When you plan the design of your exhibit, pay attention to what your clients and prospects will walk on when they visit you at the show. 

But how will you know which type of flooring should you go for?  There’s no specific rule of thumb on which flooring you should use for your stand. However, here are some pointers that may help you decide the type of walk that will keep your clients talking even after the show:

1. A raised floor enables you to organize your wires and pipes out of sight but be aware that many venues will require a ramp for disabled access.
2. Make your floor interactive.  You can accomplish this by using holograms, a custom-lit floor system or even with state-of-the-art liquid encased floor tiles. The only disadvantage for these types of floor is the high cost.

Remember that flooring comes in a wide range of textures, finishes and colors— it is important that you consider it as part of your exhibit’s overall design.

Did you know that a live presentation is the third most important reason people remember an exhibit booth, after display size and product interest? This is according to tradeshow experts and researchers who have surveyed and observed event attendees over the years.

Whether it’s a staged product demonstration, a theatrical skit or a magic show, a live presentation has a strong potential to attract a throng of visitors to your booth. Here, at Nomadic, we have a brief list of tips that we refer to whenever we plan for a live booth presentation. I am sharing them with you so you can also properly plan your own presentation for your next event.

1. Consider your show objectives
   Use your presentation to help achieve your objectives and to enhance your message or show theme. Be careful not to get carried away with a great idea and lose sight of the objective.
2. Project the right image
   Decide what image you want to project and the best way to convey your company and product message.
3. Think about your audience
   Always think about the audience you want to attract and what you want them to get from experiencing the presentation.
4. Have a realistic budget
   Your budget is going to be a primary determining factor as to the type of presentation your company could consider. Be realistic.
5. Be professional
   Whatever form of presentation you choose, always be professional. Expect everyone to scrutinize your corporate image at the event.
6. Grab attention and encourage action
   Consider the best ways to promote your presentation—a special mailing, advertising or the Internet. Give visitors an incentive to attend, such as a gift, discount or a special demonstration.
7. Focus your staff
   Communicate and involve your staff. Let them know exactly what you expect of them before, during and after each presentation.
8. Deal with logistical issues
   Major issues to consider are how much space you want the presentation to fill. Ensure that the presentation does not interfere with fellow exhibitors and respects the adjoining space.
9. Evaluate success
   Plan prior to the show how you will measure the success of the presentation: will it be based on the number of people attending, or the number of leads collected?

For more valuable tips and advice to improve your booth presentation, request for a copy of our Event Professional CD.

I came across an interesting study on trade shows and events published by the American Business Media. Results of the study showed that trade shows play a significant role in influencing business executives. After attending a trade show, majority of the executives sought additional information about a service or product by visiting a company’s website, talking to a salesperson or calling a toll-free number.

But the most important finding of the study is that 70% of the business executives said they purchased or recommended the purchase of a product or service as a result of a promotion at a trade show.

The study does not only underscore the importance of exhibiting events in increasing revenues but also the need for every exhibitor to execute a high-impact presentation and leave a favorable impression on attendees or should I say, “prospective customers.”

So the next time you sign up for an event to exhibit, keep in mind to always put your company’s best foot forward on the trade show floor.
     

Selecting the right show to attendcan make a big difference to yoursuccess level, qualified leads andsales—versus spending money,time and energy with no return.

1. Proper planning
Proper planning is the most importantcost-cutting tip. Planning ahead saves onexpensive last minute charges. Establisha list of key dates and activities. Pushdue dates back a month so that youalways meet your deadlines.

2. Promotional production
Produce all of your pre-show mailings atthe same time to save on printingexpenses rather than printing severaltimes throughout the year.

3. Buying a display
Consider the best type of display stand for your needs. Look into one that packscompactly to save on storage, lightweightto save on shipping, portable to transportby car, courier or as airline baggage, canbe quickly and easily set-up to savecosts, adapts easily to different spacesby adding or removing components.

4. Display graphics
Design and produce your graphics aheadof time to avoid overtime or rush charges.Have someone proofread your copy toavoid change charges.

5. Packing supplies
Create a "show box" containing handyitems that are often not available at theshow site. Include a stapler, tape,Velcro®, scissors, Swiss army knife, pens,paper, extension cords, and extra lightbulbs. Remember to re-stock the boxafter each show.

6. Literature
Take only enough literature to distributeto highly qualified leads. Offer to sendprospects literature so it is on their deskwhen they return from the show. Thissaves on drayage, production costs, andcuts down on waste.

7. Transportation
When buying a display, investigate howyou will ship it. Lightweight durablesystems save on shipping and drayage.Keep an accurate record of actual weight, contents and number ofcontainers. Specify the weight on your billof lading. Consolidate materials in onetub or shrink wrap individual items ontoone pallet. Don’t scrimp on shippingcontainers. Re-doing damaged graphicscan be expensive.

8. Travel
Investigate reduced rates or special dealswith the airlines for ten people or moretraveling to and from the same city. Bookearly and ask hotels for any specials orcorporate rates. Explore Saturday nightstay-over rates, an extra night at thehotel may be less than the extra airfare.Use airport shuttles instead of taxis.

9. Show services
Pre-order show services at least 10-30days prior to the show–electrical, phones,cleaning services, etc. The floor price isoften 10-20% higher. Order more wattagethan needed so you don’t risk anelectrical breakdown and then have topay a higher floor price.

10. Setting up
Schedule setting up during straight timeand avoid weekends and overtime hoursas much as possible as it can cost up totwice as much. When possible, use yourown personnel to set up your display. Youwill need to check the regulationsspecified by the exhibition hall.

I am sure you’ve heard at one time or another, this famous line, “Presentation is everything.” Well, if you haven’t, then it’s a good thing you’re reading this blog.

For exhibitors like you, there is a boulder (not grain) of truth in this marketing quote. That is why it pays to pay attention on how you present your new product or service in a tradeshow or any marketing event.

Statistics show that 93% of event or show attendees have net buying influence — that is, they recommend, specify or make final purchase decisions.

To increase your chances in harnessing this net buying influence is to make effective presentations that stop your target attendees in their tracks. The good news is that, there are many display solutions available to you. The only thing you need to do is find the smart ones that will help you generate new sales while minimizing storage, transportation, and installation costs.

So check out our latest 32-page four-color catalog featuring a sample of our smart and popular displays and accessories.

Click here to order your complimentary copy today!

Mabel Kenyon
Marketing Communications Coordinator