The Impact Of Size

Nearly everyone has heard the phrase, ‘Size matters,’ although not necessarily in relation to a Chicago banner stand or trade show exhibit. It is accurate, however, in that the size of your trade show stand will affect everything from your company image to how easily people can find your stand on the trade show floor.

You don’t always have to choose the biggest, most elaborate trade show stand. Chicago conventions take place in facilities of various sizes, and you’ll want to keep your Chicago banner stand in line with the size of the trade show floor and the space you’ve been allotted. You don’t want to have to put your Chicago banner stand away because it’s too large for your area; retiring an integral part of your display can result in a disjointed, sparse display area that leaves visitors wondering what’s missing.

Once you determine the size of your available space, you can start thinking in terms of how big your Chicago banner stand and trade show elements should be. It’s best to fill up the space without cluttering it too much. Trade show attendees notice larger displays and can find them on the convention floor more easily. Size indicates that your company has good cash flow and is willing to spend money in order to capture attention.

If you have a sizable space available and want to ‘go big or go home,’ be sure you evaluate your current trade show stand to see if it will work in the space. Having a few small elements in a large space can be disconcerting for visitors, who may wonder why you didn’t bring enough elements to properly fill it. The scale of your overall display may also be off, which is tiring to the eyes. Take the overall scale of your space into consideration when you order new trade show stands. Chicago event planners can help you choose the right sized Chicago banner stand for any venue.

Keep in mind that you don’t have to cram the entire space with trade show stands, pop up displays, or table top displays. Make sure there is enough space in and around your trade show booth for visitors to move freely. A claustrophobic feeling isn’t what you want attendees to experience.

Choosing Stands That Work For You

Every business has specific needs and goals when they set up a trade show booth. If you know what you’re hoping to achieve, you can make better trade show stand and accessories choices. Before ordering your Chicago banner stands, think about how you want your booth to function. Be specific – do you want to be able to sit down and talk briefly with select clients? Then you’ll want to create space that offers a bit of privacy and perhaps some seating for brief meetings. Will you be presenting an interactive demonstration? Make sure your trade show stands, wall displays, and table top units are arranged in such a way that the maximum number of people possible can interact with you and your staff.

Don’t forget to consider storage for your Chicago banner stands, table top displays, and trade show stands. Chicago trade show experts suggest incorporating storage wherever possible so you can stow extra supplies and protect any proprietary company information you may need to refer to during the event. Keeping extra applications, brochures, office supplies, and even your purse or briefcase out of sight will result in a neater, more professional trade show display.

Chicago Banner Stands Should Reflect Your Company’s Image

Don’t get enthusiastic about the latest, trendiest style of trade show stand. Chicago trade shows are rife with examples of companies who went with the latest styles and colors only to have their message fall flat. Why? Because the colors and stylistic elements didn’t reflect the personality or reputation of the company.  Be yourself and use trade show stands and other elements that accurately represent what your business is really about.

Chicago banner stands come in a wide range of styles, colors, and designs, all of which can be customized.  If you need some guidance, talk to someone who can knowledgably guide you in choosing the right trade show stand. Chicago’s Skyline Tradetec can help you choose the ideal trade show stands for your next appearance on the convention floor.

In most cases, table top displays and pop up displays in Chicago are only damaged in transit if you rely on an unprofessional shipping company or your materials are handled by poorly trained airline baggage handlers. If you aren’t sure about the correct way to pack your pop up or table top displays, Chicago shipping companies will be glad to help. Guessing leads to poor packaging, which can also lead to serious damage.

Don’t Skimp On Shipping Cases For Your Trade Show Exhibit in Chicago, IL

Companies sometimes assume that after you’ve purchased a new trade show exhibit, whether it’s a few table top displays or a complete island, it’s only natural to buy professional cases to protect them. Surprisingly, many other companies skimp on protecting their table top displays. Chicago trade show professionals point out that this is a mistake that can be costly. Despite the added cost for trade show exhibit carrying cases, you should always order them. In the long run, you’ll save a considerable amount of money because you won’t be replacing damaged pop up displays or other elements every few years.

