Your Basic Trade Show Booth Isn’t So Basic

Traditional trade show stands are still the go-to for many companies, and with good reason. They’re relatively inexpensive, fairly durable, and can be tweaked to fit most any business. The problem is that they can also be pretty boring for visitors. Unless you’re looking to have one custom designed, you’ll be hard pressed to have a trade show booth that is completely different from all the others out there. Graphics and text only go so far. Nonetheless, these trade show stands remain a very good option for the first-time attendee.

Banner Stands Make Great Trade Show Stands

Banner stands are one way to make your basic trade show booth shine, but they can also become trade show exhibits in their own right. They can be added to any existing trade show stands, either to promote a new product without completely changing the trade show booth or simply to update an older item. When used alone, they can be combined with other banner stands such that they form one complete set of trade show exhibits that is very unique and offers a lot of visual interest, making it truly compelling for visitors. Best of all, banner stands are the most inexpensive type of trade show exhibits, allowing them to be used when a totally new trade show booth isn’t practical.

Pop Up Trade Show Stands

These trade show stands are a new technology, yet they won’t break the bank to use at your next convention. They have a characteristic curved appearance, which offers a lot of visual appeal. In addition, setting up these trade show stands is easy. They get their name from a unique pop up mechanism which allows the trade show booth to almost completely set itself up. The most you’ll have to do with typical pop up trade show stands is connect a few snaps on the fabric. The downside to these trade show exhibits is that they are difficult to update, precisely because replacing the graphics on them can be tricky.

Tabletop Trade Show Exhibits

Once considered the least desirable type of trade show exhibits, these small powerhouses have really come into their own recently. They can include tabletop banner stands as well as tabletop pop up trade show exhibits. In the right hands, a small unit is a very powerful tool – and an inexpensive one, too. Make sure you check with your convention provider to determine the exact dimensions of your space and to ask any other relevant questions. When you’re working with smaller trade show stands, knowing every detail and using every inch of space is vital.

Which One Should You Choose?

It’s hard to make a wrong choice between these different trade show stands. While each of them has their own particular advantages and disadvantages, overall they’re each strong in their own way. Simply choose whichever sounds best to you and make it harmonious with your company’s message. In time you may decide to replace one trade show booth with another, but that will be after you’ve observed all of them for yourself and know more than enough to make an informed decision.

Why Give Things Away For Free At Trade Show Exhibits?

Initially, the idea of giving away something for free might seem counterintuitive. After all, isn’t your business looking to make money? In the short term, you’re certainly going to invest a bit of money on the items given away. There are two main things that make freebies such a good value in the longer term. First, if you give them away at your trade show displays, you should always get contact information from everyone who takes one. That contact information will become invaluable, as you use it to turn those prospects into qualified leads.

In addition, you’ll also benefit by reinforcing your brand. Particularly if you choose to give away items that are highly useful like pens or paperweights, people will continue to make use of them long after the trade show display has been taken down. They will become a constant reminder of your company, making it much more likely that your company will be the first choice should that recipient ever need your product.

Choosing The Ideal Gift For Your Trade Show Display

There are many different factors that should come into play when you choose your giveaway. These are some of the most important to consider:

How big is your budget? As with all aspects of trade show displays, budget matters. You have to be aware of what you can spend, and be careful not to go over that amount. However, you also need to ensure that your items will get the job done. A cheap giveaway item can often be penny wise, yet pound foolish.

Giveaways (and trade show exhibits) should always match your company image. Don’t give away something trivial, useless, or humorous unless it reinforces the image you want people to have of your company.

The more unique the item, the better. People get tons of pens and other cheap, yet useful items during any given convention. In order to make your company stand out, you need to have something that is more unique and more interesting than everyone else. There are many options that can fit this description, and they’re available without breaking your budget.

Make Sure Your Trade Show Display Gives Gifts In A Productive Manner

Giving out items randomly and indiscriminately isn’t going to obtain the biggest benefit for your company. Remember that the goal of giveaways is to promote your trade show exhibits in the short term, and your company and product in the longer term. If possible, you should never give out items without receiving some kind of contact information in return. Similarly, if you have different items to give away, don’t just distribute them at random. Make a careful choice about who gets what. Don’t have piles of freebies just sitting around – that only diminishes their value. People should feel that receiving a freebie is something special, or the overall value of that freebie is diminished.

When done well, freebies can be a big benefit at trade show displays and for the company. There are many different types of giveaways available, so don’t settle for something that isn’t right for your situation. Follow these tips, and you’ll find the freebie and distribution style that is right for your business.

