Archive for the ‘Trade Show Booths’ Category

Are Conumers Really Concerned About Going Green?

Tuesday, July 13th, 2010

One look at your grocery store shelves will tell you that going green means big business. It seems that every product on the market is attempting to brand itself as the environmentally friendly choice. With all of this endless supply of concern for the planet taking place (at least from the manufacturing sector) one has to wonder if this is just another gimmick to try and make a buck or do consumers really care about going green as much as Wall Street wants them to. A survey published by the folks at Treehugger says that not only are people becoming increasingly more aware of green products, but that they actively look for products that aim to make the world a better place.

When it comes to green logos “eighty-two percent of online adults recognize the Energy Star logo and 86% recognize the recycling arrows” and “familiarity with green terminology is high for established terms such as recyclable (86%) or energy efficiency (76%)” What this means is that more and more consumers are educating themselves on what items will create less of an impact on the world around them. In fact “fifty-five percent of consumers consider themselves to be environmentally conscious and74% believe companies should do more to protect the environment.” Now let’s translate this into trade show speak; by electing to showcase your products with an environmentally friendly trade show display you are immediately telling your customer three things 1)You care about the environment 2) You understand their concerns as well and 3)Saving the planet is more than a gimmick for you, but rather you are simply practicing what you preach.

What makes the Pod Forum such a great green display is that it is made from a minimal amount of recycled aluminum tubing and the entire exhibit is covered in earth friendly fabrics. This not only means that the display itself is environmentally conscious, but when you take into consideration that the light weight of the display actually costs less and wastes less than what other displays would to ship, than you can clearly see why this is the only choice for vendors who base their existence on promoting a green lifestyle.

If you are a regular on the trade show circuit and on the lookout for a way to reduce your carbon footprint while still attending the same number of events, than the Pod Forum is your chance to give something back to the planet and encourage your customers to do the same.

A Recipe For Trade Show Success!!!

Thursday, July 8th, 2010

If you’re a foodie like me (not to mention a huge pop culture fan) than you are no doubt following along with two of the best cooking shows to hit the airwaves in decades. I’m talking about The Next Food Network Star and Top Chef both taking place on separate networks each and every week. Each show features a group of chefs competing in a variety of cooking contests designed to weed out the best and send home the rest. If you look beyond the competition and focus on the basics of the cooking though, you may be surprised to find lessons that relate directly to trade show success. Below is a recipe for a successful trade show and it starts with knowing what you want your end result to be. Like cooking you need to have a loose idea as to what you are making. What do you want your display to accomplish? Do you have a specific design in mind?

1 Dose of Preparation- What type of display works best for your product? Would a literature display be best or do your needs point more towards a computer kiosk? Indoor or outdoor? Pop up or environmentally friendly? What design best matches the types of events you attend? Who are you marketing to and what gets their attention the most?

1 Dash of Creativity- The use of color is a great way to get a persons attention. Try to be unique while at the same time don’t be too extreme as to alienate yourself from other vendors.

1 lb of Follow Through- Make sure you keep up the relationships you make while at an event. The moment you return from a trade show, shoot out an email or call your new contact just to thank them for taking the time to speak to you.

1 Ounce of Prevention- Know what it is about your product that discourages people and come to an event prepared to offer solutions to their concerns. If a customer is concerned about the cost tell them you understand, that others you spoken to have also felt the same way, and that you were able to help them through the use of a payment plan.

Mix With Special Ingredient- Every great chef knows that to truly be successful you must take the ordinary and turn it into the extraordinary. A kiosk is not a kiosk when it features a custom logo along with your companies name emblazoned in the center. By taking the idea of a trade show display and molding it to fit your idea of what the customer is looking for, you are essentially giving them something they are familiar with yet have never seen before.

Like the perfect recipe, the key to a successful trade show exhibit is repetition. Don’t be afraid to try new things and make changes until you achieve a display that fits your needs and creates buzz amongst customers.

The Survey Says! What Customers Can Tell You About Your Exhibit

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010

Getting ready for a trade show involves a lot of guess work. How many people will be attending? Will they be in the mood to spend or will you just get a bunch of window shoppers? Is going big the right direction or would something more personal have a more profound impact? Like I said guess work. All the prep in the world will only get you so far and the fact is that once it’s all said and done, how effective you were all boils down to how well you were able to influence the customer. Something as simple as the temperature of the building, the layout of the event, or the condition of the facilities could make or break your whole trip. Maybe instead of guessing what your customers want, you should be asking them straight out.

