Posts Tagged ‘kiosks’
Monday, July 26th, 2010
If you are one of millions that work for or own an auto-dealership than to say that the recent economic crisis has been tough may just be one of the biggest understatements you’ve heard in quite some time. If the money troubles faced by Ford, GM, and Chrysler didn’t hit you hard, then the total collapse of consumer confidence in Toyota due to all the safety recalls was surely the last straw. Let’s face it everyone has had it rough recently and while dealerships are struggling to find customers, those customers are struggling to earn enough to get by themselves; still though one rule will always hold true: sooner or later everyone will need to buy a car. All across the country prices are coming down and rebates are going up as dealerships try their best to get America buying cars once again. One way this is being done is by going back to basics and re-establishing those core relationships with customers. I think maybe Godfrey can help with this thanks to a couple unique items that are sure to turn that empty lot into a crowded hot spot.
People love to eat and there’s nothing they like better to eat than free food. Hot dogs are cheap, bottle water is always a favorite…why not host a cookout and I bet you can guess that we’ve got the perfect thing to host it under. I’m not talking about just some ordinary pop-up tent, what you need is a tent cluster!!! Not just made of up one single tent, a tent cluster is actually four tents with a large outdoor umbrella in the center. Inside what you will find is a large circular kiosk perfect for serving for pitching hogs dogs and great deals out to the waiting public. All covered with your custom logo of course!
Once you have your tent city in place, you need something to get them off the street and into the lot. You need something just as big and dramatic as those rebates and low prices. This is where Godfrey comes through again with a custom designed inflatable prop. Is it tailgating season? Why not a giant goalpost. Would you like those driving by to know that all you really want to do is help them get that giant monkey off their back so they can stop worrying about when their car is going to breakdown? How about a giant gorilla! The list of designs that Godfrey can create especially for you goes on and on.
Now more than ever paychecks are hard to come by and because of this, consumers are being extremely selective when it comes to letting go of hard earned cash. Before they spend a dime they are doing their research, making sure they know exactly what they need, and are going the extra mile to get the best deal. Likewise dealerships need to remind the public they are there to help the consumer by providing them with a quality vehicle and top of the line customer service. If you are one of these struggling dealerships check out all the great outdoor props, signs, and tents and let Godfrey help you make your next sales event a guaranteed success.
Tags: automotive sales, custom logos, fabric structures, inflatables, kiosks, outdoor props, portable signs, struggling sales, tent clusters, tents
Posted in Custom displays, Kiosk placement, Mushroom kiosks, Promotional Ideas, Uncategorized | 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, Trade Show Tips, marketing tips | 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, Trade Show Booths, Trade Show Displays, Trade Show Exhibits, Trade Show Tips, Uncategorized, marketing tips | 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, Trade Show Displays, Trade Show Exhibits, Trade Show News, Uncategorized, marketing tips | 1 Comment »
Friday, June 11th, 2010
As a parent I’m used to noise. In fact at home it’s the silence I can’t stand because it usually means somebody’s up to no good. At work though things are completely different. Distractions are a nuisance and trying to focus on the task at hand is often harder than than the work itself. Anybody that has ever worked in a cube farm can tell you that there is always something going on that, if not ignored could leave you feeling like nothing was accomplished at the end of the day. Radios turned up louder than they should be, a dozen phone conversations taking place, water cooler talk about last nights game or episode of Desperate Housewives, printers and copiers slinging paper out non-stop, visitors and delivery drivers endlessly walking through….all of this chaos is swirling about and you’ve got a deadline that must be reached. At times it seems there is no possible way to drown out all the noise and still be productive.
Noise pollution isn’t just something you are exposed to when the guy you are stuck next too in traffic decides to crank his radio up, it’s everywhere including the office. Luckily though Godfrey has a simple tool that can help you eliminate noise pollution without going to extreme measures and it begins and ends with a simple bulletin board. SoftSound Acoustical Panels are multi-layered sound dampeners that can be custom sized to meet your needs and are also fully functional bulletin boards perfect for hanging signs, logos, or other types of info. Each panel is covered with a special type of fabric that works well with Velcro and comes featuring a classic look sure to blend in to any environment whether it be classroom or conference room. Plus for those that need a little extra coverage, SoftSound panels can also be used as ceiling tiles which are easily installed.
Perfect for the office, a must have for daycares, and a great addition to any public place, SoftSound Acoustical Panels may be just the thing you have been looking for to keep noise down and productivity up. Featuring a classy look, the ability to blend into any background, and available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes; if you have a noise problem today’s the day to fight back. Simply dial 1-800-739-9394 and find out more about this and our other great products today!!
Tags: acoustical panels, Conference Vendor, Custom graphics, customer service, customers, kiosks, marketing tips, noise pollution, office space, potential customer
Posted in Custom graphics, Uncategorized, custom office displays, lobby displays, marketing tips | 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 table throws and runners, Expert trade show advice, Promotional Ideas, Trade Show Booths, Uncategorized, custom office displays, marketing tips | No Comments »
Monday, May 17th, 2010
The moment you find out you are about to have a child your home becomes a death trap. At least that’s the way it appears as you look around at all the things that go into making up your home sweet home. The fireplace covered in bricks that you have enjoyed curling up in front of for years suddenly becomes a fiery pit of doom complete with rough edges that could easily cause serious damage if fallen against. One thing that a home can never have too many of are electrical outlets and they are everywhere screaming flashing red danger waiting patiently for a fork or finger to be stuck in. The refrigerator, the cabinets, the toilets, every door and closet, bring with them new nightmares of things that could go horribly wrong if turned upon an innocent baby. And then there are the floors…..even if you never got around to installing hardwood floors like you always wanted, that carpet under your feet is only so thick and underneath that more than likely lies a ton of concrete.
Now we may not be able to help you with all those so called evils lurking through your home, one thing Godfrey can do though is give you some peace of mind when it comes to dealing with your floors and that fireplace mantle you love so much.
You may not have noticed this, but tucked in between all the kiosk displays, light box stands, and hanging banners; Godfrey also sells Cushy Foam Rubber Tiles! These interlocking pieces come in red, yellow, blue, and green. Each 2′ square is 5/8′ thick and is great for adding a little extra padding all throughout your home. Plus their design alone inspires kids to pull them apart and put the pieces back together again like a giant floor puzzle. Speaking of puzzles, by piecing a series of tiles at 90 degree angles along your fireplace you can breathe easier knowing that you’ve now got an extra barrier in between your child and all that brick. Perfect for anywhere in your home where you need some extra cushion between your family and that hard floor; these foam tiles are also soft on your wallet! At $3.25 a square-foot new flooring never cost better or looked so good in your child’s room.
Fantastic for outdoor patios, those with hardwood floors, or for anyone that has a child, these Cushy Foam Rubber Tiles could just be the last piece of that child safety puzzle you have been wrestling with!
Tags: child safety, consumer safety, flooring, foam tiles, hanging banners, hanging headers, home design, home flooring, home safety, kiosk displays, kiosks, light box stands, Overhead banners, parenting, potential customer
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
We’ve all heard the 
Last week in a post titled “