Modular Trade Show Displays In Chicago Are Highly Adaptable

The reason why trade show display rental in Chicago has become so much more common is that modular units permit new levels of customization in otherwise standard units. Where you previously had to purchase a Chicago trade show exhibit that would be custom-built to your specifications, now it is often possible to rearrange trade show rental displays in Chicago to meet your needs.

In addition, modular units have an important advantage over a custom-built Chicago trade show exhibit: they can be reconfigured as many times as your company desires. There is no limit to their customization options. Instead of purchasing new trade show displays in Chicago when you need a fresh look, you can simply work with the one you have. A few minor tweaks are usually enough to update any trade show display. Rental modular units can be adapted as many times as is necessary, and can often be changed on the convention floor. This advantage over fixed-state trade show displays in Chicago can be substantial.

Don’t Assume Your Desired Customization Is Impossible

When you have an idea about how you would like your Chicago trade show exhibit to look, don’t rule out customizing a rental. There are some modifications that just won’t work for a trade show display rental in Chicago. They may be too expensive to justify, or they may even threaten permanent harm to the structure of trade show displays. Chicago rental companies understand the details and will help you understand them too. You shouldn’t try to guess at the restrictions, but you shouldn’t count on being able to do a particular modification either. A company that offers quality trade show display rental in Chicago will be happy to explain the range of possibilities and price each one out for you.

Add Your Own Inexpensive Yet Custom Touches

Banner stands and other small add-on items may seem extraneous at first, but they can actually make a big difference to a visitor. Because they are inexpensive, many companies find it useful to buy completely custom small units and choose a trade show display rental in Chicago for their larger displays. The smaller units provide the customized and extensively branded look that the companies seek, while the larger Chicago trade show exhibit provides additional design at a rental cost. This method is also popular with companies that don’t have the funds or room to store large trade show exhibits in Chicago. Banner stands are a practical option as they are small and easy to store, in addition to their low cost.

Trade show display rental in Chicago is a great way to make a statement at your next convention, or to simply get your feet wet in a new marketing endeavor. When done right, rented trade show exhibits in Chicago can look great and appear highly customized, making visitors feel right at home and delivering great results when the conference is over.

The McCormick Place rules were imposed by the Illinois State Legislature to stop conventions from leaving Chicago.

Stevens Convention Center and Rosemont Exposition Services notified customers that show services are now available at the same reduced hourly labor rates at in the “McPier Legislation.”

Trade Show Display Training

Training your event staff is vital to the success of the product launch. New products and services mean people have questions. Your staff must answer these questions  for the attendee to give the product or service thought. The team should connect the product or service to the attendee’s specific situation. The staff must be ready to point out important features to close the deal. Take extra time to ensure the staff understands the benefits. If possible, let the staff interact with the product or service to solidify the training.

Make Information Materials Clear And Understandable

Any information packets handed out in your trade show displays need to be clear and easy to understand. At times, a business is too consumed with new features. First, prioritize the new features and benefits. What are the most important aspects for your clients? Once this is complete, develop the materials so that they highlight the most important factors. If they depend on the application, develop two or more sets of information materials that are geared toward the appropriate audience.

Develop A Plan Of Attack

The most critical part of a successful product launch is the plan of attack. From beginning to end, everything for your trade show display must bleed strategy. Consider three steps along the process. The first is how the business markets the product prior to the launch. This part is about creating buzz. Viral campaigns have produced successful product launches for come companies. Next, consider the actual event. Think through the  trade show booth layout, the creative at the exhibit and the media available to potential clients. An interactive environment in your trade show displays is conducive for closing more deals. Lastly, plan the follow-up strategy. Gaining information is of no value if nothing is ever done with it.

Marketing The Event

An excellent use of social media is to market your next event. Inviting past, current and potential clients to connect personally at the event will help drive traffic to your trade show booth. Special offers, new product launches and other reasons they should visit the booth encourage attendance as well. Some businesses have found that Facebook ads are a beneficial marketing tool. A company can target an audience by location, interest and other demographics. These factors all play a role in the messaging of the ad. Foursquare and Facebook Places work to drive traffic to the event. Encourage visitors to check-in and tell their friends to visit your booth. The companies that integrate the social media world into their Chicago trade show booths will have more success.

Strengthening Client Relations

Building relationships is important in any business. Many use Chicago trade show booths to reconnect with clients. Encourage your clients to visit you at Chicago trade show exhibits through social media. Sending personal invitations is extremely effective, and reconnecting at Chicago trade show booths solidifies their relationship to you.

