Jessica’s Blog: Sun Tropics Exhibit for Fancy Food 2012 SF
Sun Tropics debuted their brand new booth exhibit at 37th Annual Winter Fancy Food Show in San Francisco, California. The main focus of their 10×10 corner space was to sample and display their all natural juice products while at the same time keeping their set up and installation easy and manageable. To accomplish this they opted for Skyline’s 3000-R portable bannerstand backwall in an inkjet print at custom height of 92″. In addition they put to use the 6′ table which was included in their space rental and draped it with an imperial blue throw with a fully printed front logo. This entire exhibit of 3 bannerstands, 3 lights, and 3 table throws packed in one wheeled round case at 30 lbs.
For any questions on bannerstand backwalls 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
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Jessica’s Blog: Welcome 2012
2012 has had some buzz full of predictions and theories. No matter what you believe, this year will definitely be quite interesting. We started the year off with a spring winter in Silicon Valley, then lead into an extra day in February for leap year, and of course the world’s Summer Olympics. In the tradeshow world, we always love the fresh start of a new year as we are given a clean slate for new, exciting, and sometimes good riskay exhibiting strategies. Exhibitors and booth builders take what they have learned from the last year(s) to make the new year even better. Morphing is always awesome and only time allows us to do that.
Here are some examples of exhibits morphing over the years…
Exhibits by Skyline make transformations easy since massaging changes are vital in marketing. So definitely take what you have learned and make 2012 even better.
For new year ideas 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
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Jessica’s Blog: The Scoop Ball Chair – A simple design decision
Just like in a home, furniture in trade show exhibits create the overall style of a booth. While Herman Miller, Ethan Allen, & Restoration Hardware are not trade show friendly, there are other pieces that do accent well, convey uniqueness, and will not take a huge hit to the budget. We know all too well the infamous grey padded silver show rental chair for $250.00/each.
The choice of furniture has a huge impact, especially on theater settings. The seating selection is the first element attendees will draw their eyes to. For a split second the overall look in seating will implant in their heads and sway their decision to determine if the presentation is worth commiting a couple minutes, and in some the leading motive, to relieve their walking feet from hours of walking the trade show floor (We all have been there).
The scoop ball chair is one of my favorite pieces for theater seating. It’s ergonomic form is such a talking piece at events since it is so different. It comes in a ton of colors which really can make your space pop while splashing a little mod to it.
For questions on the scoop ball chair 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
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Jessica’s Blog: AG Connect 2011 Expo – Atlanta
This year’s Ag Connect Expo was held in Atlanta, GA. With a little luck on my side I departed Atlanta early enough before the extreme cold front. It was also my first time there and I was quite surprised for a metropolitain city how it was not filled with masses of pedestrians. Majority of native Atlantans drive into the city from the suburbs, especially since city parking for the entire day is just about $3. Comapred to San Francisco, $3 parking gets you shy of 30 mins.
Ag Connect is an industry event anything and everything agriculture related. Equipment vendors, to tractor supply, down to livestock management, are all in attendance. I have learned your traditional farmer has become quite tech savy and even drives around in the Lamborghini’s of tractors. You can disspell the picture of your tractor driver in overalls and a cowboy hat. They are now in an air conditioned cab lead via GPS. It’s the new land pilot I tell ya.
Being in Silicon Valley it is very rare for me to see a tractor, I never realized its scale. Check out some of the different makes and models.
Skyline Exhibits had a large design presence at this show. From our newest Myraid portable backwall to our traditional modular Tube System.
Skyline Truss System:
Skyline Tube System with Engage closet:
Skyline Tube system with 24′ fabric Structure hanging sign:
Skyline’s 10×10 Myriad Backwall with Arrive Workstation:
Skyline Hybrid – Mirage pop up and Tube ultra center Superstructure:
Next, cool design elements which caught my eye.
LED lighting on sheer fabric banners:
Video wall for theater presentation:
Overhead rear projection without light blocker:
A very good niche show with many major players. It certainly mixes technology with a mature industry. The next AgConnect will be held in Orlando in 2013.
