Posts Tagged ‘Trade Show’

Is Your Trade Show Exhibit Missing The Minor Details?

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!!

How To Get That Showroom Experience!

Monday, August 30th, 2010

You walk in and the greeter at the entrance thanks you for stopping by. She offers to show you around, but you tell her you’re just browsing. There’s a bit of music playing in the background and some outside noise filtering in as you look through the various racks and shelves. After finding a few items you like, the cashier smiles then reminds you to leave your contact info on the way out in order to receive special offers in the weeks and months to come. As you head for the exit, you thank the greeter and comment on how nice the experience was before rejoining the crowd outside. This scenario happens every day at millions of retail and outlet stores all over the world, but what makes this experience different is that instead of a shopping mall it’s happening at a convention center during a trade show.

Bringing that showroom experience to a trade show is easy once you have the tools to make it happen. Complete with shelving and easy to assemble hanging racks, the expert staff at Godfrey knows just what it takes to create a professional showroom.  Featuring a wide variety of showcases, counter tops, video displays, custom flooring, and fixtures the showroom experience wouldn’t be complete without your custom logo and company name emblazoned all around.

If you’re a trade show vendor who is looking for something unique that is sure to separate your company from your competitors, what better way to achieve this than by designing a display that essentially makes visitors forget that they are at a trade show and instead are visiting one of your new custom built locations.

Moveable Displays Sure To Transform Your Next Trade Show

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

Back in the 80’s a little square by the name of Rubik’s cube took over the country like a wildfire. What was initially created to help architecture students learn something about how structures can flow and move within an area, has since sold millions to date and even has it’s own National Championship competition each year. This idea that you can take something that looks whole such as a Rubik’s Cube with each side containing all the same colors and turn it into something new is a concept that allows for many different designs to be made from the same materials. When discussing trade show displays a couple of variations of this idea can been seen with the Post-n-Panel system and the Brightwall Modular System.

The Post-N-Panel System  is a series of panels that can be molded into any number of shapes thanks to a series of interlocking clips. Whether it be a straight wall design, a triangular shape that you have in mind, or a cubicle style structure; with this type of display a vendor can literally mold the exhibit to fit any space. The Post-N-Panel system can also be utilized to create a conference room that can be taken down or reassembled in a moments notice. Panels variations include clear or smoke and have the option to include a velcro attachment that will allow that panels to be covered with custom graphics and logos. If a vendor tends to see the same people several times a year, the panels or the shape can be changed around to appear as an entirely diffent display.

The Brightwall Modular System takes the idea of panels that can be transformed to fit any type of shape or size and literally breaks it down into tiny pieces. The Brightwall system is a series of 2′x2′ squares that are easily attached to one another and in terms of designs is only limited by the imagination of the vendor. Each front facing panel can combine to feature one large image or can each contain their own independent image giving the entire structure a montage effect. With options that include back lighting to add depth or even a 3-D effect that has the ability to make it appear as though the image is changing depending on where the eye is, the Brightwall system is just about as customized as they come.

Trade show vendors and visitors are alike in that at some point they all want to see something new and exciting. A vendor that travels to a different show every month will get just as discouraged by a display they have built three dozen times before as the consumer will of seeing the same exhibit over and over again. With the Post-N-Panel and Brightwall Modular systems, the very same idea behind Rubik’s cube is utilized to create a display that it limitless when it comes to what can be created.

Design Your Own Information Display

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

Literature or information displays are a pretty common topic on this blog simply because they are the perfect addition to any type of trade show exhibit. One thing vendors may not realize though is that while the basic structure may not change much, these types of modular displays have the ability to be customized into hundreds of different variations. In fact the only thing stopping an information display from meeting all a vendors needs their own idea as to what they really want. Information displays have the flexibility to be used for point of sale purposes, as retail or lobby fixtures, or as a way of collecting contacts and leads. Information displays are more than just stands used  to hold brochures and other pieces of literature, they have the ability to be easily be transformed int0 workstations for vendors that desire visitors to enter information into a PC such as applications or contact forms.