Within your trade show booth, a relationship with a potential client can only be started. Very rarely does a deal begin and end in a single visit. If a potential client is interacting for the first time, encourage them to connect with your business on a social network. Maintaining contact is vital to building relationships that can be nurtured into business.

Bring Traffic To The Event

Many businesses use their Chicago trade show booths to build their social networks. The best use of their social network is to build their Chicago trade show exhibits. They drive traffic through promotions and giveaways to followers that come to their booth. Some companies have used the opportunity to both build their network and drive traffic. They have done this by encouraging Chicago trade show booths visitors to follow them to receive updates about special giveaways during the event.

Tradetec Skyline Helps Businesses Succeed

Regardless of the strategy to integrate social media, a company needs to be viewed as an industry leader at Chicago trade show displays. Tradetec Skyline has helped numerous businesses succeed through their Chicago trade show booths. The expert staff assists in the development of an effective design strategy to position a business for success.

Stay Ahead Of The Competition At Chicago Trade Show Displays

Many exhibitors have found that Chicago trade show booths are an excellent way to keep tabs on the competition. They will make it a point to go to each exhibit of their competitors, collect the brochures, and review any new offerings being given. This competitive intelligence enables businesses to quickly adjust to meet the demands that potential clients may be looking for when comparing the two companies. Additionally, collecting the information helps the staff at Chicago trade show displays to answer why the attendee should choose their company over the competition.

Chicago Trade Show Booths Give Buyers Experience

Another way that Chicago trade show booths has been valuable for businesses is that it gives buyers experience with the company and the products or services it offers. Many adults tend to be visual learners. According to a study published by S. Joseph Levine of Michigan State University, the use of demonstration is beneficial in helping adults to learn about new things. This means that Chicago trade show booths are perfect learning environments for potential clients

Chicago trade show exhibits also provide hands on experience for potential clients with many products and services that are available. Buyers will tend to shy away from change and would rather stick to what has been working for the business. Chicago trade show booths enable attendees to interact with or gain a better understanding of the products and services available. Especially important to them is how the product or service will provide value for their specific business.

Connect With New Buyers At Chicago Trade Show Exhibits

The most important aspect to the growth of a business is connecting with new buyers at Chicago trade show booths. Recently the Center for Exhibition Industry Research did a study on several aspects of the attendee to exhibitor relationship. The study uncovered that on average 88% of attendees had not connected with the exhibitors displaying in the past twelve months. This means that businesses are connecting with new potential buyers. Some exhibitors have said that it is just the same people every year. However the same study showed that 4 out of 10 attendees had never been to the exposition before.he vast majority of attendees are coming to the exhibition ready to buy. With that kind of consolidated marketplace a business simply needs to be involved.

Tradetec Skyline Can Help With Chicago Trade Show Booths

Using an experienced team to assist your company with Chicago trade show booths will provide valuable insights into the exhibition industry. The team at Tradetec Skyline has years of experience and can help guide your business through the process. Contact Tradetec Skyline today and start finding value out of Chicago trade show exhibits.

Chicago Trade Show Displays Result Analysis Forces Follow Through

An important aspect of analyzing results means that the business must follow through on the leads that were generated from the Chicago trade show exhibits. The majority of leads that are generated from an event are never followed up on by most businesses. This means that there are numerous potential clients that are never contacted. A company that is committed to putting together a quality analysis of the results must also commit to following up on all leads to ensure the accuracy. Otherwise the business is throwing away potential clients and value from Chicago trade show exhibits. Once follow up is complete the business will be able to determine accurate conversion rates and cost per conversion numbers.

Requires Definition Prior To Chicago Trade Show Booths

An extremely beneficial aspect of proper results analysis is that the criteria should be developed before the event. This means that the staff will know going in what they are trying to accomplish. Providing focus for the staff will reduce unneeded aspects of Chicago trade show exhibits that do not promote the end goal. Additionally the staff will be able to direct conversations in order to achieve the results for which a company is looking. It is important to develop qualification standards to filter potential clients that will truly benefit from the products and services that were at Chicago trade shows

Accountability For Chicago Trade Show Exhibits

There are several ways that measuring results will provide accountability for booth staff at Chicago trade show exhibits. First, prior to the event staff are informed of what will be expected of them. This will help them to hold themselves accountable for what is expected. During the event, a team can hold meetings each night reviewing the objectives, discussing the success so far, and ways to improve the next day. Then following Chicago trade show exhibits, businesses can make decisions as to which booth staff is proving to be the most effective at the event. From there, they can request improvement, learn what things successful staff members are doing and make staff cuts if necessary for future Chicago trade show exhibits.

