When selecting furniture for your stand, use just enough to create a welcoming atmosphere. Place tables for literature and other materials on the sides of your stand space and not at the front so you don’t create a barrier between the display and the aisle. Use chairs for visitors only; if your stand staff start getting too comfortable, they’ll have a tough time getting up to speak to prospects.

Flowers and plants are a fun and interesting way to liven up a dull or drab display. Buying your own plants will help save you money. Plants are useful to accentuate graphics, hide electrical wiring, and add a touch of natural life to the environment. Consider using silk plants as they’re more durable, and you’ll be able to re-use them at other shows.

Article by www.nimlok.co.uk 

Image by JOOL Studia via flickr.com 

Read more...

There are two groups of shows you should be evaluating – the shows you are presently attending and the shows you want to consider for future participation. Before choosing a show to attend, you need to address the following questions:

1. Which shows best fit your needs? They should be within your budget, in a serviceable location, occur at a convenient time and, most importantly, attract your target audience.

2. If your company services a specific area of the country, you should attend shows that draw only from that region. If you want to expand your market into new areas, you need to investigate shows that attract prospects from those areas.

3. How successful has the show been in the past?

4. How is the show promoted?

Article by www.nimlok.co.uk

Image by limonacella via flickr 

Read more...

Your company could be represented at many kinds of shows, including international, national, regional and local exhibitions. Let’s look at each one of these to identify their differences.

International shows are often major events, which attract exhibitors and attendees from all corners of the globe. These shows offer a forum for launching new products and discussing industry issues.

National shows are primarily targeted to buyers and sellers in a specialised industry and are promoted to attract visitors nationwide.

Regional shows are organised in a particular area of the country. Many of these events are open to the public.

Local shows draw attendees from the immediate vicinity and are often open to the trade and the general public. They include consumer shows such as home shows, hobby shows or boating shows, which specifically attract many local attendees.

Article by :www.nimlok.co.uk 

Image by : www.thechamber.org via Google Image

Read more...

Your biggest decision will be choosing your exhibition stand design, so start the process 4 - 6 months before your show date.

Before you decide what to buy or rent and from whom, consider the following:

• What is the history and reputation of the supplier?

• Do they offer the type of product, design service, field service and product guarantee required to create your ideal exhibition stand?

• Is the stand easy to transport and assemble?

• What are the on-going costs, and will it be economical to expand, reconfigure or refurbish for future shows?

• Are rental options available?

Your budget will dictate the type, size and make of stand you can afford. Consider your company image and how you want to be portrayed – quality, high-tech, established, contemporary, sporty or traditional? Shape, colour and design will help create the right image.

Pick a display that will best utilise your space and set you apart from your competitors. Keep in mind your audience.

• The display should say who you are, what you do, and the benefits of your product/service in just a few seconds.

• Exhibition stand design is a specialised field and should be undertaken by a professional organisation with experience in this field.

• You should prepare a detailed written brief that clearly states your objectives.

• Your corporate image and identity should be prominently featured.

• Avoid unnecessary physical barriers – you want visitors to access your stand easily and to feel comfortable.

• Demonstrations and presentations create movement – and movement attracts visitors.

• Be aware of the physiological effects of colour.

• Make sure you are within exhibition requirements for dimensions.

• Signs and displays should be placed high as visitors and furniture can block your message.

• Keep text on graphics to a minimum – pictures and visual imagery work best with succinct and punchy text.

• Use height – most organisers will allow you to build to 4m high. Some will allow you to go to 6m and/or to suspend overhead signage. You’ll need to supply structural drawings (small fee) for approval and to use riggers for overhead signs.

• Ensure staff are readily identifiable.

• Also, think about your accessories for the stand such as furniture, storage space, and lighting.

Remember - your goal is to create an inviting design and clear message. Ask yourself: 'Would I stop to visit this stand?'

Atricle by : www.nimlok.co.uk 

Read more...

