Using pictures or image that relates to what your company do can make branding much easier. Pictures sticks in one in much longer and faster than words. We respond to pictures quicker than a word, that’s why we use symbols on the freeway to give directions. One company that stands out at this is Marlboro They use a picture of a cowboy on a horse, anytime you see this image you think of Marlboro. This kind of branding is done by contantly repeating the same image time and time againSales force at trade shows should wear similar outfits. They should have name tags with the company logo on them. If one of your sales forces is not in the trade show booth he or she serves as a working billboard for you. Many times in communication with existing client ask them what they think of your product, ask them if you can quote them on their answer. Use this on your website or in your brochures.

Give away brochures at your trade show display booth, and have enough to last thought-out the show. Renewing the look on your brochure from year to year is important. Do not wait to use up your inventory of old brochure to change the look. It’s important to look fresh and new at each and every event. Remember to keep the same tag line as well as logo. Visitor likes to get new material each and every time they visit you. The same should be done for your website

Sticking to what you do and do best help brand your company. McDonald’s serves fast foods, when you think of McDonalds you think of Hamburger not hotdogs. Stick to what you know best and create your brand around that.

Sticking a good tag line is very important in branding. Nike came up with the term “Just Do It” Burger King “you can have it your way” These mean different things and it gives a good insight about your company. You want to say something about your company, something unique that’s separates you from your competition. Be creative with this.

Most client come to us for their trade show booth wanting something unique and different from their competition. We ultimately allow then to talk about their company, one of the main things we try to get out of them what makes you different from your competitors. The answer they give will give us a direction to begin their booth design We then use this answer to begin our design process. Branding starts within your special services and the character of you company, then it spreads.

For more on trade show displays and branding for your company contact ELDS, INC at (626) 969-3399

McCormick place convention center today consist of 3 separate building structure on Lakeside center. The complex consist of the North, South and West building. There are numerous conventions and trade shows that are held in this convention hall, from the Chicago auto show, THE AUA, The WindPower, mid-winter dental show and Many other Trade shows.

Exhibiting at these trade shows can be confusing. In order to help you understand this , I show you wish union does what. There are six unions that you may have to deal with, knowing each one can be helpful in doing so.

The Teamsters, this union assist you in all your material handling to and from your booth location from the dock. They will remove your empty crates or pallets form the show floor. There fees are all calculated by CWT weight, which in know as drayage. Please note that you are allowed to carry smaller exhibit booths or properties through the convention hall doors only if they can be carried by one person without any wheeled carts or dollies.

Riggers, they are accountable for un-skidding position and leveling all your machines etc at the conventions. They will also be responsible for re-skidding these same items

Carpenters, their responsibility lie with the uncrating of your trade show display booth, and material. They will install your trade show booth, lay carpet, and prepare your crates for pick up. Exhibitor may install any exhibit under 300 square feet , with one man. That will take under 30 minutes. Otherwise you will have to use this union labor. You may however use a special exhibitors appointed contractor, which can be your exhibit house or appointed by.

Decorators, they are responsible for all hanging signs that are non-electrical, fabric panels, drapes and fabric installation.

Electricians, they are responsible for assembly, installation and dismantle of anything that uses electricity as a source of power. This includes electrical wiring, hook-ups, interconnections, Large monitors that is attached to trade show display structure, The Exhibitor may choose to install smaller monitors, change lightbulbs that do not require ladders etc

Plumbers, they are responsible for all compressed air, plumbing work, water and drains and natural

These unions are there to help you however be careful for not knowing can sometimes cost you a great deal. It is sometimes better to have your exhibit house assit you through the exhibiting process. They can sometime provide an all ,inclusive trade show exhibit rental package, which can include rental exhibit booth, and all the is installation. For better assistance of exhibiting the Chicago area as well as nationwide look to contact a exhibit fabricator that specialize in rental trade show booth . Contact ELDS, INC at (626) 969-3399, who well known for their trade show display and show services

Trade shows are costly and they have to be done the right way in order for you to get a good ROI (return on Investment).  You want that custom trade show booth to really make your company stand out, but you just cannot fully afford it. You were thinking of leasing it but, that’s just putting you in more depth.

