Archive for the ‘Trade Show Displays’ Category

Cut Expenses With A Custom Information Display!

Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011

In a post we recently brought you concerning the rising cost of gas and how it is sure to effect how much you are going to be able to get out of that travel budget during the coming year, we mentioned that one great way to save on travel expenses was to choose a type of trade show display such as a table top or tension wall that is made of ultra-lightweight materials and consequently less expensive to transport from one location to the next. If you think about it though that when it comes down to it while using a lighter display is definitely one sure way to save cash, it’s certainly not the only way.  One might also consider the use of an information display as a way to limit the number of people that you have working the show.

Certainly there’s no substituting what two people can accomplish at a trade show, however in drastic times drastic measure become necessary. Consider what it costs to send one employee to an event:  there’s the cost of an extra bed or room, salary and wages, and of course that one thing that literally eats up the entire budget i.e. food and snacks. Again it helps to have an extra employee to simply ensure that there is always somebody at the booth, but what if you could find a way to cut back on costs by only sending one person without sacrificing too much in the way of customer coverage. An information display featuring optional audio/video mounts can be so effective it’s like having that extra employee working the booth at a fraction of the cost.

Regardless of whether you prefer an info kiosk, a star rotator info board, a portable workstation, or unique Post-n-Panel; each offers the ability to allow for a wide variety of brochures and information packets to be passed out to all those that would like to know more about what you have to offer. Plus imagine how much money can be saved by sending an information display that doesn’t require food and lodging like a real person!

If you are feeling the pinch of the latest economic downturn and are looking for a way to save some cash, information booths from Godfrey are the key to some major savings.

Trade Show Ideas For The Budget Minded!

Monday, March 14th, 2011

It’s no secret that among those getting hit hard by this tough economy the small business owner is taking a beating like no other. When asked, most will tell you that staying afloat is becoming increasingly difficult with few being able to take home a pay check once employees, utilities, inventory, and rent is paid. For those that can afford to make it to the occasional trade show success is a must and can only be claimed if a solid dose of new contacts are collected. In order to collect all those potential customers, you’ve got to get them to notice you among the hundreds of other vendors and that means you need an exhibit that is sure to make you stand out.

The problem is that when thinking new designs the first thought that certainly pops into everyone’s mind is “If I can barely afford to be at the trade show, how am I going to afford a new display?” While this is definitely a challenging problem to have, Godfrey has a couple ways to make those worries go away.

Trade Show Rental Program

With prices that can run as much as 65% less, rental displays are an excellent way of injecting some fresh blood into your current setup and come up with a wide variety of options including:

  • A standard portable display with graphics creating a custom look.
  • A combination of our systems configured for a custom look.
  • A customized TechForm or Truss beam.
  • A complete custom PodForum.

Free Trade Show Display Design

Once upon a time the word free meant just that, without expense. These days it seems that nothing is free and always has some hidden cost that is sure to come bite you in the long run. This is simply not the case with Godfrey’s free trade show design. All it takes is a phone call or email and within minutes you will be connected with a personal project manager that will lead you through the design process and give you options like you’ve knew were possible!

2011 NAMM Show Proves Once Again Big Names Equal Big Business!

Monday, January 17th, 2011

Last week Anaheim Convention Center in always sunny Anaheim, California was the home of the annual National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) trade show. The event which is unfortunately not open to the public drew a crowd of over 90,000 and caught some headlines thanks to a one of a kind music set that is has everyone across the country talking. It all went down Wednesday when former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee and rumored 2012 Republican presidential candidate got the chance of a lifetime to pick up a guitar and play a couple songs with legendary Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen. Huckabee was at the trade show in support of their commitment to keep music education in schools. The former Governor turned Fox New talk show host described this year’s NAMM trade show as “musician’s heaven”

Soon after the jam session took place the video went viral and within seconds millions all around the world that had never heard of the trade show event were suddenly checking out the NAMM video. As one can imagine this kind of advertising is priceless, yet isn’t anything that can’t be done by any other trade show vendor on the circuit today.  The trick is giving the people something they have never seen before such as a one of a kind display that is sure to knock them off their socks. Imagine the type of response you could receive by letting Godfrey help you design a custom built display such as a submarine complete with a periscope, portholes, video monitors, and computer kiosks that are specifically designed to engage the customer. How about an eco-friendly trade show display with a center tower topped with fire and surrounded by monitors showing off your hottest products.

