Trade Show TalesBlog

Posts Tagged ‘Trade Shows’

If Harold Mintz Handed You $1 Million Dollars

May 3rd, 2024 1 COMMENT

Harold Mintz in a Tutu

If I, Harold Mintz, was your tutu wearing Fairy Godfather and handed you $1 million dollars, what would you do with it? This generous gift would come with one condition. You must spend 100% of it on your business. What would you splurge on?

Many of you have already gotten this question from me because I often ask it during my Distributor visits.

Below are your Top 10 answers (in reverse order). Do you recognize your response?

10. It’s a Schvitz-a-thon out there! Our shop is an oven for at least 4 months of the year. With the bay doors open and fans swirling you could still roast a chicken in the shop. We’d bring in some sort of air conditioning to make life more tolerable for our employees.

9. I’d bring back our showroom. We eliminated our showroom years ago so we could create additional set-up/staging areas. While necessary, we still miss the impact that our showroom had on everyone who saw/experienced it. It was our silent salesperson. 

8. Our website is ancient. We’d upgrade it immediately.  The first thing we’d do is engage with a professional developer to assist with revamping it. We know Prospects and Customers often go to our website, but we are underutilizing this blockbuster sales tool.

7. Add to our rental inventory. Our current rental inventory is ancient and sparse so we don’t offer rentals as much as we would like. We can’t do everything, but it would be nice to handle basic inlines and islands.

6. We’d boost our social media presence. We don’t post on social media as much as we should. We post large, cool jobs but forget about all the other tidbits that Clients and Prospects might appreciate. I’d hire a dedicated social media expert.

5. I’d invest in an LED tile inventory. Backlighting was/is hot. Just about everything going out the door these days has backlit graphics. LED is coming on strong. I’d acquire the tiles and the A/V experts necessary to travel with them.

4. Graphics. We’ve flirted with the idea of bringing in our own graphic production for years but never pulled the trigger. It requires a level of expertise and volume outside our current scope. That said… the influx of cash would allow us to dip our toes in the water or in-house graphic production.   

3. I’d boost employees’ salaries across the board. Everyone took a hit during the COVID Pause. When their salaries were cut, their work ethic increased. They treated this company as if it were their own. We owe them. 

2. More storage space. Our current storage space is full. We make good money on our active clients, and if we had more space, I could fill it with those types of clients. Cha-Ching!

And the #1 comment I hear when “giving away” $1 million…

1. We’d add more employees. I’d use a chunk of the money to find and hire a new batch of employees in all areas – PMs, Sales, Design and Production. Especially PMs.

What would you do with a $1,000,000 gift from me? Share in the comments.

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For 30 years, Classic Exhibits has been designing and building creative custom solutions for our Distributor Partners and their clients. As the largest private-label exhibit manufacturer in North America, we have the unmatched capability, capacity, and creativity to create 3D projects ranging from 10 x 10 inline displays to 60 x 80 double-deck islands. 

Find success on the trade show floor with an exhibit that reflects your marketing message. For more information, see www.classicexhibits.com and explore Exhibit Design Search or request a meeting with a Classic Distributor Partner.    

How to Excel at Marketing for Different Types of Events

February 21st, 2024 COMMENTS
Types of Events

BBQ is BBQ, right? Not if you’re from Carolina, or Memphis, or Texas, or Kansas City, or 50 other locations in the United States. Each region has their unique take not only on the sauce but also on the meat and preparation. The same could be said for exhibit marketing at different types of events like trade shows, conventions, conferences, or private events. No two audiences are the same, and how marketers interact with potential clients has a distinct rhythm and process. 

Mastering Marketing for Different Types of Events

At some point, you’ve heard the following terms, often used interchangeably:  

  • Trade Shows
  • Conventions
  • Exhibitions
  • Expos
  • Symposiums
  • Events
  • Webinars

Each represents a gathering of individuals or groups with a shared interest or professional connection. But there are subtle differences. For example, trade shows (also called trade fairs) frequently are large multi-company events where exhibitors compete to attract attendees on a floor packed with hundreds of other exhibitors. Conversely, conventions tend to be more education and meeting-focused with a smaller trade show component. 