A properly designed case for your trade show exhibit will always give your pop up and table top displays maximum protection from bumps, falls, and poor handling by shipping companies. They also protect your exhibits from the elements in the unfortunate event they are left outside and exposed to inclement weather. Customized interiors mean each shipping case is designed specifically to cushion and protect the individual display it is protecting. Cases are designed to hold your trade show exhibits securely, with extra cushioning where needed and an interior that is precisely shaped to cradle your pop up display or table top displays. Chicago shipping stores can do a good job, but they can’t offer a custom-fitted case. You just don’t get the same effect by pouring packing peanuts into a box or trying to find cardboard inserts to bend into place. There’s no shifting in transit with a proper shipping case; you can’t always say that about peanuts, foam, shredded newspaper, or cardboard.

How To Pack And Ship If You Don’t Have A Carrying Case

Occasionally, circumstances beyond your control may mean that you’ll need to pack your table top displays yourself. To create a relatively safe carrying case for your table top displays, Chicago trade show professionals suggest following these simple steps:

Avoid shipping altogether for your most delicate items, such as pop ups or banner stands. Whenever possible, take them as carry on luggage or drive them to your next trade show exhibit. Chicago convention centers usually have areas where you can easily unload the elements from your car directly onto the convention or trade show floor.

If there is no other way to transport your pop up displays in Chicago or to your next trade show event, you need to set aside plenty of time to pack them correctly. Using the right materials is one of the most crucial elements to safely ship your trade show exhibit. Chicago, IL display pros offer these simple suggestions:

• Properly cover your table top displays and pop up displays. Chicago shipping professionals note that many people forget to wrap up their displays in an appropriate cloth or plastic sheeting. This prevents smudging, dirt, or packing materials from leaving marks on your display.

• Packing peanuts or Styrofoam blocks can cushion fragile displays, absorbing most of the force from random blows.

• Packing or wrapping paper is a thick, brown paper that you can wrap around your table top displays. Chicago shipping companies sometimes use packing paper to protect fragile items from scratching and other potential problems caused by the packaging materials used. Taping it into place (by overlapping two ends) will protect your trade show exhibit from marks, but don’t put tape directly on your display.

• Invest in some serious packing tape. This is the wide tape used to hold cardboard boxes together during shipment. Use it to seal cardboard boxes, but never put it on the surface of your table top displays. Chicago convention planners can tell you horror stories about how packing tape has damaged pop up displays.

If you use all four packing elements, you can create a safe and secure shipping container for your table top displays. Chicago shipping companies can provide you with the materials you need. They can either pack your display for you or give you pointers on how to do the job properly. With the right materials and careful planning, your trade show exhibit’s table top displays and pop up displays will arrive safely, whether they are in a carrying case or packed in cardboard and Styrofoam.

Table Top Displays Are Adaptable

Table top display feature one to three panels that convey your information using text and graphics that you can easily switch out or update as your company’s message evolves. Because much of the information is attached to the display with Velcro, you can simply remove the section you need to change and replace the material with new information. It’s easy and convenient, giving you the chance to target regional markets and keep pace with any changes within your company or the industry in general. Your marketing department will appreciate your budget-conscious investment.

Table Top Displays – Chicago Conferences And Trade Shows Make Them Popular

Trade show exhibits come in several shapes and sizes. Larger ones tend to be more time consuming to assemble and may be difficult to work with. On the other hand, you can quickly and easily set up table top displays. Chicago conference planners and trade show organizations appreciate table top displays because they’re easy to work with and you don’t usually need a tool box to get them assembled.

Spending less time assembling your Chicago trade show exhibit gives you more time to prepare yourself, check out competitors’ booths, and mingle with potential clients. You just toss an attractive table cloth over an appropriately sized table and set up your display in minutes.

