Chapter 4:
The Importance of a Good Foundation

Charlotte (N.C.) Convention & Visitors Bureau
Charlotte_booth


 When the CVB wanted to make a creative splash at the annual meeting for the American Society of Association Executives, they designed an interactive booth display based on the theme, "Picasso painted until he was 90, but you don't have to wait that long." Attendees were allowed to paint on a large, two-sided display in the center of the booth. After each wall had been covered with art, a nearly invisible white mask was removed to reveal the Charlotte skyline in vivid color! The final mural was featured on a follow-up postcard sent to attendees after the show.

(Photo courtesy of the Charlotte Convention & Visitors Bureau)
morningglory 


Transformit

Transformit, a company that creates tension fabric structures, wanted to feature their new line of "Organics" designs at The Special Event, a show for the special events industry. Since the signature piece of the new line was the "Morning Glory" (which actually "blooms" with computer animation), they created the theme "Seeds of Imagination." Using artwork that resembled old-fashioned seed packets, pre-show postcards were sent to invite attendees to the "Garden of Earthly Delights." The exhibit looked like a garden in full bloom. Post-show mailings included an actual packet of Morning Glory seeds.

(Invitation courtesy of Transformit)

 

Newport, R.I. CVB
newport
In order to make a lasting impression at a show for meeting planners, the Newport (R.I.) and Providence/Warwick CVBs partnered with hometown toy maker Hasbro to develop a fun and memorable theme. Pre-show mailers featured various Hasbro games and toys and invited attendees to come to the booth and play games. Also in the booth, attendees had the opportunity to have their photo taken with a costumed Mr. Potato Head character.
twistinv
Another promotion revolved around the theme of "Twister Rhode Island Style" (with the circles sponsored by various Rhode Island hotels and services). Attendees actually played Twister in the booth!

(Photo and invitation courtesy of the Newport, R.I. Convention & Visitors Bureau)


 For additional photos of Booth Themes, please click here.

(All of the above are excerpts from Build a Better Trade Show Image, © 2002 by Marlys K. Arnold. All rights reserved.)