Custom trade show display rentals can be a great choice.    Get the look you need  without getting the high cost that comes with it.  Here are some advantages of  using custom trade show rental

1)      With a custom exhibit rental you do not have to pay storage on purchase booth

2)      No more refurbish cost , use it and  leave it to the exhibit house

3)      A custom rental trade show booth  cost a fraction of  what a custom exhibit booth would cost.

Getting through these bad economic times can be rough, knowing when it the best time to rent a custom trade show display can certainly make the times easier.  One company that specialize in custom trade show display rental is ELDS, INC. Contact them at (626) 969-3399, They provide a full turnkey rental program in most major cities.

You will always get a great deal of promotional material from the show management. Usually there is a discount to sign up for display spaces early. Take advantage of this.  Try to have your booth space selected in a high traffic area, especially near larger booth in your industry

After you have determined your booth location, sometime later you will receive your booth service kit. This will have information about ordering material, labor and many other services. Most services like electrical and items dealing direct with the conference will be in this kit. Most of this can be very overwhelming for someone that is not use to doing this. Most exhibit companies can assist your with this part.

Custom trade show displays are always a good choice when exhibiting, it however can be costly. A great alternative is a custom rental trade show booth. This enables you to get a great looking trade show booth for a fraction of what it would normally cost. A great company to look toward for this is ELDS, INC.

Budget, Budget budget, I cannot stress this enough. Consider all expenses transportation, room and board, exhibit booth, transportation and last your trade show booth. Make sure your budget is realistic

Get your press release kit in order. Make sure it is distributed thought-out the press conference. This is great preshow advertisement, do as many interviews as possible. This can make such a difference in show traffic you would not believe. Press releases and blogging are a great way to your product and services in the show attendee’s ears.

Always arrange to have a great giveaway. These giveaways help the attendee remember your company. Make sure that your company name is printed somewhere on the giveaway.  Do not give away random or generic product give away. If you supply computer service a mouse pad would be great with your name company name on it.  I do have some of my clients giveaways from 5 years ago still hanging around. They keep your company name in the public eye.

Staff your booth with your best employees that are friendly and energetic.  They should be knowledgeable about your product and services. They should also be approachable

Exhibitors, therefore, need to create an attractive, visually-pleasing booth that will generate a buzz at the show, reinforce a company’s brand, and ultimately generate sales leads. Designers of trade show exhibits in Chicago provide a variety of formats and services to help companies attract prospective clients with a visually-pleasing trade show booth. Here’s an overview of four types of trade show displays.

Pop-Up Displays

Create an eye-catching backdrop for your trade show booth with a pop-up display. This type of display consists of a folding frame structure that is covered with graphic panels when opened or “popped-up.” It usually fits the full width of your display area, allowing ample space for images and information.

Its large size also gives off an impressive visual impact to passing visitors, and the lightweight expandable frame structure allows for easy transport and set-up. Designers of trade show exhibits in Chicago offer this format of booths in a variety of shapes and sizes. However, once designed, the exhibitor has little flexibility with the size of the display, as the frame must be fully open at all times.

Panel System Exhibits

The series of panels in this type of display can also be set-up to make a wall at the back of trade show exhibits. Chicago companies can easily add to or update this type of booth because of its modular structure. Its unique construction also provides versatility to fit into a variety of spaces, no matter the size. However, this quality also inhibits just one person from setting the display up and the ease of transporting the display.

Table-Top Displays

A table-top display is designed and manufactured to sit on top of a draped table and can be enhanced with the addition of overhanging spotlights. Table-top displays accommodate small space trade show exhibits. Chicago businesses will also benefit from the value and versatility of a table-top display, which can be used at a variety of other functions, such as sales presentations and recruiting opportunities. Keep in mind that the small size of a table-top display limits its ability to stand out in a large scale Chicago trade show. Displays of this size, however, are lightweight and easy to transport.