The Exhibitor Manual is the official guide to everything you need to know about participating at your chosen show. It contains all the rules and regulations, order forms for show services, contractor information, build up and break down dates, accommodation and hospitality information, registration and access information and promotion details.

Read the manual carefully and look for deadlines to register for electricity, cleaning, etc., as many of these items will require late fees to be paid if the deadline is missed and this could throw your budget off the mark. Order more than you need for electrics and try not to miss anything out – ordering additional on-site services will cost you heavily.

Image by : Welsh_boy69 via flickr 

Article by : www.nimlok.co.uk 

Read more...

Last week, I has read about location. And then now...how much space do you need?

Knowing where best to position your company and having selected shell scheme or space only puts you half way to selecting your stand space. Next, you need to decide how much space you require.

Consider two factors:

• Your exhibiting objectives

• Your budget

These two elements determine how much space you need.

Some companies like to make a statement about their size to the market and book space accordingly. Others simply take enough space to allow their products to be displayed. If you intend to demonstrate a large piece of equipment, you need to plan for its footprint as well as space for the presenter and visitors.

Space is sold in metres and is priced per square metre. Space size can be as little as 1 x 3m. As a general rule you should allow 4.5 square metres per person. Add to this the exhibition stand, equipment to be shown and some extra space for visitors and you should have a pretty good idea of the space you require.

Image by : www.exhibition-stand-builder.co.uk 

Article by : www.nimlok.co.uk 

Read more...

Trade shows serve as valuable sales and marketing vehicles to generate business through qualified leads and build brand awareness and relationships. Recent data from the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) indicates the total cost of closing a sale without trade show participation averages $1,140 compared to $705 for a show generated lead.

An economic downturn provides an opportunity for companies to look at their marketing programs holistically. This process may reveal that cutting all trade shows from the budget is not the best way to reduce spending. Instead, by implementing a focused methodology companies can achieve greater results and a better ROI.

The guide offers top reasons to exhibit and how to maximize trade show participation in an uncertain economy.

1. Efficient Use of Time.

Trade shows are one of the most efficient methods of marketing. It is an opportunity to connect with a lot of customers and specifiers in a short amount of time–in one location. After all, trade shows are about people connecting with people, brands, information and business solutions—under one roof. This focus translates into efficiency of time and effort, and therefore, dollars.

2. More Focused and Isolated Leads.

During an uncertain economy, budgets may tighten, but the need for new products and services does not necessarily stop. People attend¬ing trade shows are serious about doing business; by not being pres¬ent companies risk missed business opportunities. Also, there are trade shows that are very targeted and specific so you know exactly who will be at the show and on the floor. Think in terms of the quality not quantity of the trade shows in your program.

3. Effective Use of Marketing Dollars.

Few marketing activities show a clear ROI. Trade show impressions, contacts, leads and sales are measurable results that have an actual value. Overall costs are easily computed. When reporting results to upper management and boards of direc¬tors, ROI is not a luxury—it is essential.

4. Bold and Unique Advertising Channel with Minimal Risk.

A different course to take is to exhibit at a vertical trade show, which allows your brand to connect with a specific audience with¬out the distraction of your competitors. Since you can qualify with the number of leads collected at the show, this can be a good investment. For example, a high-end auto brand exhibited at the Consumer Electronics Show, which put this luxury vehicle in front of a huge, affluent audience.

5. Greater Risk in Being Absent.

Consider the long-term effect of not exhibiting at trade shows. Especially in a bad economy, being absent from key shows instant¬ly makes you a non-player in the field and puts your competitors top of mind with customers.
However, simply showing up is not enough. You have to plan how you will attract new leads at the show and how you will follow up with them for effective results.

What You Can Do Now for Better Results

While it is important to continue participating at trade shows, simply showing up is not enough. Very few companies measure their trade show participation. With measurement motives in place you can fine tune your program—which is a lot easier to do in advance of the show—for better return on your marketing spend.

• Before you reduce the number of trade shows from your budget, quantify and qualify your investment. Why are we cutting our trade show schedule? Why are we not benefiting from our trade show participation? What are we not doing right?