For ideas for Ag Connect 2013 feel free to email me at jlorias@skybay.com
Jessica Lynn Orias | Exhibit Consultant | 44111 Fremont Blvd. Fremont, CA 94538 | ph. 510.933.2212 | jlorias@skybay.com |fx. 510.490.9949 | www.skybay.com
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Premier Home and Community Builders – PCBC
The PCBC 2010 Show in San Francisco, CA at the Moscone Convention Center this past June 9th – 11th. PCBC www.pcbc.com in it’s more than five decades of existence is a great foundation for companies in the building industry to showcase their new and unique products and services. PCBC is sponsored by the California Building Industry Association www.cbia.org .
After more than five decades the PCBC Show is still a successful tradeshow to exhibit at and to attend. The PCBC tradeshow used the entire North Hall and more than 300 exhibiting companies. The amount of square footage for the Show was more than 60,000. There were more than 9,500 Industry Professionals that attended the three day event to learn and network among the top Building Professionals and see the latest trends in market place.
Here are some great Statistics on the PCBC Attendee:
PCBC attracts Senior Level Executives (CEO/ Principle/ General Manager) – 52%
Represent Major Builders – Avg. Company Volume – over 50 million – 22%
Purchase Building Products/ Services for their Companies – 80%
Rate PCBC as very valuable or valuable for evaluating and comparing products – 69%
Save some Money:
If you exhibited last year and plan on Exhibiting at PCBC 2011 then you can get a 10% discount on booth space and a 5% discount on material handling from Champion – the Show Services Supplier.
Large custom modular exhibits being used more at the tradeshows. The main reason for this is costs. You can save 15%-30% on your total Show expenses. Custom Modular primarily means that standardized components are used to use custom configurations and designs. The use of fabric has become very popular for the installation and dismantle of booths as well as to lower freight bills.
Here are just a few of the companies that have some interesting products or services on the Exhibit Floor:
Architectural Facades Unlimited, Inc.
Architectural Facades Unlimited, more than 25 years has been creating the most outstanding ornamental cast-stone products for residential homes, restoration projects and commercial properties throughout the nation. The beauty of Cast-stone is that you can virtually make any shape you can imagine and have the look and feel of natural stone. Architectural Facades’ creates finishes that range from English Granite, Sandstone, Rustic and French Limestone to Italian Travertine which is applicable to any shape whether it is Columns, Mantels, Fountains, Balustrades, Spheres, Veneers, or Moldings.
www.architecturalfacades.com
Delta Products Corp.
Delta Group is the world’s largest provider of switching power supplies and DC brushless fans, as well as a major source for power management solutions, components, visual displays, industrial automation, networking products, and renewable energy solutions. Delta Group has sales offices worldwide and manufacturing plants in Taiwan, China, Thailand, Mexico, India and Europe. As a global leader in power electronics, Delta’s mission is, “To provide innovative, clean and efficient energy solutions for a better tomorrow.” Delta is committed to environmental protection and has implemented green, lead-free production and waste management programs for many years
www.deltaww.com
Kelly-Moore Paint Co., Inc.
Kelly-Moore is the largest employee-owned paint companies in the United States. With approximately 163 retail stores, major manufacturing facilities in the West, and approximately 1,500 employees, we enjoy a reputation as leaders and innovators in the paint industry. The success of our company is based on our commitment to quality products and personalized service.
www.kellymoore.com
Nana Wall Systems, Inc.
Perceiving an unmet need for flexible solutions to large architectural openings, the founders of Nana Wall Systems delivered their first wood-framed, opening glass wall in 1986. Three years later, Nana Wall Systems, Inc. was incorporated, with the mission of finding, creating, and delivering an ever-broadening array of flexible design solutions. In 1996, Nana Wall Systems entered into partnership with Solarlux of Germany, the world leader in operable glass wall technology. Today, with manufacturer’s representatives throughout the continent, Nana Wall Systems is the dominant provider of opening glass walls in North America.
www.nanawall.com
Simpson Strong-Tie Co., Inc.