Banner Stands

A free-standing, vertical banner display is the perfect accessory for attention-getting trade show exhibits. Chicago companies use banner stands at a show to maximize visual impact and to display supplemental information or graphics. If permitted, the banner display should be placed in the aisle or the lobby of the convention center to attract visitors to your booth. A banner display also provides versatility to be placed in the company lobby or at other special events, after the trade show. Exhibitors will have no problems with transportation and set up of a banner display because of its lightweight quality. A banner display can often have a custom shape, designed specifically to emulate your product’s look or company’s logo.

Christine O’Kelly is an author for Ion Exhibits, a designer of trade show exhibits in Chicago. For more than 15 years, Ion Exhibits has provided a comprehensive array of services for Chicago trade show displays design, management, installation, repair, and storage.

Source: Marketing

“10 FREEBIES FOR SEMA SHOW EXHIBITORS

Take Advantage of Special Deals to Save Money and Draw Buyers

The nearly 2,000 exhibitors who will present their products and services at the 2008 SEMA Show (November 4–7, Las Vegas Convention Center) invest substantial sums to bring their wares to buyers from around the world. This year, SEMA and the Show managers have developed a number of programs to save exhibitors money and help them draw buyers. Listed below are 10 free programs that qualified exhibitors can use to make the most of their investment as they plan their displays.

Free Small-Exhibitor Material Handling: SEMA Show management and Freeman—the company that handles the event design, décor and movement of exhibit materials in and out of the Las Vegas Convention Center—are offering free material handling for qualified exhibitors. If a company’s total exhibit freight is 1,000 pounds or less, can be delivered in one trip to its booth, and arrives in a privately-owned vehicle (car, pickup or minivan), SEMA has made arrangements with Freeman to deliver the freight to the company’s booth at no charge.
    This service will be available from 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 1 through Monday, November 3. If the exhibitor’s total exhibit freight exceeds 1,000 lbs., the free service is not available. If the exhibitor utilizes the free service, but then ships additional freight to the Show, Freeman will charge $567.80 for the 1,000-lb. service.
    If you have any questions regarding freight-handling assistance, contact the General Service Contractor at 702/407-4694.

First Product Entered Into the New Products Showcase Is Free: SEMA presents a New Products Showcase at the SEMA Show each year, providing exhibitors with an outstanding opportunity to introduce products, packaging and merchandising to industry buyers and media.
    For 2008, the first product entered into the New Products Showcase by each company is free if it is entered by Friday, October 3 using the company’s exhibitor password. The password was sent to each company’s Show contact and is the same password used for exhibitor registration and SEMA Show Directory listing updates. If you need to obtain your password or require further information, contact Michelle Lowery at 702/450-7662, ext. 119, or e-mail mlowery@convexx.com.
    Each additional entry has a $75 fee per product if received by October 3. After October 3, exhibitors must submit product entries at the Show for a $250 fee per product. All products entered are professionally photographed. The photos are then made available to media for use in newspapers, magazines, websites and other outlets. Photos and details of each product are also published in the January issue of SEMA News.

Free Distribution of Press Releases/Press Kits: Exhibiting companies may deliver press releases and/or press kits to the SEMA Show Media Center Sponsored by Continental Tire, room S219, on the Skybridge between the Central and South Halls. The Media Center serves as “home base” for thousands of editors and reporters during the Show, and media members visit there often to find press information and obtain releases and press kits.
    To ensure that your materials are available for the media when they arrive, we recommend delivering your materials before Monday, November 3. The Media Center will be open from 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. on Friday, October 31 through Sunday, November 2 for the delivery of press releases. We suggest stocking 75 to 100 copies of each release or kit and checking the inventory periodically during the week.

