Posts Tagged ‘conventions’
Friday, July 16th, 2010
The words trade show and chaotic seem to go hand in hand don’t they? Everywhere you look bright lights are flashing, bells and whistles are going off, and vendors are yelling at everyone that walks by as if they work at a back country carnival. Privacy is nonexistent and most conversations tend to follow the same basic script:
Salesman: Hi Sir! Would you be interested in taking a look at product ABC?
Potential Customer: Sure. What does ABC do? Show me how it works.
Salesman: It’s simple. You put this in here, turn there, and presto-change-o! It’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before and it’s guaranteed to change your life.
Potential Customer: Sounds Great! What kind of deal can I get on it?
Salesman: Well it all depends on how much of ABC you want, the color, the size….why don’t you give me your info and we can set up a time to talk about this more in detail.
See what happened? The salesman caught the customer’s attention, showed him how product ABC worked, and sold the idea that the customer was missing out on a great opportunity if he let ABC get past him. The only problem is that ABC is kind of expensive and there’s a lot to work out in terms of payment plans, interest rates, warranties, models, etc….none of which can easily be done when you have 50 other people trying to get your attention. You could ignore the other customers, but you would be trading one sale for potentially tens of others. So in this case the salesman did the only thing he could do…he collected the customers contact info and setup a time to go into detail at a later date.
Wednesday I wrote to you about our great looking Grand Format Fabric Graphic Structures. In that post I mentioned the ability to essentially create a conference room complete with table and chairs both featuring your company’s name and logo. I wanted to expand on this because what you are doing by constructing of display is creating a space away from the trade show chaos where some privacy can be had and those details our salesman above mentioned can be explained while at the same time his associate can handle new visitors to the exhibit. Below is how things might have been different had the salesman been able to spend more time talking about the specifics of product ABC.
Salesman: Hi Sir! Would you be interested in taking a look at product ABC?
Potential Customer: Sure. What does ABC do? Show me how it works.
Salesman: It’s simple. You put this in here, turn there, and presto-change-o! It’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before and it’s guaranteed to change your life.
Potential Customer: Sounds Great! What kind of deal can I get on it?
Salesman: Well it all depends on how much of ABC you want, the color, the size….I tell you what, if you have a moment we could step back into the office area behind me and go over some of the specifics. I promise to have you back on your way in 15 minutes.
Potential Customer: Sure! Show me the way!
Easy to setup, simple to transport, and like everything from the Godfrey Group each display is available in a wide variety of colors and fabrics. All it takes is a few basic questions and you could be on your way to creating a trade show exhibit that is sure to increase your sales. What are you waiting for! Contact us today at 1-800-789-9394
Tags: conventions, Custom graphics, customer service, customers, demonstrations, Display Booths, fabric structures, increased sales, logos, marketing tips, portable trade show display, potential customers, privacy, sales, samples, showroom, Trade Show Tips, unique trade show display
Posted in Custom displays, Custom graphics, Expert trade show advice, marketing tips, Trade Show Booths, Trade Show Displays, Trade Show Exhibits | No Comments »
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.
Tags: booth, booths, christmas, Conference Vendor, conventions, Custom graphics, customers, design gallery, Display Booths, Event Planners, Exhibitors, fabric columns, fabric trade show display, fire bowls, Holiday Greetings, holidays, potential customer, Trade Show Booths, unique trade show display
Posted in Backlit displays, Custom displays, Custom graphics, Custom hanging headers, Expert trade show advice, marketing tips, Trade Show Exhibits | No Comments »
Wednesday, June 30th, 2010
In the course of writing this blog I’ve mentioned more than once that one key to being successful is to make sure the theme of the trade show is a good fit for your product. While I still believe this, a recent article in of all places Entertainment Weekly has me changing my tune at least slightly. The article is all about this year’s Comic Con show in San Diego July 22-25. Any pop culture fanatic will tell you that Comic Con isn’t your average comic-book convention, it’s the most anticipated event of the entire year. With over 125,000 people showing up for the three day event, this year’s organizers have put together a list of exhibits that goes beyond the realm of comic-books. In fact this year’s show will feature over 40 booths that are not to tied to comics at all such as televisions shows like Glee, Castle, and Hawaii-Five-O.
With all of these seemingly unrelated vendors showing up, I have to ask “When registering for a spot at a trade show, is being different always bad?” If you ask me the answer isn’t a clear yes or no, but like most things somewhere in the middle. If you are in the business of selling wrenches then a rug show is not the place to popup a tent for the weekend. However if it’s a car show where mechanics and automobile lovers alike will be visiting in hordes, then chances are you might do well. In other words there’s nothing wrong with being different as long as there’s a common thread to connect you with the other vendors attending the show. An island exhibit featuring a new high-tech wrench at a car show works because car lovers love to work on their cars, but the same display has no place at a rug show because the demographic is different. Likewise Comic Con is all about the most talked about television shows, movies, books, as well as comics so regardless if the vendor features a new cop show, sitcom, or drama the buzz is what connects them.