A targeted marketing approach will depend not only on your products and services but also on the audience and types the events. In other words, it requires a plan specific to that show, expo, convention, or symposium. 

Types of Events & Marketing 

If you’re a marketing professional, you already know how to identify your objectives, your audience, the medium (event, expo, etc.), and your intended outcome.  The hardest part, especially if you’re new to face-to-face marketing, is understanding how to deliver your message efficiently and effectively at these types of events. 

Start by contacting the show organizer or association. Ask for guidance. They are motivated to help you for 3 reasons:  

  1. They want their event to be successful 
  2. They want participants to view the event as valuable. 
  3. They want to make money. 

Don’t be shy about tapping into their expertise. They know their customers and have years of experience. All too often, marketers will assume a successful promotion at one event will translate into an equally successful promotion at another event. Or a sponsorship will carry the same prestige and access to potential clients at all types of events. 

For example, at a symposium, a breakfast sponsorship may be a HUGE opportunity since it attracts the largest crowd and often features a keynote speaker. A convention, however, may have a strong education focus with classes, training, and certification seminars. Teaching classes brings credibility to your company, along with one-to-one interaction with potential clients. 

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask colleagues who have attended the event before for their advice. Nothing beats the advice from someone who has experienced the event in person. 

Strategies for Experiential Event Marketing

Experiential event marketing, also known as engagement marketing, live marketing, or event marketing, is a way for brands to connect with their target audience through immersive, interactive experiences. Instead of traditional marketing methods like ads or commercials, it focuses on creating memorable, hands-on activities that build emotional connections between the brand and the consumer.

Instead of telling people how great your products or services are, you let them experience it firsthand.

Key Points about Experiential Event Marketing:

  • Focus on Engagement: It’s all about getting people actively involved with the brand, not passively receiving information. This can involve workshops, games, demonstrations, product testing, or unique installations.
  • Emotional Connection: The goal is to create a positive and memorable experience that fosters loyalty and builds brand affinity.
  • Tailored to the Audience: Successful campaigns are designed specifically for the target demographic, considering their interests, preferences, and challenges.
  • Not Limited to Events: While often used for events, experiential marketing can also be implemented in pop-up shops, in-store activations, or other interactive experiences.

Benefits of Using Experiential Event Marketing:

  • Increased Brand Awareness: A unique and engaging experience generates buzz and gets people talking about your brand.
  • More Engagement: People are more likely to remember and be impacted by an experience than a traditional ad.
  • Stronger Brand Connections: Positive experiences create emotional bonds with the brand, leading to loyalty and advocacy.
  • Better Lead Generation: Events can be a great way to capture leads and collect valuable customer data.
  • Higher Sales: By showcasing your product or service in action, you can convince people to buy.

Examples of Experiential Event Marketing:

  • A pop-up shop where people can test out new products and interact with the brand.
  • A VR experience that allows people to explore a new destination.
  • A cooking class hosted by a food brand.
  • A music festival sponsored by a clothing company.

If you’re looking for a creative and effective way to connect with your target audience, experiential event marketing could be a great option. Just remember to keep your audience in mind and create an experience that is truly memorable and engaging.

experiential event marketing

Creative Trade Show Marketing Ideas

Trade shows are an excellent opportunity to be seen and make a lasting impression on potential clients. Here are some creative trade show marketing ideas to spark your imagination:

Pre-Show Buzz:

  • Run Pre-show Contests or Giveaways: Offer exclusive early access or discounts to generate interest and attract attendees to your booth.
  • Host a Virtual Event or Q&A: Use social media or webinars to answer questions, showcase your product, and build anticipation for the trade show.
  • Partner with Another Company: Collaborate with a complementary brand to share booth space, resources, and reach a wider audience.