• Establish a process for following up with sales leads to get the most out of your trade show experience. Are you using all the necessary tools to measure and weigh results properly? Are you gathering and analyzing the right information?

• Engage staff and clearly communicate your company’s strategy to ensure everyone is on the same page. Do you mandate staff training in order to run a well choreographed, efficient show?

• Consider the architecture of your exhibit to enhance each visitors experience with your company and its brand. Are you using or incorporating rental property in your exhibit? Is your booth design consistent with your branding and messaging platforms?


Image by  Anua22a via Flickr 
Article by blog.hereschicago.com 

Read more...

Location, location, location...

Availability of good stand space will depend on how early you decide to book. You need to decide the type of space that best suits your objectives and how you intend to use it. If it’s a new show for you, you may decide to leave booking space until quite late as good deals can be available from organisers as it gets closer to the show dates. This tactic however can result in you having limited choice with space selection.

Some exhibitors are tempted to position their stand next to or close to the entrance but often many visitors walk straight into the exhibition, by-passing these positions. You could visit the show at earlier dates to observe visitor behaviour to help you decide.

Corner stands give a feeling of openness and therefore catch visitors easily. Also, the more sides open to aisles the better as it's easier for visitors to walk on. Areas of high traffic where people congregate like seating areas, cafes and refreshment points and toilets can also work well.

Look out for columns in your stand space as this will impact on your available display area, who will be exhibiting near you and any special height restrictions your space may have. Don’t be put off just because you have a large company next to you – this can work in your favour as you take advantage of high traffic.

Generally, space only stands can be designed upto 4m high. At some venues, stands can be built higher than this however, full structural drawings will be required to obtain approval.

In general, exhibition stand space that is smaller than 25 metres squared will use shell scheme and space over 25 metres squared will be a space only site.

The shell scheme option can be good for first time exhibitors or for those on a low budget but space only is cheaper and the saving can be offset against a more beautiful looking exhibition stand!

Space only renting is when you supply everything.

If you choose shell scheme, the organiser will generally provide you with carpet, walls, and your company name on a board. The standard size for shell scheme is 3 x 5 x 2.5 metres.

Image by : www.activteam.com 
Article by : www.nimlok.co.uk 

Read more...

When creating your exhibition marketing budget, make sure you're not leaving anything out. It can be tough to establish an exhibition budget, particularly if you have no past information to help. Your budget can vary from show to show as your requirements alter.

You can use the figures below, taken from exhibition research, as a budgeting guideline:

29% - Space rental

17% - Show services

16% - Stand Design

13% - Travel and expenses

12% - Transportation cost

12% - Advertising and promotional Costs

1% - Other Costs

[Source: CEIR – Center for Exhibition Industry Research, October 1999]

Add a 10% contingency to the total budget.

Image by dbs.ccps.org via google pic. 

Read more...

It's easy to underestimate the time it takes to properly plan a successful exhibition. To avoid the stress and headaches of exhibiting you need to start planning at least 4 months ahead of the show. This will make life for you and your colleagues much easier and help to avoid last minute panics and extra expenses. Appoint an exhibition co-ordinator with overall responsibility for the show. List out tasks and allocate responsibility and stick to your deadlines. Circulate the exhibition plan to the departments and individuals responsible and chase them up!

A written exhibition plan should provide:

• Objectives

• Time scales

• Budgets

• Space requirements

• Stand and graphic design parameters

• On-site services

• Transportation and logistics

• Staffing levels and training

• Pre- and post-show promotions

• Show evaluation criteria

• On-stand data capture

• Follow-up procedure for leads

Each part of the exhibition plan works together to create synergy and success.

Image by : : www.learnthenet.com

Read more...

Knowing exactly what you want is a necessary element of success. Make sure that you understand your objectives. Make them SMART:

• Specific

• Measurable

• Achievable

• Realistic

• Timebound

Image by : www.greasemonkeyconversions.com

Read more...

