Archive for the ‘Trade Show Tips’ Category
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!!
Tags: booths, Display Booths, hanging headers, kiosk displays, marketing tips, outdoor displays, pedestals, potential customers, Trade Show Booths, trade show games, unique trade show display
Posted in marketing tips, Overhead banners, Trade Show Booths, Trade Show Displays, Trade Show Exhibits, Trade Show Tips | No Comments »
Friday, September 17th, 2010
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.
Tags: booth, booths, communication, communication tips, Custom displays, customer service, Displays, Exhibitors, Exhibits, fabric structures, Godfrey Group popups, hanging headers, honesty, portable trade show display, potential customer, potential customers, sells tips, Trade Show Booths, trade show tactics, unique trade show display
Posted in Custom hanging headers, marketing tips, Trade Show Booths, Trade Show Displays, Trade Show Exhibits, Trade Show Tips | No Comments »
Monday, September 13th, 2010
We’ve all heard the term ‘you never get a chance to make a first impression’, but what happens when it comes time to make that second impression and you can’t remember the other person’s name. With all the chaos that continuously swirls around each of us, it’s easy to understand how we could forget a person’s name, but that still doesn’t make it any less awkward or damaging to the relationship. I use the term relationship here because exchanging names is the first thing that takes place at the moment you meet someone. When you are able to recite someone’s name back to them weeks or months later, that person immediately gets the feeling that the previous encounter between the two of you meant something. That in your mind they stood out among others you met and have placed a value on that encounter.
Still with thousands of people walking past your trade show exhibit every day, it’s not always easy to remember every single person you shook hands with….but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible.
Tips On Remembering Names
- Say It Back To Them- The moment someone tells you their name begin to look for ways to work it into the conversation. For example: “Well that’s a nice dress to you’re wearing Nancy.” “So what brings you out in this kind of weather today Frank?” “Steve I gotta tell ya, this is the best deal of the whole event.” By doing this not only are you making a connection with the consumer, but you’re e also memorizing their name at the same time.
- Ask Them To Spell It- We are a world of unique individuals and to match our individual personalities, we want are names to be just as special, even it is in spelling alone. Christy could be Kristy, Melanie might be Mailenie, Katherine may prefer Catherine. The point is that if you are making notes on whom you are seeing during the event; don’t be too shy to ask how a person spells their name. Again this lets the visitor know you are giving them your full attention and that what they have to say is important to you.
- Give The Name Meaning- In school we are taught that one of the best ways to remember something is to give it meaning. AU is the scientific abbreviation for gold; I know this because someone once taught me the sentence “A-U bring me back my gold!!” Using the above examples: Kristy is spelled like Krispy as in Kripsy Crème Donuts. Mailenie might remind you to check your mail every day. Catherine might be the name of your favorite song which is also spelled the same way.
Remembering a potential customers name is important and so is making sure they remember your name. A custom built display from Godfrey featuring your company’s name and logo all around your exhibit is a sure fire way to guarantee that when it comes time to meet again, there will be no need for reintroductions.
Tags: booths, Custom graphics, customer service, customers, Display Booths, marketing tips, portable trade show display, potential customer, potential customers, Trade Show, Trade Show Booths, Trade Show Displays, unique trade show display
Posted in Custom displays, Custom graphics, Trade Show Exhibits, Trade Show Tips | No Comments »
Wednesday, September 1st, 2010
When someone leaves your exhibit they may not be able to quote what was shared with them word for word or tell recite the names of the people they met, but for the most part people do pay attention to the details. Ask any recent visitor to your booth and more than likely you’d receive info on what promotions were being offered, how polite the staff was, and what their thoughts on the layout of the exhibit were. Sure they may miss some of the larger things that were being promoted, but sometimes it’s the little touches that tell people whether or not they would be happy doing business with a vendor. Van Halen lead singer David Lee Roth once gave a classic example of how not paying attention to detail can lead to larger issues. The discussion revolved around a liner in the bands contract that specifically called for a bowl of M&M’s free of any brown colored chocolates, “So, when I would walk backstage, if I saw a brown M&M in that bowl . . . well, line-check the entire production. Guaranteed you’re going to arrive at a technical error. They didn’t read the contract. Guaranteed you’d run into a problem. Sometimes it would threaten to just destroy the whole show. Something like, literally, life-threatening.”
