Wednesday, July 14, 2010

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!

Not just another Trade show company

Affordable Displays does not just sell tradeshow banner stands and other exhibition equipment displays, but in fact, we are the only manufacturer of 80% of our products and we also offer in-house printing and continually inspect the graphics before they are sent out, making certain that our clients only receive the best quality graphics.

Our company is a family owned and operated company and as such, we have deep-seated family values and we focus on quality and on offering our clients a top choice of eye-catching and appealing tradeshow exhibits and displays. Affordable Displays has been in operation since 1994 and over the last 16 years, we have provided the tools necessary, such as the tradeshow banner stands, table coverings, literature racks, life size cutouts and full size displays to make any tradeshow a resounding success.

When it comes to tradeshow banner stands, Affordable Displays offers several different configurations, such as the double-sided retractable stands, the single-sided retractable and the non-retractable stands. In order to view the full details and prices of the tradeshow banner stands, feel free to visit the Affordable Displays website, http://www.affordabledisplays.com/, and make you choice on the right tradeshow banner stands for your exhibition.

Other than the very effective tradeshow banner stands, Affordable Displays has also created package deals, called Trade Show Display Kits.  These all inclusive packages contain their most popular display models that will fit within your 8' or 10' show space. 





Friday, July 2, 2010

Trade Shows WORK

Dear Partner,

Please join us in a nationwide movement and campaign to revitalize and re-invigorate the tradeshow industry.

Unfortunately, as you are challenged to increase sales with fewer marketing dollars, tradeshows and events are often cut from your marketing programs. Collectively, we can help influence and educate our clients that tradeshows and events still represent the best and most meaningful way to connect with key customers. Face-to-face marketing accelerates the sales cycle and still represents the best dollar-for-dollar value versus other competing media/marketing vehicles.

With this movement, the goal is to collectively communicate that TRADESHOWS WORK! As part of this campaign, we will be placing this logo on our website, store front window, marketing collateral and more. Together we can start a trend!

Join us in taking an active role in promoting TRADESHOWS WORK.


Sincerely,
Your friends at Affordable Exhibit Displays, Inc.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

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.