Posts Tagged ‘Event Planners’
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 »
Friday, July 2nd, 2010
In terms of trade shows there are basically two types of events. The first being a situation where you bring a specific amount of inventory, setup at a location previously selected to get the most attention from visitors, take out a calculator, and sell sell sell. The second involves bringing very little in terms of inventory (except for promotional items such as pens, key-chains, business cards, etc…), requires a much greater knowledge of what is being promoted, and relies heavily on product demonstration whether it be through actually showing how something works or how an investment can make life easier (an exhibit featuring an insurance company would be an example of this). It’s the later that I want to focus on today mainly because the determination as to whether the event was a success or not often can’t be made till weeks or even months down the road simply because you’re there to take orders and build relationships not unload merchandise.
This idea of delayed income is called Return On Investment or ROI and is really quite easy to figure out once you know the steps.
1)While at your next event offer those you come into contact with an incentive for ordering. This incentive could be a gift or a discount, something that will make them feel they are getting a good deal by following your instructions. Make sure they understand that in order to take advantage of the promotion they must reference a specific code. This way you can track how the sale was generated.
2)Once you know sales generated, total up all your expenses associated with the trade show. Include the cost of labor, food, travel, etc…
3)Now take the amount you made (the value in dollars of sales that referenced the promotional code you asked customers to use) and divide that number by the total expenses.
4) Finally take this last number and multiply it by 100 to get the percentage returned to you from your investment (ROI)
It’s very common that the full impact of a trade show is not felt for months or maybe even a year after the event has taken place. Regardless of whether or not you are selling tons of inventory at one time or get your sales through the use of connections made at the event, finding out how much profit you made is a huge tool to have at your disposal. Not only will this help you calculate how successful an event was, but it can also be used to forecast similar events to come.
Tags: booths, business, customer service, demonstration, Displays, Event Planners, marketing tips, potential customers, promotions, return on investment, sells
Posted in Expert trade show advice, marketing tips, Trade Show Tips | 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 »
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.
Tags: 3DS, booth, booths, Custom graphics, customer service, customers, Display Booths, electronics entertainment expo, Event Planners, kinect, kiosk displays, kiosks, marketing tips, Natal, portable trade show display, potential customers, showroom, trade show booth, Trade Show Booths, Trade Show Displays
Posted in Custom graphics, Expert trade show advice, Kiosk placement, marketing tips, Trade Show Booths, Trade Show Displays, Trade Show Exhibits, Trade Show Tips, 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 »
Wednesday, June 9th, 2010
We’ve all heard the sayings ”The pain you feel today will be the strength you feel tomorrow”, “The beauty of flying like an eagle is the ability to soar without looking back.”, or my personal favorite featuring the cutest of kittens dangling from a tree “Hang in there!” These days it seems that everyone is trying to motivate you to do something. Just one look at the world’s most popular media site Facebook and you’ll quickly learn that people all over are using these types of motivational phrases to not only boost their own moods, but to also give others a bit of inspiration in hopes of making it through a tough time in their lives. Nowhere are these words of wisdom more needed then in the work place where just like the economy, hopes of a better future are at an all time low.
The question is though, do motivational posters placed around the office work? Well according to Ken Brown a professor at the University of Iowa they do. “If they’re part of a broader campaign, with clearly outlined goals and a commitment from management, they may have some impact ” says Brown. Brown then goes on to say, “It’s hard to alter peoples’ behavior, so getting workers to increase their value to a company is not easy. If the change effort is part of a multipronged strategy with committed management working to create change, and they create a sense of urgency that change is needed and clearly explain the reasons, then posters and coffee mugs can be a small part of it.” The Godfrey Group understands this idea and that’s why all of our products are geared toward helping you spark a sense of desire in the hearts and mind of your target market.
Whether you are in fact looking for poster frames perfect for those motivational phrases to hang around the office or you need an eye-catching display practically guaranteed to draw people to you, Godfrey has just what you need to get the job done. If you get down to it from our Pop-up displays to our Portable Kiosks, to our Computer Stations; everything Godfrey does is essentially created to motivate. If you are looking to inspire your customers or improve the attitude of your own employees, contact Godfrey today and get on the path to a brighter tomorrow.