Interactive Exhibit Design:

  • Create a Unique and Engaging Visual Experience: Go beyond the standard banners and backdrops. Use lighting, props, or even AR/VR to create a memorable atmosphere.
  • Offer Interactive Product Demos: Let attendees test your product themselves, rather than just watching a presentation.
  • Include Games or Challenges: Gamify your booth with contests, quizzes, or activities that encourage participation and lead generation.
  • Design a Comfortable and Inviting Space: Provide seating, charging stations, or refreshments to make visitors feel welcome and linger longer.

Social Media Integration:

  • Run a Booth Hashtag Contest: Encourage attendees to share photos and videos using your hashtag for a chance to win prizes.
  • Live Stream Demos or Interviews: Let people who can’t attend the show experience your presence virtually.
  • Offer Social Media-specific Giveaways: Reward attendees who follow your accounts or tag friends in posts at your booth.

Experiential Activities:

  • Host a Workshop or mini-seminar: Share your expertise and provide valuable insights to attract and engage attendees.
  • Offer Product Customizations or Personalization: Show the benefits of your product by tailoring it to individual needs.
  • Organize a Charity Initiative: Give back to the community and associate your brand with a positive cause.
  • Partner with an Influencer: Invite a relevant influencer to your booth for meet-and-greets or product demonstrations.

Remember:

  • Target your Audience: Tailor your activities and giveaways to the specific interests and needs of your ideal customer.
  • Have Fun and Be Yourself: Let your brand personality shine through to create a genuine and memorable experience.

By thinking outside the box and adding a touch of creativity, you can make your trade show marketing leave a lasting impression on potential clients.

convention marketing

Crafting Effective Convention Marketing Campaigns

You may be wondering, “What’s the difference between a convention vs. a trade show?” Conventions and trade shows share similarities, but there are key differences in their aims, audiences, and activities:

Purpose: Conventions typically focus on community building, networking, and professional development within a specific industry, organization, or interest group. They involve educational sessions, workshops, guest speakers, and social events. Trade shows are more about promoting products and services.

Audience: Conventions attract members of a specific community or industry, often with shared interests and goals. Attendees might be professionals, enthusiasts, or hobbyists. Trade show attendees are primarily interested in making informed purchasing decisions.

Activities: Conventions offer a wider range of activities besides product demonstrations, including keynote speeches, educational sessions, workshops, networking events, social gatherings, and awards ceremonies. Trade shows may include similar activities but are usually secondary to product demonstrations. Sales meetings, and lead activations. 

Effective convention marketing strategies require a multi-pronged approach that targets both pre-event excitement and on-site engagement. Here are some key areas to focus on:

7 Convention Marketing Strategies:

1. Define Your Target Audience: Understanding who you want to attract is crucial. Consider demographics, interests, and pain points to tailor your message and channels.

2. Create a Compelling Brand Story: Go beyond features and benefits. Highlight the value proposition, uniqueness, and impact your convention offers.

3. Leverage Digital Marketing: Utilize various channels like:

  • Website: Optimize it for relevant keywords, showcase speakers and programs, offer early bird discounts.
  • Social Media: Engage with potential attendees, share updates, run contests, use relevant hashtags.
  • Email Marketing: Build an email list, send targeted campaigns with valuable content, and offer exclusive deals.
  • Paid Advertising: Consider targeting ads on platforms like LinkedIn or industry publications.

4. Partner with Influencers and convention management: Collaborate with industry experts, show organizers, or relevant personalities to promote your convention to their audience.

5. Public Relations: Issue press releases, pitch stories to relevant media outlets, and participate in industry podcasts or interviews.

6. Offer Valuable Experiences: Host workshops, demonstrations, product showcases, or networking events to provide attendees with actionable knowledge and connections. 

7. Networking Opportunities: Facilitate networking events, receptions, or designated spaces for attendees to connect and build relationships.

conference marketing

Conference Marketing: Networking and Engagement

Conferences play a crucial role in facilitating knowledge sharing, professional development, and fostering connections within specific communities. It typically focuses on a specific topic or theme, bringing together attendees to share knowledge, ideas, and experiences. To be successful at conference marketing, you need to understand the key characteristics of a conference and how it differs from similar events. 

