ImageSpecialist FAQs

Here are some of the questions asked most often about Marlys K. Arnold, ImageSpecialist, and the services she provides.

1. How did you get started as an image consultant?
2. What is your background?
3. Are there really very many trade shows?
4. Why do I need trade show training?
5. Do you have tapes or videos available?
6. When are you coming to my area?
7. How do you charge for your services?
8. Do you have other tools available for purchase?
9. Who needs an ImageSpecialist?

Back to Press Room page

1. How did you get started as an image consultant?
"Having always had an interest in fashion (as a child I wanted to be a fashion designer), I suppose it's only natural that I ended up involved in the image industry! I also have a background in art and writing. What I'm doing now really is a combination of all my previous interests, including having sold a line of cosmetics and women's designer clothing."

2. What is your background?
"All through high school & college, I was focused on being a journalist. I spent three and a half years as a reporter at the Kansas City Star before leaving to launch my own business."

3. Are there really very many trade shows?
"The trade show industry accounts for over 17 percent of marketing dollars spent by companies, according to research. There are over 10,000 trade shows held annually in the U.S. and Canada."

4. Why do I need trade show training?
"If you think trade shows mean just showing up behind a table covered with trinkets and a fishbowl to collect names, you definitely are underprepared! To actively compete at a trade show (yes, you are competing for attendees' attention), you must spend adequate time planning, marketing and educating your staff. (You might want to check out my '10 Commandments of Trade Show Booth Staffing' article for more signs that training is needed!)"

5. Do you have tapes or videos available?
"I don't currently have any tapes or videos for sale. I have been looking into designing some training materials, including tapes and videos, and hope to have them available soon. When I do, they will be included on the ImageSpecialist.com Web site."

6. When are you coming to my area?
"Please check my online schedule. If you would like to be notified when I come to your city, please send an e-mail and include your name, city and phone number."

7. How do you charge for your services?
"Since I provide so many varied and customized services, please contact me by phone or e-mail so I can discuss your specific needs and can give you a quote."

8. Do you have other tools available for purchase?
"In 2002, I wrote my first book, titled Build a Better Trade Show Image. My new book, Pack Your Bags! debuted in June 2006. I'm currently developing a number of other image-building tools for both exhibitors and individuals."

9. Who needs an ImageSpecialist?
Exhibitors who want to stand out from the crowd by creating a dynamic exhibit
Show managers who want to improve their relationship with exhibitors, which in turn increases exhibitor retention
Individuals who want to put their career in high gear by creating an executive image


Do you have a question that we didn't answer? Please e-mail it to our Webmaster and watch for your answer on this page in the near future!

Back to Press Room