First Trade Show

11/30/2021

Using Surveys at Trade Shows
Feedback Surveys at Trade Shows
Conducting Customer Feedback Surveys is a great way to obtain valuable feedback
Be sure to tailor the questions to the appropriate timeframe: pre-show, show, and post-show
Conducting surveys and compiling the information is only half the battle
While the trade show is in full swing, you will have some idea about how people are receiving your booth and your company. You will have a rough estimate of traffic through your booth and the quality of your leads. By observing and listen to people, you can gauge their reactions with some degree of accuracy. However, all these methods provide you with only so much information and are limited in scope. A great way to learn more is by conducting Customer Feedback Surveys. These should be done before, during, and after the show.

Make It Worthwhile... Read More

Posted on September 29, 2021 by adminUsing Surveys at Trade ShowsFeedback Surveys at Trade Shows Conducting Customer Feedback Surveys is a great way to obtain valuable feedback Be sure to tailor the questions to the appropriate timeframe: pre-show, show, and post-show Conducting surveys and compilin...

01/11/2021

Trade Show Design Challenges in a Post-COVID World
How will Designers Design for Post-COVID Trade Shows?

The return of trade shows and exhibitions depends on the development of COVID-19 vaccines, but how exhibits will be designed has already started. At Classic Exhibits, our 3D designers are already working on both virtual and physical exhibits for our distributor’s clients. Those exhibitors have told us that they expect to participate in smaller shows in early Q1 2021 and return to larger shows as early as Q2.

No one knows precisely what to expect about booth design guidelines, such as whether show organizers and convention halls will have specific requirements for exhibitors or if standard North American Regulations will be revised. But you don’t need a weatherman to know which way the wind is blowing. Here are some commonsense suggestions.

Posted on October 18, 2020 by adminTrade Show Design Challenges in a Post-COVID World How will Designers Design for Post-COVID Trade Shows? The return of trade shows and exhibitions depends on the development of COVID-19 vaccines, but how exhibits will be designed has already started. At Classic Exh...

02/26/2020

40 Things You Do @ Trade Shows You Would Never Do Anywhere Else
1. With zero guilt, throw trash in the aisle and expect others to clean it up
2. Spend $8.50 for a 12 oz. bottle of Aquafina
3. Bribe someone to look the other direction. Brag about it later
4. Have Accounting panic because you just max-out your credit card on one transaction (drayage perhaps?)
5. Wear matching polyester clothing
6. Steal anything that appears to have a value of less than $10 (candy, hats, pens, mugs…)
7. Share “steamy” industry gossip with competitors
8. Chat with 500 strangers in 72 hours
9. Gush about the double-padded carpet in booth #1108
Read more
https://www.firsttradeshow.com/40-things-you-do-trade-shows-you-would-never-do-anywhere-else/

02/26/2020

Check out our re-designed site.
www.FirstTradeShow.com

08/01/2018

Setting the Mood with Color at Your Next Trade Show
Using Colors to Set the Mood
The color scheme you select for your trade show booth is critical
Many colors are associated with temperature or with certain emotions
You should consider color selection to be one more item in your “marketing arsenal”
The color scheme you select for your trade show booth is critical. Color affects our perceptions of a space, so when planning your booth, choose your colors carefully. If you’ve hired an exhibit designer, the designer can help determine the most appropriate color scheme for your booth based on your overall corporate colors, your marketing goals, and your color preferences. Don’t forget the flooring. The right flooring color in your exhibit will enhance (or diminish) your trade show booth design. .

How individuals react to colors depends on their cultural, historical, and personal background. A great deal of research has been conducted surrounding the psychology of color. However, in Western societies, the following is generally found to be true.

Recent Studies
A recent study published in Nature analyzed the effect of uniform color on athletes, such as soccer players, boxers, and wrestlers. The study concluded that athletes wearing red won more than sixty percent of the time. The scientists who conducted the study were convinced that the red uniforms gave the winning team a psychological edge. However, unless the client is Coca-Cola, most designers use red as an accent color rather than the primary color since red often evokes such strong emotions.

Many colors are associated with temperature or with certain emotions.These are culturally derived meanings can have a very real affect on people. Colors such as red, orange, and yellow are considered “warm” colors and can have a stimulating effect. The New York Times recently published an article concerning color schemes for schools and found that reds, yellows, and oranges were often used in hallways to “speed up children in halls and gyms.” Yellow, in particular, is often used in postcard marketing campaigns because studies have determined that recipients read yellow postcards more than any other color.

Other Colors
Blues and greens are considered “cool” colors and can have a calming effect, especially when combined with fluorescent lighting. Blues and grays are also associated with ice, snow, or winter. If your company sells snow skis for example, you might want to consider using these colors. Gray and beige, are more neutral colors, and have associations as well. Gray or silver can take on a futuristic, “gee-whiz” connotation. Beiges and browns can be used to suggest a nostalgic, retro feel in a booth. White can be used to create a more expansive feel in a space, while black creates a more confined feel.

