EXHIBITOR Show 2008 Review
23/April/08 05:59 PM Filed in: Show
Reviews
Duration: 12 min. 37 sec.
Size: 14.6 MB
It's time for our annual review of the Exhibitor Show in Vegas, held in March 2008. We'll discover some new and innovative products and services for exhibitors, along with some clever exhibit displays and booth attraction ideas.
Booth Design Elements
- Last year, we featured some of the innovative earth-friendly products from Eco-Systems. This year they were back with even more innovations, including graphics printed on panels made from recycled soda bottles.
- Who says your flooring has to be boring? Wise Industries showed their wild side with zebra-print flooring. And carpet isn't just for floors. They displayed some of their other carpet samples as butterfly cutouts mounted on a pillar.
- For a cool mix of nature and retro-chic, Expotechnik showed off their design skills using a conference area that featured leather and metal chairs combined with a white bamboo fence.
- Want a touchscreen kiosk in your booth, but don't want that "techie" look? The one used by Image Work Communications was definitely creative!
- You might not think of your booth staff as a design element, but the ladies of Softspace did. Each day they dressed in one of the colors of their booth: orange on Day 1, green on Day 2, and blue on Day 3.
Clever Theme & Attraction Examples
- Want a tasty way to attract traffic? Crepes a Latte is a themed catering company with an outgoing staff that gathers and works the crowd.
- And speaking of food ... MG Design built their theme around "The Idea Kitchen," starting with their pre-show mailer, which looked like a refrigerator and included a scratch & sniff sample. Thanks to a team effort with the Creative Cooking School of Las Vegas, there were tasty demonstrations in the booth and a VIP event on Tuesday evening.
- Okay, so food and the smell of food was an underlying theme for me this year! I attended a session called, "AccScent Your Exhibit," led by Gael Hancock from UNLV, where we learned about the science of smell and how to use it to your advantage in exhibits. Then later that day on the show floor, I discovered that InstaFotos is now offering EnhanScents, which features an aroma machine and coordinated scented giveaways.
- 3D Exhibits repurposed part of their red booth from last year's "Bling" campaign, shifting the red shag (made from cut-up t-shirts) from the wall to the floor. They also used a "Show & Tell" theme, inviting attendees to share advice or tips, which were then displayed in a video wall.
- So what would you do if you ended up stuck in a short aisle at the back of the hall, behind two tall island booths? Impact Unlimited placed a card in the reg bags that invited attendees to come to their booth "wa-a-ay in the back of the hall, next to the restrooms." Those who made it to the booth were registered to win an iPod touch.
Giveaways & Promotions Ideas
- EventPages is a new promotional tool for exhibitors. The company will design an event-specific mini Web site (or microsite), creating an online community for attendees to interact before and after the show.
- MG Design reinforced their "Idea Kitchen" theme by handing out cards with the featured recipes on them.
- Nth Degree played up how they can help you accomplish the things on your to-do list by giving away spiral notepads. (And they were the perfect "reporter-sized" pads -- that's where I made all the notes for this episode!)
- ELITeXPO demonstrated how to truly do green giveaways by handing out miniature trees in tubes from the Arbor Day Foundation.
- George Fern Company had a very appropriate giveaway for exhibitors -- a mini tool kit!
- And while everyone may be giving away USB flash drives, the latest version now comes in bracelet form. Several exhibitors were handing those out, with the added teaser of being a random winner if you were caught wearing the bracelet.
This episode of Trade Show Insights is protected by copyright. You may share this recording with colleagues, as long as it is copied in its entirety and is not used for commercial purposes.
Click to play
Size: 14.6 MB
It's time for our annual review of the Exhibitor Show in Vegas, held in March 2008. We'll discover some new and innovative products and services for exhibitors, along with some clever exhibit displays and booth attraction ideas.
Booth Design Elements
- Last year, we featured some of the innovative earth-friendly products from Eco-Systems. This year they were back with even more innovations, including graphics printed on panels made from recycled soda bottles.
- Who says your flooring has to be boring? Wise Industries showed their wild side with zebra-print flooring. And carpet isn't just for floors. They displayed some of their other carpet samples as butterfly cutouts mounted on a pillar.
- For a cool mix of nature and retro-chic, Expotechnik showed off their design skills using a conference area that featured leather and metal chairs combined with a white bamboo fence.