Godfrey practically specializes in minor details that are sure to make a big impact on trade show sales and among the best are a couple of items that are guaranteed to light a fire under any customer:
It may not seem like much at first, but an Earth Frame is the perfect addition to any trade show exhibit. There’s just something about the shape of our planet that when used as a logo or prop gives a company a sense of trust and wisdom. When they see a Earth Frame encircled by the shape of the continents the consumer gets an idea that the company they are looking at is a global presences and cares about the world it operates in.
Fire is something else that evokes a specific emotion in all of us. A flame represents hope, a new life, a victory, and a new idea. Nestled atop a fabric column, a fire bowl can often appear so real that many would swear they felt the heat coming off of itand if the vendor isn’t careful that heat might just be enough to set the entire display on fire. As an added bonus the fabric column easily converts to a product pedestal and even supports a conference tabletop.
Trade shows are often far too hectic to allow vendors to do more than make a quick first impression. By designing an exhibit full of small details that tell the customer they are meeting a vendor that truly cares about them, a company has the power to take that first impression and turn it into a lasting relationship. For more information on how to make that perfect first impression, contact Godfrey today and get on the path to higher trade show sales!!
Tags: booth, booths, custom designed displays, Custom displays, Custom graphics, customer service, Display Booths, exhibit tips, Exhibitors, fabric structures, high impact displays, increased sales, portable trade show display, potential customer, potential customers, Trade Show, trade show advice, trade show booth, Trade Show Booths, Trade Show Displays, trade show sales, tradeshow display, unique trade show display
Posted in Custom displays, Custom graphics, marketing tips, Trade Show Booths, Trade Show Displays, Trade Show Exhibits, Trade Show Tips, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Monday, August 30th, 2010
You walk in and the greeter at the entrance thanks you for stopping by. She offers to show you around, but you tell her you’re just browsing. There’s a bit of music playing in the background and some outside noise filtering in as you look through the various racks and shelves. After finding a few items you like, the cashier smiles then reminds you to leave your contact info on the way out in order to receive special offers in the weeks and months to come. As you head for the exit, you thank the greeter and comment on how nice the experience was before rejoining the crowd outside. This scenario happens every day at millions of retail and outlet stores all over the world, but what makes this experience different is that instead of a shopping mall it’s happening at a convention center during a trade show.
Bringing that showroom experience to a trade show is easy once you have the tools to make it happen. Complete with shelving and easy to assemble hanging racks, the expert staff at Godfrey knows just what it takes to create a professional showroom. Featuring a wide variety of showcases, counter tops, video displays, custom flooring, and fixtures the showroom experience wouldn’t be complete without your custom logo and company name emblazoned all around.
If you’re a trade show vendor who is looking for something unique that is sure to separate your company from your competitors, what better way to achieve this than by designing a display that essentially makes visitors forget that they are at a trade show and instead are visiting one of your new custom built locations.
Tags: custom flooring, custom logos, customer service, hanging racks, portable trade show display, potential customer, potential customers, retail space, shelving, showcases, showroom, Trade Show, Trade Show Booths
Posted in Custom displays, Custom graphics, Custom hanging headers, Expert trade show advice, Trade Show Displays, Trade Show Exhibits, Trade Show Tips, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Thursday, August 12th, 2010
It’s the perfect day. The sun is out and a cool breeze blows in your face as you jump on up on your board ready to charge the next available wave. The sounds of Jimmy Buffet and Jack Johnson can be heard just off in the distance. You see your chance. That perfect wave just begging to be tamed. You jump up, get in your stance, and a quick click-flash-print from a nearby camera records the triumphant moment. You’ve got a memory to last a lifetime and if you wish you don’t even have to tell anyone that you never actually went to the beach this year. In fact you were at trade show somewhere in the middle of the country and the entire
surfing experience took place as part of your company’s brand new
trade show exhibit.
While there is a lot to be said about getting your point across, burning the name of your company into someone’s brain will take you a long way. Everyone needs to let loose from time to time and have some fun. Why not be the company at the otherwise boring trade show that brings the party to the people? There’s nothing that people like better than laughing it up with their friends and family just as there are some games that never get old. Imagine a line of people all waiting to take a turn on your
Putt-Putt Golf course or a chance to win a few freebies by stepping up to the
football toss. Why not turn the entire trade show into your own personal event? With the help of a few well placed
posters, a
overhead banner, and a couple
flag stands each featuring your company’s name and logo all pointing in your direction, you can easily create a buzz through the crowd that will send them flocking to see what all the fuss is about. While they’re in line surround them with a
literature display featuring everything they need to know about who you are and before they can play ask visitors to fill out a contact sheet located on a
pedestal at the starting point of the game.
