Archive for October, 2010

Be Smart With Show Gifts

Tuesday, October 26th, 2010

show giftsGiving away free gifts at your show stand during the worst global economic recession in recent history may not seem like a good idea but there are ways to keep your ‘giveaways’ without breaking the bank.

Choose your gift wisely: Make sure that what you are giving stand visitors is designed to maximise your profile. While a pen with your logo may remind them of you for a few days before they lose it, a cool paperweight may actually sit on their desks for months or even years.

Plan Early: Figure out what you want well in advance of your event and order early to avoid last minute disasters and extra production/shipping charges.

Get lots of quotes: Make sure you get numerous quotes from different vendors and make sure you tell them that you are seeking numerous quotes. You will always find a better price this way.

Stay generic: If you are clever, make your gift item generic …..

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Digital Media Makes For Better Shows

Tuesday, October 19th, 2010

smsIt seems like the occasional use of some digital media technology to enhance a trade show is on the increase, as more and more companies turn to digital tools to get the most from events.

The latest research from exhibition industry watchdog, the Center for Exhibition Research (CEIR), shows that exhibition marketers are using a wider variety of digital media  from online ads to onsite SMS messaging to make those invaluable new contacts.

“Exhibition marketers have been increasingly leveraging digital media to enhance the value of their events, facilitate partner networking, and promote their products and services,” said CEIR Executive Director Cathy Breden. “However, this data suggests that a much deeper and broader change is sweeping the exhibit marketing industry, with players at every level making a real commitment to digital adoption.”

Some of the key findings include:

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Strikes Hit McCormick Place Trade Show

Thursday, October 14th, 2010

mccormick place1

It was bound to happen. A few weeks ago, a picket line of striking construction workers greeted visitors to the last day of the International Manufacturing Technology Show at Chicago’s McCormick Place.

The event is seen by many as one of the first in a hopeful resurgence of exhibition events that could help bring back the billions of dollars Chicago has been losing to other cities for shows and events in recent years.

Dozens of striking carpenters picketed the show to complain against the new labor laws at McCormick Place, which were brought in this summer in an effort to boost the hemorrhaging exhibition sector by making it more attractive for exhibitors. [See 'New Chicago Labor Laws Good For Exhibitors']

In essence, the laws allow exhibitors to set up a lot of their own booths without having to use expensive, unionized labor. While popular with exhibitors, unsurprisingly the unions are a little put out.

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