Monday, October 31, 2011

Trade Show Finder from Affordable Exhibit Displays

Have you ever wondered what other trade shows are going on within other U.S. cities and beyond. 

According to the CEIR, the number of 2010 events held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico total 14,451, with Medical and Health Care exhibitions hold 17.6 percent of the total and Business Services at 10.4 percent.


But, where are they taking place?  Affordable Exhibit Displays offers a FREE Trade Show finder you can use at anytime.

Easily search by show name, city, country, or even by industry listings.


Tradeshow Finder is conveniently located on our website www.affordabledisplays.com



Exhibition Industry Census

CEIR’s Exhibition Industry Census provides the statistics needed to accurately identify current involvement, plan strategies, set legitimate goals and precisely measure progress. The data can also provide business intelligence on market changes and how to position a case for organizers in locating an event in a city and for civic and facility leaders to build a case for new construction, expansion and renovation.
The Census contains data on all exhibitions occupying at least 3,000 net square feet of space and with at least 10 exhibiting companies - including both B2B and consumer exhibitions. The Census includes data for Canada, and for the first time, Mexico. View sample report.


Exhibition / Convention Center venues host the majority of events:
Venue / Percentage
Exhibition / Convention Center 41%
Hotel 39%
Conference Center / Seminar Facility / Other Not Classified  20%
Totals: 100%

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Mainebiz Momentum Convention TOMORROW 10/20

The Mainebiz Momentum Convnetion is happening TOMORROW, October 20th at the Augusta Civic Center! Haven't purchased a convention or exhibition hall pass? It's not too late, visit http://www.momentumconvention.com/ to pre-register or visit the registration desk at the show for day of registration!

Once in VISIT our booth #202P

We'll be there waiting to see you!

Quick tip Trade show Packing TIP!
When getting ready to travel to a trade show, pack your displays and booth items with quick setup in mind.

The things you'll need first for setting up your booth should be on the top when you open your boxes. At the bottom of your boxes should be the last things you'll need for setting up.  Don't forget to fold any fabric items nicely to diminish the wrinkles.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Trade Shows: Why Exhibit? Read the TOP 22 Reasons


Trade Shows: Why Exhibit?

Top Reasons why Exhibitions Are Key to the Marketing Mix




1.91% of attendees rank trade shows as “extremely useful” as a source for product purchasing information.
Source: Simmons Market Research Bureau

2.The vast majority (87%) of survey respondents state that national exhibitions are an “extremely useful” source of needed purchasing.
Source: Center for Exhibition Industry Research 2004 report entitled “Decision Makers Prefer Exhibitions”

3.79% of attendees say that attending shows helps them decide on what products to buy.
Source: Exhibit Surveys, Inc.

4.91% of attendees say that trade shows impact their buying decisions because the competition is in one place allowing for comparison shopping in real time.
Source: EXHIBITOR magazine, 2006

5.91% of attendees tell us they get the most useful buying info from trade shows and events.
Source: Skyline Exhibits, 2006

6.Trade shows are the #1 sales or marketing medium for quickly overcoming objections and accelerating the buying process.
Source: Skyline Exhibits, 2006

7.On average, 77% of all qualified attendees represent a new prospect and potential customer for exhibiting companies. The results from this study have been consistent for the past 20 years.
Source: Center for Exhibition Industry Research report entitled “Exhibitions Attract Market of Visitors with Buying Authority”

8.In 2007, an average of 82% of exhibition attendees reported that they had buying influence for exhibited products.
Source: Center for Exhibition Industry Research report entitled “Exhibitions Attract Market of Visitors with Buying Authority”

9.Approximately two thirds (63%-70%) of trade show attendees place a high level of importance on face-to face interaction during the pre-purchasing stages.
Source: CEIR's six-part study series entitled, “The Role and Value of Face-to-Face Interaction”

10.When asked the question “Which marketing mix components do you find most effective in achieving [specific] objectives?” respondents answered overwhelmingly that exhibitions are more effective than business-to-business advertising, public relations, direct mail and telemarketing.
Source: Center for Exhibition Industry Research Report from research conducted by Deloitte & Touche Consulting Group report titled “Exhibitions Are More Effective in Achieving Sales/Marketing Objectives: The Power of Exhibitions II: Maximizing the Role of Exhibitions in The Total Marketing Mix”

