Posts Tagged ‘Exhibits’
Monday, October 25th, 2010
Last week we gave you a post about how Apple had turned itself into a giant buzz machine constantly generating tons of attention through the use of special events each featuring an air of mystery behind them as millions of consumers around the world debated on just what the electronics giant may offer next. Today we want to touch on Apple again by talking about how one band has taken the Apple iPhone and made a name for themselves by giving the public something they have never seen before….a concert using nothing but iPhone apps as instruments.
The band’s name is Atomic Tom and according to rumors on the web is appears the group got the idea of using their iPhones as instruments after their own were stolen several weeks back. In hopes of showing off their skills to the world, Atomic Tom hopped on a New York City subway car and produced a video of their song “Take Me Out” which has now garnered them over 1 million hits since it hit the web. Essentially what Atomic Tom has done is taken something that each of us have in our possession at least some point of everyday the cellphone and found a way to make it new again by giving it a renew purpose.
The concept of changing the way people see everyday objects isn’t something new to Godfrey, since we’ve practically been doing that with trade show displays from the very start. Featuring state of the art custom graphics, ultra-light easy to transport materials and some of the most amazing designs to hit the marketplace in years, Godfrey is second to none in terms of what they can do for your next trade show exhibit. Just look at some of these amazing designs:
Video & Audio Displays-Large screen, small screen, plasma, LCD, or projection we have the perfect fit for your existing exhibit, retail environment, lobby, kiosk, information center, and showroom. Plus we offer stand alone components for those that want to start from scratch!
Fabric Display Structures- From pop ups to tensioned walls to montage displays to overhead banners, Godfrey is setting the standard for what can be done in terms of custom fabrics. Our Grand Fabric Structures can be sculpted in a wide variety of shapes including columns, enclosures, towers, and banners.
Forum Modular Display- The most versatile trade show display on the market today, featuring push button connectors which allow for the one-inch aluminum tube frame members to fold down in an easy to ship case.
Forget about those other displays that have gotten so ordinary that they practically blend into the background. The next time you get ready to attend a trade show, give Godfrey a call and find out how you too can become one of the few that changes the way people see things.
Tags: Apple Computers, Atomic Tom, booths, Custom displays, custom exihbits, Custom graphics, Display Booths, Exhibits, fabric structures, iPhone Apps, kiosk displays, marketing tips, portable trade show display, potential customer, Trade Show Booths, tradeshow display, unique trade show designs, unique trade show display
Posted in Custom displays, Custom graphics, Expert trade show advice, marketing tips, Promotional Ideas | No Comments »
Wednesday, October 20th, 2010
The great thing about Godfrey’s extensive variety of trade show displays and exhibits, is that no matter what you are in the market for we’ve got it covered. Whether it is a display that is quick and easy to assemble, an environmentally friendly exhibit, or something private such as a portable conference room, one look around our website and you’ll instantly see there’s no limit to the possibilities of what your next trade show exhibit could look like. But what if you already have a display that for the most part you are satisfied with? What if you purchased an exhibit before you heard about Godfrey and you haven’t gotten your money’s worth out of it yet? The color is still good, there’s no sign of any major wear or tare…basically it’s still a good display yet there are clearly a few extras missing that might help with the overall design. Thankfully Godfrey has the answers guaranteed to solve all the problems with your current display.
Counter Space and Storage Problems- Many are surprised at just what an extra pedestal or two will add to the overall layout of the exhibit. Not only do pedestals provide more counter space, but at a trade show where space is in high demand they can also be used to store extra inventory such as brochures or packaging. Plus they are perfect for helping to direct the flow of traffic into and around the exhibit.
Customized Headers and Banners- While we can’t do much about the lack of customization on an existing display, Godfrey does offer several styles of banners, signs, and hanging headers that can easily feature your company’s name and logo.
Additional Shelving- Information displays not only provide extra room to display brochures and other informational materials, they can also incorporate video and audio accessories which are sure to give your sales a boost.
Custom Flooring- A trade show exhibit should tie everything together. From the color of the walls to the use of graphics to what the company is trying to promote, all of these things should be reflected in the design of the exhibit. Flooring is just as important. Whether it be a red carpet, connecting, or even diamond plated tiles; a good looking floor cover is often the final piece of the puzzle in building a great looking exhibit.
Tags: booths, conventions, Custom displays, Custom graphics, customer service, customers, display add ons, Display Booths, Eco-friendly displays, Event Planners, Exhibit Booth Company, Exhibits, fabric structures, kiosk displays, marketing tips, portable trade show display, potential customers
Posted in Eco-friendly displays, marketing tips, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010
To the casual observer it may be hard to tell one trade show display from another, but those of us in the business of designing custom built exhibits can tell you that we create functional works of art. Each of Godfrey’s designs are carefully scrutinized by a group of highly trained professionals who stake their reputations on producing some of the best displays on the market today. Along the way customers are inundated with pictures, emails, and messages from their personal project manager not only to keep them in the loop, but to get as much feedback as possible so that the end result is exactly what they imagined it would be. An example of this can be seen by how something as simple as a literature display is turned into a contemporary work of modern art.
