I just returned from NAFA Institute & Expo in Detroit, and was once again pleased to see a trade show with increased attendance numbers from 2009. While walking along the show floor, I noticed three different types of exhibitors: those that “got it” and made their presence known to the attendees; those that did not seem to care at all, did nothing to attract attendees, and consequently complained about the show; and those that knew the value of exhibiting, did a good job, and received enough leads to satisfy the checkbook, but did not do anything to stand out from the crowd. This last group was by far the largest type of exhibitor at the show, and although I felt they made a good effort, they could really learn a thing or two. (more…)
Photo courtesy of KIEFFER Photography
The place that birthed my trade show career has taken a lot of abuse lately due to political, union, and cost concerns. I have a “glass half full” personality, so I believe that everyone can work together to get everything worked out to benefit all parties involved. (more…)
I have been in the event industry for 12 years, yet never realized that having to plan a funeral would be the most important event in which I have participated. My grandpa passed away unexpectedly last week, and my grandma, parents, and I were blessed to work with a funeral director who really cared about ensuring that Papa (as I nicknamed him as a child) had a ceremony that reflected him and his life. I am usually in the planner role as opposed to the planee role, and I have to say it was a very interesting experience to be on the other side of the table. While there, several traits of Scott Humes at Bopp Chapel became the reason why I trusted him so much and put confidence in his ability. (more…)
Now that you have decided that a Professional Trade Show Presenter will do a better job of drawing positive attention and potential customers to your booth than Mark from Marketing and Sally from Sales, how do you go about finding one? After all, many people call themselves Trade Show Presenters, but how do you know if they are reputable and good at what they do? It is not as hard as you think, as long as you are willing to take some time to research. After all, this individual is the first impression of your company, so you want to ensure that you make a perfect match! (more…)
Many of us in the trade show industry do not have a “title” that was introduced during Career Day in grade school. When we meet someone who says they are a Doctor, Lawyer, Plumber, Office Manager, Florist, Chef, or Bus Driver (for example), we have an understanding of what that person does on a daily basis. But most people give me a blank stare when I tell them I am a Professional Trade Show Presenter and then ask me “what’s that?” Or they say something along the lines of “oh, so you’re a Speaker.” (more…)
Presenting at CES is the best way I can think of to start the new year. The International CES (Consumer Electronics Show) is the world’s largest annual trade show for consumer technology and America’s largest annual trade show of any kind. It is great to get away to the Las Vegas warmth and sun from the cold and snow, and I always enjoy seeing old friends and connecting with new ones.
But what I do not enjoy about CES are the lines to get into any restaurant no matter where it is, what type of cuisine it serves, the price of the food, or whose name is associated with it. Plus, the name of the restaurant or the price of the total bill does not tell you anything about the quality of the food. I feel inadequate about my knowledge of restaurants in Las Vegas, so I turned to my Twitter friends for some help. Below is a list of restaurants recommended primarily by Event Professionals, whose opinion I trust more than any when it comes to food and service. (more…)
Mark and Sally Have a Problem
Mark from Marketing and Sally from Sales have many customers at the trade show that need their attention constantly. Their colleagues also want their frequent input on other issues, and they feel the need to walk the floor and check out the competition. They also feel a lot of pressure to get face time with others in the industry, and they have just been signed up for “booth duty.” On top of that, they just got the news that they are to do presentations on their product, 8 times a day!
“Great,” thinks Mark and Sally. But they are team-players and they will suck it up. It’s too bad the results from their presentations will be, ahem, mixed. After all, they’ll be thinking about all the other things they should be doing while they are presenting, which is not what they want to be doing. Mark and Sally are idea and implementation people, not crowd-pleasing spokespeople.
There is a better way. (more…)
All of us in the trade show/meeting/event industry have suffered through…and survived…a different and difficult 2009. And most of us have commented recently that all of a sudden things are getting busy again! I just had the pleasure (I really mean that) of being on the road for 10 straight nights, and a few realizations struck me. (more…)
At the start of the Great Depression, Kellogg’s and Post were neck and neck in cereal sales. Post slashed their marketing budget, while Kellogg’s maintained theirs. When the Depression ended, Kellogg’s had a market share dominance that they maintain to this day. (Source)
This is a perfect example of what NOT to do in tough economic times! (more…)
Throughout the years I have come to find that many people in customer service positions are REACTIVE, rather than PROACTIVE. Think about it…who would you rather assist? The customer that comes in screaming their head off and demanding that YOU do something to make their situation better regardless of who is at fault, or the customer that calmly approaches you and asks if you could help them out? (more…)
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