11.76% of attendees rate face-to-face meetings with potential new vendors very or extremely important.
Source: Center for Exhibition Industry Research as presented to the Major American Trade Show Organizers January 22, 2003

12.Trade show visitors will tell 6+ people about their experience.
Source: Center for Exhibition Industry Research

13.87% of exhibitors rate face-to-face very or extremely important in marketing to prospects.
Source: Center for Exhibition Industry Research as presented to the Major American Trade Show Organizers January 22, 2003

14.Overall, face-to-face interaction is of high importance to over 60% of attendees along most of the purchasing and customer relationship stages of the continuum.
Source: Center for Exhibition Industry Research

15.97% of all qualified attendees represented a new prospect and potential customer for exhibiting companies.
Source: Exhibit Surveys, Inc.

16.The cost of contacting a prospect in the field is $308, which does not include the cost of identifying that prospect prior to the sales call! The cost per visitor contacted at a trade show is $212!
Source: Simmons Market Research Bureau

17.85% of decision makers say attending trade shows saves their company time and money by bringing vendors together under one roof.
Source: Center for Exhibition Industry Research

18.Trade shows cost 38% less than sales calls for generating a sale.
Source: American Business Media, 2006

19.Trade shows are the #1 business-to-business marketing spend to support sales, beating out specialty publications, internet, promotions and PR respectively.
Source: Market Reality eSurvey

20.The average total cost of closing a sale in the field is $1,080, while the cost of closing a sale to a qualified trade show prospect is $419.
Source: Trade Show Bureau

21.Trade shows allow exhibitors to show their full product range in real life rather than a catalogue. Let buyers use all five senses to gain a full appreciation of your product and gain immediate feedback on products.
Source: EXHIBITOR magazine, 2006

22.Trade shows provide valuable insights on your current and new competition.
Source: American Business Media, 2006

According to the AEM, these are the top reasons. 

22.Trade show booths from Affordable Exhibit Displays, Inc. are able to be transported easily, set up quickly, and viewed with envy by all.  Call us today!
Source: Affordable Exhibit Displays
, 2011

What is yours?  We want to hear it.

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Trade Show AFTER Tip



After trade show tip:

Write down any lessons learned. This way at the next show you won't make the same mistake a second or even third time. Review the list prior to your next trade event since it's easy to forget once you've left.


So simple, yet so effective.  Try it. 


Let us know if you've got any lessons you've learned along the way.


Monday, June 20, 2011

3 second Quick Tips on Graphic Design from Affordable Displays, Inc.




YOUR MAIN GOAL: APPEAL TO YOUR CUSTOMERS’ NEEDS AND WANTS in a message that is short and to the point.
At a trade show you have 3 SECONDS… that’s it. That is all the time you have to spark the passers by and inspire them to ask questions that convert into sales.

Here are some simple tips and tricks that may ignite the creative side in you allowing your company to display its best image.

1. BIG letters?
A rule of thumb is the average eyesight can read approx. 1" of text for every 10' they are standing away.

2. Should you use photos or illustrations? Photos are always preferred over illustrations. Photos are more credible, easily understood and have a bigger impact with the consumer. Take your own photos or for generic photos use high quality stock photography.

3. How many words should be used?
Keep it under 10 words or less and no more than 5 lines. Lead with your strongest benefit first then the next relevant benefits to follow – if you have 30 year warranty and no one else does, shout it out. Most importantly, keep to your branding guidelines and keep all text within the top half of the display design.

Some simple tips to follow:

• A single sentence, phrase, or word

• Use concrete facts that are a benefit – what makes you different

Final note: by clearly communicating your company information in as few words as possible will benefit you in the end. Showing large, high quality photo(s) & colors will promote your products and make it easier for people to remember you.

Take a look at our online trade show display portfolio to see what others have done by Affordable Exhibit Displays.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Affordable Displays and the Maine Red Claws team up

Affordable Displays announces the winner of the 2011 B2B trade show giveaway.

Drum roll please….
Seth Shuman of the Maine Red Claws. And, Seth was thrilled he won, “THANK-YOU!!! I’m so excited, I never win anything! Let me know what I need to send you and I’ll get you what you need.”


Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Affordable Displays to attend local B2B Trade Show

Androscoggin Business to Business Trade Show
June 9th
9:30 am - 5:30 pm

Hope to see some familiar faces at the B2B trade show tomorrow. Come check us out, drop your business card and enter to WIN a Boost retractable banner stand package.   All the winner needs to do is supply us with ready to print art.  Simple as that!

Affordable Exhibit Displays will be at Booth 510.

We'll be sporting our NEW logo!!  Here's a sneak peek:


Hey, even we have to rebrand.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Pop up displays by Affordable Displays


Thos. Moser Cabinetmakers

IT'S OUR ANNUAL SPRING SPECIAL!
For the whole month of JUNE receive 10% OFF any pop up display purchase - full size floor model or table top.  It is up to you.

Affordable Exhibit Displays is offering a discount on 4' mini pop up displays.  They are great for the smaller shows.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

2010 TSNN Top 250 Trade Shows in the U.S. List Released

It's that time of year again when Trade Shows are in full swing.  April is a great time of year to spruce up not only our yards and gardens but also your trade show display.   Plus, take a look at this just released list of Top 250 U.S. Trade shows by TSNN.

2010 TSNN Top 250 Trade Shows in the U.S. List Released

Tarsus Advon, a division of U.K.-based Tarsus Group, released the 2010 TSNN 250 US Trade Shows list of rankings. Culled from show management and data supplied to the Trade Show News Network, the list represents the top 250 trade shows held last year ranked by net square footage in the United States. The full list can be found at www.TSNN.com/datasite.

Snagging the No. 1 spot on the list is the Consumer Electronics Association’s International CES, with an impressive 1,442,000 net square foot showfloor at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

“The incredible technologies unveiled at the 2010 International CES brought new optimism and endless opportunity for our industry and the global economy,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of CEA. “We are no longer looking back in our rearview mirrors, but are moving forward to a new decade of defining innovation.”

The No. 2 spot was nabbed by AMT – The Association for Manufacturing Technology’s biennial International Manufacturing Technology Show, which spanned 1,137,375 net sq. ft. at Chicago’s McCormick Place.

Close behind at No. 3, also held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, was the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute’s biennial Pack Expo International/Process Expo/CPP Expo, with 1,054,505 net sq. ft.

Besides hosting two of the largest three shows in the country, Las Vegas also has bragging rights for hosting the most shows on the list, with 60 shows, representing a 24-percent share of the 2010 TSNN Top 250.

“Las Vegas was built to host events and maintaining our position as the No. 1 trade show destination reinforces the commitment and dedication of everyone who works in the industry,” said Rossi Ralenkotter, president/CEO for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. “Our resort partners provide unparalleled facilities, amenities and service to ensure the best possible experience for clients. There is no better experience for the value than Las Vegas."

Orlando takes second place, with 25 shows, representing a 10-percent share, and Chicago was third, with 22 shows on the 2010 TSNN Top 250 list and an 8-percent share.

With the most shows, comes the most net square footage hosted by one city on the list. The 60 shows in Las Vegas represented 20,687,203 net sq. ft. of space, or 32 percent of the list’s share.

Chicago’s 22 shows leapfrogged over Orlando, representing 6,151,442 net sq. ft. of space, or 10 percent of the share; and Orlando’s 25 shows represented 5,504,826 net sq, ft., or 9 percent of the share.

Two show management companies tied for the most 2010 TSNN Top 250 shows on the list – Reed Exhibitions and Nielsen Business Media – with 11 each, or 4.4 percent of the list’s share.

Dmg world media, which includes George Little Management shows, had seven shows on the list, or a 2.8-percent share, followed by Hanley Wood Exhibitions, with five shows, or a 2 percent share.

The busiest month on the 2010 TSNN Top 250 list was March, with 30 shows, followed by January and February tying, with 27 shows each. It comes as no surprise that the slowest month of the year, by far, was December, with just four shows on the list.

The full list can be found at www.TSNN.com/datasite.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Affordable Displays works on new Table Top Display

CALLING ALL COLLEGES, UNIVERSITIES, CARRER FAIR AND JOB FAIR ATTENDEES!

We are working on developing a Table Top Display with you in mind.
- Carry bag w/ graphic pocket included
- Travel friendly
- Fabric covered for easy graphic changes w/ velcro
- 8 Fabric colors to choose from
- Produced with in 3-5 business days

We'll keep you posted on its progress and unveil photos!

Until then...

Here's a few photos of other displays just completed.