Trade show theft is very really people and you will be sorry to ignore it.
It only takes once to ruin your day or possibly jeopardize your job. I personally have lost my favorite pocket knife on the show floor after opening a box of literature. I set it down and the next thing I know I was looking around for it only to realize it was taken.
To reduce the risk you may want to take the following precautions. Keep your product that is easily concealed in a jacket or pocket in locked cases or storage cabinets. Even if a cabinet is non-lockable, product or valuables that are out of sight are out of mind. If people don't see it you minimize the possibility of someone even having the thought of stealing your valuables.
If and when you do have to show your product do so inside your booth space or secure it with a small but yet elegant metal tie. Product displayed on the edges of your display or near the aisles are more susceptible to theft. Another good thing about keeping the product inside your display is that you get your prospects to enter your area, where you have the opportunity to engage them in conversation about your product.
Make sure you lock the doors to your exhibit. After all that is why you got locking doors. Keep them locked unless you are keeping an eye on them or going to use them right then and there. If your product are extremely valuable you may want to look into hiring security cameras for after-show hours. During the show make sure you instruct your staff of the obvious just in case it is not so obvious to them... Watch the product and watch your personal belongings. The more eyes the better.
One last thing you can do to account for theft or rather combat it is keep an inventory of the products displayed in the booth space. Check it at the end of every day and this will give you a chance to know how much product you are losing each show and ammunition to give to your boss when you present your case for locking storage.
Reference: Don't Let Them Steal the Show
Monday, December 22, 2008
Designer Tip: Working with large format artwork.
Five revisions in and two days late you are regretting taking this large format design project for a pop-up display or custom exhibit. It takes 15 minutes to save and you are lucky if your computer doesn't crash every half hour. Sound familiar?
If this is you, breathe... It will be alright.
A little tip is to take those large images within your artwork and save them as flatten tif files using lyz compression at 100ppi at full size. Yes, 100ppi. When it comes to large format printing 300ppi is overkill. Large format murals/prints are seen from a distance and you should be able to get away with a minimin of 70ppi.
Another thing that could help you speed up the process of your design is to not embed your images. When saving don't embed your images. Simply link them and include them with the final AI file to the printer. Embeding the file can triple the size of the artwork making everyones life a little bit more painful.
For more tips... Contact the printer who will be producing the artwork, mural or pop-up display. They should be able to help you.
If this is you, breathe... It will be alright.
A little tip is to take those large images within your artwork and save them as flatten tif files using lyz compression at 100ppi at full size. Yes, 100ppi. When it comes to large format printing 300ppi is overkill. Large format murals/prints are seen from a distance and you should be able to get away with a minimin of 70ppi.
Another thing that could help you speed up the process of your design is to not embed your images. When saving don't embed your images. Simply link them and include them with the final AI file to the printer. Embeding the file can triple the size of the artwork making everyones life a little bit more painful.
For more tips... Contact the printer who will be producing the artwork, mural or pop-up display. They should be able to help you.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Designer Tip: How large to make text for Pop-up Murals?
Here is a little rule of thumb for all of you designers that do not usually work with large format printing. First off, large format printing or designing for pop-up display, banner stands or other trade show displays is a whole different ball game than regular print applications.
Here is your tip of the day for all of you who want to know how large or what font size you should use to ensure your text will be readable on your booth graphics. The general rule is text that is one inch (1") tall at full scale or print size is readable from up to 10ft away.
Hope this helps. More tips to come including general file preparation guidelines for the trade show industry / large format printing.
Here is your tip of the day for all of you who want to know how large or what font size you should use to ensure your text will be readable on your booth graphics. The general rule is text that is one inch (1") tall at full scale or print size is readable from up to 10ft away.
Hope this helps. More tips to come including general file preparation guidelines for the trade show industry / large format printing.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Discount Labor Rate
When it comes to trade show labor and exhibiting in general spending the least amount of money for the maximum amount of exposure is usually our number one priority. Hopefully this little bit of advise should save you a few bucks on your labor.
First off, always place your orders before the discount rate. The discount rate is usually a rate that is less expensive than the standard rate if you place your orders (labor, carpet, etc.) early. The date is different for every show and can be found on the top of your order forms. This should be a given unless you got a late start.
My advise to you is to schedule more labor than you need. Yes, I said schedule more than you need. If you think your display can be setup in 4 hours schedule 5 or 6. The reason being that if you have some unforeseen problems, like slow labor that you don't have the heart to fire, then you can keep your labor for that additional half hour or hour at the discounted rate. If you were to only schedule 4 hours and it ends up taking 5, you certainly don't want to have to pay the standard rate for that last hour that wasn't scheduled.
Now there are a few things that have to take place for this to work...