- Want a touchscreen kiosk in your booth, but don't want that "techie" look? The one used by Image Work Communications was definitely creative!
- You might not think of your booth staff as a design element, but the ladies of Softspace did. Each day they dressed in one of the colors of their booth: orange on Day 1, green on Day 2, and blue on Day 3.
Clever Theme & Attraction Examples
- Want a tasty way to attract traffic? Crepes a Latte is a themed catering company with an outgoing staff that gathers and works the crowd.
- And speaking of food ... MG Design built their theme around "The Idea Kitchen," starting with their pre-show mailer, which looked like a refrigerator and included a scratch & sniff sample. Thanks to a team effort with the Creative Cooking School of Las Vegas, there were tasty demonstrations in the booth and a VIP event on Tuesday evening.
- Okay, so food and the smell of food was an underlying theme for me this year! I attended a session called, "AccScent Your Exhibit," led by Gael Hancock from UNLV, where we learned about the science of smell and how to use it to your advantage in exhibits. Then later that day on the show floor, I discovered that InstaFotos is now offering EnhanScents, which features an aroma machine and coordinated scented giveaways.
- 3D Exhibits repurposed part of their red booth from last year's "Bling" campaign, shifting the red shag (made from cut-up t-shirts) from the wall to the floor. They also used a "Show & Tell" theme, inviting attendees to share advice or tips, which were then displayed in a video wall.
- So what would you do if you ended up stuck in a short aisle at the back of the hall, behind two tall island booths? Impact Unlimited placed a card in the reg bags that invited attendees to come to their booth "wa-a-ay in the back of the hall, next to the restrooms." Those who made it to the booth were registered to win an iPod touch.
Giveaways & Promotions Ideas
- EventPages is a new promotional tool for exhibitors. The company will design an event-specific mini Web site (or microsite), creating an online community for attendees to interact before and after the show.
- MG Design reinforced their "Idea Kitchen" theme by handing out cards with the featured recipes on them.
- Nth Degree played up how they can help you accomplish the things on your to-do list by giving away spiral notepads. (And they were the perfect "reporter-sized" pads -- that's where I made all the notes for this episode!)
- ELITeXPO demonstrated how to truly do green giveaways by handing out miniature trees in tubes from the Arbor Day Foundation.
- George Fern Company had a very appropriate giveaway for exhibitors -- a mini tool kit!
- And while everyone may be giving away USB flash drives, the latest version now comes in bracelet form. Several exhibitors were handing those out, with the added teaser of being a random winner if you were caught wearing the bracelet.
This episode of Trade Show Insights is protected by copyright. You may share this recording with colleagues, as long as it is copied in its entirety and is not used for commercial purposes.
Click to play
Trade Shows 2.0 - The Next Generation (part 2)
31/January/08 06:09 PM Filed in: Tools for
Exhibitors
Duration: 12 min. 37 sec.
Size: 14.4 MB
Today we conclude our two-part series on Trade Shows 2.0. Last time, we covered Web 2.0 technology tools for both exhibitors and shows. In this episode, we'll talk about how some groups are reinventing the traditional trade show format, both online and offline.
Interactive Technology for Trade Shows
While virtual trade shows aren't exactly new, they have yet to gain a lot of traction. But more and more shows are beginning to see the value of having a year-round virtual supplement to their physical show. These can range from static exhibitor listings to full-fledged virtual sites, similar to SecondLife. Visit the MIGurus site to read a case study of one such show. There's also a Virtual Events Checklist. Two producers of these types of shows include iCongo and Unisfair.
In addition to virtual technology, there are many other interactive tools popping up in conjunction with physical shows. Probably the most popular is the software that allows for networking prior to a show, similar to LinkedIn or Facebook. Two companies that are providing this service include EventMingle and BDMetrics.
A third type of online tool, also provided by BDMetrics, is Tradeshow TV. This is similar to having your own YouTube channel to promote your show. For examples, visit the PackExpo Web site. A variation of this is to stream webcasts from the show floor. This service is offered at numerous venues around the country, according to an article in Tradeshow Week. For some examples, watch Steve Jobs' keynote at Macworld Expo (and here's a humorous, 60-second bite-sized version from YouTube).
Alternative Trade Show Formats
Creating more interactive trade shows doesn't always mean an online element. Trade shows in all kinds of industries are trying innovative formats to create energy on the show floor and create more in-depth conversations.
