Trade Show TalesBlog

Posts Tagged ‘Trade Shows’

FAQ — Eco-Smart Displays

September 10th, 2010 COMMENTS
Green Trade Show Display

FERO -- Eco-Smart Display

From small portable displays to large island exhibits, Eco-Smart Sustainable Displays are now front and center in most exhibit discussions.  All of our Eco-Smart products are designed and constructed with the most environmentally friendly materials available. Review our Eco-Smart FAQ’s to learn more.

1. Do Eco-Smart Displays cost more?

It depends on what you are comparing them to, but we have tried to make our Green displays cost the same or less than the industry standard. It is our philosophy that it should not cost more to own a Green Display.

2. What if I do not see a design I love?

No Problem. We have a complimentary design service. We can create a unique, custom display that is specific to your needs. Simply contact us, and we’ll get started right away.

3. Are these Eco-Smart Displays reconfigurable to different sizes?

Yes. Our displays are designed to be reconfigurable to different sizes with minimal additional components. If you would like to see renderings of how a specific display can be reconfigured into another size, please contact us!

4. What makes an Eco-Smart Display “green”?

We use the most eco-friendly materials available on the market, without sacrificing design or price. For example, recycled aluminum extrusions, graphics made from recycled soda bottles, LED energy efficient lights, rapidly renewable bamboo, low VOC adhesives, and MUCH more.

Please contact us for full details about our sustainable materials.

5. Are there Eco-Smart accessories such as lights, cases, pedestals, and workstations?

Yes, these are located in the Eco-Smart Accessories Gallery.

Next, Exhibit Design Search Tips FAQ.

FAQ — Banner Stands

September 9th, 2010 COMMENTS

Pronto Banner Stand

Pronto Banner Stand

Banner stands are everywhere:  retail stores, trade shows, conventions, churches, lobbies, and sporting events. I’m starting to think some folks even have them in their homes (“Bathroom — Third Door on the Left” or “Please Remove Your Shoes in the Family Room”).  Still a little confused about your banner stand options? Me too! Here’s a quick FAQ about banner stands from Exhibit Design Search.

1. I searched “banner stands” on the Internet and found some really inexpensive ones and some really expensive ones. I also noticed many different features and options. How do I choose?

The old adages are true – “You get what you pay for” and “If it’s too good to be true, well, then it probably is.”

If you plan to use a stand once and throw it away, then consider a “hot deal.” But if you need something more permanent, then your decision should be based on graphic quality, style, activity, travel considerations, environmental impact, graphic changes, and durability. If you are looking for a high-quality product with a lifetime warranty and graphic quality, then select the banner stands in our gallery.

The stand you choose will represent your brand. It should look good with straight and vibrant graphics and an attractive, stable, and undamaged base.

2. Why are fabric graphics, instead of vinyl graphics, suggested for most mid-grade and premium banner stands?

Why spend good money on a banner stand and then put a low-end graphic on it? Vinyl graphics are fine for some uses, especially long-term outdoor situations (such as an outdoor pole-mounted application), but they are usually not the highest quality. Even if the printing is top-notch, a vinyl banner has a tendency to curl. In contrast, a fabric banner will hold its shape even under tension.

Fabric banners also look better with warm colors, textures, and no glare. Several choices, including recycled fabric, make it the most versatile option anddepending on the banner stand, photo graphic using the Lambda process may be the best option. Lambda offers photographic continuous tones.

3. Can I ship a Little Giant case?

Yes and no. No, the case cannot be shipped strictly speaking; however, if you retain the original cardboard carton, it can be used to ship the case. The Little Giant is a great rolling portable case that can be checked for air travel but it is not a standard shipping case.

4. Which one of the banner stands can I use on a table?

Depending on height limits, any banner stand could be placed on a table. For most trade shows and recruiting events full height banners are inappropriate.

The Pronto retractable banner stand includes a three-segmented bungee attached mast. When the banner is attached to the mast at one-segment or two-segment height, this stand makes a perfect companion to your table throw. Combine two or three units for full backwall. The available graphic templates help your designer layout the graphic to the proper heights.

5. What kind of light can I use on a banner stand?

All our banner stands accept a light. These can be found in the product accessories section or give us a call.

6. My last banner stand graphic had a lot of glare. Is this normal?

(See the question #2 regarding fabric banners)

Not if you use fabric banners. Fabric banners are much better at eliminating glare, showing warm colors, and revealing textures especially in well lit environments.

7. What is the warranty on banner stands?

All banner stands have a lifetime warranty on all hardware products. The policy applies to original purchaser. No product registration is required. We will replace or repair all hardware supplied to our customers purchased after 7/7/09. However, we reserve the right to inspect hardware and exclude warranty claims that have resulted from vandalism, theft, negligence, fire, natural disasters, modifications, or losses in shipment that may be covered by your insurance and/or freight carrier. The lifetime hardware warranty does not apply to graphics or to electrical components.

All shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer.

Next FAQ posting, Eco-Smart Displays.

Word on the Street — August 16th thru August 20th

August 22nd, 2010 1 COMMENT
Why we participate in the TS2 Show

Word on the Street by Kevin Carty

Perception vs. Reality

One of my best friends travels quite a bit for his job. We often joke about who travels more, but he has me beat by quite a distance.

Approximately 30-32 weeks a year, he’s on the road, and most of his travel is to Events, Conferences, and Trade Shows. These can range from a small regional show in Alaska where he has a table top display to the industry hardware show in Chicago where he has a 20′ x 50′ island exhibit.