Key Characteristics of Conferences:

Formal Setting: Conferences are usually formal events with planned schedules, presentations, and activities.

Specific Theme or Topic: They revolve around a central theme or area of interest, attracting attendees with shared knowledge or passion for that subject.

Learning and Discussion: The primary goal is to share information, exchange ideas, and spark discussions among attendees.

Networking Opportunities: They offer dedicated time and space for attendees to connect, build relationships, and foster collaboration.

Varied Formats: Conferences can range in size and duration, from small one-day events to large multi-day gatherings. They often incorporate presentations, workshops, panels, exhibitions, and social events.

Compared to Other Types of Events:

Trade Shows: Primarily focused on businesses showcasing products and services to potential buyers, with less emphasis on community building and learning.

Conventions: Often cater to larger communities within an industry or organization, offering broader programs and social activities beyond product demonstrations.

Seminars: Smaller, more focused events usually centered on a single topic or skill development, with lectures and workshops as the primary format.

Conference marketing strategies encompass both pre-event and on-site efforts to attract attendees, generate buzz, and create a successful experience.

Here are Some Key Strategies to Consider:

Target Audience:

  • Define your Ideal Attendee: Understanding demographics, interests, and pain points helps tailor your message and channels.
  • Segment your Audience: Group attendees based on interests to personalize communication and offers.

Building Excitement:

  • Compelling Brand Story: Highlight the value proposition, uniqueness, and impact your conference offers.
  • Digital Marketing: Leverage websites, social media (relevant hashtags, contests), email marketing, and paid advertising.
  • Influencer Partnerships: Collaborate with industry experts or relevant personalities to promote your conference.
  • Public Relations: Issue press releases, pitch stories to media outlets, and participate in industry podcasts or interviews.

Engaging Experience:

  • Interactive Booths: Design an eye-catching space with activities, product demos, and networking opportunities.
  • Valuable Sessions: Offer workshops, panels, and presentations catering to diverse interests and needs.
  • Technology Integration: Enhance engagement with AR/VR, gamification, interactive presentations, etc.
  • Networking Events: Facilitate opportunities for attendees to connect and build relationships.

Lead Generation & Retention:

  • Data Collection: Capture leads through registration forms, contests, or interactive activities.
  • Social Media Advocacy: Encourage attendee content sharing using a unique hashtag.
  • Personalized Post-event Communication: Follow up with attendees and offer relevant content or opportunities.

Ultimately, conferences play a crucial role in facilitating knowledge sharing, professional development, and fostering connections within specific communities.

trade show marketing ideas for different types of events

Discover Our Exhibit Marketing Services! 

For 30 years, Classic Exhibits has been a leader in the exhibit industry, designing and building exhibits and sharing our knowledge of exhibit marketing with our Distributor Partners and their clients. As North America’s largest private-label exhibit manufacturer, we have the unmatched capability, capacity, and creativity to create 3D projects ranging from 10 x 10 inline displays to 60 x 80 double-deck islands. 

Find success on the trade show floor with an exhibit that reflects your marketing message. For more information, see www.classicexhibits.com and explore Exhibit Design Search or request a meeting with a Classic Distributor Partner.

Classic Exhibits Products + Services Summary Sheet

November 6th, 2023 COMMENTS

For years, we’ve joked that Distributors often describe Classic Exhibits based on their last order. We build “custom exhibits” or “portable displays” or “charging solutions.” Or we’re a “rental provider” … Which makes Jim Shelman very, very happy.

It’s not unusual to hear, “I didn’t know you did fill in the blank.” Which can be as simple as iPad Stands or as comprehensive as Sustainable Exhibits.

Core Products + Essential Services

To address this, we created a downloadable Products and Services Summary Sheet. Does it include EVERYTHING? No, but it’s close enough for fill in the blank.

If you’re wondering why there’s not an unbranded version, the answer is simple. This document is for you (Classic Distributors), not end-users. Franky, we don’t care if they know what we do. We only care that you know what we do. And now you do.