Free Press Conferences: Communicate newsworthy information to the media by holding a press conference. Media at the SEMA Show are given an official press conference schedule and are encouraged to cover every session. Media unable to attend  a conference will receive details of all announcements through a Daily Briefing that SEMA distributes at the end of each day in the Media Center Sponsored by Continental Tire.
    Note that exhibitors are not authorized to hold media conferences outside of the official schedule or off-site during SEMA Show hours. To be included in the official press conference schedule, complete the Media Conference Application located at www.SEMAShow.com/mediaconference. Each media conference is limited to 20 minutes. For more information, call 909/396-0289, ext. 130, or e-mail dellad@sema.org.

Free Listing in the Official SEMA Show Directory: Every SEMA Show exhibitor is entitled to a free listing in the SEMA Show Directory. Each listing includes the company name, address, phone number and website address as well as a company description. The listing also includes details about the products that each company will be exhibiting as well as the vehicle applications and the market segments it deals in.
    The company’s membership status is noted in each listing along with any SEMA council affiliations. The information used to compile each directory listing is taken from the company’s Exhibit Space Rental Agreement, but be sure to check you company’s information at http://sema.experient-inc.com/ExhibitorSearch/Default.aspx to ensure that all of the data is up-to-date.

Free Listing in the SEMA International Buyers’ Guide: Expand your business worldwide with the SEMA International Buyers’ Guide, an exclusive directory of companies involved in sales outside the United States. There is no charge to be listed in the guide; the only qualifications are that your company be a manufacturer or exclusive distributor of the product lines(s) listed or an export management company. The company also must be either a member of SEMA or an exhibitor at the 2008 SEMA Show.
    The SEMA International Buyers’ Guide will be distributed worldwide, including to every international buyer that attends the SEMA Show and throughout the year at international trade shows, such as PAACE Automechanika (Mexico), the Essen Motor Show (Germany), Automechanika (Germany), Equip Auto (France), the International Automotive Aftermarket Expo (Japan), and Australia Auto Trade Fair (Australia).
    It will also be available at more than 50 U.S. embassies throughout the world, including offices in Germany, United Kingdom, Mexico, Japan, Australia, Italy, Brazil and South America, and from SEMA’s offices in China, Mexico and Europe.
    For further information about all of SEMA’s international programs, contact Linda Spencer at 202/783-4032 or via e-mail at lindas@sema.org.

Free Listings About Products for Project-Vehicle Builders: Each year, the SEMA Show features nearly a thousand project vehicles, and the products displayed on them are viewed and noted by the thousands of buyers and media who attend the Show. The “Products for Project-Vehicle Builders” program is an exclusive opportunity for manufacturers to showcase their products on the exhibited cars and trucks by offering products to project-vehicle builders at no charge or at a substantial discount.
    SEMA compiles lists of exhibitors who offer free or discounted products to project-vehicle builders. The listings appear in SEMA eNews (the association’s weekly electronic newsletter) and are then posted on www.sema.org. Listings appear in SEMA eNews on a first-come, first-served basis.
    To be included in a listing, contact Jason Catullo via e-mail at jasonc@sema.org.

Free Listing in Manufacturer’s Rep Matching Service: Is your company looking for a manufacturers’ representative to enhance its sales and marketing efficiency? Don’t miss this opportunity to find the rep you need.
    Download and complete the Manufacturers’ Representative Matching form and fax it to 702/450-7732. Your information will be posted in the MRC Manufacturers’ Rep Center at the SEMA Show so that reps looking for product lines may contact you. Every major rep is a member of SEMA and will attend the SEMA Show. The deadline to receive the Manufacturers’ Representative Matching form is Friday, October 17.