For more than 50 years, Simpson Strong-Tie has focused on creating structural products that help people build safer and stronger homes and buildings. A leader in structural systems research and technology, Simpson is one of the largest suppliers of structural building products in the world.
Simpson’s commitment to product development, engineering, testing and training is evident in the consistent quality and delivery of its products and services. Simpson Strong-Tie® product lines include structural connectors, Strong-Wall® prefabricated shearwalls, Anchor Tiedown Systems for multi-story buildings, Quik Drive® auto-feed screw driving systems and Anchor Systems® anchors and fasteners for concrete and masonry.
www.strongtie.com
The PCBC 2011 is going to be held June 22- 24 2011 Please check out the Exhibit Information page http://www.pcbc.com/theshow/Exhibiting/BecomeAnExhibitor/becomeanexhibitor.html
For ideas or comments for PCBC 2011 please contact me at amontano@skybay.com
Anthony Montano
Exhibit Consultant
amontano@skybay.com
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Jessica’s Blog: Will trade shows ever go away?
As an AE for Skyline of course I have a biased answer “no,” however not for that reason alone. I am going to give you the honest truth on really why trade shows will never go away.
Even before our downturn I’ve had clients tell me “trade shows are going to go away, virtual trade shows will take over.” This is somewhat true, trade shows are not inexpensive and virtual trade shows (and even webinars) have been an alternative. They have increased, and I certainly agree is a viable way. More and more associations are adopting this method due to the many advantages, visiting a trade show floor online, getting to view demos at the convenience of a computer, the cost savings of travel. So yes, it still can get a good amount of the message across. The main limitation is that it is not a universal platform for each industry. Any element of touch and feel (and taste) of products obviously can not effectively be expressed. You can not communicate this online. It is impersonal and falls under our “auto world.” Not your best sales person.
Now as things started to work downward in the economy I surely thought trade shows would be obsolete. Some shows disappeared however were ones already slowly losing its caliber. In 2009, a good amount of exhibitors decided not to exhibit and shows got smaller. As 2010 started back up many exhibitors re-implemented their trade show plans, this time with tighter budgets. No one wanted to completely disappear from trade shows as the assumption was the organization was adversely affected by the economy, of course unless you were Apple (so big you did not have to go to MacWorld).
No matter how tedious trade shows can be there is still value for your presence. It’s being part of a community. This is where your community comes together to help educate and create a successful customer. You show your gratitude and hopefully create opportunities to add more under your umbrella. No one can ever say no to a party right? In 15 years I just can not foresee this business interaction going away. I see it getting more innovative, impressive, and maybe hosted in more exotic of places. Underwater aquarium convention center anyone? (expect material handling premiums)
For questions on trade show ideas please do contact me at jlorias@skybay.com
Jessica Lynn Orias | Exhibit Consultant | 44111 Fremont Blvd. Fremont, CA 94538 | ph. 510.933.2212 | jlorias@skybay.com |fx. 510.490.9949 | www.skybay.com
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Jessica’s Blog: Magic Marketplace & World Shoe Association, Las Vegas
In the last two weeks Las Vegas has spotlighted the fashion and apparel industry, which is also my favorite time of year. Last week, The Magic marketplace (one of the largest fashion trade events) hosted their annual trade show between the Las Vegas Convention Center and Mandalay Bay. This event also hosts other segments, WWD MAGIC, Project, Pool, Slate, Street and FN Platform. Many of the household names exhibited, ie Lucky Brand Jeans, American Apparel, Nautica Jeans, etc.
A week prior to that, I personally attended the World Shoe Association (WSA) at the Sands Convention Center in the Venetian. The 2nd floor of the Sands hosted the larger domestic brands, i.e. Sketchers, Ed hardy, Birkenstock, etc. while the lower level geared more towards overseas manufacturing and a large China pavilion.
Orthaheel out of San Rafael, CA debuted their new exhibit (kudos to prime location). Dr. Andrew Weil, MD recommends their products to help maintain proper foot health and overall being. Andrew Weil is an author and physician, best known in the field of integrated medicine. He has several best-selling books and has appeared on Oprah. Continued success to both Orthaheel & Dr. Weil.
Of course what I love about trade shows even more is seeing the latest and greatest. Here are some shots of some really awesome exhibit details that intrigued me.
Towards the end of the first day, Holly Madison was the guest celebrity signing autographs for the charity soles 4 souls. I couldn’t leave Vegas without a picture.
In addition to the show, Las Vegas in August is peak season for vacationers. A few employees in the hotels/casinos/convention centers said the city is doing much better than last year. It’s great to see the city running as there is no where else in the world like Vegas.
For questions regarding WSA 2010 or 2011 please do contact me at jlorias@skybay.com
Jessica Lynn Orias | Exhibit Consultant | 44111 Fremont Blvd. Fremont, CA 94538 | ph. 510.933.2212 | jlorias@skybay.com |fx. 510.490.9949 | www.skybay.com
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Jessica’s Blog: Skyline Booth Sighting: Smart Car uses Envoy in Santa Clara, CA
The cat is out of the bag! I shop regularly at Valley Fair Mall in Santa Clara, and to be honest, probably more than I should. As I was exiting Nordstrom’s onto the 2nd floor of the mall, I saw the Envoy which was being used by Smart Car. If you haven’t heard of this system already, it won best new product @ Exhibitor Show earlier this spring. The Envoy was designed and developed by Skyline Exhibits to meet the transition of modern exhibiting. Visit here to preview the Envoy video: The Envoy.
Smart Car uses our 4×8 envoy system with a connected overhead ceiling which creates a canopy for their very compact car. The entire display is skinned with full fabric graphics, and the ceiling has cut-outs for halogen lighting strips. Also, Skyline’s popular stratus table is used as their quick workstations; however, they were unmanned when I was there. Maybe it was because I wasn’t there during their “busy” time.
The inside of the Envoy has attached bench seating that can barely bee seen by this picture. While everyone was checking out the Smart Car, I was more interested in testing
out the chairs!
By the way, the Smart Car is not too bad either.
We would like to share your own “Skyline Booth Sightings” pictures. Please email pictures to jlorias@skybay.com in exchange for a Skyline voucher.
Jessica Lynn Orias | Exhibit Consultant | 44111 Fremont Blvd. Fremont, CA 94538 | ph. 510.933.2212 | jlorias@skybay.com | fx. 510.490.9949 | www.skybay.com
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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
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Jessica’s Blog: Exhibiting International
As time goes on and the more projects I encounter, I have to say planning for an international trade show is a unique experience every single time. Throw in the surprises of dollar conversion of the current second, time difference (smartphone gets heavy usage), language barrier, and cultural ways of exhibiting, I’m constantly on my toes. I have a good amount of countries under my belt, Germany, Dubai, Italy, Spain, just to name a few. I find international exhibiting refreshing as some countries union laws are not as prominent as the US . You really can work outside the box and get ultra creative.
Now the #1 challenge, the distance. It’s not as easy as driving to a design center to develop creative. Unlike the US, there is no consistency going country to country or even continent. It is very easy for someone in the Bay Area to plan for a trade show in Orlando. Not challenging at all. Planning outside the US takes a bit more time and experience. Exhibitors are constantly looking for a local referral or even resorting to show offerings which is extremely limited design-wise.
My #1 rule, we should never sacrifice the look of our spaces overseas. Some countries are just as critical as the US or maybe even more. Show management is the easy solution, but when you arrive 90% of the time you wish you could have done more. You agree, because you look around the exhibits are so impressive. Skyline has the largest global network in the industry and can cover a majority of international metropolitan cities. As simple as planning for Orlando, you can plan for ASIA, without the 12am email. The advantage to Skyline is our offices speak the same language, no matter what language it is.
For questions on international exhibiting you can contact me directly at Skyline Exhibits – jlorias@skybay.com
Jessica Lynn Orias | Exhibit Consultant | 44111 Fremont Blvd. Fremont, CA 94538 | ph. 510.933.2212 | jlorias@skybay.com | fx. 510.490.9949 | www.skybay.com
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