One such strategy is known as the "reverse trade show." Here the format is for buyers to sit at tables, with vendors moving from one to the next by appointment. A variation on this has been done numerous times at our local MPI Chapter here in Kansas City. We call it "Marketplace," but it's often referred to as "speed dating for exhibitors." Here the exhibitors set at a table and groups of attendees move from one exhibitor to the next at scheduled times (usually 5 or 7 minutes per table).
Next week at MPI's Professional Education Conference in Houston, where the theme is "Meet Different," a large part of the show floor will be set in conversation areas rather than traditional booths. It will be interesting to see which parts of the show floor are the busiest.
Another approach doesn't involve the actual booths, but rather designing a gathering place on the show floor. SIA's SnowSports trade show does this with "The Yard," a community zone that hosts daily events and networking.
Final Thoughts
Last time we talked about all of the Web 2.0 tools out there, and I have another one to add. You may have heard of Squidoo, which was developed by Seth Godin of "purple cow" fame. This one rolls blogging, social bookmarking, and video sharing all into one. For an example, visit my Squidoo "lens" on Trade Show Marketing.
So what do you think of all the new tools out there for exhibitors and show managers? Have you tried any of these, or heard of others we didn't discuss? Please send your questions and comments.
Event Announcement:
You can catch me at the EXHIBITOR Show in Las Vegas this March!
I'm leading an Authors Executive Series session on March 12, called "Taking the Show on the Road," as well as an after-hours excursion, "TSI: Trade Show Investigation."
I look forward to meeting you there!
This episode of Trade Show Insights is protected by copyright. You may share this recording with colleagues, as long as it is copied in its entirety and is not used for commercial purposes.
Click to play
Size: 14.4 MB
Today we conclude our two-part series on Trade Shows 2.0. Last time, we covered Web 2.0 technology tools for both exhibitors and shows. In this episode, we'll talk about how some groups are reinventing the traditional trade show format, both online and offline.
Interactive Technology for Trade Shows
While virtual trade shows aren't exactly new, they have yet to gain a lot of traction. But more and more shows are beginning to see the value of having a year-round virtual supplement to their physical show. These can range from static exhibitor listings to full-fledged virtual sites, similar to SecondLife. Visit the MIGurus site to read a case study of one such show. There's also a Virtual Events Checklist. Two producers of these types of shows include iCongo and Unisfair.
In addition to virtual technology, there are many other interactive tools popping up in conjunction with physical shows. Probably the most popular is the software that allows for networking prior to a show, similar to LinkedIn or Facebook. Two companies that are providing this service include EventMingle and BDMetrics.
A third type of online tool, also provided by BDMetrics, is Tradeshow TV. This is similar to having your own YouTube channel to promote your show. For examples, visit the PackExpo Web site. A variation of this is to stream webcasts from the show floor. This service is offered at numerous venues around the country, according to an article in Tradeshow Week. For some examples, watch Steve Jobs' keynote at Macworld Expo (and here's a humorous, 60-second bite-sized version from YouTube).
Alternative Trade Show Formats
Creating more interactive trade shows doesn't always mean an online element. Trade shows in all kinds of industries are trying innovative formats to create energy on the show floor and create more in-depth conversations.
One such strategy is known as the "reverse trade show." Here the format is for buyers to sit at tables, with vendors moving from one to the next by appointment. A variation on this has been done numerous times at our local MPI Chapter here in Kansas City. We call it "Marketplace," but it's often referred to as "speed dating for exhibitors." Here the exhibitors set at a table and groups of attendees move from one exhibitor to the next at scheduled times (usually 5 or 7 minutes per table).
Next week at MPI's Professional Education Conference in Houston, where the theme is "Meet Different," a large part of the show floor will be set in conversation areas rather than traditional booths. It will be interesting to see which parts of the show floor are the busiest.
Another approach doesn't involve the actual booths, but rather designing a gathering place on the show floor. SIA's SnowSports trade show does this with "The Yard," a community zone that hosts daily events and networking.
Final Thoughts
Last time we talked about all of the Web 2.0 tools out there, and I have another one to add. You may have heard of Squidoo, which was developed by Seth Godin of "purple cow" fame. This one rolls blogging, social bookmarking, and video sharing all into one. For an example, visit my Squidoo "lens" on Trade Show Marketing.
So what do you think of all the new tools out there for exhibitors and show managers? Have you tried any of these, or heard of others we didn't discuss? Please send your questions and comments.