Free Meeting Rooms In Members Lounges: Complimentary conference meeting space is available in either the Grand Lobby Mezzanine Members Lounge (upstairs from the Grand Lobby between the North and Central Halls) or the South Hall Members Lounge (located at the front of the upper South Hall).
    These rooms are available exclusively to SEMA and TIA members (non-exhibiting manufacturers are not allowed) and can accommodate up to 10 people for a maximum of one hour. Meeting times begin and end on the hour from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. on Monday, November 3 through Thursday, November 6, and from 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. on Friday, November 7.
    Rooms can only be reserved for two non-consecutive one-hour time slots per day and may be reserved in advance or on site based on availability.
    For more information, call 702/450-7662, ext. 247, or e-mail thanisko@convexx.com.

Free International Buyer-Locator Service: Exhibitors may use a free service to find out which International Buyers are attending the SEMA Show and Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW). Check out which products they are seeking and download a list of all registered international buyers here. 
    Invite international buyers to visit your booth. Check back often, as the list will be updated every two weeks prior to the SEMA Show. Then download a final database of international buyers attending the 2008 SEMA Show/AAIW or after the SEMA Show.”

Blueprint
Blueprint drawings is the drawing of a particular booth etither for set up ofr for building

Bill of Lading (B/L)
The Bill of Lading paperwork sets the fees and terms between transportation companies and shippers regarding transporting goods.

Back-light
To back-light means setting a light source from behind to light up frontal area

Cam lock

This is usually a locking device used mainly to attach panels; it can also be a  timbler type lock

CWT (Certified Weight Ticket)
the CWT unit of measuremnt used to messure the weight by th hundred pound weight. example 4 hundred pounds in CWT is  4cwt

Drayage
The process of drayage involves moving show materials from the  convention dock area to your booth space for set up and then back to the dock again at the end of a trade show.

Foul Bill of Lading
a transportation carrier issues a Foul Bill of Lading which is a document showing that material received was damaged

Grid System
A grid system includes a structural network of support systems and electrical conduits.

Hard Card
A hard card is a work order requesting services or labor. .This is a document that time will be recorded on

Junction Box
Junction boxes of “J” box is a point where a electrical cords will meet in one metal box.

Labor Call
Labor call is when you set up a specific time for you to receive your laborer for your booth. Example you have a labor call for 4 men on friday at 8:00am. Your labor will be there waiting at 8:00am on Friday ready to work

 Less Than Truckload (LTL)
Less than truckload, or LTL, is the set rate charged for freight that weighs less than the minimum weight specified.

Light Box
Light boxes are boxes containing light fixtures, usally to light up graphics from the rear

Linear Display
a linear or in-line display is a display which is set up straight inline with the Aisle.  This space can only be approached from aisle unless this is at the end of an aisle

Marshaling Yard
the marshaling yard is the area where trucks wait for dispatch. Truck drivers check-in with a trade show facility and then proceed to the marshaling yard to wait for loading and unloading instructions.

Masking Drape
masking drapes are cloths that cover storage areas. Usally in rear of booth space  or covering columns etc .

Union
A union is an organized group of workers who protect the rights of workers and increase the bargaining power with employers on the issues of hours, benefits, and wages.

Modular Exhibit
A modular exhibit is built with interchangeable components able to be set up in different sizes and arrangements.

O.T. Labor
O.T. labor, or overtime labor, is worked performed outside of regular work hours.

Rear Illumination
Rear illumination, also called back-lighting, involves lighting a translucent image from behind.

Rigger
Workers who handle and assemble machinery hanging signs etc  .

Runner

 This is the person who goes out to get anything for your booth, may it be carpet tape or light bulbs etc

Trade show displays

This is the actual component that make up your booth space. These structures display your product or service

 S.T. Labor
S.T. labor, Straight time this is usally between the agreed 8 hour time frame, any thing after this is either Overtime or Doubletime

Scissors Lift
a scissors lift is a motorized platform that can lift people to a certain height. Usally used to do high or above the floor work

Set-up Drawing
Set-up drawings are installation instructions to set up the booth in question.

Shipping Crate
shipping crates is used to transport the product to and from trade show. Basicly it is a container for transporting items

Show Manager
Show managers organize and manage the trade show and or event.

