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The Exhibit Source specializes in creating large-scale graphics that utilize color saturation and seamless designs, up to 10' dimensions. The Exhibit Source's turnkey approach factors in all aspects associated with cost and efficiency.

It all starts at our website’s “Exhibit Design Search” page where all the various exhibit designs are easily categorized and laid out for you. There you will see a wide variety of exhibit designs to include hybrid inline and island type exhibits, portable modular displays, counters and kiosks, and banner stands. And realize that we provide the full range of implementation services that include shipping, installation and dismantle, and storage.

If putting “eyes on” suits you, we absolutely welcome you to vist our new 18,000 sq. ft showroom in Newton, Mass. For over 20 years, we’ve provided the very best in trade show exhibit equipment to Boston, New England,  and beyond. Trust the Exhibit Source to help make the very best impression for you and your business.

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What are the first words that come to mind when walking through amazing trade show booths? Breathtaking. Risky. Colorful. Vivacious. Interactive. What sets a trade show booth apart from its competitors is its degree of interactivity and engagement. Booths that tell stories are the trade show booths that get talked about. The creation process of trade show booths starts with ‘a concept’. Once a concept is melded, the following factors make the difference between a mediocre trade show booth and an amazing trade show booth: creativity, strategy, logic, and a little bit of operational efficiency.

Creativity

The difference between a trade show exhibit you see passively and one that you scrutinize actively is the creativity factor. A high creative factor will lure your eyes to the center of the product or service. A trade show team’s creativity is the single most important factor during the research and development phase of creating amazing trade show booths. This is the part where endless ideas are discussed.

Logic

Logic is the phase where fantasy needs to be converted into reality. Basically, this is the part where we take creative ideas and turn them into realistic plans. Many ideas fall out, but most, if not all, can be used. This is the time to sit down and discuss how these creative ideas could be incorporated on the floor. Whether this is duplicating an experience done before in another medium or a brand new experience involving different components, sitting down to add realistic materials to create the visual display is essential.

Strategy

The strategy component is where your team needs to decide how to incorporate the audience. Do you give them a sales pitch? Do you allow them to test out the product? Do you view a video? How does the audience and product meet? Coming up with marketing strategies for how to incorporate the audience may need to be a factor in the design of your exhibit. Remember, the exhibit is a part of your marketing –your place that will support your ability to obtain consumers. Strategize how to capture your audience’s attention, pull them into your trade show display, and sell them, all in your amazing trade show booth.

Operation

What your consumers see on the day of the convention does not magically appear. Once you have completed the creative, logistical, and strategic components of the process for your amazing trade show booth, you need to plan out how these booths will be constructed, transported, set-up, torn-down, transported back, and stored. This is also the place where most show-stopping errors occur. Make sure you are very organized during this process. No matter how effective and precious the booth, an error in the final steps of operations can cost you dollars in the end.

To ensure a smooth process from creativity to operations, connect with a trade show exhibit company who can provide amazing trade show booths. Contact The Exhibit Source.

www.business2community.com

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So why do companies that invest thousands of marketing dollars at trade shows not get professional help before they exhibit?   Here are 7 reasons why there will always be exhibitors who aren’t exhibit marketers:

• B2B companies too often put their trade show marketing in the hands of a well-meaning, but overworked and unprepared employee — and don’t provide any trade show training, because trade shows look deceptively easy.  They are actually harder than they look.

• Some exhibit marketers are not allowed to choose their booth staff, and get stuck with staffers who don’t want to be in their trade show displays — and those unwilling staffers plainly show their displeasure to prospects.

• Some exhibit marketers lack the authority to make the changes necessary to actually market at trade shows, rather than just show up.

• Some show owners wash their hands of the continuous need to provide coaching to their exhibitors, both new and returning.

• Some people responsible for their company’s trade show program think they already know all they need to know — and so they don’t want to find out what they could do better.

• Sometimes there is no primary owner accountable for their trade show program, so multiple departments fight over what to do or don’t fight over it at all.

• Sometimes, exhibit marketers know what to do to succeed, but frustratingly, lack the budget or the time to create a fully integrated trade show program.

Those are 7 challenges that inhibit trade show success.  Fortunately, there are companies that can help you do trade shows right.  A professional trade show display can help improve trade show results.

Are you at a company that fits one of those 7 reasons?  Contact The Exhibit Source.

Excerpts - TSNN

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As companies in Massachusetts attempt to increase their bottom line and tighten their belts, they need to consider the ROI of their marketing techniques. What has the longest reach, what has the best ROI, what causes the most conversions to sales? All of these questions are valuable and need to be considered.

While your are considering these questions, consider the study recently released by The Exhibit & Event Marketers Association and the Chief Marketing Officer Council on the value of trade shows and event marketing.

