Show Reviews
EXHIBITOR Show 2008 Review
23/April/08 05:59 PM
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
EXHIBITOR Show 2007 - Part 2
06/May/07 12:03 AM
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."
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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
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.
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 2006 - Part 2
17/May/06 01:35 AM
Duration: 10 min. 22 sec.
Size: 11.2 MB
Welcome to the second episode of Trade Show Insights podcast. Today, we're finishing up a review of the Exhibitor Show in Vegas, held in March 2006. We'll cover some creative exhibit themes, clever booth attractions and giveaways, as well as more new product discoveries.
Today's featured companies include:
- Metro Exhibit
- Impact Unlimited
- The Freeman Companies
- Exhibit Works
- Mayflower
Mayflower's Phil Palomino helps Joan Miller and Karen Wood-Brasel arrange crates in a truck. This creative booth attraction kept attendees at the booth for an extended time.
And the following new products:
- Dye Into Print
- Fabric Images
- OAI
- Take1Technologies
Click to play
Size: 11.2 MB
Welcome to the second episode of Trade Show Insights podcast. Today, we're finishing up a review of the Exhibitor Show in Vegas, held in March 2006. We'll cover some creative exhibit themes, clever booth attractions and giveaways, as well as more new product discoveries.
Today's featured companies include:
- Metro Exhibit
- Impact Unlimited
- The Freeman Companies
- Exhibit Works
- Mayflower
Mayflower's Phil Palomino helps Joan Miller and Karen Wood-Brasel arrange crates in a truck. This creative booth attraction kept attendees at the booth for an extended time.
And the following new products:
- Dye Into Print
- Fabric Images
- OAI
- Take1Technologies
Click to play
Exhibitor Show 2006 - Part 1
26/April/06 01:42 AM
Duration: 5 min. 41 sec.
Size: 6.1 MB
Welcome to the first episode of Trade Show Insights podcast! Today, we're doing part one of a review of the Exhibitor Show in Vegas, held in March 2006. We'll cover some neat features of the show, as well as new product discoveries from the following companies:
- GestureTek
- Agile Trade Show Furnishings
- Binkley Custom Products
- FISH Software
Next time, we'll continue the review of Exhibitor Show with some clever exhibit displays and booth attraction ideas.
Click to play
Size: 6.1 MB
Welcome to the first episode of Trade Show Insights podcast! Today, we're doing part one of a review of the Exhibitor Show in Vegas, held in March 2006. We'll cover some neat features of the show, as well as new product discoveries from the following companies:
- GestureTek
- Agile Trade Show Furnishings
- Binkley Custom Products
- FISH Software
Next time, we'll continue the review of Exhibitor Show with some clever exhibit displays and booth attraction ideas.
Click to play