To find out, get as much information as possible about the show you're considering.

• Ask show organisers for a copy of last year's registration form, and an attendee profile. This will tell you who you'll meet on the show floor.

• Don't be shy about asking for the names of other confirmed exhibitors, and search the list for your competitors.

• Ask past exhibitors and attendees what they liked and disliked about the show, and whether it met their buying and selling needs.

• Ask show management how they plan to promote the show, and what they will do to help your ideal prospect find you there.

It is not enough to select an exhibition because the salesforce believe the company ought to exhibit or because the organisers claim your competitors will be present.

Read more...

A critical element of your tradeshow marketing is knowing which of the following groups are most interested in your products or services: 

Present customers or clients: These are people you are already doing business with but want to continue nurturing the relationship.

Technical personnel: These people are interested in the technical aspects of your products/services.

Manufacturers: These people produce and may well benefit from what you have to offer.

Specifiers: These people instruct others to use specific products/ services to produce another product. For example, an interior designer might specify using a specific brand of carpeting for a project.

Suppliers: These people might provide you with products/services.

Consumers: These people use the products/services you sell.

Influencers: These people sway others to buy and are often sent to shows to research whats new in the industry.

Consultants: These people advise others about specific products/ services.

Definitely take time to think through the group or groups you want to target because doing so will help direct your marketing promotional efforts.

Read more...

Before you book the space and pay the deposit, ask yourself some straightforward questions:

• Why am I exhibiting at this show?

• What products/services will I be showing?

• What do I want to accomplish here?

• What will I be doing to achieve the results?

• What image do I want to project?

• How does this specific exhibition fit into my broader sales and marketing plans?

Your answers to these questions form the specific objectives you need to set to be a successful exhibitor. And remember, the objectives you set should be measurable and obtainable. If you set a specific number of leads to generate or units to sell, you will find it much easier to judge your success at the end of the show. Setting challenging goals for performance is important, but don't be unrealistic - you want to succeed!

Companies choose to exhibit for the following reasons:

• Build Sales

• Customer relationships

• Market research

• Media relations/PR

• Brand building

• Channel building and support

Image by : www.projex-exhibitions.com/exhibitions.html

Read more...

There will be a point in your working life whereby you will need to run an exhibition, whether it is a large public event or a small local event. This is a daunting task for someone who has had little or no experience in organising an exhibition of any sort, therefore understanding and researching what you need to do to is a good start.

The first thing you will need to do is make a plan of the exhibition. This is an obvious step, however, it is a common mistake that people can make when putting on an exhibition without a plan and only acting on instinct hiring out expensive pop-up display stands that later appear irrelevant to the concept of the exhibition.

It is important that you ask yourself the following questions to help better prepare for the exhibition. What is the aim of the exhibition? What are you trying to promote? What services are you offering? What do you want people to feel when they attend? Are you trying to target a specific audience or is this an open event? Is there a specific theme to the exhibition? (Technology, health, beauty etc), Where will this event take place and at what time? What equipment will you be needing (e.g. pop-up display stands, lighting, projector screens, banner stands etc).

Once you have made a plan of action, made a list of all the things you will need, calculated the costs and the number of people needed for the event, only then can you take the next step into hiring equipments, booking a venue early and spending out on promotional information.

Local events are usually kept simple and small, these are relatively easy to organise but it could also still go very wrong. Handing out leaflets, notifying the local press and putting up posters is a great way to attract attention. Visiting local churches, shops, schools and community centres are an even better way to interact with people face-to-face is a more likely way to get people to come.

The same strategy works for bigger and larger events. Make calls to your clients, put up notices on websites, use press releases and if you need to get in contact with the media. Whilst making this effort into publicising the event, find out what you will be displaying, what equipment you will need, designate tasks to different people (as you can run the organisation on your own), see to the design of the banner, graphic or pop-up display stands (decide which ones are most effective taking into account of the costs).