Subcontractor
Subcontractors are individuals or companies hired by a general contractor to provide services for a trade show. This person or company usally have to file a EAC form , Exhibitors appointed contractor.

Turnkey Packages
Turnkey packages all inclusive trade show booth and components, labor to set up and dismanatle booth .

Velcro
Velcro is the trade name for hook and loop fabric that joins when pressed together and separate when pulled apart.

Exhibit Designer/Producer
The exhibit designer/producer is the individual or company responsible for the design and construction of exhibit booths.

Custom design are much more indebt as to what the exhibitor wants and needs.  Custom design makes you stand out from the rest of exhibits and competitor at the show.

I recently provided a booth to a client at a particular show which was a small 10×20 booth; we applied a large graphic cut out of a giraffe to the back wall.  The image hung over the back wall. This giraffe had nothing to do with the client product. It just carried a theme “head and shoulders above the competition” needless to say it was smash at the show. More conversation about the giraffe was at the show. Leads were generated and when the sales representative  contacted these leads all he or she had to say is we are X Company, you remember the company that had the big giraffe at the show. 

I say this to say stay away from “cookie cutter designs” if you can they say nothing about your company ask your exhibit house to provide a custom design for you, show some personality.   Do not run from exhibit house to exhibit house choose a good design and exhibit house to work with and let them work out your design. To get a no obligatory design contact http://eldsusa.com

For the new exhibitor’s first trade show I would suggest taking this approach.

Secure your booth location preferably a location near the front of the main
entry to the exhibit hall, It’s also always good to get located near one of
the larger veterans of that particular trade show. This will help to get you
in the traffic spot light. Many people feel that getting on the front line of
the exhibit hall is the best location, but that’s not necessarily so,
sometimes people move through the exhibit hall pass the front line before
they truly begin to focus on what they want. Therefore, a location near the
front, but not right in the immediate front line.
The exhibitor’s booth should be a ˜crowd pleaser” while still projecting the
company’s image - a good way to get traffic to your booth.Secondly, offer a
good product give-a-way or a prize. Please make sure that this prize is a
good one, if you specialize in tire changing equipment do not give away iPods,

or plasma screens. Everyone in the convention hall would love to get a
plasma screen or an IPod. They will sign up for this, even if they are not
interested in your product. This is a waste of time. Smart move is to have a
drawing for a top of the line tire changing equipment or some service you
provided. This will ensure that whoever signs up for this has some knowledge
of systems and would prefer part of your service. They most likely are
interested and need a tire changing machine and are willing to spend that
kind of money on one. The list of sign-ups for the give-a-way/prize you have
a list of leads, remember you what you are there for hint leads which can
eventually turn into sales. How easy would that be to follow up a lead from
your list of people who signed up for your drawing to win a tire changing
equipment? Let’s call this a targeted lead, why? you know what they are
interested in - mufflers

Second thing, at your first trade show always have a theme for your trade
show booth. I have seen exhibitor at trade show with great looking custom
trade show booth, crowds form around the booth and say wow what a nice
looking booth, but five minutes later after leaving the booth they do not
remember the exhibitors name or his or her product, but they remember the
theme the booth had. Use this to your advantage design your booth with a
theme that relates to your product. Incorporate your product name as well as
your corporate name, now you are cooking with grease. I remember a few years
ago I met a childhood idol, Jerry Lucas, yes the same Jerry Lucas who played
for the world champion New York Knicks in basketball. When I met Jerry Lucas
he was promoting a way to remember names of people he met. Well I am here to
tell you it works, he simply would pick out some unique feature about that
person, it could be the voice, the person’s height or some unique feature, he
would then make a mental tie to the person’s name. This way he would remember
a unique feature and the name would follow. The same principle works with
trade show booth, remember the design and theme and then you will remember
the corporate name. That same theme should not only be reflected in the exhibit booth design but it should also be carried through onto your literature and give-away. That’s your “corporate branding”  for more

information http://www.eldsusa.com