Event Announcement:
You can catch me at the EXHIBITOR Show in Las Vegas this March!
I'm leading an Authors Executive Series session on March 12, called "Taking the Show on the Road," as well as an after-hours excursion, "TSI: Trade Show Investigation."
I look forward to meeting you there!
This episode of Trade Show Insights is protected by copyright. You may share this recording with colleagues, as long as it is copied in its entirety and is not used for commercial purposes.
Click to play
Trade Shows 2.0 - The Next Generation
25/November/07 08:41 PM Filed in: Tools for
Exhibitors
Duration: 12 min. 37 sec.
Size: 6.1 MB
Today we begin a two-part series on Trade Shows 2.0. This time, we'll cover Web 2.0 technology tools for both exhibitors and shows. In the next episode, we'll talk about how some groups are reinventing the traditional trade show format.
(This is an enhanced podcast, so if you're watching in iTunes, you'll see graphics and Web links included. You'll also see these if you're watching on your iPod or in QuickTime.)
Social media ... Web 2.0 ... YouTube ... blogs ... podcasts ...
How many of these tools are you using in your exhibiting program?
If your answer is "none," then perhaps you need to think again. These tools are beginning to explode in popularity, and it only makes sense to incorporate them into your exhibiting program. While there are many tools in the Web 2.0 toolkit, they can be broken down into three functions: communicate, collaborate, and co-create.
Communicate (inform & entertain)
The most well-known members of this category are blogs and their close cousin, podcasts. For show organizers, these tools should be a no-brainer. Create a podcast to build anticipation for the show, as well as extend its life long after the show floor closes. For exhibitors, you can also create a blog or a podcast to promote your participation in various shows, or simply keep in touch with customers or prospects you've met at shows.
To see a great example of a show blog, check out the National Stationery Show Girls. Here are some tools to help you create your own blog: Blogger, WordPress, and TypePad.
In addition to Trade Show Insights (thanks for listening), you may also want to check out the EXPO Magazine podcast. Here are some of the best-known services to locate and listen to podcasts (known as "podcatchers"): iTunes, Podcast Pickle, Podcast Alley. You could also try doing a Google search for your chosen podcast topic. Here are a couple of examples of show podcasts:
- Book Expo Podcast
- New Media Expo (of course they have a podcast!)
And another cool tool for free video conferencing -- Skype.
Collaborate (inspire community)
Trade shows are great places to create community, but why not enhance the relationship building online?
The first cool collaboration tool is social bookmarking. If you work on multiple computers, then you might find this to be a handy tool. You can also create bookmarks that are shared with others. Some of the popular services include: Digg, del.icio.us, and my personal favorite, Kaboodle, which goes a step beyond to add photos with the links.
While the most famous social networking tool is probably MySpace, it is certainly not geared for business! Other sites that are business-friendly include LinkedIn (see my sample page) and the recently restructured Facebook (sorry, you can't view my profile until you become a member). Here's an article from Medical Meetings magazine called "MySpace for Hand Surgeons," which gives you an idea of how this technology comes into play for meetings and trade shows.
Co-Create (user-generated content)
Invite content before, during and after the show. Let attendees upload their own photos or videos of the show. Flickr is a popular photo-sharing Web site (click here to search for "trade show" photos). For viral videos, check out Google, YouTube or Revver.
And don't forget wikis, the universal knowledge base. Most famous is Wikipedia, which has become even bigger than Encyclopedia Brittanica. Within the meetings and trade show industry, MPI is creating a member-generated wiki. To create your own wiki for free, check out PBwiki.
Now here are some open-source software tools for co-creation:
- Backpack (a Web-based service for project management)
- Google now has document creation, spreadsheets, calendars and more
For even more Web 2.0 tools, here's an article from EXPO Magazine called "The Wizardry of Web 2.0" (see a list of tools at the end of the article).
And speaking of cool tools ...
Looking for a fun, creative way to become more
educated on exhibit marketing and booth skills? Join
the Trade Show Success
Club! Annual membership includes audio CDs,
special reports, teleclasses, and more. Want to
learn details or listen to an audio sample online?
Click here.
This episode of Trade Show Insights is protected by copyright. You may share this recording with colleagues, as long as it is copied in its entirety and is not used for commercial purposes.
