Getting Noticed and Making your Trade Show Exhibit Comfortable

Exhibiting at a trade show is a two way street. You have a limited time to market your product but don't forget about the needs of the show attendee. Use the following ideas to further engage with attendees and help get your exhibit noticed at your next show.

1. Drinks & Rest Area: Offering drink and a seat to a tired thirsty attendee is great way to further engage with them. I've found that asking an attendee what would you like to drink and then drifting over to a bar stool to rest works better than asking if they like to something to drink or would you like to sit down.

2. Carpet Padding: There's no better way to make your exhibit comfortable to show attendees than having cushy carpet padding. At most shows the aisles are carpeted but not padded so an attendees will notice the difference. Most shows will include a carpet padding option along with thicker padding upgrades.

3. Add glitter to your carpet: Adding glitter to your carpet will make it sparkle from the reflection of the exhibition hall lights.  Its suddle enough to make your exhibit stand out from a sea of competition screaming for attention.

4. Music: Add some music to your exhibit. Background music can add a sense of excitement or relaxation to your exhibit. You can use a iPod (Nano or Shuffle) or a laptop computer to hold the music.  If using a laptop and your convention hall has Internet service,  you can also use Pandora to play your music. Create an iTunes playlist on your device to organize and select the music. If using an exhibitor appointed contractor to set up your booth, have them provide the right size speakers and mount them in the best location in the booth.

5. iPad Raffle.  Raffling off an iPad is sure to way to draw attention at your next trade show. Place the iPad at your exhibit's reception counter, swipe the attendees card and place the printed copy in a fish bowl. (If its OK with the attendee, ask them if you can add them to you e-newsletter.)

PJ Naughton

 

Dimension Craft Inc. is a full service trade show exhibit company located in Chicago. We can be reached at 773-925-6500, info@dimensioncraftinc.com.

Exhibit Tips when Working with Chicago's Trade Show Unions

When exhibiting at a Chicagoland trade show venue such as McCormick Place, Navy Pier or the Donald Stephens Convention Center, you are required to use union labor or your own company personnel to set up your exhibit. Below are a list of some services you may need to use and a brief description of the services they provide. For more detailed information, please refer to your trade show exhibitor manual.

Electricians will install and dismantle anything electrical. Be sure to provide an electrical layout plan when submitting your electrical request. This will speed up the electrical set up process and save you money. If  exhibiting machinery for shows like IMTS, it's a good idea to leave the machine locks in your booth (oppose to storage) so you can lock up your equipment immediately after the show ends. Pre-wiring your equipment and providing quick disconnects can also save on your electrical cost. Electrical outlets can be ordered to your booth and as an exhibitor you are now allowed to plug in standard equipment and lighting. Machinery with larger power requirements must be left to the show electricians to install.

Plumbers will provide the installation and dismantling of water, air, gas lines to your equipment. If your exhibit requires plumbing, be sure to provide a location layout, and valve fitting sizes when submitting your plan. If you bring in your own fluids (such as oils or cutting solvents), its a good idea to keep a pump /containers nearby or use the show's easy access storage. This way solvents/dielectric fluids can get pumped out as soon as the show ends. Many shows provide gasses, eliminating the need for you to purchase them ahead of time.

Riggers will uncrate/unskid, crate/skid and position your machinery. You can save on rigging cost by uncrating your equipment before the show. If exhibiting machinery, it's a good idea to mark the location of your equipment on the visqueen carpet covering before the move in. This will help the riggers spot your equipment. Having a company representative in your booth (with your truck driver's cell number) during will  help streamline the move in process and avoid re-spotting fees.

Material Handlers will bring the trade show exhibit materials (except machinery) in/out of the convention center. The charge is normally based on $/100 lb. carton weight. This amount will vary depending on the show. Exhibitors can bring in computers small crates or boxes as long as it can be carried in without a forklift. This is referred to as "material handling". Make an effort to bring in most if not all of your exhibited material during your targeted move-in date, otherwise additional charges will occur for bringing materials before or after this date.

Carpenters will install and dismantle anything related to your exhibit excluding items related to electrical and plumbing. Make sure your exhibit is properly crated in order to prevent shipping damage. You can use your own exhibit company to provide the I/D of your exhibit. In order to do this you will need to fill out an EAC form provided by the show management.With the new labor rules, as an exhibitor, you can set-up your own exhibit with your company employees.

Decorators will assemble and install (non-electrical, non-structural) overhead signs. Exhibitors can now hang their own signs. Be sure to bring in some Velcro when packing for a show if you plan on doing it yourself.

For some, filling out the required show forms can be a daunting and overwhelming task. Since Dimension Craft Inc. is a full service trade show exhibit company based in Chicago, we can assist this ordering process for you in addition to building and renting an exhibit for your next trade show. For more information, please contact us at 773-925-6500 or info@dimensioncraftinc.com

Dimension Craft YouTube Channel

Check out our latest YouTube video displaying an assortment of exhibits designed and built by Dimension Craft.

http://www.youtube.com/user/DimensionCraft

For more than 37 years, Dimension Craft Inc.(Chicago,IL) has designed and built custom, rental and portable trade show booths. For a limited time, Dimension Craft will offer a free gift certificate to anyone who request an online booth rental quote. Browsers can choose from three different gift certificates. To request a booth rental quote for your next trade show and choose your free gift certificate click here.