Feedback straight from the customer is one of the best ways to judge how effective your displays are. All the custom graphics, overhead banners, video stations in the world mean nothing if instead of attracting the customer they distract them or worse send them running in the other direction. Feedback is easy to get cause all you gotta do is ask. Forget surveys or questionnaires, just strike up a conversation with those that visit your booth and ask them what they think. Like they taught us in school it’s about the What, When, Why, and How of it all. “What do you think of our presentation?” “How do you think we could be more effective?” “Why would somebody not want to know more about what we are offering?” “When do you think you might want to talk more about our product?” Try to be as casual as possible so as not to give people the feeling of being interrogated, but at the same time don’t be afraid to ask people for ways you could have done a better job at getting your message across.

After all the glitz and glamour of the trade show is over with, what matters the most is how effective you were in getting your message across to the customer. By talking to visitors throughout the day and getting their opinions on your presentation not only are you creating a relationship with that person, but you also gain some insight how you can be better prepared for your next event.

Lessons Learned From The 2010 Electronics Entertainment Expo

Monday, June 21st, 2010

You may remember last week at this time we were all taking about the kick off of the E3 Expo in Los Angeles, Ca. and the rumors that were swirling around concerning the latest in high tech games that would be announced. As it turns out Project Natal (now called Kinect) and the Nintendo 3DS both premiered to huge crowds and immediately were proclaimed crowd favorites. Though I wasn’t able to attend the trade show, I did catch the majority of the coverage which was carried live on the G4 network and I gotta say impressed is simply not a good enough description of how I felt after catching a glimpse of all the amazing booths. From a full sized wrestling ring featuring characters in the video game Lucha Libre AAA Heroes of the Ring to literally hundreds of hands on demos of some of the most talked about games in years, if the folks behind E3 did anything right it was knowing what video game fans wanted to see and making sure those vendors were there.

As a vendor your priorities are different from those that are responsible for the scheduling and promotion of an event, but the lessons learned from E3 still apply:

  • Customers want to be catered to. Long gone are the days when a company can just put a product on the market, come up with a general slogan, and hope to attract attention. Today’s consumers want to feel like you are talking directly to them. They want custom graphics, hands on demonstrations, sneak peeks or spoilers for upcoming products, and over the top demos. At the same time people want to know they are getting a certain amount of quality with their purchase as well as the thrill of being the first in their group of friends to own such an amazing item.
  • In order to be successful you must go where the people are. The E3 Expo is a classic example of how birds of a feather flock together. If you’re a company that understands the value of attending trade shows and other events in order to showcase your products to the public, than you want to make sure you are setting your kiosks up where the people actually are. If you make kitchen appliances there’s no need to setup at a video game convention. If you paint portraits for a living, a car show isn’t the place to show off your skills. Before you hit the road make sure you’re not going to be the odd duck at the event and that there are similar products being demonstrated.

While events like the E3 Expo are amazing to witness and generate tons of support for all those involved, beyond the glitz and glamour lie some very important lessons that all vendors need to take notice of. By creating custom demonstrations geared towards making consumers feel unique and catered to, companies are finding better ways to create buzz and generate sales. Also in order to get the most of a trade show you want to make sure your product stands out from the crowd while at the same time is connected to the other vendors around you.

The Art Of Knowing What You Want And How To Get It

Monday, June 7th, 2010

Last week in a post titled “The Right Person For The Job” I talked about how something as tantalizing as Fillet Mignon would appear to be plain trash if it were to be served to you on a garbage can lid. Now in that post I was using this example as way to make sure you are employing people who have a certain degree of charm and personality, but the same can be said about how you choose to show off your product as well. You could essentially have one of those products that becomes synonymous with a entire line of products from any number of manufacturers (Coke, TiVo, and Matchbox Cars are examples of this), but because you did not choose the best way to promote your idea nobody ever takes notice. It’s those early decisions about how you will choose to bring your product to the consumer that make all the difference in the world.

Understandably this isn’t an easy process and not something to jump into. You want to start with a very broad idea of what you want and then begin to eliminate choices. Is your event outside? Do you need something like a large tent or would a smaller Mushroom style kiosk do the trick? Are you looking for something that can easily be packed up and taken to the next location or does portability not matter? Maybe you are just looking to spice up your office front. Will there be some type of attendant with a desk stationed there? Is privacy going to be a concern? How about signage? Were you thinking about something that may possibly hang from the ceiling or maybe you’d rather just have a stand that would allow people to pick up literature as they pass by?

All of these questions and we haven’t even considered graphics yet. Are you looking for something with bright colors or is something more professional what you had in mind? Do you have a specific logo that needs to be included or are you looking to come up with a new theme unlike anything you have done before? Are considering renting a booth to start out or are you ready to fully customize a display of your own?