You have to supervise the setup and dismantle to ensure that the labor does not milk the clock because you ordered extra hours. As the on-site supervisor you should make sure your labor is not on the phone, talking or anything other than working. After all you are probably paying this stellar worker who is supposedly a specialist in setting up trade show displays, ha yeah right, around $ 60 to $ 95 an hour. As soon as your display/booth is up you can release your workers and make sure you keep track of the time. Another thing is that you should check your rules and regulations to ensure that there is no issue releasing your labor early. Typically you only run into a problem if you schedule your labor for an additional day rather than hours. If you feel your display will take 8 hours to setup, do not schedule an additional day or labor. Additional days of labor canceled with less than 24 hours of notice will constitute a minimum of one hour of labor per worker. However, you could schedule 2 or 3 workers instead of one for that 8 hours and if you are ahead of schedule you can release the extra 1 or 2 workers you have at lunch or after the carpet is laid down. This usually works out really well because you have better odds of getting at least one good laborer and can release the others as soon as you are confident the display will be up.
Last little bit of advise is to review your labors hours at the end of the show to ensure they didn't "forget" to remove the hours unused. Oh and keep in mind that you are allowed to setup your own product at the show. So to save even more you can setup your product yourself instead of having the union labor set it up.
I hope this advise helps and as always consult your custom or portable exhibit house to double check that you will not run into any issues and if you feel nervous about scheduling extra hours, no problem, don't and you can pay the standard rate which is only a few bucks more per hour per worker. This method usually works best for larger custom exhibits.
First off, always place your orders before the discount rate. The discount rate is usually a rate that is less expensive than the standard rate if you place your orders (labor, carpet, etc.) early. The date is different for every show and can be found on the top of your order forms. This should be a given unless you got a late start.
My advise to you is to schedule more labor than you need. Yes, I said schedule more than you need. If you think your display can be setup in 4 hours schedule 5 or 6. The reason being that if you have some unforeseen problems, like slow labor that you don't have the heart to fire, then you can keep your labor for that additional half hour or hour at the discounted rate. If you were to only schedule 4 hours and it ends up taking 5, you certainly don't want to have to pay the standard rate for that last hour that wasn't scheduled.
Now there are a few things that have to take place for this to work...
You have to supervise the setup and dismantle to ensure that the labor does not milk the clock because you ordered extra hours. As the on-site supervisor you should make sure your labor is not on the phone, talking or anything other than working. After all you are probably paying this stellar worker who is supposedly a specialist in setting up trade show displays, ha yeah right, around $ 60 to $ 95 an hour. As soon as your display/booth is up you can release your workers and make sure you keep track of the time. Another thing is that you should check your rules and regulations to ensure that there is no issue releasing your labor early. Typically you only run into a problem if you schedule your labor for an additional day rather than hours. If you feel your display will take 8 hours to setup, do not schedule an additional day or labor. Additional days of labor canceled with less than 24 hours of notice will constitute a minimum of one hour of labor per worker. However, you could schedule 2 or 3 workers instead of one for that 8 hours and if you are ahead of schedule you can release the extra 1 or 2 workers you have at lunch or after the carpet is laid down. This usually works out really well because you have better odds of getting at least one good laborer and can release the others as soon as you are confident the display will be up.
Last little bit of advise is to review your labors hours at the end of the show to ensure they didn't "forget" to remove the hours unused. Oh and keep in mind that you are allowed to setup your own product at the show. So to save even more you can setup your product yourself instead of having the union labor set it up.
I hope this advise helps and as always consult your custom or portable exhibit house to double check that you will not run into any issues and if you feel nervous about scheduling extra hours, no problem, don't and you can pay the standard rate which is only a few bucks more per hour per worker. This method usually works best for larger custom exhibits.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Bend the rules
Save money at your next show or event by carrying in your own displays and setting up yourself.
If you are new to exhibiting and have a 10x10 or 10x20 booth space, consider purchasing portable trade show displays and handling the setup and dismantle yourself. There are a lot of factors to consider like, are you a one person operation/company or do you have a sales team? Is your sales team willing to setup the booth space and if so do you trust in them to take the time needed to dismantle it properly? Furthermore, will the hassle of setup lessen the effectiveness of your sales team? Do you want them worrying about the setup and dismantle or focusing on the show itself? Also consider the cost of possibly sending your sales people to the show a day earlier. It is not a easy decision but sometimes it is easier to simply send the extra $600 for setup and dismantle and not worry about it.
All we are saying is do your research and see what makes sense for you but remember that anything that you can carry into or wheel into the show is usually exempt from material and handling fees. If no tools are needed for the setup and dismantle you usually can setup yourself if done within 30mins or less. Shows rules and regulations sometimes defer so please check your show rules and regulations or contact your exhibit house for more information.
