Posts Tagged ‘Exhibitors’
Wednesday, September 8th, 2010
We all know that trade show vendors will go to extraordinary lengths to attract attention to their booths. Far beyond custom displays and game props many vendors feel that the best way to attract attention is by putting a pretty face in front of their booths. While an attractive person will definitely get you attention, it may not be the kind you want. In fact scantily clad models bring about three very distinct problems that are hard to get around if you are vendor looking to utilize this type of marketing:
•1. They draw the wrong crowd. The main problem with using a model as the main way to sell your product is that it gets everyone’s attention. Every company has a target market in mind for their product. A segment of the population that they feel is the perfect fit for their product. By placing a model in front of your display, instead of zeroing in on that target market you may find yourself wasting huge amounts of time on people who are just there to see a pretty face and don’t have any interest in what you have to offer.
•2. They ruin your clean image. First impressions mean everything and they are often virtually impossible to reverse because you almost never get a second shot at talking to the customer. If a visitor walks by your booth and sees a model that could be considered inappropriately dressed, that customer could immediately classify you as a company that is less than family friendly. When designing a display for a trade show you want to be as professional as possible at all times. You want custom fabrics, clean lines, and quality video presentations. By putting a less than wholesome face in front of the exhibit you are alienating a large portion of the population.
•3. They distort your message. Once you consider all of the expenses that are involved in getting to, setting up, and promoting yourself at a trade show, the last thing you can afford to do is have people walk away from your booth not knowing what you are all about. Again using a model may get bring the crowd your way, but moments later if asked visitors to your booth might be able to remember what the model looked like, but not what she was there to sell. Models get in the way of what you are there to do and that is burn your company’s name in the minds of hundreds of consumers.
Instead of using a model to promote a product, the best move is to invest in a custom built multicolored trade show display that only Godfrey can provide. With a wide variety of kiosks, hanging headers, and pop-up displays to choose from; Godfrey is the answer to all your trade show woes.
Tags: booth, booths, conventions, Custom displays, Custom graphics, customer service, Displays, Event Planners, Exhibitors, Exhibits, fabric structures, hanging headers, kiosk, 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, Expert trade show advice, marketing tips, Overhead banners, Trade Show Booths, Trade Show Displays, Trade Show Exhibits | 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 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!!
Tags: alabama football, booth, booths, college football, Conference Vendor, conventions, custom exhibit, Custom graphics, custom logos, customers, Display Booths, Displays, Event Planners, Exhibit Booth Company, Exhibitors, Exhibits, fabric structures, Godfrey Group popups, kiosk displays, kiosks, literature stands, marketing tips, outdoor displays, pedestals, portable trade show display, potential customer, tailgate party, trade show booth, Trade Show Booths, Trade Show Displays, trade show vendor
Posted in Custom displays, Custom graphics, Expert trade show advice, marketing tips, Modular literature displays, Mushroom kiosks, Promotional Ideas, Trade Show Booths, Trade Show Displays, Trade Show Exhibits, Trade Show game themes, 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 »
Friday, July 23rd, 2010
Today I want to wrap up our series all about how smaller displays don’t always mean you have to settle for smaller profits. Up to this point we’ve discussed the easy to transform and take with you podium shipping case, took a look at what a simple stand alone portable workstation with monitor mount can do for you, and today we are going in a slightly different direction with some thoughts about how the smallest of gestures can make a huge impact. Nobody likes a pushy salesman. You could have the greatest product in the world guaranteed to revolutionize all of civilization and if you come across as too pushy, unsympathetic, and rude you’re not going to have the same results as the other guy who is out there being as polite and helpful as he possibly can. It doesn’t matter you’re standing in front of one of the most state-of-the-art exhibits ever to be showcased at a trade show or simply sweating it out under a single kiosk tent at some country fair, for a majority of consumers how a product is presented is just as important as what is being presented.
3 Key Tips To Politely Present Your Product To Customers
1. Look Them In The Eye And Show Them You Care About What They Think. Notice this doesn’t say, “act like you care what they think.” People can spot when somebody is being fake and pretending to show interest in them just to get into their wallets. When meeting somebody for the first time, learn their name as well as some information about them such as where they are from or what they do for a living. Let them know who you are and how you think that what you are selling could do wonders for them. Try to maintain eye contact as much as possible so they know they have your full attention.