Sure it helps to have a movie star or legend of rock handy, but when one of those isn’t waiting in the wings a quality built custom designed trade show display from Godfrey is sure to get people talking!

Not All Trade Show Pedestals Are Created Equally

Wednesday, December 22nd, 2010

Every display needs one, every vendor could use one, and every lover of free samples desperately seeks one; today we are talking trade show pedestals. Believe it or not, all trade show pedestals are not created equally. Some are tall, some are short,  some are wide, some are narrow, some even turn into their own shipping case. Regardless of whether we are talking about outdoor displays, hanging headers, or game displays, Godfrey doesn’t do anything halfway and that includes offering you the best looking pedestals on the market today. Check out these awesome designs!

Customer Built Trade Show Pedestals

The Oval Pedestal- Need a standard pedestal with tons of options? We’ve got it. Sizes range from a top of 18″x36″ and 40″ tall to 30″x60″ top at a height of 40″.

Kidney Shaped Pedestals- A pedestal with tons of style and functionality, the Kidney shaped design is a fan favorite with an optional fabric stripe inlay and some extra storage cabinet below.

Rectangular and Square Shape Pedestals- It’s hip to be square with these pedestals that give a new spin to something old. Available in a wide variety of colors including the ability to mix and match tops and bottoms, this is the perfect addition to any trade show exhibit.

Round Pedestals- Other than the fact that these pedestals are round, something else that makes them uber cool is the ability to stack them on top of one another. The Multi-level round pedestal offers you a bottom level that measures 16″w X 40″h, a second level measuring 30″w X 33″h, and a top level at 48″w X 26″h

Vendor Instant Promo/Sampling Station- Features for this ultimate sampling station include: vendor stand interior shelf, banner header frame, canopy top, simple sign frame centered over counter, full color dye sub printed fabric base wrap, full color simple header, and a canvas tote bag with shoulder strap to carry the vendor stand!!

The Right Attitude Can Make Or Break A Custom Trade Show Display

Friday, December 17th, 2010

The display went up in seconds with no problems. Within minutes you were able to unload everything, find your assigned spot at the convention center, and assemble that custom designed trade show exhibit made especially for you. Complete with a couple pedestals, an information display, a couple video monitors, and of course your logo featured prominently in several locations, it’s hard to argue that you’ve got one of the best looking exhibits at the event. Knowing it’s not all about the look of the display though, you have made sure to cover all the bases. Weeks were spent going over every fine detail of the product line you will be presenting, calls and emails were sent in advance to generate some early buzz about where you will be, you’ve even placed a couple banners out front to let those coming know where to find you.

 

Suddenly you hit a string of bad luck. You get nudged on the way back from getting coffee and spill it all over your pants. You run out to the truck to find something to clean up with only to realize you have a flat tire. On your way back you notice someone has stolen one of your better priced items and of course nobody saw anything. Needless to say before the day even starts going good your attitude is far less than positive. As the day progresses you begin speaking to a lot of potential customers. The convention center is full, but for some reason you are barely able to squeak out more than five minutes of anyone’s time. In frustration you begin to look around at your exhibit for what the problem could be….only the problem isn’t the display it’s your attitude.

 

We all have bad days and tribulations we must go through, but the best looking display in the world will only do so much good if the attitude it is presented with stinks. It’s extremely important to set aside all those bad vibes and focus on the customer when those doors open and people start piling in. Another thing to remember is that a positive attitude shouldn’t be confined to the area of your exhibit. People notice more than we tend to give them credit for and it’s not unreasonable to say that potential customers were nearby when that cup of hot coffee got spilled on you, when you screamed because of that flat tire, and when you feverishly attempted to hunt down a would be thief. All that planning you did weeks before the event and that custom designed display will only go so far if you present them to the customer in a sarcastic or unfriendly manner.

 

The next time you get ready to start your day dealing with potential customers, think about your attitude and make sure to be positive!

 

Table Top Displays For The Business Professional

Monday, September 20th, 2010

We’ve talked a lot about first impressions lately specifically how to execute the perfect handshake and the importance of remembering first names, both of which are extremely important when attempting to build a relationship with a customer. If you are salesman who travels all across the country bouncing from one meeting after another, then probably more than anyone else you know how important it is to be prepared when meeting a new client for the first time. A good salesman has to somehow find a way to put all that stress from the hours they were delayed at the airport, the horrible taxi cab ride over, not to mention the busted elevator, and present themselves with confidence to the customer.

The last thing a salesman has time for is to fiddle around with a display that requires a degree from M.I.T. to setup. Instead they need something that takes little effort and time, yet looks like it cost a million bucks. The ShowMax Table Top Display does all of this without sacrificing the quality that people have come to expect from Godfrey.  What makes the ShowMax simply the best portable table top display on the market isn’t the fact that it gets one or two things right, but that it succeeds on several levels including:

  • Portability- The ShowMax is extremely lightweight and features two in-line skate wheels allowing for easy transport. Plus it folds up into a convenient size complete with a handle at the top.
  • Setup- Simply unfold the case, attach a custom designed header, a couple halogen lights at the top, and in seconds your presentation is ready to commence
  • Quality- Like all of Godfrey’s displays and exhibits, the ShowMax is custom built to the customer specifications. This means that the customer decides just how much detail they want the display to have and which of the Velcro ready fabrics work best for their particular needs.

Available with optional transport bag, the ShowMax Table Top Display is the perfect display for anyone who finds themselves having to give presentations repeatedly and is in need of a quick and easy display made from the highest quality materials.

Timberwolves Prove Honesty Is Always The Best Policy

Friday, September 17th, 2010

http://www.nationalsportsbeat.com

As a vendor it’s your job to attract the customer’s attention any way you can. It’s not uncommon to see everything from scantily clad models to circus clowns making their way through an event in support of a company. And let’s face it most trade shows do have that circus atmosphere what with all the loud music, flashing lights, and costumed characters running around. While this type of guerilla marketing does attract attention, it tends to take the customer’s eye away from what the main focus should be and that’s what the vendor’s message is. The result of being the life of the party is that once the show is over, very few in attendance will remember less about who put on the event and more about the guys juggling the flaming chainsaws. Not that prop games such football toss or Plinko don’t have their place at a trade show. After all, the most important thing is getting that foot in the door. With that said though vendors need to remember that through all the glitz and glitter if the customer doesn’t walk away with the sponsor’s name on their tongue, all that shock and awe missed its target.

 Believe it or not there are other qualities that customers appreciate in the company’s they do business with rather than providing them with a good time. Among those traits honesty is considered one of the highest. For some adverting and honesty may be on completely separate ends of the spectrum, but if you’re a consumer looking to spend a large sum of money in a time when our nation’s economy is leaving everyone counting pennies; being honest is a breath of fresh air. An example of this can be seen this week in a recent full page ad featuring the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves who continuously seem to be disappointing fans with one losing season after another. In the letter the team president tells fans “We now have more shooting, athleticism and depth at every position, which will make us a better team this season. So will we challenge for the NBA championship this year? Not likely. Ouch. This honesty thing is a bit painful. But the reality is, we still need that one dominant player…..We are confident, however, that this team will be exciting to watch. For the first time in years Wolves fans are going to feel like they’re missing out if they aren’t in the arena. So in addition to player development we’re working hard on fan development, starting with variable pricing and Flex Pack ticket packages that let you pick the games and seats that you want. The bottom line for fans is: We’re making it easier than ever for you to be part of our turnaround.”

Instead of fireworks and magicians, consider an approach similar to the Timberwolves: Custom built fabric walls, soft lighting behind a backdrop of hand selected images, a hanging banner overhead, a conference table to the side, a few chairs for visitors, and a video monitor providing constant information on how your product will change the lives of all who try it. All of this covered in eye catching colors and featuring your company’s name and logo emblazoned in multiple places. No tricks. Nothing to disguise who you are. Just an honest approach at presenting yourself to the customer.

The Power Of The Proper Handshake

Wednesday, September 15th, 2010

According to some historians the handshake dates all the way back to the days of Camelot when kings and knights would shake a person’s hand in order to make sure no weapons were being concealed.  Today the handshake is a sign of respect, a gesture indicating that a deal is done, and for some it’s just as much an indication of who a person is as anything that is being said by them. A proper handshake takes practice and isn’t something you do half heartedly, it takes a commitment to the action and a lack thereof could lead to a major miscommunication.

