Posts Tagged ‘booth’

How About A Tradeshow Tailgate Party?

Monday, August 16th, 2010

The first official day of college football is less than a month away and where I’m from that means tailgate season is upon us. In the south college football doesn’t just last 5-6 months of the year, in Alabama it’s a 365 day discussion that never stops. On any given Saturday from September through the first of January malls are deserted, parks are left abandoned and empty, and the only people on the streets are those trying desperately to get home in time to catch the second half. If you’re a retailer or any type of event planner than the only way you can guarantee that people will show is the promise that they won’t have to miss the big game. I’ve been to both weddings and funerals where somewhere tucked in the corner of a room you could find a dozen men and women alike applauding a completed touchdown pass.

If you’re a trade show vendor and you know that your target market is full of die-hard football fanatics, then one sure fire way to get them to show up in droves is to contact them in advance and promise them a tailgate party with all the fix’ins. In order to throw a successful tailgate party the most important thing you need to focus on is atmosphere. With a few clicks of a button you can be on your way to creating a Grand Fabric structure that resembles a football stadium with your company’s logo emblazoned all around. The next thing you need is food. Think hot-wings, burgers, hot-dogs, and tons of potato chips complete with enough soda to drown an elephant. For special VIP customers throw a juicy steak on your portable grill and serve it all under the appropriately named Mushroom Kiosk that will give you plenty of counter space.

Now all you got to do give the people what they came to see and that’s the game itself. The Truss Me system with its monitor mount option and a dependable WiFi connection will give you the ability to blast the game all across the conference room floor. Throw a literature stand in the mix so everyone has a chance to learn about who sponsored the awesome party, a pedestal for all to leave their contact info, and what you have is tailgate party that gets the people out of their recliners and into your custom built trade show exhibit!!

Riding The Wave To Increased Profits

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.

When It Comes To Trade Shows “Truss” Is Our Middle Name

Friday, August 6th, 2010

Walking through a trade show is a lot like being in your car driving down the main road of a busy city. Everywhere you look there is something competing for your attention. You’ve got flashing arrows pointing you to products promising to change your life. There are mascots holding signs trying to flag you down. People walking past handing out fliers. It’s extremely difficult to see past the glitz and glamour when all you want to do is hit the high points and get back on the road. If you’re a vendor at one of these events then it’s your job to seperate yourself from all the other distractions, rise above the rest of the vendors, and grab that visitors attention.  You’ve got to find a way to present your product in such a unique fashion that anyone that passes by feels an almost magnetic pull to your exhibit.  Thanks to the Truss system you can do all of this and more.

At any event you are limited to the amount of space you are a loud to setup in. With the Truss system though you could potentially of double your available space thanks to it’s support beams that allow for extra promotion material above your existing display. Just like a billboard you might see while driving down the road, the Truss system is designed to set your company apart from other vendors by drawing peoples eye up and over the other displays they pass by. Featuring large custom graphic designs, options that include light box attachments, monitor mounts, and the ability to be easily broken down so that the entire display can be shipped any where your travels take you; this is one exhibit that is sure to change your view as to what a trade show display should look like. Imagine what it would be like to be walking along a busy trade show corridor, people flooding past you, vendors barking out for seconds of your time, and then looking up to see a monitor towering over all the chaos pointing you to the must have idea you came to see. This is the Truss system in action.

Strong enough to support a monitor showcasing the wonders of your best products, completely customizable, and easily setup, the Truss system may just be your best chance to turn even the most docile of trade shows into a feeding frenzy of customers.

Is The Slowing Economy Hurting Your Business? Let Godfrey Help!

Wednesday, August 4th, 2010

A recent report concerning the country’s slagging economyjust came out this week and while it’s not bad, it definitely leaves a lot to be desired. According to the report from CNN “ The U.S. economy continued to grow during the second quarter, the government reported Friday. But the pace slowed more than economists were expecting, raising concern about growth – or even another recession – in the months ahead. Gross domestic product, the broadest measure of the nation’s economic activity, rose at a 2.4% annual rate during the three months ended June 30, the Commerce Department said. The sluggish pace was down from the upwardly revised 3.7% growth rate in the first quarter, and missed economists’ forecast for a 2.5% increase.”  As part of the same story one of the country’s tope economic analysts goes on to say that “People are continuing to cut back, and that could mean that third-quarter growth will be the worst since the end of the recession. The slowing growth path leaves the possibility of a double-dip recession on the table.”