2. Be Graceful and Don’t Come Off As Greedy. It’s no secret to anyone attending that the reason you are standing in front of the custom designed fabric wall is because your job is to sell, sell, sell so don’t knock them over the head with it. Delivering your message without appearing that you are begging for a sale can easily be done. Remember to use the information you have gathered from the the customer up to that point to show them how your product could best suit their needs. Understandably things get hectic at times, but it could be something as simple as a handshake or friendly smile that gets the customers attention and leads them to finding out more about you.
3. Close With Class. Regardless of whether or not a sale is made, there comes a time when you’ve done all you could do and it either had the desired effect or you failed to hit your mark. If it’s the later don’t throw your hands in the air and send the customer on their way with little more than a wave goodbye. Some people will never jump into buying a product immediately no matter how good a deal it appears they are getting. They need time to kick things over in their heads, check with their spouse, or research what you are offering online. Before they leave though make sure to have them write down their name and contact info so you can follow up at a later time. This will give them the freedom to make their selves feel comfortable about what you showed them so that when you do call they are more inclined to commit.
What this whole discussion about whether bigger is better or less is more all boils down to is delivery. The most environmentally friendly display on the market won’t get you anywhere if you are rude and appear to be greedy. Likewise something as simple as one sales rep giving a presentation behind a podium or in front of a literature display will remain just that i.e. alone if he/she does not come across as genuine and compassionate.
Tags: booths, Custom graphics, customer, customers, Display Booths, Eco-friendly displays, environmentally friendly trade show display, Exhibitors, increased sales, kiosk displays, marketing tips, podiums, portable workstations, potential customers, sales, trade show booth, trade show shipping case and podium, unique trade show display
Posted in Custom displays, Custom graphics, Eco-friendly displays, Expert trade show advice, marketing tips, Promotional Ideas, Trade Show Displays | 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 »
Thursday, July 8th, 2010
If you’re a foodie like me (not to mention a huge pop culture fan) than you are no doubt following along with two of the best cooking shows to hit the airwaves in decades. I’m talking about The Next Food Network Star and Top Chef both taking place on separate networks each and every week. Each show features a group of chefs competing in a variety of cooking contests designed to weed out the best and send home the rest. If you look beyond the competition and focus on the basics of the cooking though, you may be surprised to find lessons that relate directly to trade show success. Below is a recipe for a successful trade show and it starts with knowing what you want your end result to be. Like cooking you need to have a loose idea as to what you are making. What do you want your display to accomplish? Do you have a specific design in mind?
1 Dose of Preparation- What type of display works best for your product? Would a literature display be best or do your needs point more towards a computer kiosk? Indoor or outdoor? Pop up or environmentally friendly? What design best matches the types of events you attend? Who are you marketing to and what gets their attention the most?
1 Dash of Creativity- The use of color is a great way to get a persons attention. Try to be unique while at the same time don’t be too extreme as to alienate yourself from other vendors.
1 lb of Follow Through- Make sure you keep up the relationships you make while at an event. The moment you return from a trade show, shoot out an email or call your new contact just to thank them for taking the time to speak to you.
1 Ounce of Prevention- Know what it is about your product that discourages people and come to an event prepared to offer solutions to their concerns. If a customer is concerned about the cost tell them you understand, that others you spoken to have also felt the same way, and that you were able to help them through the use of a payment plan.
Mix With Special Ingredient- Every great chef knows that to truly be successful you must take the ordinary and turn it into the extraordinary. A kiosk is not a kiosk when it features a custom logo along with your companies name emblazoned in the center. By taking the idea of a trade show display and molding it to fit your idea of what the customer is looking for, you are essentially giving them something they are familiar with yet have never seen before.
Like the perfect recipe, the key to a successful trade show exhibit is repetition. Don’t be afraid to try new things and make changes until you achieve a display that fits your needs and creates buzz amongst customers.
