Archive for July, 2010

Exhibiting Abroad: Learn The Rules

Friday, July 30th, 2010

chinese exhibition

Businesses looking to exhibit abroad and crack a new market could do well to learn a bit about local ways and customs before even getting their stand out of the truck.

According to speakers at the recent International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services (IFES) in Shanghai, China, it pays to learn a little about where you hope to exhibit next.

Asia is still seen by many western companies as a huge untapped business opportunity, particularly China. There are approximately 165 exposition centers in 15 Asian countries, with almost half of them located in China.

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Recovery Of Exhibition Industry In 2011

Thursday, July 22nd, 2010

empty hall 1

With  hardly a week going by without another exhibition event collapsing, the good news is that recovery for the sector is forecasted to kick-in during the second half of 2011. Woohoo!

At least according to a survey carried out last month by the Exhibition and Convention Executives Forum (ECEF). Speaking to 130 events executives, the majority claimed that show revenues will not recover until the second half of next year.

But there was some disagreement, namely between association organizers and independent exhibition organizers. Nearly two fifths of independent organizers think a recovery will occur only in the second half of 2011 but association organizers are that little bit more optimistic, claiming a recovery is on the cards for the first half of next year. Read the rest of this entry »


Take Me Out To The Ball Game….

Monday, July 12th, 2010

white sox

Not a day goes by in the Catalyst Exhibits office without some, ahem, ‘vital’ sports issue being addressed, even more so since the Blackhawks recently won the Stanley Cup.

However, now that hockey season is over, it’s time to talk about baseball. If you had to take a poll at Catalyst Exhibits, I would say that about 90% of employees are Cubs fans…what are they thinking? (Go White Sox!)

How will the “south-siders” do, as they try to fight their way to the top of the American League’s Central Division? If you missed the recent game don’t worry—you’ll get the chance to see them during IMTS here in Chicago in September.

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Five Ways To Improve Trade Show Exhibits

Tuesday, July 6th, 2010

catalyst exhibit 1Attending trade shows can be a great opportunity for your organization. However, if you don’t have the right focus, exhibits can be unsuccessful.

Many organizations suffer from tunnel vision about their products or services, when they should be more concerned with the perspective of attendees who visit their booth.

In order to make trade show sales more effective, you must understand how your current target market thinks, believes and acts.

Here are 5 tips to improve your trade show exhibit. Read the rest of this entry »