Please take a moment to download it. Let us know if you have an questions.

Classic Exhibits Products and Services Sheet
Classic Exhibits Products and Services Sheet

For 30 years, Classic Exhibits has been designing and building creative custom solutions for our Distributor Partners and their clients. As the largest private-label exhibit manufacturer in North America, we have the unmatched capability, capacity, and creativity to create 3D projects ranging from 10 x 10 inline displays to 60 x 80 double-deck islands. 

Find success on the trade show floor with an exhibit that reflects your marketing message. For more information, see www.classicexhibits.com and explore Exhibit Design Search or request a meeting with a Classic Distributor Partner.    

Finding My Way into the Trade Show Biz and My First Sales Call

September 25th, 2023 COMMENTS
Harold Mintz, Regional Sales Manager

I was recently asked to share memories of my very first sales call. I had to blow the dust off many layers of memories to find my way back to the early 80’s.

People usually find their way into our industry via two different paths: your family member owns an exhibit house in which you spend your youthful summers schvitzing away in a sweltering shop (I’m looking at you, Nick Carty!) or like most of us… you trip into it by accident.

For me, it was accidental. Please allow me to share some snippets from the early chapters in the Book of Harold.

First Job. First Big Mistake.

Fresh out of college, I somehow managed to get a gig as a copywriter at a local ad agency. I was writing 5 ads a day/5 days a week — TV, radio, newspaper. I wrote all the ads. Whatever the client or my boss asked for, I wrote it.

One day my boss says, “We have a new client (The Washington Times newspaper). They need to see some radio copy. Go write me five spots by the end of day.” As he was leaving my office, he tossed out one more instruction… “Don’t be funny. This is a serious client who is attempting to plant a serious flag. Don’t be funny.”

Sounds simple enough, right? Five ads before the end of the day. No funny. Gotcha. But here’s the problem. After doing my research on this new daily paper, I honestly felt they could use some humor to get people’s attention.

So after penning five straight (rather boring) radio spots, I decided to do one more… for extra credit. And it was funny. Really funny. Might have been one of the best ads I’d ever written. I was quite proud of it actually. So, when I went into my boss’s office that afternoon, I presented the five assigned “not funny” ads and proudly placed my extra credit copy right on top of the stack. MISTAKE!

This is the boss who showed me the door. Notice the hat? The Washington Times

He began to read. After a few seconds, he balled up the copy and tossed it into the trash can. There was no way he’d read the entire ad! My young and inexperienced emotions bubbled to the surface and before I could zip my lip, out it came… “FXQZ You!”

After he stopped laughing, he said, “Okay. You know you’re fired, right?” He continued, “And just a suggestion, it’s probably not a good idea to say ‘F You’ to your next boss.” 

My Next Job.

Harold Mintz
Who the heck would buy anything from this head of hair?

I was once again on the streets looking for a job. I sent out resume after resume. Bupkus. I even got my hair cut (at my father’s strong suggestion).

After a month of scouring the want ads, one of my buddies said, “Why don’t you go see my brother? He owns an exhibit house, and he’s looking for someone to write a client’s annual report.”

An exhibit what??!! Didn’t know. Didn’t care. I was out of work and needed money. I booked the appointment.

I was hired and after six weeks, I completed what I’m sure remains one of the world’s most boring annual reports ever written.

But during those 6 weeks, I noticed odd things around the shop and I had questions. Lots of questions.

“What’s that?”

“That’s a piece of moon rock. We’re making a display for the Smithsonian.”

“What’s he doing?”

“He’s a calligrapher. He’s illuminating (hand penning) diplomas for Mt Vernon College.”

“What’s he doing?”

“He’s a sign painter. He’s painting posters for the local department store.” (Listen youngsters — Vinyl machines didn’t always exist. Before Gerber made the first vinyl plotter/cutter, all signs were either hand painted or silk-screened.)

This all looked like great fun! So I asked if there was a permanent spot for me on the Blair, Inc Team. There was. In sales.