Types Of Common Handshake Errors

  • Make sure you get in there- When shaking hands you want to make sure you complete the motion so that the hands are pressing together in equal proportions. If you don’t commit, the person you are introducing yourself to may get a handful of fingers and it could appear that you are not interested in meeting them.
  • Avoid sweaty palms- There’s nothing worse than to stick your hand out only to be met with a cold sweaty hand. Sweaty palms could indicate that the person is nervous or lacks confidence. One good trick for avoiding this is to keep a tissue in your pocket at all times and occasionally stick your hand inside to keep them dry.
  • The shake is not a test of strength- While you definitely don’t want to extend a limp wrist to a person you are introducing yourself too, trying to break their hand won’t do you any favors either. The trick is to be firm without squeezing in such away to cause any type of discomfort. A firm handshake exudes confidence, will power, strength, and a bit of attitude. Remember that it’s important to not over due it without appearing weak at the same time.

A good handshake has the ability to make every first impression a good one similar to the way that a custom designed trade show exhibit can also make a person feel an immediate connection with a company. Whether your company is in the market for something portable and easy to put up, an exhibit for outdoor use, or want to show how much they care about the planet by purchasing an environmentally friendly trade show display; Godfrey has just the thing you need to turn that all important first impression into the start of a beautiful friendship.

Keeping It Clean Goes A Long Way When Talking Trade Shows

Wednesday, September 8th, 2010

We all know that trade show vendors will go to extraordinary lengths to attract attention to their booths. Far beyond custom displays and game props many vendors feel that the best way to attract attention is by putting a pretty face in front of their booths.  While an attractive person will definitely get you attention, it may not be the kind you want. In fact scantily clad models bring about three very distinct problems that are hard to get around if you are vendor looking to utilize this type of marketing:

•1.       They draw the wrong crowd. The main problem with using a model as the main way to sell your product is that it gets everyone’s attention. Every company has a target market in mind for their product. A segment of the population that they feel is the perfect fit for their product. By placing a model in front of your display, instead of zeroing in on that target market you may find yourself wasting huge amounts of time on people who are just there to see a pretty face and don’t have any interest in what you have to offer.

•2.       They ruin your clean image. First impressions mean everything and they are often virtually impossible to reverse because you almost never get a second shot at talking to the customer. If a visitor walks by your booth and sees a model that could be considered inappropriately dressed, that customer could immediately classify you as a company that is less than family friendly. When designing a display for a trade show you want to be as professional as possible at all times. You want custom fabrics, clean lines, and quality video presentations. By putting a less than wholesome face in front of the exhibit you are alienating a large portion of the population.

•3.       They distort your message. Once you consider all of the expenses that are involved in getting to, setting up, and promoting yourself at a trade show, the last thing you can afford to do is have people walk away from your booth not knowing what you are all about.  Again using a model may get bring the crowd your way, but moments later if asked visitors to your booth might be able to remember what the model looked like, but not what she was there to sell. Models get in the way of what you are there to do and that is burn your company’s name in the minds of hundreds of consumers.

Instead of using a model to promote a product, the best move is to invest in a custom built multicolored trade show display that only Godfrey can provide. With a wide variety of kiosks, hanging headers, and pop-up displays to choose from;  Godfrey is the answer to all your trade show woes.

Trade Show Displays Come To Life With Godfrey’s Virtual Tour

Friday, September 3rd, 2010

For weeks and months we’ve been telling you about all the great things Godfrey can do to increase your trade show sales. Through pictures and words, testimonials and statistics, we’ve shown you just what a custom designed trade show exhibit can look like when all you have is an idea and a little help from one of Godfrey’s specially trained project managers. Well what if I told you that there is now a way to take all those designs we’ve been bragging about and see them in action? All of this and more can be seen simply by taking the Godfrey Virtual Tour!

With the click of a link you are literally dropped off in front of the Godfrey Building where from there you will get access to the entire Godfrey Showroom. Look a little closer and you’ll get a chance to see of few of our dedicated employees in action, plus even receive a quick glance into some of the processes that bring our amazing exhibits to life. More importantly though you will see just how much our displays will help separate you from your competitors. From custom fabric structures, to video displays, to the awesome Truss System; the virtual tour can do what words can’t and that’s show you what our designs look like in a real showroom.

Information displays, pop-up tents, and a plethora of portable kiosks can all be found as part of the virtual tour all echoing the same thing….Godfrey is your one stop shop for the very best in custom trade show exhibits and signs. Once you have taken the tour, the next step is to check out our design gallery where you can begin the process of picking out a display of your very own. All is left to from there is getting connected with your personal project manager and your on your way to trade show success! The Godfrey Virtual Tour now!