Click to play
Size: 6.1 MB
Today we begin a two-part series on Trade Shows 2.0. This time, we'll cover Web 2.0 technology tools for both exhibitors and shows. In the next episode, we'll talk about how some groups are reinventing the traditional trade show format.
(This is an enhanced podcast, so if you're watching in iTunes, you'll see graphics and Web links included. You'll also see these if you're watching on your iPod or in QuickTime.)
Social media ... Web 2.0 ... YouTube ... blogs ... podcasts ...
How many of these tools are you using in your exhibiting program?
If your answer is "none," then perhaps you need to think again. These tools are beginning to explode in popularity, and it only makes sense to incorporate them into your exhibiting program. While there are many tools in the Web 2.0 toolkit, they can be broken down into three functions: communicate, collaborate, and co-create.
Communicate (inform & entertain)
The most well-known members of this category are blogs and their close cousin, podcasts. For show organizers, these tools should be a no-brainer. Create a podcast to build anticipation for the show, as well as extend its life long after the show floor closes. For exhibitors, you can also create a blog or a podcast to promote your participation in various shows, or simply keep in touch with customers or prospects you've met at shows.
To see a great example of a show blog, check out the National Stationery Show Girls. Here are some tools to help you create your own blog: Blogger, WordPress, and TypePad.
In addition to Trade Show Insights (thanks for listening), you may also want to check out the EXPO Magazine podcast. Here are some of the best-known services to locate and listen to podcasts (known as "podcatchers"): iTunes, Podcast Pickle, Podcast Alley. You could also try doing a Google search for your chosen podcast topic. Here are a couple of examples of show podcasts:
- Book Expo Podcast
- New Media Expo (of course they have a podcast!)
And another cool tool for free video conferencing -- Skype.
Collaborate (inspire community)
Trade shows are great places to create community, but why not enhance the relationship building online?
The first cool collaboration tool is social bookmarking. If you work on multiple computers, then you might find this to be a handy tool. You can also create bookmarks that are shared with others. Some of the popular services include: Digg, del.icio.us, and my personal favorite, Kaboodle, which goes a step beyond to add photos with the links.
While the most famous social networking tool is probably MySpace, it is certainly not geared for business! Other sites that are business-friendly include LinkedIn (see my sample page) and the recently restructured Facebook (sorry, you can't view my profile until you become a member). Here's an article from Medical Meetings magazine called "MySpace for Hand Surgeons," which gives you an idea of how this technology comes into play for meetings and trade shows.
Co-Create (user-generated content)
Invite content before, during and after the show. Let attendees upload their own photos or videos of the show. Flickr is a popular photo-sharing Web site (click here to search for "trade show" photos). For viral videos, check out Google, YouTube or Revver.
And don't forget wikis, the universal knowledge base. Most famous is Wikipedia, which has become even bigger than Encyclopedia Brittanica. Within the meetings and trade show industry, MPI is creating a member-generated wiki. To create your own wiki for free, check out PBwiki.
Now here are some open-source software tools for co-creation:
- Backpack (a Web-based service for project management)
- Google now has document creation, spreadsheets, calendars and more
For even more Web 2.0 tools, here's an article from EXPO Magazine called "The Wizardry of Web 2.0" (see a list of tools at the end of the article).
And speaking of cool tools ...
This episode of Trade Show Insights is protected by copyright. You may share this recording with colleagues, as long as it is copied in its entirety and is not used for commercial purposes.
Click to play
EXHIBITOR Show 2007 - Part 2
06/May/07 12:03 AM Filed in: Show
Reviews
Duration: 12 min. 37 sec.
Size: 7.1 MB
Today we're finishing up a review of the Exhibitor Show in Vegas, held in March 2007. This time, we'll continue the review, showcasing some clever exhibit displays, booth attractions, and giveaway ideas.
(This is an enhanced podcast, so if you're watching in iTunes, you'll see photos and Web links included. You'll also see the photos if you're watching on your iPod or in QuickTime.)
Clever Theme & Display Examples
- 3D Exhibits started their "Bling My Booth" theme with a pre-show contest online. Three finalists were in the running to win a booth makeover. Aquarius Water was announced as the winner at a big gala at the Palms during the EXHIBITOR Show. You can see renderings of the winning design online. At the show, their booth took a retro-lounge approach to the "bling" theme.