Some exhibitions are very well displayed, attracting and impressing visitors. What is most impressive is what people will gain from attending, so be sure to provide them with what they need e.g. if it is a local fundraising event provide various activities, refreshments and information about what the event is in aid of.

Sometimes exhibitions are just a way to market and advertise a certain kind of brand; this is not necessarily a bad thing if it is a trade show or a technology fair. When clients are approaching you, you need to make it worth their while by making contact with them and providing succinct information about what you do.

Finally give yourself enough time to prepare, never leave anything to the last minute and stick to your agenda. It is always good to devise a timetable of some sort so you can have it in your head exactly what is going on at what time and it will help you run things smoothly. The best way to get a good insight into running an exhibition or small event is to observe one yourself, ask questions and gain advice from experienced event organisers.

About the Author 

Anna Stenning is an expert on exhibitions and knows the importance of hiring out the right banner and pop-up display stands to provide a good impression. For more information on exhibition equipments visithttp://www.keyboardgraphics.com/

Pic. source :www.mzv.cz/wwwo/default.asp?ido=17640&idj=2...

Read more...

There are as many ways to cut your exhibit cost, as there are to skin an exhibit. Here are four ways can help you.

1. Go modular. Compared to traditional custom exhibits, the cost for shipping and installing/dismantling modular is considerably less. Modulars are typically lighter, pack smaller and set up faster - features that add up to hefty savings.

2. Consider renting. If you are attending one or two shows per year, renting could be an economical route to take. If you're out to make a statement you can rent a more spectacular exhibit for much less than you can buy. Renting can also be a cost-effective means to change your exhibit every year.

3. Go portable. In a 10-foot booth space, a portable exhibit is often the best choice. These exhibits are usually inexpensive to buy and ship, and they can be set up by almost anyone on your staff (most halls allow it if it can be done in under 30 minutes), thus eliminating installation and dismantling charges.

4. Buy a reconditioned exhibit. Some exhibit builders, offer a variety of used exhibits. Explore your options. If you are flexible on design, you can take advantage of a limited selection and save anywhere from 20 percent to 50 percent of the cost of building new.

Source : http://www.skyline.com/Trade-Show-Tips/2003k/

Read more...

Planning an exhibition can be hard work, but if you know what you're doing, your exhibition can be a great success! I am going to give you some tips for your exhibition to do well.

1. Don't copy other exhibition's styles. Be innovative. If your exhibition is just runoff the mill, nobody will really want to experience it. Try new ideas, and people will be interested.

2. When advertising your exhibition, don't send bulk mail. Send personalized letters (addressed to the person), as it increases the chance that the reader will actually pay attention to your advertisement.

3. Staff wise, you want 1 staffer per 40 square feet of available space. Example: 15 x 20ft exhibition, and your exhibits take up 100 square feet, you'd want about 5 staffers, so they can cover the available space nicely to serve your customers.

4. Have realistic goals. Don't expect your exhibition to be the busiest one in the history of exhibitions. If you set a realistic goal and work towards that, it will come true.

5. Have food/drink for attendees. Most likely, it will keep your potential customers there longer, and increase the chance of a good lead. Also, you can get good hors d'oeuvres at cheap prices compared to how much it will help your exhibition.

Apart from these 5 tips I've shown you, a lot of what makes an exhibition an exhibition is customer service. Treat your customers like royalty, and no doubt they'll want to deal with you again. And, in the end, that's what it comes down to: whether or not your customers will want to deal with you.

Noah Young is the author of many blogs, such as http://secretsofrss.blogspot.com/  and http://www.greatarticlemarketing.blogspot.com/  - Check them out!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Noah_Young

Read more...

If you are organising an exhibition, event or even exhibiting your own stands display at an event, you will want to ensure that people are aware of your presence, ahead of time. Making your presence known at an exhibition ahead of time can help to drive interest and visitor numbers. So what can you do? One idea is to submit an electronic press release online to one of the many websites who now specialise in electronic press releases. Before submitting the press release though, you need to know how to write one. Below are 8 tips to help you write the online press release to promote your exhibition or exhibition stand.