Among the key findings was the continuing importance of trade shows and events for marketers across organizations, despite growing reliance on social media and digital channels. About 90% of respondents reported that trade shows held at least some level of importance for their business, and almost half considered trade shows and events essential.

“Events and trade shows and their ability to host intimate, face-to-face dialogues with customers, prospects, influencers and even competitors remains critical to many marketers across a multitude of industries,” says Liz Miller, VP of marketing programs for the Chief Marketing Officer Council.

Most marketers think of trade shows as ways to increase revenue, with the majority using them to find new prospects and to gather or cultivate leads.

The process of event marketing, however, is undergoing an evolution to make them more personalized. Many companies said they were starting to move from the large trade shows, toward smaller, targeted gatherings. Other companies are choosing to host their own events to build their brand.

The survey gives marketers and event planners insights on how to make the most of these business trade shows. Organizations also understand that they need to make themselves stand out on the trade show floor through well thought out and captivating trade show exhibits and that they need to give social media a bigger presence at these events — all intended to help exhibitors and marketers attract interest and better relay their message.

For more information on making an impact at trade shows, contact The Exhibit Source in Newton.

Excerpts - businessadministrationinformation.com

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A B2B marketing professional and a self-described "big believer in trade shows," recently shared a list of ways to make an exhibitor's experience at an expo the best it can be.

Here are a few excerpts from his suggestions:

Use a professional exhibit.  Walk around a show sometime and notice that the best presenters have the biggest crowds...They have personality plus.  That’s what they do for a living.  They will also deliver the message consistently.  Non-professional trade show booths have few of these aspects that make all the difference. Be sure your trade show booth is professional and well thought out.

Dress everyone on the team the exact same.  I’m talking about choosing both a branded shirt and a specific color and style of pants, so everyone really does look like they are a team.  It’s not that easy to execute, but worth the effort.

Keep the trade show booth spotless. It’s often real hard to tell everyone that they can’t leave their coat, rolling laptop bag and bulging trade show stuff bag in the booth...But it must be done.  If you don’t have adequate storage space in the booth, warn attendees in advance (every time you communicate with them) and have alternative options.

For more information on Trade Show Exhibits, contact The Exhibit Source.

International Meetings Review

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If you regularly attend trade shows, or are thinking about attending your first, there is a lot of thought that needs to be put into each endeavor. Company trade show exhibits are key to drawing customers and potential customers in for a conversation. The message and design of your trade show booth are what catches their eye and makes you top-of-mind while they are there.

But what about after they leave? Your trade show giveaway is very important. It needs to be unique, useful and memorable. Are you out of ideas? Here are a few ideas for unique trade show give-aways:

Ice Scrapers – In the winter in Boston, we wake up to ice coated windshields far too often. A personalized ice scraper could be a great trade show freebie for your business. Yes, potential customers may toss them in the trunk of their cars. But they are going to remember you as soon as the winter comes around again!

Hand Fans - On the flip, it is hot in the summer in Boston too. A personalized hand fan is especially useful. Not only are they highly functional, chances are good that they are going to come in handy on humid days for the foreseeable future. And every time someone picks it up to fan themselves, they will be reminded of your business!

Sunglasses Clips - How many times have you lost a pair of sunglasses in your life? Probably more than a few! Sunglasses clips are a unique, yet effective freebie item for businesses attending trade shows. They clip on to the visor of your car so that you always know where to find your sunglasses while you’re driving on sunny days. This giveaway is one that your customers will use frequently and year round.

Tape Measures - There have certainly been times where you’ve needed a tape measure. Perhaps you recently purchased a new copy machine and you’re trying to figure out where to put it, or maybe you’re moving the office around to accommodate a new employee. A tape measure would  come in handy. Why not create personalized ones for your next industry event?

Bottle Openers - Bottle openers are an effective trade show giveaway. They are both highly functional and they’ve got staying power! No more searching for a bottle opener while cracking open a cold drink at your next cookout (which are also great places for business referrals and networking).

For more ideas on how to be memorable during and after the trade show, contact The Exhibit Source in Newton, MA.

B2C

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Handing out a brochure and repeating your elevator pitch is the old way of marketing at trade shows. Now, you can equip your trade show display with technology and interactive features that draw potential customers to your exhibit with minimal effort.

Captive audiences ask the right questions and allow you to start those critical conversations. People like to be in control, and they will be with a digitally equipped, modern and interactive display.

There are a few different ways to incorporate interactive elements into your next trade show display.

Video and Monitor Displays – A video display does a few things to make your trade show experience more fruitful. They make it easier for you. Instead of making the standard sales pitch constantly, you can showcase your company’s digital creations.

Kiosks– Instead of, or in addition to, the more standard display tables, include a kiosk in your next trade show display. Kiosks can be equipped with iPads or laptops, which can be used to increase the interactivity level at your exhibit. It’s the perfect display element to let attendees browse your company’s latest mobile application release or web application.