Sandwiched between two custom designed fabric banners; a standard information display has several options such as:

  • *A canopy and light system that puts a spotlight on the items being showcased
  • *Video monitor capabilities
  • *Lightbox options
  • *Various shelving and peg board options
  • *Attachable literature clips and pockets
  • *Various face designs such as wood grain, metallic, velcro fabric, or any number of laminate colors
  • *The ability to swivel

Information displays also come is several shapes including the standard dual sided module, a six sided pivoting kiosk, and a simple yet classic sign post stand. Any trade show vendor will tell you that it’s often the smallest touches that have the most impact. Information displays have the ability to take several small ideas and combine them into one amazing display perfect to fit all your trade show needs. Made up of light weight materials and easy to install if a company is looking for a point of sale terminal to go into their  showroom or has a need for a portable literature stand with video capabilities, an information display is sure to increase sales and brand awareness for all that take advantage of it’s flexibility.

How Much Time Will A Pop Up Display Save You?

Wednesday, August 18th, 2010

We don’t get to talk too much about the economy here at Godfrey, but today I want to talk a little about Opportunity Cost. In it’s most basic of definitions Opportunity Cost is “the cost of an alternative that must be forgone in order to pursue a certain action. Put another way, the benefits you could have received by taking an alternative action.” Now that you know what it is, think about everything you have to go through from the time you put the date on the calendar to the moment you are ready to start showing your wears at the trade show. Think of all the time this is spent getting prepared that could be spent in more productive ways.

First you have to pack everything so it will make it to your destination in one piece. Then there’s a line at the ticket counter and your flight has been delayed. Your luggage is the last one to come throw the baggage doors. There’s an accident on the freeway and you’re stuck at a snail’s pace for over an hour. You finally make it to the event center and they gave your spot to someone else by mistake. You get a new location and you’re not done yet….you’ve still got to set up your display. All of these tasks cost you valuable time. Time which could have been spent getting better prepared for the show. Time which can be gained back by choosing a custom designed pop-up display.

Made with lightweight materials and featuring a lifetime warranty on the frame and hardware, a pop-up display from Godfrey will do more than just save you time….it will gain you the contacts you need to make any trade show a guaranteed success. Each display is fabric wrapped with invisible seems and easily folds back into a compact shipping case that can be wheeled from one destination to the next at a moment’s notice. A 200 watt light fixture only helps to accentuate any one of 75 different colors available to choose from. Whether your preference is a curved, straight, or montage style pop-up; Godfrey has the display that you need to gain back all that lost time and never missing another opportunity at winning a customer over again!

The Trade Show Packet: An Idea That Just Might Change The Way You Do Business

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.

Is The Slowing Economy Hurting Your Business? Let Godfrey Help!

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.

http://www.injac.org/breatheasyville/images/rental.jpg

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.

    Godfrey Guarantees Personal Trade Show Attention!!

    Friday, July 30th, 2010

    Over the course of researching what I want to share on this blog over the course of a week, I continuously catch myself thinking that I’ve seen everything that Godfrey can do only to be surprised yet again by something amazing that I never knew about. This week alone I’ve shared with you the perfect tent for outdoor events and gone over some of the benefits of offering your trade show visitors a chance to sit and take a break in a set of classic looking scoop-back seats. I’m always bragging about our pop-up displays and grand fabric structures. From poster frames, to table wraps, to LED displays, to inflatable props; Godfrey just never seems to run out of designs to meet your needs. What you may not know is that my latest discovery of what Godfrey offers just might change the way you plan your next trade show event.

    Before I share my new find I want to discuss just how easy it is to start working on your custom display. The first thing you need of course is an idea. Do you want something large and elaborate or are you looking for something small that can quickly be taken down to carry with you? Once you have a basic idea of what you want it’s time to meet your personal project manager. This is the person who will help you take your idea and turn it into a fully customized display. Together you will work out the basics, come up with a concept, and from there everything is sent to our design team. The design staff takes what you and your project manager have done so far and turns those ideas into something tangible that will be submitted to you for approval. Once this is complete it’s just a matter of time before your custom display is built. During this process you will be notified regularly about what progress is being made and you will even receive pictures of how everything is coming together.