Hiring Experience Chicago Trade Show Exhibits Professionals Will Improve Results

Ultimately, hiring experienced professionals to assist with Chicago trade show displays will improve results. Tradetec Skyline has been assisting businesses with the various aspects of their Chicago trade show booths for years. Their team is qualified to make recommendations that will help businesses make better decisions when it comes to Chicago trade show exhibits. To learn more about the products and services available from Tradetec Skyline visit their website at www.ttskyline.com or call 630-629-9317.

Which Events Will Prospective Clients Be Attending?

A great way to find out what Chicago trade shows will be the most valuable for a business is to ask both current and prospective clients what events they plan to attend. If they are planning to attend the event the chances are quite likely that others that would be interested in your products and services will be attending those as well. This will assist any business with making a more informed decision as to which Chicago trade show displays could be of value

Ask Employees About Chicago Trade Show Events

Another important resource that businesses have available to them is their employees. Often they have participated in Chicago trade show displays before; either for that company or for another. They can provide highly valuable exhibitor insight into tradeshows to help businesses make a better decision. They would be aware of the type of attendees that show up to events and the past success from their perspective. While this information can be highly valuable, it is important for a business to remember that this information can be subjective based upon the employees experience as well. The idea is to get multiple perspectives in order to obtain a clearer picture about each event.

Chicago Trade Show Exhibits Target Audience

A great way for a company to define what trade shows in which to participate is to define the audience and objectives they are trying to reach. Some of the trade shows in Chicago will be more conducive for meeting the goals of a company than others. This cannot be determined until the audience and goals have been defined. Once this is complete the business will need to do research on each event in order to identify what objectives it will be able to address. If an event does not meet the audience or objectives it can be cut from the list of possibilities.

Tradetec Skyline Can Identify Cost Of Trade Show Displays

Advice from a professional that has worked with multiple companies and their Chicago trade show displays is some of the most valuable information that a business can obtain. They are aware of the success that an event has had in the past and can make recommendations on the best strategies to take at Chicago trade show booths to make them successful. Tradetec Skyline has years of experience assisting businesses with Chicago trade show displays. To learn more about the products and services available from Tradetec Skyline visit their website at www.ttskyline.com or contact 630-629-9317.

Quality Of Interactions Over Quantity At Chicago Trade Show Exhibits

Unless the company has already developed a strong brand, an exhibitor should focus on the quality of the interactions rather than the quantity at Chicago trade show booths. Choosing a booth location that is right in the main aisle of traffic could actually work against the success of the event. Placements that have somewhat less pass-through traffic will allow those that stop by the booth to feel less rushed. The booth staff at Chicago trade show displays will feel less rushed as well, which will in turn improve the overall quality of interactions. The average attendee has anywhere from five to 15 minutes to spend at each booth at which they stop. A company will want to ensure they are making the most of each interaction at Chicago trade show exhibits.

Connect With Complementary Exhibitors

Another important factor to consider when deciding where to place Chicago trade show booths is the location of complementary products and services. This entails finding out where other exhibitors will be located who provide related products and services, but are not direct competitors. Connecting with these exhibitors can be a great sales method and adds to the value of the booth location. Exhibitors will want to make sure that they do not place Chicago trade show exhibits next to competitors. This will allow attendees to solely focus their attention on the company’s products and services instead of making comparisons.

Be Conscious Of The Chicago Trade Show Exhibits’ Environment

Understanding the environment of Chicago trade show booths will also help to make the event a success. In addition to knowing where the entry points are into the exhibition hall, a company should also consider other environmental factors such as location in relationship to windows, if any. Exhibitors that rely heavily on video for their Chicago trade show displays will want to ensure that they are in a location that is most conducive for video. Another factor to consider is what other confounding elements and potential distractions will be located around your booth, such as speakers or food retailers.  These can divert attendees from the booth’s message and detract from the success of Chicago trade show exhibits.

Let Tradetec Skyline Help

Many companies that will be having Chicago trade show exhibits are not quite familiar with all the locations. Contacting the event professionals at Tradetec Skyline will help a business to identify important factors in booth placement. They can also develop Chicago trade show exhibits that will work the best in each environment. Contact their experienced sales staff to make your next event a complete success.