Easy Storage And Inexpensive Shipping

The compact size and shape of table top displays make them easy to take down, store, and ship. If storage space is at a premium for your company, it makes sense to choose a Chicago trade show exhibit that doesn’t require a lot of storage space. Inexpensive shipping is another perk – you won’t ruin your budget sending your trade show exhibit to various locations. If you’re going to be traveling the country or the globe to attend numerous trade shows, the ideal solution is table top displays. Chicago companies turn to them again and again for maximum marketing at minimal cost.

Table Top Displays – Chicago’s Versatile Performers

You don’t always have to have the biggest, most elaborate trade show exhibit. Chicago trade show organizers agree that table top units offer versatility so that you can tailor the size and configuration of your trade show booth as you add elements. You can use your display alone, or add larger elements as times goes on. If you invest in islands or pop-up stands in the future, table top displays can easily be integrated into the new arrangement.

Chicago Trade Show Exhibits – Table Top Displays And Beyond

Only you can decide which style of trade show exhibit is right for you, but table top displays are a flexible, reliable solution for many venues. You can also take advantage of your table top unit’s versatility and compact size by using it between trade shows. Their size and style make them great additions to work shops, seminars, and training sessions.

Regardless of the size of your product or company, buying a few table top displays is a great way to invest in one of the most versatile Chicago trade show exhibits on the market.

Don’t Skimp On Your Trade Show Display; Chicago Trade Show Exhibits Are Competitive

It’s tempting to stick with the smallest possible trade show display when you’re just starting out. It’s a common error that can mean your Chicago trade show exhibit is overlooked entirely. Be sure you invest enough of your marketing budget in a booth or display that won’t get lost in the crowd. If you have a small exhibit, you may be assigned a space on the floor that is undesirable, where foot traffic is minimal and the opportunity for interaction with conference attendees will be reduced. Take a look at other Chicago trade show exhibits that relate to your industry. What is the typical size for a display? Take your cue from them and choose a comparable sized trade show display. Chicago shows are competitive, and you don’t want to look like a small fish in a big pond.

Don’t Go Over The Top With Your Display

You don’t want the smallest trade show exhibit, but going overboard in the opposite direction is also a surprisingly common mistake. Oversized exhibits can be too large for some trade show display guidelines, rendering them unusable. Keep the size of the venues in mind when ordering a Chicago trade show exhibit – you don’t want to super size yourself out of a space.

You can also avoid buyer’s remorse if you don’t blow your entire budget on your first exhibit. You don’t have to buy a complete trade show display; Chicago manufacturers understand the importance of going slowly. Work your way up so that you have the chance to learn what does and doesn’t work for you. If you’ve put all your funds into an oversized display that can’t be modified, you won’t be able to make valuable changes.

Don’t Clutter Your Message

Trade show exhibits are competing with each other for the attention of visitors, and many people will walk away if your Chicago trade show exhibit is exhausting to look at. Most people won’t stop if they can’t get a summary of what you have to offer in as little as four seconds. Be sure your trade show display conveys a brief, clear message that will intrigue people walking past your booth and encourage them to linger.

Don’t Man Your Chicago Trade Show Display With Inexperienced Staff

Don’t send your newest employees to trade shows and expect them to wow potential clients with their knowledge and experience. Either train them properly for conferences and events or send someone with more experience. They will need to be able to answer difficult questions and establish interesting dialogues. Asking “Do you have any questions?” isn’t enough.

Don’t Forget To Organize

Setting up and stocking your trade show display is only the beginning. Don’t forget to periodically scan and evaluate your trade show display. Chicago trade show experts know the importance of keeping your booth properly stocked with brochures, promotional gifts, and any other items you are using to connect with visitors.

Neatness counts as well. Keep brochures neatly stacked or corralled in an appropriate holder and periodically wipe down any areas that have become smudged or sticky. Give the employees staffing your Chicago trade show exhibit the opportunity to take a few minutes to freshen up throughout the day.

