected from the industry leading company, but has a lower impact on the environment as a whole.

“We’re very proud of this product,” Mat Kelly, president of ExhibitDEAL said.  “We always want to offer the best product to our customers, but being able to offer trade show flooring that’s environmentally responsible while still being a great addition to a trade show display is a winning situation for us [ExhibitDEAL], our customers, and, most importantly, the environment.”  While Mr. Kelly wouldn’t comment on whether there would be other “green” products featured in ExhibitDEAL’s product list, he was quick to point out that they are doing their part to be more eco-friendly while still offering top level products to their customers.

As the public demands that the companies they deal with be more environmentally aware, companies like ExhibitDEAL, NBC, and Universal Studios are responding by producing shows with environmental themes, broadcasting without the use of any unnecessary lights to conserve electricity, or by offering their clients trade show flooring that is of the same high quality that they’re used to, but without the same impact on the environment.  It’s believed that companies like ExhibitDEAL, NBC, and Universal are just the first in what will more than likely be many companies that offer environmentally friendly products, services, and entertainment to meet the growing demand.

About ExhibitDEAL

ExhibitDEAL is an industry leading provider of trade show displays, trade show flooring, and accessories such as literature racks and banner stands.  Their commitment to not only their customers but to the environment is evident in their expanding line of products that are not only of the highest quality, but present a low impact on the environment.

 

Contact:

Mat Kelly
866-577-3325
http://www.exhibitdeal.com

Press Contact:

George R Perry
SEO Services Company

ExhibitDEAL Adds Alumalite Hybrid Displays to Product List

Friday, October 19th, 2007

Hybrid trade show display is quickly becoming most popular product on the market

Santa Monica, CA – October 17, 2007 – ExhibitDEAL, the leading trade show display company, is happy to announce the addition of Alumalite Hybrid Displays to their line of quality trade show displays, trade show graphics, and trade show accessories which can be found at:  http://www.exhibitdeal.com .

The Alumalite Trade Show Displays are quickly growing in popularity due to their hybrid status.  Not a true pop-up display, the Alumalite Hybrid Displays consist of a backwall display with numerous optional accessories, including:  monitor mounts, counter systems, and literature racks.  The ability to add components to the trade show display after setup, adding to its flexibility, is one of the many reasons that the Alumalite Trade Show Displays are growing in popularity exponentially.

“This is a great product that we’re so happy to be adding to our product list,” Mat Kelly, president of ExhibitDEAL said.  “This is the perfect trade show display for somebody that wants to be able to customize their display for different locations and events.  The flexibility of it [the Alumalite Hybrid Display] is really quite spectacular.”

About ExhibitDEAL
ExhibitDEAL is a leading provider of trade show displays, graphics, and accessories.  Their product line includes Alumalite Trade Shows, Entasi Tension Fabric Displays, and Fabric Pop-Up Displays, as well as literature racks and banner stands.  Their entire line of products can be found at:  http://www.exhibitdeal.com .

Contact:
Mat Kelly
866-577-3325
http://www.exhibitdeal.com

Press Contact
George R Perry
SEO Services Company

ExhibitDEAL Offers Top Quality Graphics Department for Trade Show Displays

Monday, May 21st, 2007

exhibitdeal-ad.gifSanta Monica, CA May 21, 2007 – ExhibitDEAL, the top purveyor of trade show displays, announces to its customers their offering of a trade show graphics department. With this service customers are able to find top end graphics in the same location as their trade show displays, literature racks, and banner stands. “Why go to multiple companies when ExhibitDEAL can be your one stop shop for all your trade show display needs?” owner Mat Kelly was quoted as saying.

The promotion of their graphics department is ExhibitDEAL’s response to growing customer dissatisfaction with third-party graphics departments that don’t understand the requirements for a trade show display.

“Top quality graphics are equally, if not more, important to having a trade show display that will both attract potential customers and stay in their minds long after they’ve left. Unfortunately, many businesses make grave errors when submitting their graphics and don’t get exactly what they’re looking for.” The grave errors Mr. Kelly referred to are a lack of understanding of the requirements for submitting graphics to most graphics departments who themselves lack an understanding of trade show displays.

Mr. Kelly warns that the list of errors businesses commit, which includes sending the wrong graphic size, using the wrong format, picking the wrong colors, and not allowing enough time to have the graphics printed, leads to many companies getting graphics that are less than stellar.

