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Interactive iPad Trade Show Displays

Take it to the NEXT LEVEL!  Fully connect with prospective clients with any of our Interactive Displaying options!  Interactive Portable Podiums & Displays with iPad or Monitor integration and full color graphics. Featuring innovative construction allowing for setup in minutes. Lightweight and compact for easy travel anywhere.  

Add a touch of cool to your exhibits with the Formz ID All-In-One Interactive System.  Use it to give your own presentations or let clients interact with it.  With its affordable price point you’ll be able to leverage existing technologies expenses.   Show off product demos, slideshows, scroll through images and more all with the touch of our proprietary iPad applica­tion to serve up content to either a self driven kiosk or to any TV in your booth.   Harness the powerful interaction an ID unit can add to your presentation or to your trade show exhibit and tell a complete story of your company or highlight your products. Your iPad can be affixed to a kiosk for a customer driven experience or take it with you to roam free to give sales presentations.

Increase your attendees engagement with the addition of  iPad Kiosks as media stations.
Create multiple interactive areas or add to the multi-media you have designed for your event. Expand your message, continue the conversation on social media avenues or give visitors a place to catch up.

Dress up and add wow to your space with state-of-the-art multimedia kiosks.  These Media Stations offer a custom appearance with an easy to assemble wood MDF bases and tops is here.  Available in *four color options and comes with your choice of *frosted plexi-glass or *printed graphic panels.  All Aluminum construction on all vertical extrusions 2 in x 2 in and the quick installation tool is included.  Each kit conveniently it includes one hard shipping case for transport via FedEx, UPS or your vehicle for local shows.  Plus the Linear Media Stations offer a Lifetime hardware warranty against manufacturer defects making the Linear Media Stations a plus to add to any booth space.  Small LCD monitor mount included.  Monitor mount supports monitor size range 13” - 27”.  Max monitor weight is 25 lbs.

Visit AffordableDisplays.com to see all options available

Retracting Banner Stand Package

Boost Trade Show Kit is a banner stand package designed to capture attention, each retracting banner stand includes vibrant full color graphics. Suitable for any 8ft or 10ft booth space. 

Package Includes:

(3) Boost retractable banner stand w/ printed banner & bag

(1) 4Pocket roll-away literature holder

(1) Custom printed velcro mount podium graphic

(1) Counter Top for shipping case conversion to a podium

(1) Roto-molded square shipping case w/ wheels

(1) Setup instructions

Boost retractable banner stand: an affordable banner display solution to give your trade show space great visual impact with a brilliant full color printed banner. The Boost portable banner stands feature a 1 year warranty and is manufactured with all metal base construction, clamp-style top banner rail & two swivel out base feet offers the stability needed. Included with each Boost banner stand is a custom printed fabric graphic, corded 3-section aluminum pole and soft padded carry bag for easy transport.

4-Pocket Literature Rack: is very lightweight, easy to use roll-away black mesh fabric literature rack. Compact product when shipping or when booth space is an issue. Assembles in seconds, simply unroll brochure holder and install stabilizing pole. Convenient see-thru four pockets attractively display standard 8.5" x 11" sales sheets. Brochure display includes a handy carrying bag.

Roto-Molded Shipping Case: trade show shipping case with wheels is an easy-handling, durable shipping case that holds your Banner Stands easily, with room for a few extra accessories. Each black shipping case is manufactured with heavy duty rubber wheels, cushioned handle on the lid, are top loading for easy packing and come with a 1 year warranty. And you won’t find this wheeled case at any other company either; it was specially designed exclusively for Affordable Exhibit Displays.

How to order before your next show

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%

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.

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.



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.

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.

How to FIND Tradeshows Fast

How to find Tradeshows Fast!  We've taken the guess work out for you.  Click here to use our Trade Show Finder to get in touch with the latest trade shows all around the USA!  It's fast, it's easy and it's all FREE.

Give it a try today.  Locate the show when you want and where you want.  It's all online so access the finder from work or your home office.  It's that easy.

While your on http://www.affordabledisplays.com/ take a look at our Trade Show products.  And our exclusive Maine Made Products from table top to full size, counter and towers.  We've got your next show covered.

When to stop looking and start buying a Trade show display

Remember as a kid how it was frustrating to get started on that report for school.  I remember when I was in the 5th grade.  I had to complete a report and a draw a poster about the extinct dinosaur Brontosaurus.  I had to research the facts like, for example, they are herbivores.  Their necks needed to be long to reach the tops of the trees kind of link the modern day giraffe.  I remember having a hard time ending the research and beginnning my report.   This brings me to today's topic: how to start researching a trade show display, when to stop researching and when to take the plunge and buy.

First step in research is knowing the questions to ask in narrowing down what style that suits you and your company best.  Here are 8 - that's right - 8 questions to ask yourself.