Sales? No kid that I know says, “When I grow up I wanna be a salesperson. Ewww!” But I needed the job. I didn’t know it at the time, but Scott Jackson, owner of Blair, Inc had just given me my first sales gig in the trade show industry. (By the way, Blair, Inc is still kicking butt in Northern Virginia, currently enjoying 72 years in business.)

So there I was — young, inexperienced, and probably not much more knowledgeable about trade show exhibits than my future prospects. Although I had tagged along on a few sales calls with my boss, I didn’t feel like I was prepared to go solo yet. Doesn’t matter. The call came in, and I went out.

My First Prospect

All I knew about the prospect was that they were an engineering firm and that they were a two-hour drive from our shop. I arrived about half an hour early. Always good to be early. But I screwed up the time. The appointment was set for 2:00 pmNOT 3:00 pm.

I walked in thinking I was 30 minutes early, but in reality, I was 30 minutes late. No time to visit the restroom to unload the 20 ounces of coffee I had been slogging down.

I was ushered into the conference room where there were seven men staring at me. Remember… I’m a rookie. Instead of starting by asking the questions I now know are critical to capturing a prospect’s needs, I proceeded to make my presentation all about my company, my team, and ME. After about 10 minutes of non-stop blabbing, I finally pulled out my newfangled “pop-up exhibit.”

Nomadic Display’s corporate headquarters was just down the road from Blair, Inc and they had recently given us some demo Instand frames to show clients. I popped open the frame and the room full of engineers went nuts. They immediately jumped up and said, “Do that again!” At the time, nobody had seen Ted Ziegler’s pop-up technology before. They were astounded and wanted to know everything about it.

There was time when pop-up technology was astounding to everyone who saw it. Revolutionary!

No longer nervous, I taught them how to open it. They were sooooo into it!

I told them everything I knew about “Instand pop-ups,” which took all of two minutes. But they were engineers and started asking me questions. Lots of questions…

“Can the shelves hold 30 pounds?” “Sure.” No they can’t. They don’t even HAVE shelves.

“Is it reconfigurable?” “Of course… Don’t be silly.” Liar!!!

“Can we get it by Friday?” “Absolutely.” Nope.

They couldn’t have been more excited, and I couldn’t have been more worried. I spent the return two-hour drive freaking out. Oh my gosh! What if they actually BUY this display and find out it that it can’t do ANY of the things I’d promised?!

I needn’t have worried. Never heard from them again. As impressed as they were with the technology, they had also detected my rookie-ness on display and had decided to go with a more seasoned (smarter, more knowledgeable) salesperson.

I wasted their time and mine. I crashed and burned on my very first sales call — badly. But I did learn some big lessons.

Lessons Learned

1. Get There Early – Never, ever, ever be late for a meeting. Get thereearly. Get their WAY early. But never be late. In Hollywood I learned this ditty… “If you’re early, you’re on time. If you’re on time, you’re late. If you’re late, you’re fired.”

2. Engineers – I know it’s stereotyping, but in my experience, engineers tend to like details. All the details. They also tend to want to put WAY too much copy on exhibit walls that nobody will ever read except maybe other engineers.

3. IDK — If a prospect asks you something that you don’t know the answer to, say “I don’t know!” Tell them you’ll find out and get back to them ASAP. And then find out and get back to them ASAP.

The Family Business

I mentioned up top about the two ways that people find their way into our industry: by family or by accident. While reminiscing about my early career, I realized that most of the companies that I’d worked for were all family houses:

Blair, Inc – son-in-law took over from father-in-law

Shy Greenspan, Founder of Blair, Inc and Scott Jackson, my boss and still the Owner of Blair, Inc.

Nomadic – daughter took over from father

Susan Mintz, Judy Watson (daughter) and Ted Zeigler (father and inventor of the Instand and the self-locking pop-up technology) and me.