Finding what is right for you and your products can be time consuming process, but one that is fulfilling and often very profitable. Knowing what works best for you and what you want makes all the difference in the world. The Godfrey Group understands this and that’s why we’ve created a Design Library that lets you start narrowing your ideas down and even save them so that you can come back later after you’ve researched what you want a little further. Don’t hesitate. Login in today!!

Step Into The Future With SpaceStation Popup Displays

Monday, May 24th, 2010

Getting to a trade show is hard enough without having to spend hours upon hours once you arrive getting things set up. Travel plans, inventory checks, meal and expense planning, finding a way to get everything and everyone in the right place in time for the event to start is a challenge in itself. Once you get there you’ve got to find where you are supposed to setup, which way the traffic will be flowing so you can organize your items to meet oncoming traffic, and if it’s a multi-day show anything of value has to be taken with you at the end of the day just for safety’s sake. It’s enough to make you want to pull your hair out and you haven’t even seen the first customer yet. With all of this going on the last thing you want to have to deal with is a display that is too complicated to assemble.

Personally speaking I’m not the guy you come to if you want something put together properly. When I put something together I always end up with “extra” pieces that I insist were included on purpose by the manufacturer just in case something was to break. I like thinks that go from flat cubes to full size with the flick of the wrist. Forget instructions in languages that I’ll never learn, I want to pull a string and step back while things fall into place all on their own. That’s why I love the SpaceStation Popups. With a couple easy to do steps SpaceStation Popups go from tiny box to full size display wall in no time flat. Ultra light weight and available in over 75 colors, SpaceStation’s come in two distinct styles: straight wall or curved wall. Each display can be customized to fit a variety of needs, comes with a 200 watt light fixture to add an extra bit of charm, and feature a lifetime warranty on the frame and hardware. Adding a few accessories such as the Techform Counter With Monitor Mountand Pennisula Pedistals will only increase the effectiveness of the display without causing too much strain on your wallet.

It’s hard enough getting things ready for those event center doors to open without adding to the drama by bringing along a display that takes a degree in engineering to put together. Save yourself some time while still showing off your product with a state-of-the-art, fully customizedSpaceStation Popup from the Godfrey Group. Call us now at 1-800-789-9394!!

Is Your Display A Yes, No, Or Maybe?

Wednesday, May 19th, 2010

I’m a NO person. Regardless of the question, forget the circumstances; I don’t care what the product is….my first answer is always NO. That two word response is my first line of defense. It saves me money. It keeps me from getting ripped off. It may stop some good times from coming my way, but it also has saved my life a few times. NO gives me time to think. Time for my sub-concious to chew on things and figure out the Pro’s Vs Con’s. I come from a long line of No people. My father and his father are no people. My brother is a Yes person. He’s the black sheep of the family. Never met a gimmick or opportunity he didn’t dive head first into. 

Although I’m a self proclaimed NO what I really am is a closet MAYBE person. I can be convinced that the latest must have product or idea is the real deal, I just need to do it on my own time without somebody being in my face. I like pamphlets, literature, even DVD’s that I can take with me to watch later when I don’t feel pressured.  YES and NO people are vocal about their opinions. MAYBE consumers are too busy doing our research to say how we feel right a way. You can grab our attention with custom graphics, made to order designs, and interactive displays, but it’s the literature that gets us in a mood to spend our money. We love information booths that allow us to pick up a couple brochures so we can read up on a new idea in the safety of our own homes. Forget the clowns, flashing lights, and give-aways; what we want is a video or  audio demonstration that we can catch from the sidelines. 

This in not to say that MAYBE’s can’t be turned into YES people if the moment or pitch is just right. The first time I saw my wife was a YES moment. The first time I heard my favorite band  was a YES moment. Just the idea of a tablet computer has me screaming YES as loud as I can. All it takes is for someone or something to hit that button that I didn’t even know existed for me to devote my entire existence to obtaining the latest object of my affection. Whether it be an iPod, a 3-D television, or bagel maker, I may say NO on the outside, but I’m already talking MAYBE on the inside.

What kind of response does your display elicit? Is your design one that has the ability to turn even the most rigid of NO’s into YES consumers? Are you giving the MAYBE’s the facts they need to feel educated? If you’re ready to turn all your potential customers in YES consumers, contact Godfrey now and let us show you how the experts do it!!