He asked to meet this week to talk about their up and coming trade show program and to get some advice. They go to over 35 events or shows a year.

Without identifying the company, they are the nation’s largest provider of products in their market, selling to retailers like Wal-mart, Kroger, and Target, as well as most local and regional grocery chains.

Over the past two years, their ROI has dropped significantly; yet, their sales have continued to increase. They analyzed the problem and determined that the ROI shrinkage was directly related to increases in their event/show costs. In particular, costs associated with labor, show services, and drayage.

As he puts it, “We are at the point where we must decide between continuing to participate in large shows or hold private regional events in four or five cities a year. At the regional events, we would bring our customers in and show them our products and services.”

The numbers are staggering. Their sales have increased on average of 15 percent each year since 2008; yet it isn’t keeping pace with increases in their drayage, labor, and show services expenses.

And it was stunning to see the costs related to certain venues when compared side by side. For example, they compared a large show in Chicago vs. the same show in Orlando. Trust me I know the obvious reasons why some costs were lower, but overall the show services, labor, and drayage costs were 23 percent less in Orlando. And like all exhibitors, they do not determine the venue, so they have to decide whether to attend the show in Chicago.

He asked me my opinion about switching to large, privately-hosted, regional events. I have to be honest. I found myself recommending that they do just that. It gives them the same (if not better access to their clients), and they don’t have to deal with competitors.

Now, if you’re thinking,  “What about the perception of them not being at the shows?” I agree, there is a risk there, but for some companies, such as those with a large foothold or who are the market leader, not participating may not matter.

I know certain cities and venues are trying to “fix” the costs associated with attending shows, but do they realize how much needs to be fixed? There is a perception that trade shows are too expensive, and that perception, even as the industry makes changes, will continue to linger.

How can we go about changing that perception as large cities and venues work on the reality?

Please share you comments and stories. Be well!

–Kevin Carty

http://twitter.com/kevin_carty
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/kevin-carty/3/800/32a

What are Silicone Edge Graphics (SEG)?

June 10th, 2010 COMMENTS

You may have noticed something new at trade shows and events. Traditional fabric graphics are frequently being replaced by Silicone Edge Graphics (SEG). So what is SEG and what are the benefits?

What is SEG (Silicone Edge Graphics)?

Silicone Edge Graphic (SEG)

Silicone Edge Graphic (SEG)

SEG is a high-resolution dye-sublimated fabric graphic finished with a thin silicone strip (or welt/gasket). The silicone strip is sewn directly to the edge of the graphic, and the strip is then inserted into a frame with a recessed groove. The size of the graphic must be precise so the fabric is taut when installed in the frame. The result is a large format graphic that mimics the old fashioned hard panel graphics commonly found on custom displays and interior spaces.

What is Different or Special about SEG?

  • Lightweight Fabric. Fabric is lighter and more durable than tradition direct print graphics.
  • Versatile. SEG can be used on many SEG aluminum extrusion profiles (including ClassicMODUL TSP profiles).
  • Dye-Sublimation. Dye-sublimation graphics are durable, vibrant, and lightweight.
  • Less Frame. SEG graphics are the perfect choice when more graphic and less frame is desired.
  • No Sew Line. Unlike bead or pole pocket fabric graphics, the sew line is hidden within the extrusion providing a
    more finished look to your exhibit or retail wall display.

    SEG Two-Sided Lightbox

    SEG Two-Sided Lightbox

What are the Benefits of SEG?

  • Storage and Shipping. Fabric is lighter than many other graphics. When folded neatly, fabric graphics take up much less space than traditional direct print graphics.
  • Care. Fabric graphics can be washed and steamed and are more durable and long lasting than traditional graphics.
  • Lightweight. Larger graphics weigh less, perfect for draping or creating space definition.
  • Cost. More image bang for the buck!
  • Green. There are the obvious transportation and storage benefits. Even more exciting is the growing list of fabric options created from recycled materials.
  • No Glare. Fabric is the perfect choice for media walls or any backdrop that is being photographed or filmed.
  • Versatility. SEG fabric can be applied to most displays or event structures.
  • Less Visible Frame. The silicone edge means you see more graphic and less frame.

Here’s a great video from Optima Graphics about how to take a correct measurement for a Silicone Edge Graphic:

Some examples of trade show exhibits and event displays using SEG:

For more information about SEG including detailed images and photos, download the comprehensive FAQ Fact Sheet and Common SEG Extrusion Profiles. Have questions? Please call us.

–Mel White

http://www.linkedin.com/in/melmwhite
mel@classicexhibits.com
Classic Exhibits Network (LinkedIn)

Common Marketing Mistakes Can Doom Successful Companies

March 25th, 2010 COMMENTS
Common Marketing Mistakes

Common Marketing Mistakes

Occasionally, we all need a not-so-gentle kick in the pants about Marketing. Kevin Renner, in an article appearing in the Portland Business Journal, reminds us that marketing is more than brochures, trade shows, and data sheets. Marketing with a capital “M” must be infused in the totality of the organization. Even something as simple as where customers park in company parking lot can make or break a deal. He goes on to explain:

“The biggest sin:  CEO’s don’t understand what marketing is, or what they should demand from their chief marketing officers . . . . Countless executives view marketing as the part of the organization that does the brochures or the trade shows.”

I’d enjoy hearing your comments on this column. See the link below for the article.

http://portland.bizjournals.com/portland/stories/2010/02/22/newscolumn1.html

–Mel White

http://www.linkedin.com/in/melmwhite
mel@classicexhibits.com
Classic Exhibits Network (LinkedIn)