Tags: booths, client, computer stations, customer, customer service, customers, display, Display Booths, employees, Event Planners, hanging headers, kiosk displays, kiosks, lobby, marketing tips, motivation, outdoor displays, pop up displays, portable SpaceStation popups, portable trade show display, Poster frames, potential customers, showroom, Trade Show Tips, unique trade show display, video stations, work place advice
Posted in Custom displays, Custom graphics, Custom hanging headers, custom office displays, Deskwrap, Expert trade show advice, lobby displays, marketing tips, Office fixtures, Poster frames, Promotional Ideas, SpaceStation Popup Displays, Uncategorized | No Comments »
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 »
Wednesday, May 19th, 2010
I’m a NO person. Regardless of the question, forget the circumstances; I don’t care what the product is….my first answer is always NO. That two word response is my first line of defense. It saves me money. It keeps me from getting ripped off. It may stop some good times from coming my way, but it also has saved my life a few times. NO gives me time to think. Time for my sub-concious to chew on things and figure out the Pro’s Vs Con’s. I come from a long line of No people. My father and his father are no people. My brother is a Yes person. He’s the black sheep of the family. Never met a gimmick or opportunity he didn’t dive head first into.
Although I’m a self proclaimed NO what I really am is a closet MAYBE person. I can be convinced that the latest must have product or idea is the real deal, I just need to do it on my own time without somebody being in my face. I like pamphlets, literature, even DVD’s that I can take with me to watch later when I don’t feel pressured. YES and NO people are vocal about their opinions. MAYBE consumers are too busy doing our research to say how we feel right a way. You can grab our attention with custom graphics, made to order designs, and interactive displays, but it’s the literature that gets us in a mood to spend our money. We love information booths that allow us to pick up a couple brochures so we can read up on a new idea in the safety of our own homes. Forget the clowns, flashing lights, and give-aways; what we want is a video or audio demonstration that we can catch from the sidelines.
This in not to say that MAYBE’s can’t be turned into YES people if the moment or pitch is just right. The first time I saw my wife was a YES moment. The first time I heard my favorite band was a YES moment. Just the idea of a tablet computer has me screaming YES as loud as I can. All it takes is for someone or something to hit that button that I didn’t even know existed for me to devote my entire existence to obtaining the latest object of my affection. Whether it be an iPod, a 3-D television, or bagel maker, I may say NO on the outside, but I’m already talking MAYBE on the inside.
What kind of response does your display elicit? Is your design one that has the ability to turn even the most rigid of NO’s into YES consumers? Are you giving the MAYBE’s the facts they need to feel educated? If you’re ready to turn all your potential customers in YES consumers, contact Godfrey now and let us show you how the experts do it!!
Tags: booth, customer service, display, Display Booths, Event Planners, Exhibit Booth Company, Godfrey Group, kiosk displays, kiosks, potential customer, potential customers, samples, trade show kiosk, trade shows
Posted in Backlit displays, Custom displays, Custom graphics, Custom hanging headers, custom office displays, Custom table throws and runners, Expert trade show advice, marketing tips, Promotional Ideas, Trade Show Booths, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Monday, May 3rd, 2010
A couple weeks back I brought you the article about the importance of making a good first impression. Simply put that first meeting often holds the key to finding out what a customer ‘s needs are and what it will take to convince them that you have the product they have been searching for. Ask any trade or conference show vet and I’m sure they will tell you it’s not the sales you make that weekend that matter the most, it’s all the contacts that are gathered which provide the true test as to whether or not the time spent standing at your booth was a success. So the question becomes once you’ve made that first impression how do you turn all those names and faces into dollars in the weeks and months to come?
First of all make sure your booth or kiosk is a two way street of information. Yes your most important task is to show who you are and how what you are offering is the life change thing that the everyone in the world would be crazy to live without, but while shaking all those hands make sure you come back with a phone number, an email address, or even a business card. Grab a spiral notebook on your way out the door and ask everyone the stops by your booth (even just for a few moments) to sign their name and how they prefer to be reached. Offer them a chance at possible future discounts by doing so.
Second don’t let the grass grow under your feet when comes to reaching out to those you met. A week or two after the show get that spiral notebook back out and let those that spent a moment filling out their information know how much you appreciated their time. If they act like they want to know more about your company great, but even if that call or email doesn’t generate a response don’t give up. Keep in touch with them on a regular basis. Not to say you need to call them weekly, but just enough so that when the time comes where they find themselves in the market for what you have to offer your name is still fresh in their minds. Send them cards during the holidays or special offers every month or so.
Making the first impression is something that can never be made twice, but keeping that same spark alive is a process that can be created over and over. By following up with potential customers you are doing exactly what the term implies; you are maintaining the relationship so that they remain potential customers.
Tags: booths, client, Conference Vendor, conventions, customer service, Display Company, Event Planners, Godfrey Group, kiosk displays, marketing tips, new business, potential customers, relationships, samples, showroom, trade show ideas
Posted in Expert trade show advice, marketing tips, Trade Show Tips, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »