Jessica’s Blog: Social Media at Trade Shows
The more I travel to shows there still is an area of events which has room for improvement, and and as odd as this is to say, interaction. As social media allows us to be constantly connected at rapid speed, at trade shows it takes a bit more time to do. Trade shows is a place to nurture relationships and makes them more personal. The act of the “hello” without pressing send these days is such the acclamation.
At the same time event producers and organizers have recently tried different ways of integrating social media and face to face interaction. Social media which feeds in pre function areas have been probably the best attempt at getting information out to as many attendees as possible. The use of hashtags (#) and conference codes via twitter has probably been the best way to find comments real time. It is not an ideal way as not everyone is a user, but a good start.
With us being in a world of “there’s an app for that,” Flock by Doubledutch has now created an application to interact an event all into one platform. Attendees can now interact and engage with the event as a whole. As this creates data for future use, comes analytics, and with today’s marketing it is all about analytics. Please visit Flock by doubledutch for more info and details.
What a great app as it is something which will truly improve events. I am hopeful the future of technology will streamline event interactions this way as the platform standard.
For ideas for Social Media at Trade Shows feel free to email me at jlorias@skybay.com
Jessica Lynn Orias | Account Executive | 44111 Fremont Blvd. Fremont, CA 94538 | ph. 510.933.2212 | jlorias@skybay.com |fx. 510.490.9949 | www.skybay.com
Filed under: Jessica's Blog, Show Tips | No Comments »
Make logistical cost part of your trade show design criteria.
After visiting the Exhibitor Show 2011 a few weeks ago, it has become apparent that the industry has morphed to the Skyline model of custom modular. Because of that I started thinking more about the logistical costs associated with owning an exhibit.
With systems becoming lighter in weight in general why not demand that the logistical cost be associated with any exhibit design. Because we all now look at every penny of our trade show budget why not attack the single item (logistics) that creates the most demand on our marketing dollar!
In the example shown we have designed an custom-modular Skyline exhibit that comes ships in only 2 pieces. One 4′ x 4′ x 8′ crate & one monitor case 50″ x 24″ x 46″ (AV anvil case not pictured)
The difference alone in shipping, drayage, and installation and dismantle is $25,000 cost per show. Multiply that over the life time of an exhibit the numbers becomes staggering. The exhibit shown below is priced at $56,000. You can justify the cost of a new exhibit after just 2 shows. And keep in mind this does not include storage, in and out fees, material handling fees, and labor to upkeep your exhibit.
So demand from your design team that they incorporate in the design process the logistical demands of the exhibit. I know that you will find that justifying a new exhibit purchase will become much easier in your next marketing meeting.
Chuck Boyle
CEO, Skyline Northern California
Custom Modular from Skyline
Filed under: Chuck Boyle, Creative Marketing, Envoy, Envoy Phase II, Exhibit Rentals, Island Design, Show Tips, trade show booth designs, trade show marketing | No Comments »
Race for Results!
Race for Results!
Events and Sports Marketing are an excellent way to market and promote your products and services and a fast way to get new customers or fans of your products and services. Have you ever thought about Sponsoring and/or Exhibiting at an Event or Sporting Event? Why not? Is it because it is not your traditional way of marketing and because it may seem so informal, but these two reasons are why you should consider Event and Sports Marketing as an effective form of lead generation and customer acquisition.
On July 17th I did the 23rd Annual Tri for Fun Series at Shadow Cliffs in Pleasanton, CA. If you are interested in other Triathlons, 5K or 10K races you can check out their event calendar at http://onyourmarkevents.com/events-new.asp
Call me crazy or just the love and passion for the Event and Tradeshow industry. As I was preparing for the race and during the race and after the race I kept thinking about the enormous marketing opportunities that are present at one of these Events. Here are a few things you should consider when Sponsoring and/or Exhibiting at Sporting Events.
Know the Demographic or the Race Participants:
Do not think every 5K or Half-Marathon is the same. The City that the race is in can tell you a lot about the demographics and race participants. If the race is a National or internationally accredited course this is a great indicator that people will be traveling to the Sporting Event from out of State or Country. For an excellent International Sporting Event check out http://www.bsim.org/site3.aspx
Who does the Sporting Event benefit?:
There are so many non-profit organizations out there and many have some type of Race or benefit they are affiliated with. If giving back and social responsibility is important to you and your organization then finding a Sporting Event that fits your interests and your company’s won’t be that difficult. Here are two events that benefit education http://www.happyfishrun4education.com/ and the fight against hungry http://www.stocktonfoodbank.org/
What type of Result do you want?:
Do you want to have Race Participants sign-up to win a new product or service? Do you want them to try out your product or service? Is it more informational and educational? As a Marketing, Sales or Owner of a company you need to consider these things to come up with the right result for your company.
Next time you are developing your marketing and sales plan consider the power of Sporting Events as a viable and productive way to get your message out. Remember we are all in a race to get results and we want them fast but to be effective!
Race on!
For questions on event and sports marketing you can contact me directly at Skyline Exhibits .
Anthony Montano
Exhibit Consultant
amontano@skybay.com
Filed under: Anthony Montano, Creative Marketing, News, Show Tips | No Comments »
Trade show booth: Internet vs. Consultative
As a small business owner specializing in trade show booths and events I have had to answer the question that has become quite common over the last few years. “Why is there significant price difference between your pop-up display and the one I just found on the internet? The standard answer which most in this industry used was “Quality”. And it is the one of correct answer but does the consumer believe it? Let’s explore what I believe to be the significant differences between these type of sales and how the internet has benefited the consumer by us lowering our prices to compete while assuring a higher level of quality, design, and service.