If you are one of the thousands of companies out there they make their living by traveling from trade show to trade show, the thought of an even further slowing of consumer spending has got to send shivers down your spine. If your current display is aging quickly or you are looking for a more creative way to spark interest in your products, than this latest news has to hit you equally hard because we all know that  you need money to make money. Well you may be able to get some relief thanks to Godfrey’s display rental program.

http://www.injac.org/breatheasyville/images/rental.jpg

Priced 50-60% less than if purchased all at once, rental displays not only help you get a better feel of what works, but they are also a great alternative to purchasing two displays if you only need more than one for a short period of time. Available in many styles, rental display options include:

  • 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.
  • In these tough economic times when people are becoming more and more selective with how they spend their money, it’s more important than ever that your investments reap great returns. Godfrey understands that when you are attending a trade show you need to be able to position yourself with a unique display that is sure to attract attention for your target customers. Unfortunately purchasing a display you’ve never seen in action before is more of a risk than some are willing to commit to and that’s why we are happy to help with multiple rental options that are specifically designed to spark interest in your company. For more information on display rentals contact one of our personal project managers today.

    Big Does Not Always Mean Better

    Monday, July 19th, 2010

    I spent all of last week talking about what could be accomplished with the use of Godfrey’s Grand Format Fabric Structures. This week I want to go in the opposite direction and talk about how less can sometimes mean more. A few years back I became interested in log cabins and dove headfirst into all the unique designs that today’s log cabin designers were making available to the general public. That’s when I first heard about Jim Shafer and his tiny home. I had forgot about Jim until this weekend when I came across a recent interview posted on Yahoo. What makes Mr. Shafer so special is that back in 1997 he decided to downgrade his living space. By downgrade I mean Mr. Shafer got rid of the majority of his possessions and moved into an 89 square foot cabin. All these years later Jim Shafer now runs Tumble Weed Tiny Houses a firm that specializes in designing tiny homes for those that live by the motto “Less Is More”. Jim’s success is a perfect example of how something small can lead to huge success; another example of this our line of Podium Shipping Cases.

    Any salesman will tell you that the more people you see, the better your chances are of making a sell. If what you are selling requires some type of demonstration, than there is a definite need to be able to assemble and tear down a display quickly so that you can get to your next appointment in good time. Regardless of if you are traveling from company to company within the same city or plane hopping across the country, a good portable display needs to be tough, easy to use, and functional. What makes these Podium Shipping Cases so unique is that what you are getting is a sturdy shipping case that is able to take a licking and when stood on end becomes a professional looking  podium perfect for those who make their livings by giving presentations. Though the shipping case initially looks like other cases on today’s market, what makes this case so special is that inside it carriers a fabric wrap that quickly snaps snugly around the outside giving you just that extra touch of class.

    One of the key philosophies preached by Jim Shafer is that all the clutter, all the extras, all the flash and grandeur of today’s homes at least for some is exactly that….needless stuff that takes up space.  If you are somebody that needs to be as mobile as possible at all times, that hates the thought of packing things up and hitting the road with tons of packaging following behind you, and likes the idea of having everything you need for that next big client meeting all wrapped up in one case….a Podium Shipping Case is the more than you’ve ever dreamed of.

    It’s A Trade Show Christmas In July!!!

    Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

    Imagine a cozy Christmas scene in your mind, the soft crackle of an open fire, a tree in the corner trimmed with the brightest of ornaments, the smell of apple cider and gingerbread cookies wafting through the air. Outside the ground is covered with snow and somewhere in the distance you can just barely make out the sound of Bing Crosby softly singing White Christmas…..now zoom out and you’ll see that to your shock and amazement this isn’t a country Christmas, but in fact what you have been looking at is all taking place in a coliseum surrounded by hundreds of other vendors. With the use of a custom designed Grand Format Fabric Graphic Structure Christmas in July is sure to take on a whole new meaning.