Workstations – Workstations are similar to kiosks but provide a larger work area and the option of including seating. Workstations are ideal for having attendees fill out a needs analysis or take a few minutes to test out a web application.  They’re also useful for sitting down for a one-to-one conversation or taking more in-depth information from a potential client or customer. Workstations are often used as a supplemental element, providing a separate area for more engaged interaction while the main display area is manned by another team member.

For more information on interactive trade show displays, contact The Exhibit Source in Newton.

Marketingtechnews.com

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“One of the main benefits of appearing at a trade show over selling to individuals is that it’s just like running a retail store. People are coming in the door to talk to you,” Linda Bishop, founder of sales training and marketing consulting firm Thought Transformation, told IMT. “What you should be looking at is the value of a sale. You can look at it as the value of a single sale, or as the lifetime value of a client. If selling to one or two or three people will pay for a trade show, it’s a good place for you to be.”

According to data from the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR), 88% of the attendees at a trade show usually haven’t been seen by a member of your company’s sales staff in the past year, and 70% plan to buy one or more products. On average, 76% of attendees ask for quotes and 26% end up signing purchase orders. Seventy-two percent of visitors say the show itself influences their buying decisions.

The positive impact of exhibiting at a trade show isn’t confined just to the event, as 87 percent of attendees will pass along some of the information they obtained at the show, and 64 percent will tell at least six other people about it. From a sales perspective, shows can also be highly cost-effective — it costs 22 percent less to contact a potential buyer at a show than through traditional field sales calls.

The Exhibit Source provides a complete selection of event marketing and trade show exhibit solution. Whether you are attending national trade show promotions (where you may need rent 20x20 trade show displays or larger) or simply need support for small-scale training meetings (where a 10x10 Tabletop promotional display is best), we are ready and able to serve your business needs. Our services include exhibit design and construction, graphic design, signage, shipping, and installation and dismantle logistics. With an extensive product line and custom modular displays, we deliver a standout custom look with all the practical benefits of a modular product.

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Trade show season is in full swing. Besides creating an effective and memorable trade show exhibits, remember your loyal customers and stick to your marketing efforts.  Instead, use this as an opportunity to get the most out of your trade show attendance by including your customers in the experience.
 
Here are some easy ways to get customers excited about your new products.

Kick off an online campaign a week or two before the trade show. Give it a fun name, like “Be Our Buyer.”

If you have it in your budget or live close enough to a trade show to avoid flight and hotel expenses, host a contest and have the prize be a day at the trade show. Have customers submit an essay.

If you are not able to bring someone to the show with you, bring the show to your customers. Crowd sourcing has never been easier than with the help of social media. While at a show, snap a few pictures and post them to Facebook. Then, ask your fans what they like best. This increase online engagement, and conversation.

One of the most exciting aspects of attending a trade show is getting a first look at upcoming trends. Share some of your favorite trends with your customers.

Even after you return from your travels, you can keep the excitement going with an inventory blowout.  You will need to make room for your new products anyway. Use social media, email marketing and word of mouth to help spread the word. Let your customers know that you are having the sale to make room for your new product arrivals.

After spending time and effort creating excitement around the trade show experience, host a premiere party to announce your new product arrivals. Send invitations through email, creating a Facebook event and providing invitations. Lay down the red carpet, put out refreshments, turn on the tunes and you will start cranking out sales.

Bring your efforts full circle by offering special incentives for those customers who experienced the trade show whirlwind with you. From those who voted on product pictures to the folks who helped clear your shelves during the inventory blow out, give them the VIP treatment with some extra special savings.

For more ideas on successful trade shows, contact The Exhibit Source.

Independent Retailer

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If your business is heading to its first trade show, don’t be intimidated by your first trade show exhibit buying experience. First, think about what your marketing objectives are and let that strategy dictate your exhibit marketing needs. Now, depending on your goals, consider if you need to purchase a custom exhibit, or if you can purchase a portable exhibit, modular exhibit, or hybrid exhibit which are less expensive. Most importantly, the earlier you start to plan the better.

In buying your first exhibit, a lot of questions will arise; getting advice will help you make the right decisions. There are different types of exhibits which can meet different needs. How you plan to use the exhibit, your image and your budget will dictate what type of trade show exhibit you can buy.

The Exhibit Source can custom design your trade show display or you can buy an exhibit system, which is an alternative to the high cost of having one custom designed. Exhibit systems includes portable, modular, and hybrid exhibits, which are evolving towards custom-crafted exhibits, and custom designed trade show exhibits are evolving towards exhibit systems, both have distinct advantages. Making the decision as to which style exhibit to purchase is where an exhibit consultant can be very useful.

For more information on types and styles of trade show exhibits, contact The Exhibit Source in Newton.

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