Regardless of who you are or what your product is, by connecting your company’s name and image to a prop or game you are creating a memory in a person’s mind all based around the fun they had at your booth. By making a point to get their contact info before they step up to the plate you are
generating tons of leads sure to last you for months and years to come.
Tags: booth, booths, Custom displays, Custom graphics, customer service, customers, Display Booths, flag stands, football, generating leads, literature display, marketing tips, outdoor banners, outdoor displays, Overhead banners, pedestals, photo props, portable trade show display, posters, potential customer, putt-putt, surfing prop, Trade Show Booths, Trade Show Displays, trade show exhibit, unique trade show display
Posted in Custom displays, Custom graphics, Custom hanging headers, marketing tips, Overhead banners, Poster frames, Promotional Ideas, Trade Show Booths, Trade Show Displays, Trade Show Exhibits, Trade Show game themes, Trade Show Tips, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Wednesday, August 11th, 2010
With the state of the market these days if you are company that makes their living off of the leads gathered from trade shows, then you need to be sure that you treat each event as a learning experience. Regardless of whether or not you’ve been to only a couple of shows or two hundred, everyone has something to learn and every vendor has something to teach. To this end today we are going to discuss the importance of a trade show packet and some of the things you can do at your next event that might help you down the road.
Simply put a trade show packet is a series of observations that require you to pay attention to not only how you did, but how other vendors faired. Before you can get started though make sure that you’ve got away to keep the notes so that you can review them from time to time; the last thing you want is to be stuck jotting a bunch of random thoughts down on a bunch of scrap paper.
What worked for you? To say that a trade show can be hectic at times is definitely an understatement. We all know what it’s like when you are slammed and how things can turn around at the drop of a hat. Once you have a moment to catch your breath though, look around your booth and see what all the fuss was about. Did you sell out of anything? Was there a specific style you ran out of first or that people were asking about? Was your display set up to handle traffic accordingly or could you have setup a different way. Did you get any compliments on your exhibit?
What didn’t work for you? Every presentation has its flaws. Even the most customized of displays can miss if the way you present it is wrong. Delivery is just as important as any popup display, portable signage, or custom logo you surround yourself with. If you come across as rude, arrogant, or uncaring all that attention that your exhibit brought will quickly go the other way. In the same respect if you’re not clear and to the point as to what it is you are offering, those that visit your booth may not stick around to find out. A custom display will bring the crowd to you, but it’s your job to keep them there.
What did other vendors do? You shouldn’t have to look too far to see what other vendors at the show are doing. Take a walk and make a few mental notes as to what others are doing. Is anyone using games such as a money booth, Frisbee toss, or Plinko that are attracting a lot of attention? Maybe someone is getting a good response from a photo prop. Whatever the other guys are doing compare that to your own display and see who you think comes out on top. Maybe there are things that other vendors did well that may fit in nicely with your style or maybe you will see some things you are doing also which could be turning customers away.
A trade show packet is kind of like an exit interview you conduct with yourself. Take some time to really think about what happened during your trip, what your impressions were of the event as a whole, and what you might do differently your next time out.
Tags: booths, custom designs, Custom displays, Custom graphics, customer, customers, Display Booths, Display Company, Exhibit Booth Company, Exhibitors, fabric structures, frisbee toss, Godfrey Group popups, kiosk, kiosk displays, marketing tips, money booth, photo props, Plinko, popup displays, portable signage, portable trade show display, potential customer, potential customers, Trade Show, Trade Show Booths, Trade Show Displays, trade show kiosk, trade show packet, trade shows, unique trade show display
Posted in Custom displays, Custom graphics, Expert trade show advice, marketing tips, Promotional Ideas, SpaceStation Popup Displays, Trade Show Booths, Trade Show Displays, Trade Show Exhibits, Trade Show game themes, Trade show popups, Trade Show Tips, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Wednesday, July 21st, 2010
This week we are talking about how smaller displays don’t always mean smaller sales or less impact. Today I want to take this thought and give you an example of how this can translate into a trade show environment. By now you know that Godfrey has everything you need from giant fabric structures to stand alone literature displays to outdoor inflatables, but what about a simple display that requires little in terms of involvement by an onsite salesman. I’m talking about a portable workstation with monitor mount and lockable storage compartment.