An inviting, organized trade show display is crucial to the success of your company’s presence at any event. If you avoid common mistakes with your trade show display, Chicago conference visitors will remember your exhibit, and your company, positively.

Trade shows are expensive but they can also be one of the best sales and marketing investments your company makes. Trade show exhibits provide unparalleled opportunities to forge stronger customer relationships, win-back old customers and acquire new, high-value customers. But you should expect this effort to deliver more.

Thanks to TSEA and Jessica Davis  for this information.

Free Trade Show White Papers

Our list of Trade Show White Papers can help you better understand and adapt to exhibiting trends.

The Skyline-sponsored White Papers help you better understand and adapt to market forces and significant trends affecting your trade show program.  Just click on the links below to request your free copy of these insightful white papers.

Exhibition Outlook & Trends in 4 Key Industries:
These four 16-page White Papers provide insight for each industry on the primary challenges facing these exhibitors, and the key themes for success in their changing trade show environment.

Industrial and Manufacturing Request White Paper
Medical and Healthcare Request White Paper
Information Technology Request White Paper
Professional and Business Services Request White Paper

Successful Exhibiting Strategies In Uncertain Times
This new 16-page White Paper gives you a fresh perspective on how you can go beyond just surviving to thrive in these challenging economic times. The answer to surviving this potential downturn is not to avoid exhibiting altogether, but instead to exhibit smarter. Request White Paper

What’s Working In Exhibiting
Discover how your peers are succeeding now with this new 32-page White Paper from Skyline Exhibits and Tradeshow Week Magazine.  The report reveals effective strategies and tactics exhibitors are using today to boost their results and stretch their budgets, with proven advice about Show Selection, Budgeting, Measuring Results, Lead Management, Exhibit Design, Booth Staffing, and Promotions.  Request White Paper

The Trend to Custom Modular Exhibits
This White Paper provides strong evidence that there is a continuing shift towards custom modular exhibits, because custom modular exhibits help lower operating costs and provide greater flexibility. Request White Paper

An Inconvenient Booth: Report on Green Exhibiting
What do people think is “Green exhibiting?” How willing are exhibitors to consider Green exhibiting options? What keeps them from doing so? To help answer those questions and more, Skyline gladly helped sponsor an extensive new research study on Green exhibiting. Request White Paper

International Exhibiting Trends & Outlook
This 24-page report provides experienced advice for U.S. exhibitors exhibiting at foreign events, U.S. exhibitors in U.S. events marketing to foreign attendees, and foreign exhibitors coming to U.S. events. Request White Paper

The Chicago Auto Show & Pepsi have created a unique marketing campaign for the upcoming event. This could be called tangible marketing, getting people involved is a way to keep them interested. Companies use Trade Show Displays in this manner all the time, creating an inviting experience for attendee’s, creating a layout where equipment, product and services can be tested and seen.

CHICAGO, Oct. 27 /PRNewswire/ — In a consumer promotion gear heads will love, the Chicago Auto Show has teamed up with Pepsi to give a $5 discount for weekday tickets to the nation’s biggest automotive exposition. More than 20 million cans of Pepsi will be stocked into greater Chicagoland, and selected Indiana and Wisconsin retailers bearing a promotional “coupon” entitling the bearer to enter the show on weekdays only with a $5 discount off the full admission price. “This is huge for auto show fans,” said Chicago Auto Show Chairman Mark Scarpelli. “Not only will they get a nice discount ticket for the show, but they’ll also get to enjoy a Pepsi — and you’ve got to love that!”

The promotion is quite simple, according to the show’s general manager, Jerry Cizek of the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, producer of the show. “Just bring a Pepsi can with the Chicago Auto Show ‘promotion coupon’ printed on it to McCormick Place and head for the ticket redemption booth,” said Cizek. “Each marked can is good for one discount ticket on our weekdays. Our ticket takers will exchange the can — which will be recycled — and give the bearer a ticket for half off the regular $10 admission price.”