1. Ensure that you give clear information about the exhibition in the first paragraph. This can be expanded upon in later paragraphs in the article. This first paragraph though is crucial and will also enable you to make clear who the target audience are, i.e. the people you are looking to attract to your exhibition.

2. Make sure you give clear information about where and when the exhibition is and also if possible, details on how to get to the venue. If the press releases is about one exhibition stand only then be sure to give details on how to find your stand in the exhibition, i.e. stand number and aisle number.

3. Using a bulleted list can be a very good way to break points down and to make information clear.

4. Ensure that you use your keywords in the title of the press releases so that it attracts the right people.

5. Do not try and over-complicate the press release with over-complicated words, unless needed. Keep the electronic press release simple.

6. Ensure that you add one or two links to your website, in the press release. Most electronic press release sites allow you to add in a few links. The link/s will benefit your site in terms of search engine optimisation, in addition to giving you the chance to offer the reader some more genuinely useful information about your exhibition or exhibition stand.

7. Do not write your press release the same way you would a normal article. A press release should offer definite news i.e. a definite piece of information.

8. Do not make the press release too long. Press releases can be quite short, i.e. they do not need to more than 400 words unless you have specific things you need to say.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Symonds

Read more...

Every business wants to find a powerful and cost-effective way to market their product. For many, trade shows and exhibitions create the perfect platform to do so, allowing businesses to interact with large volumes of industry-focussed buyers in a short space of time. Whether you're looking to launch a new product, revive sales of an existing product or raise your profile within the sector, trade shows offer the ideal space to showcase your brand. But with so many organisations competing for attention in the same space, it's important to set yours apart. Investing in a top class exhibition stand that's tailored around your product can make all the difference to its success at a show. Here's how...

Maximum impact

The type of stand you have depends on your budget, the space available and the nature of your product. First time exhibitors on a limited budget often start with standard shell scheme spaces, but these identical structures make it extremely difficult to set your brand apart from the others. Modular units create much more impact and can be instrumental in creating a buzz around your stand. They are also more flexible. They can be custom-built and tailored to match your corporate identity, or specifically designed for re-use at future events - making them more cost-effective in the long run.

Space and consistency

Building your stand around one central theme or message creates the feeling of consistency and flowing design, making it easier for visitors to stream through your space and interact with your product. Every aspect of your stand, including your exhibition staff, should compliment that theme. It's also important to ensure there are no physical barriers to getting onto your stand - think about how you arrange your stock and sales materials so that they're easy to reach and don't obstruct access. Displaying too many products can confuse and overwhelm visitors, so try to keep it simple and uncluttered by selecting only key products or ranges.

Attracting customers

In a busy exhibition hall, sellers have less than five seconds to attract a buyer's attention. In that time, your stand should tell visitors who you are, what you do and how it will benefit them, in a clear, powerful and engaging way. It's often harder to maintain their attention once they're on your stand, but there are several things you can do to stimulate interest. For example, stands which allow space for movement through demonstrations and presentations often attract the highest level of participation and the largest crowds. Incorporating visually-engaging materials such as state-of-the-art digital imaging is also a popular choice on top-of-the-range stands. Lighting is equally important as it creates the right mood around your product, so give careful consideration to the lighting design and ensure it reflects your product's appeal. More complex products and services that are less obvious to passing consumers will need a more vibrant design scheme to attract initial interest, and this can be achieved through striking use of colour and graphics. The benefits of investing in a custom-built stand are significant, and provide a powerful and cost-effective selling aid that can be adapted and re-used time and time again.

About the Author

Exhibitions are a great way of getting your message across to your 'public', but you need to do it the right way, and your prime weapon is your exhibition stand. Get this wrong and you are handicapped from the start. This article provides some thoughts on the subject but if you want more information and ideas, visit http://www.fullcirclegroup.co.uk/

Posted by : Graham Baylis

Source : http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=977453

Read more...