Posts Tagged ‘Trade Show Displays’

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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 .

Four tips to helping your trade show booth succeed at your next trade show.

It certainly doesn’t take long for those owning or even starting a business to discover that what you read in textbooks doesn’t necessarily apply to the real world. When invoices aren’t getting paid on time, ads aren’t consistently bringing in customers and sales aren’t continuously rising, it’s no surprise when imaginary hands go up and the questions start rolling. The bottom line– it’s a lot harder than it looks. Obstacles are indeed inevitable and the possibility of failure is just one of the harsh realities of owning a business; but on a more positive note, trade shows provide an excellent opportunity to market your products and services.

Depending on how you develop and execute your plan, trade shows can either be highly effective or of little to no use. Many entrepreneurs have a habit of getting stuck in a comfort zone; focusing on only one or two marketing tactics and essentially putting all their marketing eggs in one basket. However, it’s a no-brainer that the more successful entrepreneurs are those who implement “dozens” of tactics and techniques to draw their clients in. Avoid falling into the same habit by finding out how you can get the most benefit from a trade show. When your marketing attempts have been less than successful, how can you step your game up? With the ultimate goal of gaining new business through your trade show booth, how you go about marketing yourself that will make all the difference.

More business marketers are using trade shows to generate leads these days and the biggest problem that these marketers face is the inability to generate enough leads for their sales force. As we know, trade shows are designed to allow entrepreneurs to meet many potential customers face-to-face and make a good impression in a relatively short amount of time. They can be a very valuable part of your marketing strategy– if done correctly, allowing you to effectively generate new sales leads and promptly deliver your message to your target markets. When you are armed with just a few insider trade show secrets, you’ll be surprised at how magnificently your trade show investments will pay off. The key is planning a strategy that starts months before the show and proceeds throughout the vital follow-up stage after the show is over. There are four crown components to achieving trade show success.

Secret #1: Use Pre-Show Marketing to Gain Leads Through Your Trade Show Booth

You may be wondering, “What’s the point in marketing ‘before’ the show if that’s what the show is about in the first place?” The answer can be as plain as throwing a party without first handing out the invitations, then wondering why hardly anyone shows up. You’ll need to let your prospects and customers know that you’ll be exhibiting and what’s in it for them ahead of time in order to direct that pre-qualified traffic to your trade show booth. The best visitors to your trade show display are those who are already interested in what your company can offer them. Remember, they’ll be hundreds of other exhibitors that you will be competing with for the attention and business of the show attendees.

• Know your target audience. Find out who your most important clients and prospects are.
• Use all methods available to contact them before shows. Use a combination of methods such as emails, direct mail postcards, newsletters, personal calls, and “lumpy mail”; it’s only human nature to enjoy receiving gifts, so adding in a little curiosity could certainly get your message through.
• Timing is important. Deliver your message early enough for your prospects to mark the date to attend, but not so early that you risk them forgetting. What works best is a contact several weeks before the show and another one a week before it.

Secret #2: Draw Attention! Make Your Trade Show Display Work For You

It’s important that your trade show booth covers enough ground about your business so that people can size it up in one glance. Not only should you focus on making a good impression, but leaving a lasting one as well. A booth that is dressed for success in both appearance and personnel will attract as well as create a pleasant and memorable experience for your visitors. Use your logo consistently; for example, backdrops, rugs and banners to enhance it as much as possible. The use of colors, shapes and graphics also contribute to the visual effect quite well. Be creative, but as long as your trade show display is attractive, well lit and informative with friendly smiles, success in capturing attention will be high.

Although locations near the entrance and prime corners are highly sought after, consider the potential traffic in areas close to entertainment or restrooms. It would also be wise to consider who will be on either side of you. You’ll want to avoid direct competition.

• Try to look at your trade show booth from your prospects perspective. Is the atmosphere welcoming? Does your trade show display attract attention so that they’ll want to know more?
• Prepare to answer any possible questions knowledgably. Provide resourceful information such as pamphlets, catalogues, samples and promotional products for them to take along.
• Leave them with something unique to remember you by. Create a good personable energy so that once they walk away, they will remember you positively and want to do business with you.

Keep in mind: A cheap looking trade show display or promotional product giveaways will speak volumes about your business.

Secret #3: The Two Post Show Marketing Musts

There are two very important things that most companies fail to do effectively after a trade show:

1. Following through on the leads generated
2. Continuing to market to those leads regularly

Post show marketing should begin with a call to your clients and prospects as soon as possible. They have already done their part by coming to your trade show booth. It normally takes anywhere between 5 to 10 contacts with a prospect before you establish enough credibility for them to do business with you. Continue to contact them on a monthly basis through a series of newsletters, calls or another marketing method.

Secret #4: Choose The Right Promotional Products

Trade shows are renowned for being that place to pick up freebies, but some classic issues for those companies providing them are:

• Will people remember who gave it to them?
• Are the items useful?

This is why it is imperative to consider the retentive lifespan of your gift. How do you know anyone will actually use your item out of all the others received? That answer is simple; the chance of that stress ball, keychain, or chocolate bar ever being used after the show is low. That is why your best bet would be choosing useful gifts that communicate your company’s message. Again, be creative and try your best to think outside the box.

Seize The Opportunity: Have Fun!

Trade shows are perfect opportunities to meet new people and sharpen your selling skills, all while building your own morale. Remember that energy, just like confidence, radiates. Be contagious! If you’re having a good time, the people visiting your booth will too and therefore be more inclined to do business with you. By implementing these few, simple techniques, you’ll certainly gain the edge you need to succeed.

About the Author

Mat Kelly is the president of ExhibitDEAL, a leading environmentally friendly provider of Trade Show Displays, Banner Stands, and Green Trade Show Flooring. They can be found online at: http://www.exhibitdeal.com .

Now available on YouTube and the ExhibitDEAL website, the "Eye on America" piece about ExhibitDEAL is now available for viewing right here on this blog. Just click and enjoy.

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

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

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