Being different is a classic double edge sword. Standing out can be a good thing if what you are offering has a base connection to the overall theme of the trade show. By the same token though being too different will only leave you high and dry as those attending the event keep their focus on what attracted them to the show to start with.
Tags: booths, comic-con, Conference Vendor, conventions, creating buzz, Display Booths, Event Planners, Exhibits, island exhibits, kiosk displays, popup displays, portable trade show display, potential customers, tents, Trade Show Booths, upcoming trade show
Posted in Conferences & Venues, Expert trade show advice, marketing tips, SpaceStation Popup Displays, Trade Show Exhibits, Trade show popups, Trade Show Tips, Uncategorized | No Comments »
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!
Tags: booth, booths, conventions, customers, Display Booths, Exhibit Booth Company, jewelry, kiosk, kiosk displays, literature racks, merchandise displays, portable trade show display, security, table wraps, tradeshow display, unique trade show display
Posted in Custom table throws and runners, Deskwrap, marketing tips, Trade Show Displays, Trade Show Exhibits, Uncategorized | No Comments »
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.
Tags: booths, conventions, Custom graphics, customer retention, Display Booths, hanging headers, interested customers, kiosk displays, Overhead banners, potential customer
Posted in Conferences & Venues, Custom graphics, Expert trade show advice, marketing tips, Overhead banners, Trade Show Booths, Trade Show Displays, Trade Show Exhibits, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Wednesday, June 16th, 2010
It’s another one of those weeks where if you’re a sports fan there is something happening every moment of the day. The NBA finals are finally getting interesting with the Celtics forcing a game seven with the Lakers. Tiger Woods is out to prove what he hasn’t so far this season at the U.S. Open teeing off this Thursday and that’s the thought that he’s still the same golfer he was before his recent struggles kept him away from the game. All of baseball fandom is hanging on Stephen Strasburg’s every pitch and for the first time in forever the Nationals are must see TV. Not to be out done football is proving it’s America’s number sport even in the off season as rumors run rampant that the Big 12 will soon cease to exist. Last, but certainly not least, the entire planet has their hands all over the World Cup as soccer is putting South Africa front and center in everyone’s minds eye. Meanwhile even as I type this all across the country trade show vendors are taking advantage of these events by getting their message and products to the public via game displays.
You may not know this, but Godfrey offers more than just a few game and promotional displays. In fact the possibilities are limitless thanks to Godfrey’s ability to create any type of game display that meets your exact specifications. Of course we’ve got the standard spin- to-win, football/freesbie toss, and putt putt displays, that are a sure fire hit guaranteed to always draw a crowd, but for those that really want to crank up the excitement Godfrey has just the ticket. How about a basketball shootout setup to go with the NBA Finals? Maybe a bean bag toss game for Major League baseball fans? We could even set you up with a kick and score display sure to bring those soccer fans to your booth.
With Godfrey the sky’s the limit when it comes to customized game displays whether your a sports fan or just a fan of high profits. Each and every display can be tailored to meet your specific needs with your logo emblazzoned for all in attendance to see. Don’t let the competition get the best of you at your next tradeshow; call, fax, or email your design needs today!!
Tags: baseball, basketball, booth, booths, conventions, customer, customers, Display Booths, Display Company, Exhibit Booth Company, Exhibits, golf, NBA Finals, outdoor displays, portable trade show display, potential customer, potential customers, soccer, sports, trade show game display, trade shows, unique trade show display, world cup
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Monday, June 14th, 2010
If you’re a fan of video games or simply electronics in general, than you are no doubt already aware of the E3 Expo that kicks into full gear this week in Los Angeles from the 15-17th. With over 40,000 visitors and booths representing 98% of U.S game manufactures, it’s no wonder fans are proclaiming the circus is coming to town. E3 for short, the Electronics Entertainment Expo proclaims itself to be the premier electronics even of the year and is only available to those professionals directly employed by the interactive entertainment industry. Exhibitors aside, this however is not what makes this trade show so special; it’s the dozens of exclusive fist time look products that will be unveiled to world for the first time. The top two of these rumored to be the new Microsoft Xbox Natal controller and the Nintendo 3DS.
The new Natal is literally being previewed with the help of the world famous troop Cirque Du Soleil. Forget all those thoughts of what a videogame controller is, was, or should be; the Natal is the controller that puts the contoller in your hands by doing just that…making your hand the controller. Straight from Microsoft, Natal is “a revolutionary new way to play: no controller required. See a ball? Kick it, hit it, trap it or catch it. If you know how to move your hands, shake your hips or speak you and your friends can jump into the fun — the only experience needed is life experience.” Talk about custom graphics!! How much more custom can a trade show exhibit be?
Not to be out done, Nintendo is planning to demonstrate it’s latest world changing technology with the premier of the 3DS. The successor to the DSi XL, this new addition to the hand held game arena takes the worlds recent addiction to all things 3D to new heights by giving the public it’s first 3D gaming system that takes the tradition glasses and throws them out the window. That’s right, no glasses required!!