    Next comes that amazing discovery I mentioned above that just proves that Godfrey is the best at what they do. Along with your display you will have access to a support manager that will actually accompany you to the tradeshow and help you setup your booth. That’s right! Godfrey actually has a team of job managers that will show up and make sure everything is installed just as you ordered. And it doesn’t stop there! In between shows you can even ship us back the display where we can then service, refresh the graphics, or even upgrade your design!

    From start to finish and long after the show is over, Godfrey is here to give you the tools you need to make your next event the largest ever! Call us now and get your project manager working on a new design today!!

    Portable Workstations: Sometimes Less Is More

    Wednesday, July 21st, 2010

    This week we are talking about how smaller displays don’t always mean smaller sales or less impact. Today I want to take this thought and give you an example of how this can translate into a trade show environment. By now you know that Godfrey has everything you need from giant fabric structures to stand alone literature displays to outdoor inflatables, but what about a simple display that requires little in terms of involvement by an onsite salesman. I’m talking about a portable workstation with monitor mount and lockable storage compartment.

    Imagine walking through a crowded trade show; everywhere you turn you see sales people blasting out their sales pitches to anyone in ear shot. Flashes of light and color coming from all directions accompany the teeth shattering pulse of the music as it blasts overhead. If you didn’t know better you might think that you were actually visiting one of the cities trendiest night clubs. Then suddenly off the side something catches your eye. It could be the overhead banner that promises a one of a kind experience for anyone that is interested in trying something new. It could the lone salesman as he stands smiling greeting those that walk by in a polite yet unobtrusive manner. Then again what might actually be catching your attention is the monitor station behind him with its sleek curved design, custom graphics promising something new is waiting to be experienced, and a flash of something on the screen that begs further investigation. As you approach the salesman invites you to learn more about his product and simply presses a button that starts a slide show designed to let you know just how much the product being discussed could change your life.

    Sometimes you don’t need the flash and glitz that those over the top displays provide to get your point across. While larger structures definitely attract attention and are always popular, something as simple as a portable workstation with a monitor and an eye catching slide show may just be enough to attract the customers you are looking for. Plus they are easier on your wallet as well. The next time you get ready to go all out for that next event, take a moment and reconsider using a smaller display with a quality message. You might be surprised at your results.

    Are Conumers Really Concerned About Going Green?

    Tuesday, July 13th, 2010

    One look at your grocery store shelves will tell you that going green means big business. It seems that every product on the market is attempting to brand itself as the environmentally friendly choice. With all of this endless supply of concern for the planet taking place (at least from the manufacturing sector) one has to wonder if this is just another gimmick to try and make a buck or do consumers really care about going green as much as Wall Street wants them to. A survey published by the folks at Treehugger says that not only are people becoming increasingly more aware of green products, but that they actively look for products that aim to make the world a better place.

    When it comes to green logos “eighty-two percent of online adults recognize the Energy Star logo and 86% recognize the recycling arrows” and “familiarity with green terminology is high for established terms such as recyclable (86%) or energy efficiency (76%)” What this means is that more and more consumers are educating themselves on what items will create less of an impact on the world around them. In fact “fifty-five percent of consumers consider themselves to be environmentally conscious and74% believe companies should do more to protect the environment.” Now let’s translate this into trade show speak; by electing to showcase your products with an environmentally friendly trade show display you are immediately telling your customer three things 1)You care about the environment 2) You understand their concerns as well and 3)Saving the planet is more than a gimmick for you, but rather you are simply practicing what you preach.

    What makes the Pod Forum such a great green display is that it is made from a minimal amount of recycled aluminum tubing and the entire exhibit is covered in earth friendly fabrics. This not only means that the display itself is environmentally conscious, but when you take into consideration that the light weight of the display actually costs less and wastes less than what other displays would to ship, than you can clearly see why this is the only choice for vendors who base their existence on promoting a green lifestyle.

    If you are a regular on the trade show circuit and on the lookout for a way to reduce your carbon footprint while still attending the same number of events, than the Pod Forum is your chance to give something back to the planet and encourage your customers to do the same.