- Exhibit Works took a very different approach with their "unbooth" theme. Their pre-show promotions invited attendees to sign up for an inspirational studio session to "plant the seeds of inspiration." The booth attraction centered around a creative twist on a classic icon of childhood -- the "cootie catcher" -- with each attendee creating their own custom design. Then instead of a contest, Exhibit Works used the cootie catchers to determine a donation amount for the Suite Dreams Project (which is dedicated to bringing comfort and joy to sick children).
- Exhibit Concepts had another kid-oriented theme with a twist. Their "Use Your Noodle" theme was brought to life with extra-long, lime green foam swimming noodles hanging from the ceiling. Afterwards, the "booth" was donated to a local YMCA.
- Fabric Images created a Dr. Suessian-style garden with flowers and butterflies in bright colors.
- Classic Exhibits created a peaceful oasis with their "Walk in the Park" theme. They had a "grass" floor with a walking path, fountain, and a swingset (with branding messages on the swings). No detail was overlooked ... even the stairs to the second floor of the exhibit were wrapped with graphics of stepping stones.
- At Superior Exhibits, they hosted celebrity chef Gale Gand, who made tiramisu and other desserts while attendees watched. Afterwards, the audience sampled her creations. A finished dessert was on display at the front of the booth, surrounded by mini-slideshow monitors and the lollipop giveaways.
- Want to know more about what the latest design trends are? Check out this entry on the Nomadic Display blog.
Unique Giveaway Examples
- Eventrends gave a "20 Questions" game to a limited number of qualified attendees. It tied in perfectly with with their message of knowing your audience. (If you missed my TradeShowTips Online article covering their follow-up, just click the "contact me" link at the bottom of this page and I'll send it to you.)
- Blue Telescope started the buzz with a gift in the reg bags ... inviting attendees to the booth to experience their interactive kiosk and receive an "Intergalactic Care Package."
- And finally ... sometimes the best giveaway is the gift of knowledge. So EliteXPO, a trade show shipping company, gave away copies of their 30-page "Trade Show Shipping 101 Resource Guide."
Announcing:
Looking for a fun, creative way to become more
educated on exhibit marketing and booth skills? Join
the Trade Show Success
Club! Annual membership incoludes audio CDs,
special reports, teleclasses, and more. Want to
learn details or listen to an audio sample online?
Click here.
This episode of Trade Show Insights is protected by copyright. You may share this recording with colleagues, as long as it is copied in its entirety and is not used for commercial purposes.
Click to play
Size: 7.1 MB
Today we're finishing up a review of the Exhibitor Show in Vegas, held in March 2007. This time, we'll continue the review, showcasing some clever exhibit displays, booth attractions, and giveaway ideas.
(This is an enhanced podcast, so if you're watching in iTunes, you'll see photos and Web links included. You'll also see the photos if you're watching on your iPod or in QuickTime.)
Clever Theme & Display Examples
- 3D Exhibits started their "Bling My Booth" theme with a pre-show contest online. Three finalists were in the running to win a booth makeover. Aquarius Water was announced as the winner at a big gala at the Palms during the EXHIBITOR Show. You can see renderings of the winning design online. At the show, their booth took a retro-lounge approach to the "bling" theme.
- Exhibit Works took a very different approach with their "unbooth" theme. Their pre-show promotions invited attendees to sign up for an inspirational studio session to "plant the seeds of inspiration." The booth attraction centered around a creative twist on a classic icon of childhood -- the "cootie catcher" -- with each attendee creating their own custom design. Then instead of a contest, Exhibit Works used the cootie catchers to determine a donation amount for the Suite Dreams Project (which is dedicated to bringing comfort and joy to sick children).
- Exhibit Concepts had another kid-oriented theme with a twist. Their "Use Your Noodle" theme was brought to life with extra-long, lime green foam swimming noodles hanging from the ceiling. Afterwards, the "booth" was donated to a local YMCA.
- Fabric Images created a Dr. Suessian-style garden with flowers and butterflies in bright colors.
- Classic Exhibits created a peaceful oasis with their "Walk in the Park" theme. They had a "grass" floor with a walking path, fountain, and a swingset (with branding messages on the swings). No detail was overlooked ... even the stairs to the second floor of the exhibit were wrapped with graphics of stepping stones.
- At Superior Exhibits, they hosted celebrity chef Gale Gand, who made tiramisu and other desserts while attendees watched. Afterwards, the audience sampled her creations. A finished dessert was on display at the front of the booth, surrounded by mini-slideshow monitors and the lollipop giveaways.