Tags: booth rentals, booths, computer stations, Custom graphics, customer service, Eco-friendly displays, environmentally friendly trade show display, Exhibit Booth Company, Exhibitors, Exhibits, Godfrey Group popups, indoor trade show display, kiosk displays, marketing tips, outdoor displays, outdoor trade show display, pop up displays, portable trade show display, potential customer, Trade Show Booths, trademark colors
Posted in Custom displays, Custom graphics, Eco-friendly displays, Expert trade show advice, lobby displays, marketing tips, Trade Show Booths, Trade Show Displays, Trade show popups, Trade Show Tips | No Comments »
Monday, July 5th, 2010
Did you know many companies will borrow from the bank each month based on projected receivables? Furthermore supplies, production schedules, material costs, and labor all require a certain amount of forecasting in order to know what to expect from the coming month so that the company is not caught off guard by an expense or decrease in business that may change the shape of the budget. Projecting what is about to happen next requires a certain amount of looking back at recent trends and looking forward in an attempt to identify upcoming obstacles or new opportunities. Trade shows in particular offer some special challenges when it comes to forecasting, but the process is just as important. One way to accurately predict the expenses, visitor turnout, revenue, and overall success of an event is to keep a diary.
For most people the word diary probably brings to mind thoughts of little girls writing in pink notebooks they keep under their mattresses, but in fact everyone keeps a diary of some sort. Every time you balance your checkbook you are making an entry into a diary. Whenever you log how much mileage you put on your car so you can be reimbursed by your company you are keeping a diary. Even this blog could be considered a diary all about trade show tips, events, and custom displays. Keeping a trade show diary of your own may just the key to success you have been looking for. The next time you’re at a trade show take a moment to step back from your exhibit and write down what you see. What has been your biggest selling item so far? How many people have come by and what was their demographic? Was there anything about your kiosk that did flow right with the rest your setup? Were you a good fit with the vendors around you? Could you have done anything better? At the end of the event make notes about the number of contacts you made and be sure to follow-up with them at a later time. By answering these questions not only are you gaining insight into how well you are operating, but more to the point you are keepping a log that can be used at other events to help determine what works and what doesn’t.
In business forecasting is not an exact science, but whether you like doing it or not you can’t deny the results. Paying attention to recent trends and adjusting your finances accordingly could be one of the smartest business moves you will ever make. The next time you are walking out the door on your way to an event, grab a notebook and remember to make notes afterward. Trust me you’ll thank yourself later.
Tags: booths, Custom graphics, customer, customer service, customers, Display Booths, Exhibitors, Exhibits, kiosks, portable trade show display, Trade Show, trade show advice, Trade Show Booths
Posted in Custom graphics, Expert trade show advice, Kiosk placement, marketing tips, Trade Show Tips | No Comments »
Wednesday, May 26th, 2010
As we’ve shown over the past few weeks specifically in talking about such products as our inflatables and rubber floor tiles; Godfrey sells more than just a wide range of kiosks and pop-up displays. In fact no matter how big or small the event, our products are proven to increase sales and give our customers the edge they need to stand out from the crowd. Today I want to highlight one of these products that while a definite asset to anyone planning to attend a trade show, is the perfect fit for smaller venues where it’s just you and handful of people present. Believe it or not I’m talking about Table Throws and how you can turn an ordinary table into a professional looking display with the Godfrey touch.
Even as I write this on college campuses, in shopping malls and retail stores, in conference rooms and break rooms, all across the country presentations are being given on anything and everything imaginable. Corporations are laying out their new insurance benefits to their employees. Credit card companies are attempting to reach out to students on their way to class. Banks are offering their latest rates in hopes of setting up tons of new checking and savings accounts. Each of these are being done with little fan fair or much in the way of elaborate setups. Most of the time the entire presentation is given in front of a simple fold out table with a few brochures laying about. Well why not take that Plain Jane table add a professional looking custom made full length Table Throw and turn that presentation into something guaranteed to catch every one’s eye.
Far more than just an ordinary table cloth, these Table Throws are one-piece table covers made of fabric that covers all sides of the display table, are made of wrinkle-resistant polyester twill, and are available blank with no imprint or with one, two or full-color graphic prints. In addition to Table Throws, Godfrey also offers the TranZibit Portable Trade Show Table with optional table skirt. Together these two amazing products can be easily transported, require little room in terms of storing between presentations, and will help you avoid those risky situations where you arrive to find that setup materials have not been provided.
If you’re someone who is continuously giving presentations at smaller single company events or if you’re a trade show regular looking to add an extra touch to your display, Table Throws are just what you need to turn that ordinary table into on extraordinary display.
Tags: booth, Custom table throws and runners, customer service, customized popup, customized tabletop, Exhibit Booth Company, Exhibitors, Exhibits, flooring, inflatables, popup displays, portable trade show display, potential customers, table throw, TranZibit portable trade show table
Posted in Custom displays, Custom graphics, Custom table throws and runners, Trade Show Displays, 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 »