If you are new to exhibiting and have a 10x10 or 10x20 booth space, consider purchasing portable trade show displays and handling the setup and dismantle yourself. There are a lot of factors to consider like, are you a one person operation/company or do you have a sales team? Is your sales team willing to setup the booth space and if so do you trust in them to take the time needed to dismantle it properly? Furthermore, will the hassle of setup lessen the effectiveness of your sales team? Do you want them worrying about the setup and dismantle or focusing on the show itself? Also consider the cost of possibly sending your sales people to the show a day earlier. It is not a easy decision but sometimes it is easier to simply send the extra $600 for setup and dismantle and not worry about it.
All we are saying is do your research and see what makes sense for you but remember that anything that you can carry into or wheel into the show is usually exempt from material and handling fees. If no tools are needed for the setup and dismantle you usually can setup yourself if done within 30mins or less. Shows rules and regulations sometimes defer so please check your show rules and regulations or contact your exhibit house for more information.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Hey I'm Over Here!
Ever go to a show and feel like no one knows you are?
You're in the corner of the event because it is your second time at the show and you didn't get a good booth selection again. Or maybe you put yourself in the computer section when everyone else is in the cool gadget section. How is anyone going to know that they need your product or service too?
Simple advertise, yes advertise. No, I don't mean buy an ad on TV, radio or in the exhibitor manual. There is a less expensive way that you can try. Advertise in your neighbors booth space.
Advertise in another exhibitors booth space that doesn't sell what you sell or better yet find an exhibitor who is complimentary with your product or service. You are going to buy coffee, surely you need sugar. You could be that sugar. The best part about it is that this can virtually cost you nothing! If your partner in crime stands to gain by putting there ad in your booth space it can be a win win situation and no extra money could be spent depending on your negotiating skills. Now comes the display.
A perfect display for such a clever idea is a roll up banner stand that also holds literature on it stating where you are located and a little about what you do. I'll leave the ad artwork up to you. Retractable banner stands are also a great way to advertise in someone else trade show booth space. Good luck, and remember aside from the cost of the banner stand with a literature rack on it, what do you have to lose?
You're in the corner of the event because it is your second time at the show and you didn't get a good booth selection again. Or maybe you put yourself in the computer section when everyone else is in the cool gadget section. How is anyone going to know that they need your product or service too?
Simple advertise, yes advertise. No, I don't mean buy an ad on TV, radio or in the exhibitor manual. There is a less expensive way that you can try. Advertise in your neighbors booth space.
Advertise in another exhibitors booth space that doesn't sell what you sell or better yet find an exhibitor who is complimentary with your product or service. You are going to buy coffee, surely you need sugar. You could be that sugar. The best part about it is that this can virtually cost you nothing! If your partner in crime stands to gain by putting there ad in your booth space it can be a win win situation and no extra money could be spent depending on your negotiating skills. Now comes the display.
A perfect display for such a clever idea is a roll up banner stand that also holds literature on it stating where you are located and a little about what you do. I'll leave the ad artwork up to you. Retractable banner stands are also a great way to advertise in someone else trade show booth space. Good luck, and remember aside from the cost of the banner stand with a literature rack on it, what do you have to lose?
Thursday, November 6, 2008
First Time Exhibitor Tip - Bring a camera
After all your hard work you must remember to bring a camera to the show.
Take a picture of the booth so that you can show to your colleagues that couldn't make it or better yet your boss. Photograph things that you want to change next year. You can also use your photos on your website or other print production. Be sure to take high-resolution photo for large format printing.
If you see any booths that you like or displays that you want for next time, ask that exhibitor if you can take a picture and do so. Check your rules and regulations about taking pictures of other exhibitors first.
Take a picture of the booth so that you can show to your colleagues that couldn't make it or better yet your boss. Photograph things that you want to change next year. You can also use your photos on your website or other print production. Be sure to take high-resolution photo for large format printing.
If you see any booths that you like or displays that you want for next time, ask that exhibitor if you can take a picture and do so. Check your rules and regulations about taking pictures of other exhibitors first.
Unhappy with the General Contractor?
Have you been going to your biggest show of the year and every year you get labor that you are unpleased with? You are probably paying $65 - 100.00 an hour for your labor.
Contact your exhibit house and request to use a different show contractor. You don't have to use the general show contractor and often times other contractors have lower rates and better labor. Be sure to pay attention to their minimum order for hourly labor and keep in mind it is a gamble, but if you were getting bad labor before they you can only do the same or better. Lets hope.
Ask your custom exhibit house for their opinion on the matter, it wont hurt to ask.
Contact your exhibit house and request to use a different show contractor. You don't have to use the general show contractor and often times other contractors have lower rates and better labor. Be sure to pay attention to their minimum order for hourly labor and keep in mind it is a gamble, but if you were getting bad labor before they you can only do the same or better. Lets hope.