With demonstrations, exhibits, displays, and kiosks from everyone who is anyone in the electronic gaming industry, this year’s E3 Expo promises to be a dream come true not only for gaming fans but for those that love checking out the latest in trade show marketing tools. From floor to ceiling and wall to wall, you can guarantee that E3 will only provide those in attendance with the best in custom graphics, hands on work stations, and theme displays. Who knows maybe we’ll see you there!!
Tags: 3DS, booths, conventions, Custom graphics, E3 Expo, Event Planners, Exhibits, Godfrey Group, kiosk displays, kiosks, marketing tips, Natal, new products, Nintendo, portable trade show display, Trade Show Booths
Posted in Conferences & Venues, Expert trade show advice, marketing tips, Trade Show Displays, Trade Show Exhibits, Trade Show News, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
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!!
Tags: booth, booths, client, Conference Vendor, conventions, customer service, customers, Display Booths, Display Company, Displays, Eco-friendly displays, Event Planners, Godfrey Group popups, hanging headers, inflatables, kiosk, kiosk displays, kiosks, lobby, marketing tips, outdoor displays, Overhead banners, portable trade show display, potential customer, showroom, Trade Show Booths, trade show kiosk, tradeshow display, unique trade show display
Posted in Custom displays, Custom graphics, Custom hanging headers, custom office displays, Digital signage, Eco-friendly displays, Expert trade show advice, Kiosk placement, lobby displays, marketing tips, Mushroom kiosks, Office fixtures, Overhead banners, Poster frames, Promotional Ideas, Trade Show Booth Rentals, Trade Show Booths, Trade show popups, Trade Show Tips, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Friday, June 4th, 2010
Wednesday I spoke about what to look for in a person you are sending out to work a trade show when you can’t make it yourself. Essentially you need somebody who is trustworthy, presentable, able to follow your lead, and can solve any problems that may arise along the way. While all of these things are great qualities to have in any employee, regardless of whether we are talking trade shows or retail stores, it’s also important to remember to send them on the road with a few supplies that will help them survive the grueling days ahead. Let’s face it, trade shows and conventions are never easy and if you’re the one having to stand at a kiosk all day talking to everyone that walks by, it can be downright brutal on even the most gung-ho individual. In order to avoid some of this fatigue and possibly keep a steady roll call of people willing to travel every weekend, a zip-lock bag containing a few simple items could save you tons of grief:
Aspirin-Like I said above, trade shows can be tough on anyone. Often you leave in the late afternoon, grab a couple hours sleep at some random hotel, are up by 5 a.m and work till 8 p.m. Throughout the day you can expect to meet hundreds of people while music and crowd noise blare in the background. Headaches are going to happen and a little help to easy the pain will come in real handy.- Caffeine-Throw in some money for coffee, maybe a couple bottles of 5-hr Energy, some chocolate covered coffee beans….whatever your choice just remember that when things are pop’n and the crowd has got you covered up things are great, but when things die down you’re going to need something to keep you in the game.
- Ant-Acids- Nobody eats good on the road. The food is grease, spicy, covered in batter. The stress levels are just as high as the expectations and all of it leaves your body feeling all out of sorts. A roll of Tums will go a long way to help calm your nerves and fight all that fattening food.
- Breath Mints-This is a no-brainer. Nobody wants to get up close and personal to talk about your latest gadget if you have bad breath.
- Band-Aids- Paper cuts are an occupational hazard and can cost sales if someone were to walk up to find you bleeding all over the place. A few band-aids, maybe some antibiotic ointment, and if possible a bandage should help control the situation and save you some cash.
- Break-Time- You can’t put this one in a bag, but it’s just at vital as all the others. Don’t expect yourself or anyone else for that matter to stand behind a display all day and stay fresh. Make it known that once or twice a day it’s okay to get out and mingle through the crowd. Not only will this give you a lay of the land to see what others are promoting, but it will allow you to make connections with those that may not otherwise stop by your booth or even know you are there.
Part of being a vendor at a trade show means that you are required to man the fort from dusk to dawn with little or no respite. As hard and rewarding as it is though, why not make life easier on yourself and your employees by sending along a bag containing a few simple items that will make the trip more bearable. It’s a like our moms used to say, “A little help goes a long way”.
Tags: booths, conventions, customer service, customers, Event Planners, event planning, kiosks, marketing tips, outdoor displays, potential customers, Trade Show, Trade Show Booths, trade show display, Trade Show Displays, trade show kiosk, trade shows, unique trade show display
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
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!!
Tags: accessories, booth, booths, Conference Vendor, conventions, Custom graphics, Display Booths, easy to assemble, Exhibitors, Exhibits, kiosk displays, monitor mounts, portable SpaceStation popups, portable trade show display, SpaceStation Popup Displays, Trade Show Displays, unique trade show display
Posted in Backlit displays, Conferences & Venues, Custom displays, Custom graphics, marketing tips, SpaceStation Popup Displays, Trade Show Booths, Trade Show Displays, Trade Show Exhibits, Trade show popups, Uncategorized | No Comments »