Factor in your company’s home base or the location of the show when considering color schemes. If your company is based in the Southwest, browns and tans might work for you. Or, if the trade show is located near the coast, consider blues or greens. You should consider color selection to be one more item in your “marketing arsenal” as you compete for the customer’s attention at a busy trade show or corporate event.

For more information about trade show or event marketing, give us a call or Contact Us. We welcome the opportunity to assist you with your next show.

Article Author:
Mel White

02/07/2018

Looking for an interactive attraction? Engage others with the brand new Jotter Tablet Display--A great tool for trade shows, office lobbies, or retail! This stand has a pivotal head, allowing you to rotate the tablet 360˚ and adjust the angle 135˚. Simply, insert the tablet and use the key to lock the case. The tablet is snug, secure and ready to use. The case allows for a working front and back camera as well. Use them anywhere you want to be hands-free. The Tabletop Tablet Display can be used to customize any display or countertop. Compatible with 2nd, 3rd and 4th generation iPad and iPad Air tablets. Available in 3 styles. Choose from Black or White.

02/07/2018

Identifying Your Trade Show Kryptonite

X-Ray Vision
We shouldn’t but we do. We hope the next trade show attendee who walks in our booth is Superman. Not Superman Superman, but the sales equivalent of Superman. Faster to sign a contract than a speeding bullet. More powerful than the VP of Purchasing. Able to leap over objections in a single bound. We yearn for Superman (or Superwoman) to enter our trade show booth space.

Yet, we place kryptonite everywhere in sight so Superman veers away (no doubt into the arms of our evil nemesis — Super Savvy SalesPerson). What did we do wrong? Well, let’s eliminate the easy mistakes, the ones so obvious that his X-ray vision saw them three aisles over.

Frenchy Fry Me: Nothing says no-loving like a booth staffer hunched over lo mein, a cheeseburger, or chicken nuggets with honey mustard. And, yes, I did see you wipe your hands on your pants. Then there’s the smell….Kryptonite-TS

Five-Second Text: Baby-boomer, GenX, or millennial. Doesn’t matter. You can’t start a conversation if you never start a conversation. It gives new meaning to — “Hey buddy, my eyes are up here!”

The Quickie: Good choice. A vinyl graphic hanging on the pipe and drape. Perfect if you’re pitching hairball chews at the local cat show. Otherwise, it says, “I’m living in a van down by the river.”

The Berlin Wall: The banquet table is your best friend at a hobby or arts and crafts fair. Take the same approach at a trade show and expect to catch up on your texting and Facebook posts at the show.

I Don’t: Got there late. Left early. Spent most of the time flirting with the woman on the next aisle.

Concrete Cal: No flooring. Or padding. Or orders.Clowns

10 Clowns in a Car: How nice! The entire sales team is here. Except this isn’t a rave party, a tailgater, or a celebrity sighting. “No thanks. I’ll take the next less-crowded elevator.”

Maximus: “Just give me 5 minutes to find it. I know it’s here somewhere. I swear I just saw it. Here it is! Nope, that’s not it.”

Love Me Some Swag in the Booth: Selfie sticks, pens, water bottles, shopping bags, phone chargers, tech tools, lip gloss, exercise band, calculator, hand sanitizer. ‘Hey kids, Daddy went to a trade show.”

Mystery Date: “I’ll give you three guesses what my company does. Want a hint? Another hint? Starts with the letter G. See the display on the corner with the hanging sign. We do what they do.”

Turn Me On: Day 1. “Anybody know how to launch the video or turn on the tablet?” Day 2. “Did anyone charge the tablet or bring the thumb drive?” Day 3. “I don’t know. We think they’re broken.”

Don’t be the only person at the show not wearing an “S” (for sales superstar). Get rid of the exhibit krytonite and you’re guaranteed to attract a Superman (or two or three) to your booth.

Article Author:
Mel White
Classic Exhibits Inc.

11/29/2017

From standard kit to custom display. Request your custom rendering today!

10/31/2017

Our Fabric Pop-up is the perfect display for easy transport and set-up. Your image is printed on fabric that is attached to the display, which means you do not need to attach your image each time you exhibit. When you set the booth up, your image is automatically stretched to a smooth surface. When needed, the graphics are easily replaced since Velcro® is used to attach the image.

This display is perfect for backdrops and events where quick set-up is important. Printing on fabric gives the booth a softer feel, but is high on impact. If you are looking for a quick set-up and cost effective display, the fabric backwall is the right choice.

Available in many sizes. From tabletop to 20ft!

10/12/2017

Be Honest. Do You Believe in Trade Shows?
Let's Talk. Really Talk.
If you are like most exhibitors, you don't have a clue about trade show marketing. At some point, you purchase a display, which you think is the trade show marketing plan. It's not. So, let's talk. Really talk.