1. What are the long term goals?  Do you have multiple shows lined up or none at all?

2. How many people will need to attend each show?  This will help on what type of booth you choose.  One, two, three, etc. people to set up?

3. How many shows are out of your state - as in travel plans?  Will the booth need shipping cases?  If so, how many and will they be shipped ahead of time or need to be taken on a plane or in a car. 

4. Do you have a budget?  If so, what's the magic number.  If you've deligated the research part, make sure you inform that person of the budget they'll need to work within.  Don't save it for last.

5. What type of product or services are your promoting?  This is very important in choosing the right display.

6. If you have a product to display, how will you display it? Will you need shelving, podiums and so forth.

7. When the display is being stored can it instead be used at other events? Maybe have it set up in your entryway or meeting room. You don't just have to pack it away.

8. Lastly, will the booth you're eyeing fit in the space you are renting? 6', 8', 10' or more...

You're now 8 steps closer to narrowing down the right display for your specific needs.   Now you should be right on top of the display that's right for you - it's time to stop researching and purchase the booth and it's accessories.

Remember, time might be running out as the show date rapidly approaches on your calender.  It's time to purchase, it's now or never, it's go time, it's on, ready-set-go.  Your nervous and you have every right to be - especially if its your first time.  But, if you use the 8 points we've outlined above the best display will be easy to decide to buy.

Good Luck!

How to let Constructive Criticism be a guide

Step 3 of June's STOP THE ROUTINE MONTH revealed: Constructive Criticism

A post ago we discussed Motivation. We gave you 7 quick tips to stay on track. Today we’ll discuss getting real with how your trade show booth works. It’s about accepting constructive criticism when you can’t see the clear message anymore.

The solution! A fresh set of eyes. To know where to begin with how your current booth is working you’ll need to ask and outer source – someone who is not related to your business or industry is best.

Give your ‘fresh set of eyes’ a good look at your exhibit booth and materials. Ask yourself these questions:

What do they notice first?

What impression do they get of your company?

What emotions do your graphics evoke?

Record their impressions and compare how they measure up to your marketing objectives. This fresh set of eyes will be viewing your booth the same way the attendees do - with no prior knowledge or preconceived notions of how the exhibit is 'supposed' to look.

:: Case Study ::

Custom Service Solutions, Inc.,
2320 Colby St., Brockport, NY 14420

Recently, we had one of our returning customers, Custom Service Solutions, came to us with an idea. They wanted a small self-standing sign to distribute to the machine vendors that will attending the same trade show as them.

They submitted their own artwork and asked our opinion. We asked, “What’s the main goal?”: to inform customers about a drawing for a free Firetrace System. Our comment back: there is no clear, single message, there may be too much going on. So, with a bit of discussion Custom Service Solutions decided to allow us to come up with a single targeted message.

 BEFORE

AFTER

Here’s our point: by opening up the door for constructive criticism Custom Service Solutions ended up with a clear, concise design that will draw customers in to ask “How can I qualify?” Thus, in turn opening the door to obtain a lead, close a sale, or boost their ROI for the show.

Many times we have looked at our own exhibits so many times that we don't 'see' them anymore. A fresh set of eyes may make all the difference in the world. Have someone who is in no way related to the trade show industry or your company look at your exhibit or marketing materials.

Trade Show Displays and Beyond

Ever think how many uses you could use your trade show display for?   They are not just for exhibiting only.  Spread your dollars wider, the opportunities for uses are endless. 

• Exhibiting
• Advertising
• Retail/Store Fixtures
• Mobile Advertising
• POP (Point of Purchase Displays)
• POS (Point of Sale)
• Demonstrations
• Merchandising
• Office Greeting Area
• Indoor Kiosk
• Educational Events
• Intimate Meeting
• Network Luncheons
• Military Recruiting
• Holiday Specials
• Food Sampling or Demos
• Fundraisers
• Sporting Events
• County Fairs
• Customer Service Information
• Media Relations
• Employment Services
• Marketing and Sales
• Author/Book Signings
• Corporate Events
• Church Program Information
• Shopping Malls
• Supermarket Sales
• Hospitality
• Security Checkpoints - Airports, Hotels
• Municipalities
• Non-Profit Agency Information

You + Motivation = Trade Show Exhibit Success

According to Wikipedia, Motivation is the activation or energization of a goal-oriented behavior. You already know the goal: Trade show success. So are you actively trying to complete the steps you’ll need in order to achieve this success. At this point, only you know. But when it comes down to exhibiting at the show all attendees will know what kind of motivation you truly had. Prepared? If not, let’s get motivated.

What can you do to enhance your motivation and awaken the power that will push you toward accomplishing trade show success?