    It’s hard to believe that the Christmas holidays are less than five months away, unless of course you are in sales than it’s a no-brainer that in order to ensure the you have product to promote in December you better start preparing in July. As I mentioned above, the Christmas scene described can easily be achieved with the help of Godfrey. That soft crackling fire is actually a fire bowl. The Christmas tree is fashioned out of a custom fabric column. Everything else can be pickup at your local grocery store. Put this all together inside a Grand Fabric display resembling the inside of a country home and what you have is a fantastic looking displace that is guaranteed to draw a crowd. Don’t forget to place a hanging banner over the entire thing so that everyone knows what’s in store for them up ahead.

    If Christmas isn’t your cup of eggnog than let one of Personal Project Managers help you design the type of structure that fits all of your needs. Whether it’s a beach scene, something from outer-space, or a professional looking conference room with built in Plexiglas, these structures are sure to put every one’s idea as to what a trade show display was meant to be. If you need more ideas or are just curious as to what else we can do, click on over to our design gallery for more on what we have to offer.

    Sampling Something New

    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.

    The Hands Off Approach To Trade Show Events

    Sunday, June 27th, 2010

    Literature displays, portable kiosks, and table wraps are great tools to have with you when showing off your ideas and products to the public, but all three pose the same problem for those that sell items that are considered hands-off……they give the customer too much room to touch, feel, and possibly damage the item being displayed. I once knew a guy that worked for a publishing house. One of their bestsellers was a book that described and priced rare coins.  As part of the promotion for the book, my friend would visit several trade shows and use a couple of rare coins he had purchased over the years to show people how easy it was to use the book. He kept running into the problem of people wanting to touch the coin that he had paid so much for. Since the money added value to the books he was trying to sell, he had to find a way to display the items without making them so easily accessible.

    The body’s natural oils have always been known to breakdown and cause damage to antiques or rare items whether it be books, metals, or fabrics; that’s why it’s important to limit contact with these types of things. Plus anything of value can easily be stolen hence vendors who sell these types of items need some security to avoid loose hands taking something that can’t be replaced. Thankfully for those that prefer their exhibit items to been seen and not touched, there are Merchandise displays available. Similar to what you would see in a jewelry or retail store, merchandise displays feature a clear see through case with a sliding door in the back and optional shelf perfect for rare coins, jewelry, artifacts, or anything else that you want to show off the public. Each display comes with a base available in a wide variety of colors and even the option of a door in order to give you some secure storage space underneath. Portable, lightweight, and easy to break down, like all things offered from Godfrey each display can be customized to feature your company logo.

    If you have been searching for a better way to show off your products or simply want some extra security, than look no further! Easy to transport and featuring multiple designs to choose from, these Merchandise displays are just what you have been waiting for. Call us today at 800-789-9394!

    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.

    A Tip Guaranteed To Quench Your Thurst For Attention

    Friday, June 18th, 2010

    Are you tired of struggling to get every one’s attention trade show after trade show? Do you spend more of your time staring at your shoes than into the faces of eager customers? Well maybe Godfrey can help by shedding some light on the situation. See we understand that in today’s cut throat market in order to stand out from the crowd you’ve got to not only make your product relevant, you’ve got to establish yourself as the life preserver consumers have been desperately waiting for. You do this by making yourself necessary. How do you make yourself a must visit booth at a trade show? Simple! You give the public what they have to have….food and drink.

    You see everyone has at least three things in common: 1)They need to eat 2)They need to drink 3)They need to rest (sleep). Trade shows  take up a ton of space and are often held in the largest possible locations. Because of all the walking that is required, at some point all those visitors need a place to stop and refill their batteries. That’s where you come in with the help of our Soda Can Station. Designed to resemble an aluminum cola can, this is one display that is sure to attract attention like an oasis in the middle of a long hot desert. Like everything else from Godfrey, our Soda Can Station is made of top of the line materials and can easily be customized with your name, logo, and color scheme emblazoned on all sides. Featuring an umbrella top and a wrap around counter, trade show visitors will be thanking you for helping them recharge their batteries while they take in the days events.

    Imagine a convention center full of potential customers carrying  bottles of water and telling others where they got them from. If you are looking for a smart, creative trade show booth with mass appeal and built in word of mouth, than the Soda Can Station is the answer to your prayers. Great for outdoor events and easily customized, this is one display that is sure to soak up the sales. Order today!!!