You are probably a sales or marketing professional. You rely on Act-On, Marketo, or HubSpot for automation. You use CRM software like SalesForce or Infusionsoft. You have a comprehensive email campaign strategy and track it with Constant Contact, Yesware, or MailChimp. All smart. Actually very smart. You understand that marketing requires a strategy, the right tools, and a method of measuring your success.

And when you have challenging problems outside your skillset, you tap into consultants for lead generation, sales training, social media, and SEO. For your advertising, you have a team dedicated to maximizing your spend and metrics. In this hyper-competitive marketplace, you need every advantage that money, strategy, and discipline can bring.

And Then You Wing It!
Do You Believe in Trade Shows? That's not meant to be a loaded question. You either do or you don't. There's no middle ground because exhibitors who waffle when it comes to trade show marketing are mostly wasting their money. These are the exhibitors who participate just because they should or because their competitors are there. They complain about the expense, the feeble leads, and the terrible ROI.

There was a sense 15 years ago that the Internet would make trade shows irrelevant. It didn't. Instead, it changed attendee behavior. Smart trade show marketers have gotten much better at pre-show marketing. Why? Because most attendees no longer "walk" the floor. They "research" and "shop" the floor just like they would an online purchase. They've already decided who they'll visit days, even weeks before their feet hit the aisle carpet. Getting them to your booth via pre-show marketing is much more important than luring them into your booth at the show.

Here's an easy way to determine if you've been successful at pre-show marketing. Your booth should be busy, really busy no more than 30 minutes after the doors open. You should view it just like preparing for the Grand Opening of a store.

Do You Believe in Metrics and ROI? Of course you do. Imagine conducted a sales/marketing meeting or presentation without metrics. You love numbers. You love studying and reciting them to others like parables from the Bible. You get visibly excited using a spreadsheet to compare the Toledo to the Albuquerque office.

But, when it comes to your trade show marketing, you are like a four-year old with blocks, relying on the # of leads to judge success. Sadly, you pat yourself on the back if the leads are electronic and not a roll of paper cascading off the counter. For most exhibitors, anything beyond that falls into quantitative voodoo. There's no measuring costs per show, return on sales, or contribution margin per client.

Are You a Good Judge of People? You should be. It's kinda required for anyone in sales and marketing. At every trade show, you are doing two things: meeting with customers and suppliers and evaluating your trade show staff. Far too often, we are spectacular at the first and abysmal at the second.

We view trade show staffing along the same lines as a wedding invitation -- the more the merrier and we pray no one gets so drunk they puke in public. When we do hold staffers accountable, it's condensed into a pre-show rally which includes 10-minute booth training. It's a joke. No one has roles. No one has responsibilities. There's no backup plan to the backup plan. You wing it, something you would never do when preparing a presentation for your next major client. Who may just happen to stroll into your booth and chat with Tommy Boy.

Are You an Expert in 3D Marketing? I won't bother to feed your ego on this one. You aren't an expert. Not even close. You may be an expert at banner ads or print advertising or closing techniques, but you probably don't know squat about exhibit design and trade show marketing. How do I know? Experience working with exhibitors and walking shows.

Now, don't misunderstand me. You know marketing and you know sales, but you decided at some point to believe that trade show marketing is more of the same. It is and it isn't, and you'll blow a ton of money until you know what works and what doesn't.

Take Some Advice from a Trade Show Professional
I mean this literally. Take some advice from a trade show professional.

1. Work with your Exhibit House. Exhibit Houses and Distributors do much more than design and build exhibits. They work with exhibitors on strategy, show services, ROI tracking, booth training, etc. They see the painful mistakes that their clients make that cost them money and prevent them from succeeding at trade shows.

Believe me . . . they want your trade show marketing to be wildly successful. That way you'll add more shows to your schedule, you'll purchase new exhibits, and you'll tap into their services.

2. Work with Independent Consultants. Like any industry, the trade show industry has seasoned independent consultants who want to share their advice for a fee. Some are generalists. Others specialize in booth staff training or ROI measuring or social media marketing or lead generation or overall trade show marketing.

They know their stuff. They are paid to know their stuff. Don't know who they are? Ask your exhibit house or use this niffy tool called Google. That said . . . always get references and do your homework.

3. Become an Expert. You can either continue to whine or you can take classes at EXHIBITOR, HCEA, or other exhibit industry events. There are hundreds of classes each year on every imaginable topic related to trade shows and trade show marketing. The classes are a great place to meet industry professionals and share your successes and failures with colleagues. For such a big industry, it's actually a very small community.

No one can know everything. And what's true for marketing automation software or social media advertising is also true for trade shows. Know what you don't know and for everything else, seek help.

For more information about trade show or event marketing, give us a call or Contact Us. We welcome the opportunity to assist you with your next event.

Article Author:

Mel White
Classic Exhibits Inc.

10/10/2017