Here are a few suggestions:

1. Set one major goal for the trade show along with a few minor goals. The minor goals will act as small stepping stones heading towards your major goal. An example of a major goal is: to obtain X amount of new contacts at the show. Your minor goals are the road map to get those X new contacts - a giveaway entry form, a sign up sheet to your newsletter, product or information mailings.

2. Understand that finishing what you start is important. Whatever you start must be finished. Develop the habit of going to the finish line. Keep a running list of goals with dates on completion. Plus, keep it in plain view to look at each day.

3. Ask around. Know of someone else attending the show. Pick their brain on what steps they are taking or plan to take. Then mold their advice to fit your needs.

4. Don’t procrastinate. Procrastination leads to fewer accomplishments. Need a flyer printed; don’t wait until 2 days before the show.

5. Persistence, patience and not giving up despite failure and difficulties keep up the motivation to succeed.

6. Constantly affirm to yourself that you can and will succeed.

7. Visualize yourself at the show feeling great about the steps you’ve taken. Be proud!

Ask us at Affordable Exhibit Displays how having the right trade show display can also help your motivation.

Launch your next show by breaking your trade show routine.

Routine is comfortable, it's safe and it's a rut you don't want to be in especially at a Trade Show. Trade show should be everything else but routine.

Say you go to X show each year, you bring the same display using the same graphics, you hand out the same literature even use the same giveaways, you may even wear the same clothes. By now I'm sure your're pretty bored. And so are your customers!!

June is STOP THE ROUTINE MONTH!

Look for our next 5 posts to reveal 5 steps to help you break your way out of the trade show rut you may be in and make this year's show a complete success.

Trade Show Planning in Advance, where to start?

This is the biggest part of attending Trade Shows and possibly the most overlooked - Planning in Advance. Who isn't a procrastinater now and again but planning ahead for a trade show is what will make or break it.

Sounds simple but it can be if you do your homework. If you've never attended a show before and want to start it will make a difference if you research the shows that will be worthwhile for you to attend.

With numerous trade shows every year in the United States, there should never be a loss of places to exhibit.


Researching potential shows to find out where your company or product best fits is a must-do. This leads to alot of unanswered questions like should you go to industry specific shows or B2B shows or where can you find trade shows period?

Here are a few places to start your research:
- Ask your local and area Chamber of Commerce leaders
- Contact any Associations or Organizations you belong to
- Ask friends or collegues in the same business as you and get their advice

Here are two online resources:
- www.biztradeshows.com/usa
- http://www.conventions.net/

Good luck in your search for potential trade shows to attend!

How to A.T.T.R.A.C.T Visitors to your Booth

IT'S ALL ABOUT ATTRACTION AT A TRADE SHOW.

It's pretty true. If your booth is not attactive and inticing in some way then there's no reason to look or listen to what you have to say. We'll give you a few pointers on what you can do to spice up your next show.

A: ATOMPSHERE - Create an open atmosphere. If you booth does not have the 'open concept' feel you may be creating an unintentional barrier between you and your visitor. Move furniture including podiums to the sides and back. This will provide an 'open door' feel to all that pass by.

T: TOUCH OF SOFT- Ever thought of adding carpet to your booth. It not only will add an extra layer to cushion for your tired feet but it will also create an inviting feeling of home. Trade show carpet is available in a variety of colors, comes in interlocking squares and can match your booth colors and not the venue.

T: TRY A DRESS CODE - Ever wonder as you walk around who's a visitor and who's a booth staffer? Wearing ordinary office wear - even if it's your best - may not be the best option. Why? The first impression is YOUR a visitor too. Blending in with everyone else will not help attact visitors to your booth. Try having your booth staffers wear the same shirt, hat, vest, tie or jacket. This will help all visitors know where and who you belong to.

R: ROPE THEM IN WITH MOTION - When an object is moving, your eyes must follow - if you want to percive it clearly that is. So move something! If you don't have a product, TV, slide show or something that moves try something as simple as moving your arms, playing with a yo-yo or handing out a small giveaway.

A: ALL THE BEST - Staff your booth with the best employees you have to offer. Ones that know your product or service the best. Your booth staffers must be willing to approach visitors with a positive, upbeat attitude and keep a smile going all day long.

C: COLOR YOUR BOOTH - Drab neutral colors just won't do at a tradeshow. Your colors must have the impact to captivate the eyes and awaken the brain. Here is what some colors are known to do: Green - nature, Red - excitment, Yellow - optimism, Black - authority, White - purity and Blue, serenity. Put your visitors in the mood you want!

T: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF TECHNOLOGY - Use all of the technological tools you can to interact with the visitors before, during and even after the show. Entice them with media options such as websites, e-mail blasts, web links, downloads, or even try multiple working presentations during the show too. These are all fairly inexpensive and easy to do. Tell them when, where and most importantly why they should see your company at the show.

Try to implement just one of these (or more) at your next show to see if you'll ATTRACT more visitors to your booth.