Quality
There is no question that low priced trade show displays panels in comparison in the quality department. Many don’t find this out until after they buy. Mostly it’s the materials being used. For example in most low end pop-up displays use low grade aluminum frames. At Skyline for example we have aluminum, fiberglass, and graphite frames. This gives us the ability to compete against our own product. See blog on aluminum vs. graphite frames.
Visualize it this way. Tennis rackets were once wooden, and then they progressed to aluminum, then to fiberglass and eventually to graphite. Bottom line it’s a stronger lighter material that takes the pounding of the trade show world more efficiently. So the quality of the frame itself is different. But where the consumer sees another significant difference is in the quality of graphics. Many times these prints are made for the “one-time” usage and when you begin to transport these exhibits graphics have a tendency to suffer.
Service
Basically, if you buy on the internet you are now responsible for the design, logistics and install and dismantle of your exhibit. Basically you become the fulfillment house. There is no consultant on the other end of the line. They will quote and ship and that’s about it. In a consultant sale you get the same level of service as if you were buying a large exhibit. We are committed to quality and it is not compromised at any level. Also with our products you get lifetime guarantees. Internet offers no guarantee or very limited in their time and scope.
Design
Most consultants have a full complement of designers and production artist for your use. These designers are constantly retrained on new designs and concepts that are using the best of the new products available to the consumer. Most importantly they specialize in trade show exhibit and design.
Relationship
Trade Show consultants understand your industry. Current trends, new products, shipping, storage, installation and dismantle, and most importantly, we are experts in design and spatial concepts to help assure your success at the shows and events that you attend. And even if you don’t need these types of services on the lower end of the product spectrum it’s critically important to establish relationships with consultants that can help you across the wide spectrum of activities that your company attends over time. Our job is to make you look good.
Chuck Boyle
CEO, Skyline Northern California
If you would like to see how Skybay Exhibits can create an exhibit that exceeds your expectations and saves your business valuable marketing dollars, contact us today and we will immediately respond to your specific requests. Skybay has the exhibitor solution you require.
Filed under: Chuck Boyle, Graphics: Tips and Tricks, News, Show Tips | No Comments »
Bay Area:Pop Up Displays: Limited Time Promotion
Skyline Bay Area is proud to announce 20% off on the Mirage pop up displays and banner stands. Here is one of our many reasons for celebration.
This is what the industry giant John Deere, had to say about us.
“Our latest trade show was a huge success, and Skyline was a major factor,” says Scott Caringella, District Operations Manager. “We had phenomenal results. Our new exhibit is so much more inviting.”
Pop up Display: Skyline Mirage
After using the same booth for 10 years, the company wanted a new look at trade shows. Skyline Exhibits designed a 10′ curved backwall and matching table to anchor a 20′-by-20′ space to display a collection of water-conserving, irrigation control products. A large mural incorporates the new logo, a blow-up of lush, green grass and an inset of an electronic circuit board.
“That image told the story of how we bridge technology and the green industry,” Caringella says. “I thought it was pretty hot how they did that.”
The new exhibit packs into compact cases that fit in employee vehicles and is easy for two people to install and disassemble.
Download your coupon here.
Filed under: Success Stories | 1 Comment »
Jessica’s Blog: ASI Tech Expo
ASI of Fremont, CA has been working with Skyline Bay Area for over 8 years. Each year they host a ASI Tech Expo. This year they debuted a 10×20 Tube Exhibit with full dye sub graphics as their demo and product display for the evening event. The futuristic graphics provided by ASI made the exhibit come to life. Grey color counter tops and perforated backer panels for the workstations areas highlighted the graphics. In addition to the back wall exhibit, Skyline’s exclusive stratus tables were wrapped in the same graphical scheme for more demo area.
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Kudos to ASI (luckily) they did not have a union driven event which gave them the freedom to do a wonderful set up all on their own!
Jessica Lynn Orias | Exhibit Consultant | 44111 Fremont Blvd. Fremont, CA 94538 | ph. 510.933.2212 | jlorias@skybay.com
Filed under: Jessica's Blog, News | 1 Comment »
Jessica’s Blog: Natural Products Expo West 2009 Report
Natural Products Expo West 2009 delivers some great Post Show Reports
It is reported the Natural Products Expo West which closed just about three weeks ago tallied a total of 53,000 attendees, a rise since last year’s record breaking event. This event showcased the newest and most innovative products in natural, organic, and healthy living. Many attendees reported that during the entire event the entire show floor was busy, not a similar look as other recent tradeshows. This proves that in a down economy strengths are still present!
In adding to this momentous achievement, Natural Products Expo West/Supply Expo was also honored by Trade Show Week as one of the “Top 50 Fastest Growing Shows” and was awarded a prestigious Gold Standard Award by Trade Show Executive magazine as a “Leader in Green Initiatives” last year. This year’s sister trade show, Natural Products Expo East, will be held in Boston, Sept. 23-26, 2009, celebrating its 24th anniversary.
Here is a great example of a dynamic Skyline Exhibits Display Solution that has maximized the island space at the NPEW venue to accommodate two unique product lines on either side of the island exhibit solution.
Jessica Orias
Exhibit Consultant
Skyline Exhibits and Graphics
If you would like to see how Skybay Exhibits can create an exhibit that exceeds your expectations and saves your business valuable marketing dollars, contact us today and we will immediately respond to your specific requests. Skybay has the exhibitor solution you require.
Filed under: Jessica's Blog, News | No Comments »