The specially marked cans of Pepsi are valid for discounted show admission Feb. 13 and Feb. 16-20 only. Customers can find them in Pepsi retailers in the Upper Midwest Division of PepsiAmericas, that includes Chicagoland, plus Aurora, Elk Grove and Kankakee, Ill.; Munster, Ind.; and Milwaukee, Beloit, Oshkosh, Kenosha and Beaver Dam, Wisc. The 2009 Chicago Auto Show will open to the public Feb. 13-22, 2009 daily at McCormick Place. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Feb. 13-21; and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Feb. 22. More than 1,000 new production, concept and specialtyvehicles will be on display.

By taking full advantage of your trade show exhibit space you can reach corporate marketers, establish your position and brand to the B2B Market.  When you are looking to market your companies products and brand, there is ample opportunity at B2B Trade Shows, beginning a sales process with a large base of future customers.

New product launches at B2B Trade Shows can be successful and create impact for your companies future growth and help in your long term marketing goals.  Focus on the message you are looking to create, establish your objective’s early and entice your audience with pre-show mailers & sneak previews.

One of your main objectives in B2B Marketing is generating leads, keeping well documented information and defining your lead management plans with your sales team will help in the follow through of your sales effort.  With online trade show management software, your information can be maintained easily and reliably and is at your fingertips for reporting cost per lead, follow up, budgeting & inventory management twenty four hours a day.

B2B trade shows are a major source for word of mouth marketing, and many of the attendee’s have great influence on their peers, bringing back solutions and strategies.  With proper trade show management, strategy & event planning, your name could be one that solution.

People don’t go to trade shows to see the same old things they already know about and understand. It’s all about new, better, easier, faster and maybe more profitable.

The most noticeable and maybe the most discussed change in the displays filling the 100,000-square-foot Exhibition Hall fits none of the previously listed categories except for “new”: half a dozen GEA signs hanging over what has long been the WestfaliaSurge dairy equipment display.

The farming community is often considered a bit slow to accept change, and the worldwide adoption of the GEA moniker to the WestfaliaSurge brand is causing much discussion. The fact is, GEA, headquartered in Bochum, Germany, owns the Naperville, Ill., milking equipment operation (old-timers knew it as Surge) along with some 250 companies in 50 countries in an effort to meet the demands of world competition.                                                  John F. Oncken

Exhibiting at trade shows is great for new product launches and services.  It is the “new”  that we as a society are always looking for.  It is this very reason that your trade show display should be kept up to date, fresh & broadcasting a clear message.  If you continue to use the same trade show display year in & year out, no matter where you are exhibiting; Chicago, New York, Las Vegas or Orlando, you want to give your audience something different & unique to look at, a unique trade show display can attract visitors from the past more quickly if it has new elements to it.

Custom Modular Trade Show Displays are versatile exhibit solutions with a variety of components, accessories & features that are easily changeable and can offer a lightweight, yet compelling & inviting environment for prospective clients.

Exhibit Halls are a buzz with people looking for solutions and innovative ideas that will help their business and their productivity.  Your trade show booth should send them a clear message of how your products and services will enhance their business plan and goals.

Trends change over night, and keeping an eye on your trade show strategy can be beneficial. Determine which elements of your trade show marketing have worked best for you and focus on building around those elements of your trade show marketing.  If your trade show display has many visitors, but you feel your leads are not as significant as you had hoped, you may need to concentrate on your booth staffing and your presentation.

Being able to measure the results of your trade show management and marketing is essential in moving forward with a good strategy. It’s essential to have a plan in place for reporting and viewing good results as well as bad results, this way you can pin point the best direction to take for future trade shows. With an online trade show event management program you can have information & reports at your finger tips.

By reviewing your trade show management & marketing frequently you are able to make adjustments accordingly and alter your game plan. Looking ahead at your budget for the next year, you can use up to date data and this will give you a strong foundation for your upcoming trade show season.