Imagine walking through a crowded trade show; everywhere you turn you see sales people blasting out their sales pitches to anyone in ear shot. Flashes of light and color coming from all directions accompany the teeth shattering pulse of the music as it blasts overhead. If you didn’t know better you might think that you were actually visiting one of the cities trendiest night clubs. Then suddenly off the side something catches your eye. It could be the overhead banner that promises a one of a kind experience for anyone that is interested in trying something new. It could the lone salesman as he stands smiling greeting those that walk by in a polite yet unobtrusive manner. Then again what might actually be catching your attention is the monitor station behind him with its sleek curved design, custom graphics promising something new is waiting to be experienced, and a flash of something on the screen that begs further investigation. As you approach the salesman invites you to learn more about his product and simply presses a button that starts a slide show designed to let you know just how much the product being discussed could change your life.
Sometimes you don’t need the flash and glitz that those over the top displays provide to get your point across. While larger structures definitely attract attention and are always popular, something as simple as a portable workstation with a monitor and an eye catching slide show may just be enough to attract the customers you are looking for. Plus they are easier on your wallet as well. The next time you get ready to go all out for that next event, take a moment and reconsider using a smaller display with a quality message. You might be surprised at your results.
Tags: booths, Custom graphics, Display Booths, fabric structures, hanging headers, inflatables, literature racks, marketing tips, Overhead banners, portable trade show display, portable workstations, potential customer, Trade Show, Trade Show Booths, unique trade show display, video stations
Posted in Custom graphics, marketing tips, Overhead banners, Trade Show Booths, Trade Show Displays, Trade Show Tips | No Comments »
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.
Tags: booths, carbon footprint, Custom graphics, customers, Display Booths, Eco-friendly displays, environmentally friendly trade show display, Exhibit Booth Company, going green, green conference displays, marketing tips, Trade Show, Trade Show Booths, unique trade show display
Posted in Custom displays, Eco-friendly displays, marketing tips, Trade Show Booths, Trade Show Displays, Trade Show Exhibits, Trade Show Tips | No Comments »
Friday, July 9th, 2010
What gets me the most about today’s mega-marts is that there is too much to choose from. Cereal alone takes me a half an hour to decide on. I have to make sure I eat before I go shopping for food otherwise my ability not to buy up every new thing that comes out severely takes a beating. One thing that will get me to tag along with my wife to the grocery store though is the promise of free samples. Free pizza bites, free cups of ice cream, free deep fried cheesecake bites…when it comes to free I do not discriminate. A store that continuously offers free samples is one that will see me walking it’s isles at least once a week. I’m not the only one. The next time you see a sample booth set up, just stand back and watch people’s faces light up as the thought of free mini-hotdogs takes them over.
These types of promotions have been around just about as long as the grocery stores themselves. One thing that has changed though is the way freebies are presented. Today’s sample stations are easy to assemble, not to mention portable, and do a much better job of catching the customer’s attention than a simple folding table can. With tons of counter space and plenty of much needed storage, each sample station from Godfrey comes with optional side modules for even more room and feature full color removable digital wraps perfect for showcasing your company’s name. A wide variety of headers compliment the design by giving the station a unique look and a style all of its own.
If you are looking for a practical, easy to maintain display, with minimum hassle and maximum charm take a look at some of our fantastic looking sample stations. What you will find is a display that not only pulls the customer into it, but also gives plenty of space to fit your needs while not hurting your wallet. The additional side modules and custom graphics options only cement the fact that whether you set up shop in a grocery store or an outdoor event, customers won’t be able to resist what you have to offer.
Tags: booth, booths, Custom graphics, customers, digital wraps, Exhibit Booth Company, marketing tips, outdoor displays, portable trade show display, sample stations, samples, trade show booth, unique trade show display
Posted in Custom displays, Custom graphics, Expert trade show advice, marketing tips, Promotional Ideas, Trade Show Displays, Trade Show Tips | No Comments »