- Want to know more about what the latest design trends are? Check out this entry on the Nomadic Display blog.
Unique Giveaway Examples
- Eventrends gave a "20 Questions" game to a limited number of qualified attendees. It tied in perfectly with with their message of knowing your audience. (If you missed my TradeShowTips Online article covering their follow-up, just click the "contact me" link at the bottom of this page and I'll send it to you.)
- Blue Telescope started the buzz with a gift in the reg bags ... inviting attendees to the booth to experience their interactive kiosk and receive an "Intergalactic Care Package."
- And finally ... sometimes the best giveaway is the gift of knowledge. So EliteXPO, a trade show shipping company, gave away copies of their 30-page "Trade Show Shipping 101 Resource Guide."
Announcing:
This episode of Trade Show Insights is protected by copyright. You may share this recording with colleagues, as long as it is copied in its entirety and is not used for commercial purposes.
Click to play
EXHIBITOR Show 2007 - Part 1
19/April/07 01:36 AM Filed in: Show
Reviews
Duration: 11 min. 14 sec.
Size: 6.3 MB
For this episode of the Trade Show Insights podcast, we're doing part one of a review of the Exhibitor Show in Vegas, held in March 2007. This time, we'll cover some new and innovative product discoveries. Next time, we'll continue the review with some clever exhibit displays and booth attraction ideas.
(This is an enhanced podcast, so if you're watching in iTunes, you'll see photos and Web links included. You'll also see the photos if you're watching on your iPod or in QuickTime.)
Booth Display Elements
- Eco-Systems creates modular exhibits from recycled or earth-friendly materials.
- Texture Plus offers incredibly realistic faux surfaces that assemble easily.
- Dimensions Displays created the D3, a high-tech lighted stand with low-tech assembly.
- Technifex has realistic faux fire units and a mystical screen that combines water, lighting and a projection system.
- Outwater Plastics developed a way to embed scent into your booth display materials.
- Blue Telescope created the Starmap interactive kiosk to enhance booth interaction.
Giveaways & Pre-Show Promotions Ideas
- Trade Show Laser offers an in-booth engraving system with a variety of items to personalize for booth visitors.
It's a pen holder ...
... turned desk plate! 
- TripBuilder introduced the new Top Spots Guides, which combine a map and short guide on up to 14 cities.
- Magnetic Attractions has distinct promotional magnets, including a magnet postcard.
Software Tools
- Impact Unlimited developed Eventrends, a customer engagement tool to help you recognize, target and engage prospects.
- FISH Software showcased some enhancements to their RFID technology which helps to customize each attendee's experience, as well as analyzing booth traffic patterns.
This episode of Trade Show Insights is protected by copyright. You may share this recording with colleagues, as long as it is copied in its entirety and is not used for commercial purposes.
Click to play
Size: 6.3 MB
For this episode of the Trade Show Insights podcast, we're doing part one of a review of the Exhibitor Show in Vegas, held in March 2007. This time, we'll cover some new and innovative product discoveries. Next time, we'll continue the review with some clever exhibit displays and booth attraction ideas.
(This is an enhanced podcast, so if you're watching in iTunes, you'll see photos and Web links included. You'll also see the photos if you're watching on your iPod or in QuickTime.)
Booth Display Elements
- Eco-Systems creates modular exhibits from recycled or earth-friendly materials.
- Texture Plus offers incredibly realistic faux surfaces that assemble easily.
- Dimensions Displays created the D3, a high-tech lighted stand with low-tech assembly.
- Technifex has realistic faux fire units and a mystical screen that combines water, lighting and a projection system.
- Outwater Plastics developed a way to embed scent into your booth display materials.
- Blue Telescope created the Starmap interactive kiosk to enhance booth interaction.
Giveaways & Pre-Show Promotions Ideas
- Trade Show Laser offers an in-booth engraving system with a variety of items to personalize for booth visitors.
It's a pen holder ...
... turned desk plate!
- TripBuilder introduced the new Top Spots Guides, which combine a map and short guide on up to 14 cities.
- Magnetic Attractions has distinct promotional magnets, including a magnet postcard.
Software Tools
- Impact Unlimited developed Eventrends, a customer engagement tool to help you recognize, target and engage prospects.
- FISH Software showcased some enhancements to their RFID technology which helps to customize each attendee's experience, as well as analyzing booth traffic patterns.
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