“I see so many companies getting bad graphics because neither the company nor their graphics department understand what is needed for a trade show display. Our [ExhibitDEAL] graphics department has all the right equipment and they’re experts at creating graphics geared towards trade show displays. You can’t go wrong by letting us do your graphics.”

 

Contact:

Mat Kelly

866-577-3325

http://www.exhibitdeal.com/

 

Press Contact:

George R. Perry

SEO Services Company

Inventive Uses for Your Trade Show Accessories

Tuesday, January 2nd, 2007

When shopping for trade show displays, save money on your overall budget by choosing trade show accessories that stretch your marketing dollars. Table top displays, literature racks and portable projection screens are all products that can be used after the trade show to enhance your office environment or used in other ways.

As you purchase your trade show booth, you will find offers to purchase additional items to make your space more efficient, more organized or more appealing to trade show attendees. If you’re on a tight budget, the costs can quickly add up, so it only makes sense to purchase those items that can later be used in your office or retail space.

Here are a few ideas to get more “bang for your buck” with your trade show accessories.

Table Top Displays

Table top displays are an affordable option to begin with because they can be used as the focal point of your trade show space, or as part of a larger trade show display. And when the trade show is over, this marketing piece can continue to be useful

The table top display is a strong visual element that contains key information about your product or company. You can extend its usefulness after the trade show by putting it on display in several different ways:

  • In your company reception area or at the front of the store to inform visitors about your company or a new product
  • In training sessions with employees to remind them of the company’s key business principles
  • As a portable marketing tool when making presentations to clients
  • To introduce the company to the general public or communicate a key message or messages when sponsoring an event

Table top displays are one of the most useful and versatile marketing accessories that are worth the investment whether you decide to attend a trade show or not.

Literature Racks

While you literature racks are very useful in organizing your printed materials at a trade show, they can also be used as an organizational tool around the office.

Organize Your Marketing Materials at the Office - If a prospect walked in off of the street and wanted general information about your company, are your printed materials easily accessible?. The literature rack will keep all of the materials organized and your staff will easily be able to see when materials need to be replenished.

Shape Up Office Décor - Do you have magazines for your clients to read while they wait to meet with you? We’ve all been to a doctor’s office that has magazines strewn all over the tables and chairs. A literature rack is an excellent way to keep all of the magazines organized and in one place. Also, you can avoid clutter by using a literature rack in your own personal office to organize the various weekly or monthly magazines, annual reports and other publications you receive.

Keep Employees Informed - You can place a literature rack in the employee kitchen or “break room” to display updates to company policies such as: health insurance or investment benefits, holiday schedules, worker’s compensation rights, special company-sponsored events for employees and the community and even the latest internal company newsletter or publication.

Literature racks are an incredibly helpful organizational tool that reduce clutter and can be used to keep internal and external audiences abreast of the latest developments within your organization.

Portable Projection Screen

Whether you are showing a slideshow or a mini-movie, the portable projection screen can be that little something extra that increases traffic to your trade show booth.

Because it is easily transported, the portable projection screen can also be used inside and outside of the office after the trade show. When giving a client presentation, your portable projection screen enables you to arrive at the meeting fully prepared to do a standard Power Point presentation, or a more elaborately executed multimedia visual. At the office, whether you are reviewing graphs with statistical data at an internal meeting or showing a slide show of candid office photos at the annual holiday party, your portable projection screen is a handy tool that can easily be stored without taking up much space.

If you use discretion when choosing your trade show display accessories, you will have materials that can be quite useful around the office. Depending on the size of your office space, and the needs of your staff, keep the table top display, literature rack and portable projection screen in mind when you want to make a wise investment with your marketing dollars.

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Effective Marketing on a Shoestring Budget

Friday, December 8th, 2006

There’s only a small percentage of businesses in the marketplace with firm brand recognition like Oprah, Microsoft, McDonald’s, Starbucks and Amazon.com. While the hefty marketing budgets of these behemoths is impressive you can promote your company and get your piece of the pie with a considerably smaller - even miniscule - budget. From advertising to how you execute your trade show display, there are low-cost and effective alternatives to traditional marketing strategies that create impact.

The first step is to focus your marketing efforts (otherwise known as target marketing). A topic that has nearly been discussed to death, target marketing is essential for just about every company, no matter how large or small. You don’t see advertisements for Oprah’s show on ESPN because that’s not her target market. And while a household name like McDonald’s appeals to almost everyone, their advertising efforts tend to be targeted toward specific marketing trends. Their latest marketing campaign is focused on the youth market that, these days, have much more of their own money to spend than the youth market of yesteryear. (more…)