Ask your custom exhibit house for their opinion on the matter, it wont hurt to ask.
First Time Exhibitor Tip - Traffic Flow
You are buying or renting a new booth and you don't know what to get.
Food for thought, keep in mind where you are in the convention center. Pay attention to where the main entrance/exits are. Are you near a food court or bathroom? Is there a big pillar in the middle or next to your booth space?
Use this things to your advantage. If you know that most of the traffic is going to come from the left, then angle your booth to attract your clients from that angle so that they can see you from far away. Maybe get a banner stand to compliment your booth space and position that in a place where everyone can see it.
Are you near a food court? Give promotional items that go along with being near a food court. Maybe a mint or hand out something that when they are eating people will see and want and therefore gaining someones eye. Maybe you have a contest for prizes at certain times of the day.
Are you near a bathroom? Put your banner stand by the bathrooms inviting them to visit them at your booth space ##. This of course will only work for a little while until someone notices that it is against the rules and regulations. But maybe you can figure some other clever way to get peoples attention while they are passing by.
Not to say being by a bathroom or food court is a good thing but try to turn it in your favor. Definitly pay attention to where you feel the traffic flow will be coming from and try to capture that flow without compromising your next trade show layout.
* Be sure that whatever you decide to do that it falls within the shows rules and regulations.
Food for thought, keep in mind where you are in the convention center. Pay attention to where the main entrance/exits are. Are you near a food court or bathroom? Is there a big pillar in the middle or next to your booth space?
Use this things to your advantage. If you know that most of the traffic is going to come from the left, then angle your booth to attract your clients from that angle so that they can see you from far away. Maybe get a banner stand to compliment your booth space and position that in a place where everyone can see it.
Are you near a food court? Give promotional items that go along with being near a food court. Maybe a mint or hand out something that when they are eating people will see and want and therefore gaining someones eye. Maybe you have a contest for prizes at certain times of the day.
Are you near a bathroom? Put your banner stand by the bathrooms inviting them to visit them at your booth space ##. This of course will only work for a little while until someone notices that it is against the rules and regulations. But maybe you can figure some other clever way to get peoples attention while they are passing by.
Not to say being by a bathroom or food court is a good thing but try to turn it in your favor. Definitly pay attention to where you feel the traffic flow will be coming from and try to capture that flow without compromising your next trade show layout.
* Be sure that whatever you decide to do that it falls within the shows rules and regulations.
Portable Rental Displays
Going to your first show? Testing out a new market but don't want to spend a lot of money?
Rent your display rather than buy. That way you can enter the market with minimal investment.
A few things to keep in mind when renting your standard pop-up display. First off, they all look the same once they are put up more or less. You don't care about the frame or how durable the case is, you are only going to use it once.
The one thing you may be concerned with is the fabric. In my opinion Front Runner Fabric looks better than Prelude Fabric. The difference being that Front Runner Fabric having horizontal groves which will make the seems less visible.
Detachable Graphics...
When it comes to the detachable graphics you want your header to be well visible, so your logo on the left and right side of the header will insure that people coming down the isles will see you from either direction. Also make sure that you have blank space or bleed on the edges in case you have to trim the sides down due to a different size rental display in the future.
Also if you plan on changing your logo or name of the company or simply only plan on using the graphics once, get them printed on inexpensive media. Request a proof if you are concerned with the quality, but bottom line is that good quality prints can come from inexpensive media. You don't need a 22mil print that is laminated with expensive 10mil backer for durability if you are only going to use it once. A high quality paper with a 3mil face lamination should be fine.
Other than that shop around and get a good price. Good luck.
Rent your display rather than buy. That way you can enter the market with minimal investment.
A few things to keep in mind when renting your standard pop-up display. First off, they all look the same once they are put up more or less. You don't care about the frame or how durable the case is, you are only going to use it once.
The one thing you may be concerned with is the fabric. In my opinion Front Runner Fabric looks better than Prelude Fabric. The difference being that Front Runner Fabric having horizontal groves which will make the seems less visible.
Detachable Graphics...
When it comes to the detachable graphics you want your header to be well visible, so your logo on the left and right side of the header will insure that people coming down the isles will see you from either direction. Also make sure that you have blank space or bleed on the edges in case you have to trim the sides down due to a different size rental display in the future.
Also if you plan on changing your logo or name of the company or simply only plan on using the graphics once, get them printed on inexpensive media. Request a proof if you are concerned with the quality, but bottom line is that good quality prints can come from inexpensive media. You don't need a 22mil print that is laminated with expensive 10mil backer for durability if you are only going to use it once. A high quality paper with a 3mil face lamination should be fine.
Other than that shop around and get a good price. Good luck.
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