Trade shows - Let's be real here

I love this little gold trumpet guy. For some reason he just makes me want to take action.

He's yelling at me, "Come on everyone, let's go!"

We should listen to him, don't you think? I mean, yeah, let's go! Let's make the end of 2009 better than it's beginning.

You know just as well as I do that the big talk of 2009 has been... "How's business?" We get asked this so many times I've lost count.

The trade show industry is slow and that's a fact - I found stats anywhere from 8%-22% down. Trade shows cost money - alot of money. And right now, everyone is watching their money and how it's spent.

That's not a bad thing. It's a good thing. We all should tighten our buckle once and awhile.

While others are holding back, we find this a great time to re-invent things. We're a trade show company! We can invent and take on any new product we want to. And that's what we've decided to do.

So, we're changing gears from status quo to full speed ahead.

4 Tips to help you find new trade show success in 2009

Spring is one of those transitional times of year. Here, in New England, we are all ready to welcome the warm summer breeze, but it's still a bit too soon for that.

Spring is also the time of year that trade show goers are gearing up for the 2009 trade show season – that’s if it hasn’t started for you already.

Attending a trade show is a commitment from beginning to end. And preparing ahead saves time and money when it counts the most.

Here are some 4 TIPS to help get you on the right track.

TIP #1
For a small show start planning 3 months in advance, at the minimum. For the moderate size show start planning 6-8 months in advance and for the large national shows a year is preferred. With the smaller size shows but for the national shows, so much more money is spent just to be there. So planning ahead will make your show successful.

TIP #2
Most important, can't say it enough, if you don't get this right than just forget the whole thing. Number ONE most important piece to know and build your whole show presence on is... drum roll please... your TARGET AUDIENCE.

Who is at this show anyway? It's not about what you think of the service/product, it's what they think. Who is going to benefit from your services or product? The audience. What are their needs, what are their wants, what will they get out of your service/product?

Those are the questions you need to ask and figure out. Not just surface answers either, these answers must strike a cord with them and really hit home. It must be a deep benefit to them that makes you stand above your competitors. I must use that, oh, that service will make my life so much easier. What did I do without it?

TIP#3
Okay, so now you have the best advertising you could have come up with. How are you going to attract your target audience to your booth? What is going to invite them and engage them? Your GRAPHICS! Let’s face it, not all of us have been hit with the creative stick.

So that's when you hire, if you must, a professional. A trade show graphics professional. Someone with the experience in building the visual that gets those people to say, hey, who's that. If your graphics don’t speak to the target audience than you may as well go home. This visual must always be a positive one.

TIP #4
Set your GOALS high. Set them too low and fail at this challenge. It's like playing a championship game of football, being the quarterback and holding the ball in your hand while walking on the field and knowing... you're going to lose. Well, then the Law of Attraction says - lose you will. And who wants to do that! So, set those goals high. It's just like anything else, talk is cheap but effort makes you the MVP of your team. And that's where you need to be right now. You’re the teams Most Valuable Player!

This March, while the birds start flying home, the days get longer, and the smell of the air starts to change take the time to sit back and reevaluate why you want to go to trade shows and what extra business can come out of it.

10 TIPS TO TRADE SHOW BETTER

Do … plan ahead properly including the amenities like lighting, internet access or carpeting
Do … insure your booth space is tidy and neat even right down to the smell
Do … always look ready - focus your attention on your customers or prospects during show time
Do … show your best self – wear your best suit and comfortable shoes, you’ll thank yourself later
Do … bring more than enough hand outs including business cards

Don’t … procrastinate or get caught off guard with un-anticipated issues such as no throw provided
Don’t … fuss with your booth during the show, save that for before the show starts
Don’t … eat or drink inside your booth space, it is unappealing and no one wants a spill
Don’t … talk excessively to other booth staffers, pay attention to why you are there
Don’t … talk on your cell phone, text or scroll through your Blackberry

Our 7 Positive Ways To Help You Welcome 2009 Change

1. Fact: change is unknown. Fact: change is uncontrollable. It can not be predetermined but it can be dealt with a willing heart. Embrace the unknown change that may lie ahead.

2. Join forces with your world – past, present and future. Hand-in-hand you are your world are one. Embrace your whole world. It is not flawless but it is yours – you own it.

3. Expect all change, the good the bad and the ugly. Change is your friend in whatever form it arrives in. It’s inevitable that change is going to happen but it’s how you react to it that depicts the outcome.

4. Receive change openly, try not to fight change. Be still, be quiet, concentrate that is when peace and truth finds you. Listen to your inner voice. Stop to listen and hear.

5. Present positive change. What makes you joyous, what makes you jump with unending joy? Go to it, seek it out and go with it.

6. Create a realistic plan for you and your goals. Organize, communicate, work, focus and embrace the plan.

7. Commit and commit hard.