Tips On Dealing With Excess Baggage

Friday, April 30th, 2010

Those long lines that seem to go on forever, the endless questions, delay after delay after delay; I’m talking today about every one’s worst nightmare come true i.e the airport. Honestly it’s gotten so bad out there that many are simply leaving a few days early, renting a van, and driving to their destinations. The thought being that they’d rather pay the gas and rental fees for a little privacy and control over what happens to thems, than put their fates in the hands of the so called “friendly skies”. To make matters even worse if you do decide to fly chances are by the time you make it to where you are supposed to go, your bags are either two days behind you or crushed beyond recognition. When heading to an event such as a trade show a lot of times you just have no choice but to role the dice and pray that your setup arrives without a scratch. Did you know that some airlines require you to fill out a claim within 7 days while others only allow 24 hrs for domestic claims to be filled. Either way in today’s hectic world whether it’s one day or seven, there simply isn’t enough time to change plans to deal with an unexpected damage claim. That’s why we at the Godfrey Group believe that one of the most important investments frequent travelers can make is in purchasing quality shipping cases, tote bags, and crates.

Featuring a wide range of styles and designs to fit everything you need for that next big event, Godfrey has what it takes to keep your items safe. From the RoadMeister series shipping cases to sturdy Plywood Shipping Crates to our heavy duty ATA Cases, we know how rough the road can be and want to make sure your most delicate items get there safely. Oh and for those of you that are constantly racing the clock, our Podium/Shipping Cases could just be the time saving answer you have been waiting for. Straight off the plane and into the showroom these fantastic cases feature a durable fabric wrap that within minutes can transform your shipping case into the center of attention.

 The next time you get ready to attend your next company event or trade show, make sure you show up with the tools you need to get the job done. Contact one of our Personal Project Managers today and find out more about how you can protect your most valuable asset….your time

Celebrate Earth Day The Godfrey Way

Friday, April 23rd, 2010

I know what you are thinking; Earth Day was on the 22nd and today is the 23rd, but when it comes to helping save the planet the Godfrey Group believes that everyday is the perfect time to help celebrate all that Mother Nature has to offer. Protecting the environment is important to us not because it’s important to you, but because like yourself we feel a responsibility to give back to this place we call home. That’s why we created our specialty line of Eco-Friendly displays specifically tailored to help save the environment while at the same time saving you cash. I’m talking of course about our PodForum line of displays and the amazing cutting edge tech that is changing the way people think about traditional tradeshow kiosks.

 Built with recycled aluminum tubing covered in a wide variety of earth-friendly fabric graphics, the PodForum can be custom fit to resemble the surface of your choice from brick, to stone, to much more. With it’s lightweight support system you can forget about those huge shipping costs associated with getting those other displays from one place to the other, the PodForum is designed to help decrease your carbon footprint every step of the way. Oh and about those earth-friendly fabric graphics, with the PodForum Godfrey has developed what could be one of the coolest tricks on the market today….a display that will change color when introduced to different sound frequencies! Imagine turning your next trade event into something resembling a rock concert complete with a pulse pounding light show! Plus with it’s easy to assemble slip-on style, your message can be changed at a moments notice to match the mood and feel of the crowd. This is also perfect for multi-day events where you want show the crowd something different both days.  Add some backlighting and what you get is a low-cost, environmentally friendly, flexible display that can easily be transformed into a wide variety of combinations to fit any trade show or company event. The PodForum from Godfrey, saving the planet one Earth Day at a time.

Get In The Game With Godfrey!!!

Thursday, April 22nd, 2010

We don’t get a chance to talk sports too much here, but with the NHL and NBA playoffs both going on plus with the NFL Draft kicking off tonight I just can’t think of much else. Whether you’re a kid or just enjoy acting like one when it comes to games the Godfrey group has got the perfect display to ensure nothing but good times and long lines at your next tradeshow event. Ask anyone and I’ll bet that more often than not the thing they remember the most about the last tradeshow they attended was the one or two displays that captured everyone’s attention by making them part of the action. By incorporating potential customers into your booth you are creating a message that says that not only do you enjoy spending time with your customers, but you are there to do more than just sell your product…you are there to build relationships. 

 Featuring a wide variety of displays and props, Godfrey Group.com has just the thing to create a buzz throughout the crowd and turn your booth into the must visit spot on everyone’s checklist. From such classic games like the Football and Frisbee toss to amazing interactive displays like our Tropical Themed Golf Course and the ever popular Surfboard Prop with Photo Backdrop; the Godfrey Group has over a dozen different styles of interactive displays all of which can be tailored to fit your needs and are designed to ensure everyone in attendance leaves with your name on the tip of their tongue.

 Call one of our Personal Project Managers now at 1-800-789-9394 and get your game plan in gear so that when then big event arrives you won’t be left sitting on the sidelines!!!