The ModularArt Literature Art Series is a line of displays that is sure to turn heads with its sleek look and eye catching shape. The Modular Art System is built from four different options:
- *A floor stand with Velcro or perforated insert panels
- *A poster print frame featuring a clear protective cover
- *Channel bars that can be adjusted to fit a wide variety of print sizes
- *Several styles of pockets and brackets made to hold various brochure or magazine sizes
Modular Art Literature displays not only come in S or D shaped modules, but are also available in several uniquely designed styles:
- Perforated- featuring a peg board system which not allows for baskets to be attached, but also hook or peg type POP sales.
- ZigArt Graphic Stand- is actually a series of shelves stacked on top of one another perfect for magazines
- Literature Tower- a larger display with several pockets on each side. Available in fixed position or rotating
- FlexZee Stand- For those that want the look of a custom display, but need something compact, the FlexZee folds down flat for easy transport
- The Roll-A-Way- the most compact literature display is able to be put up and taken down in no time.
If you are a trade show vendor looking for a display or exhibit and think you have seen it all, well take a peek at some of the fantastic designs from Godfrey and find out just why we consider ourselves the best in the business!
Tags: booth, Custom displays, custom tradeshow displays, customers, Display Booths, Exhibitors, Exhibits, literature displays, marketing tips, potential customer, potential customers, Trade Show Booths, unique trade show display
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Friday, September 17th, 2010
As a vendor it’s your job to attract the customer’s attention any way you can. It’s not uncommon to see everything from scantily clad models to circus clowns making their way through an event in support of a company. And let’s face it most trade shows do have that circus atmosphere what with all the loud music, flashing lights, and costumed characters running around. While this type of guerilla marketing does attract attention, it tends to take the customer’s eye away from what the main focus should be and that’s what the vendor’s message is. The result of being the life of the party is that once the show is over, very few in attendance will remember less about who put on the event and more about the guys juggling the flaming chainsaws. Not that prop games such football toss or Plinko don’t have their place at a trade show. After all, the most important thing is getting that foot in the door. With that said though vendors need to remember that through all the glitz and glitter if the customer doesn’t walk away with the sponsor’s name on their tongue, all that shock and awe missed its target.
Believe it or not there are other qualities that customers appreciate in the company’s they do business with rather than providing them with a good time. Among those traits honesty is considered one of the highest. For some adverting and honesty may be on completely separate ends of the spectrum, but if you’re a consumer looking to spend a large sum of money in a time when our nation’s economy is leaving everyone counting pennies; being honest is a breath of fresh air. An example of this can be seen this week in a recent full page ad featuring the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves who continuously seem to be disappointing fans with one losing season after another. In the letter the team president tells fans “We now have more shooting, athleticism and depth at every position, which will make us a better team this season. So will we challenge for the NBA championship this year? Not likely. Ouch. This honesty thing is a bit painful. But the reality is, we still need that one dominant player…..We are confident, however, that this team will be exciting to watch. For the first time in years Wolves fans are going to feel like they’re missing out if they aren’t in the arena. So in addition to player development we’re working hard on fan development, starting with variable pricing and Flex Pack ticket packages that let you pick the games and seats that you want. The bottom line for fans is: We’re making it easier than ever for you to be part of our turnaround.”
Instead of fireworks and magicians, consider an approach similar to the Timberwolves: Custom built fabric walls, soft lighting behind a backdrop of hand selected images, a hanging banner overhead, a conference table to the side, a few chairs for visitors, and a video monitor providing constant information on how your product will change the lives of all who try it. All of this covered in eye catching colors and featuring your company’s name and logo emblazoned in multiple places. No tricks. Nothing to disguise who you are. Just an honest approach at presenting yourself to the customer.
Tags: booth, booths, communication, communication tips, Custom displays, customer service, Displays, Exhibitors, Exhibits, fabric structures, Godfrey Group popups, hanging headers, honesty, portable trade show display, potential customer, potential customers, sells tips, Trade Show Booths, trade show tactics, unique trade show display
Posted in Custom hanging headers, marketing tips, Trade Show Booths, Trade Show Displays, Trade Show Exhibits, Trade Show Tips | No Comments »
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 »
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 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.
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.
Tags: affordable displays, bad economy, booth, booths, Custom displays, Custom graphics, customer, customer service, Display Booths, display rental, Exhibits, kiosk displays, marketing tips, portable trade show display, potential customer, Trade Show, Trade Show Booths, trades shows, unique trade show display
Posted in Custom displays, Custom graphics, Expert trade show advice, marketing tips, Trade Show Booth Rentals, Trade Show Booths, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
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, 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 »