HW Exhibits – son took over from father

Howard and Scott Walode

Last week, I was in Texas and had the pleasure of sitting down for a cup of coffee with Danny Kent/5D Show Services (https://5dshowservices.com/). Danny’s dad, Rick Kent and industry icon Larry Crumlish started The Exhibit Store in Dallas many, many years ago. Danny shared with me how he spent his youth at The Exhibit Store learning from the ground up. It was emotional for both of us listening to him wax poetically as he reminisced about the early days and people no longer with us.

For all those who swam into our industry via their family’s gene pool, good for you.

And for all the rest of us who found it by accident… how lucky are we?

–Harold Mintz (harold@classicexhibits.com)

If Hotels Were Run Like Trade Shows

July 10th, 2023 COMMENTS

A guest approaches the reception desk at a hotel and says to the desk manager, “Hi. I’d like a room for a week, perhaps longer.”

“Sure,” replies the desk manager. “Will it be a single, double, or suite?”

“A single is fine.”

“Great. For a week, the price is $17,000. You’ll have access to the room for 8-10 hours per day. ”

“Pardon me?” says the guest. “I don’t think I heard you correctly. I can only use the room for part of the day? What’s that all about? And what’s the deal on the price?”

“The price is the price. It’s non-negotiable. For security reasons, we limit access to your room. You wouldn’t want someone wandering into your room when you are not there.”

“Aren’t there locks on the door?”

“Oh no!” explains the desk manager. “You can lock your valuables in the dresser or closet, but the room doesn’t have a door.”

“Odd,” says the guest, “but I’ll take the room.”

“Do you have any luggage?”

“Of course. It’s outside. I’ll go get it.”

“That’s not allowed!” shouts the desk manager. “We have a contractor who does that. They’ll get your luggage, bring it to your room, and remove it when you leave. It will cost between $3000-$15,000 depending on how much luggage you have and how much it weighs. Please pay the contractor directly for this service. Not me.”

“Anything else?” says the guest. 

“Of course. Sheesh! It’s like you haven’t stayed at a hotel before. We have several contractors who specialize in unpacking and packing, including assembling your bed. You can choose the contractor you prefer. I’m assuming you’ll want electricity, a television, Internet, water, and cleaning services. Those are all separate fees from separate contractors.”

“So, the room doesn’t have a bed?” asks the guest.

Hotel Room
I’m assuming you’ll want electricity, a television, Internet, water, and cleaning services. Those are extra.

“Don’t be silly,” says the desk manager. “How would we ever know what type of bed you want? Only you know that. Although we’re happy to rent you a bed that’s been used by other guests for years. For all the services listed, you can expect to pay an additional $36,000.”

“To be honest with you, I thought this would be simple. I have a big deal to close this week, so I guess I don’t really have much of a choice. Does the hotel at least have a morning breakfast?”

“Absolutely. Here’s a menu and price list. Please note that bottled water is $8, a large cup of coffee is $12, and a sausage biscuit is $20. Also, if you bring any food to your room, we’ll charge you a fee.”

The sausage biscuit is $20 or two for $36

“Well, I’m here so let’s get started,” says the guest. “By the way, if I decide to stay another week, when do I need to let you know.”

“Well, that’s complicated,” responds the desk manager.

“We only rent the property for a week. Then another company rents it next week. It changes all the time. You’ll have to start the process all over again if you decide to stay longer.”

“To be honest with you,” says the guest. “From the perspective of the customer paying the bill, this seems like a crazy way to run a business. And insanely expensive! Why would anyone stay at a hotel more than once?”

“Habit mostly. Guests who understand the process start by creating goals and a strategy for making money while they’re here. Others, like you my friend, arrive without a clue and probably will never come back. Which is fine. There’s always someone who needs a room for a week, even if they don’t know why. May I have your credit card? You may want to give me two or three since we’re likely to hit your limit.”

**************************************

Classic Exhibits Inc. designs and manufactures portable, modular, hybrid, and custom exhibit solutions, including Symphony Portable Displays. Classic Exhibits products are represented by an extensive distributor network in North America and in select International markets. For more information, contact us at 866-652-2100 or www.classicexhibits.com.