I admit it, I’m a convert. I always thought you had to own a custom booth to be a big player. But with the pressures of financial performance a daily reality, having a quality image on the show floor has to be rethought. Enter the rental custom booth.

There are three reasons I like this concept:
1. I can just pack my stuff and walk away at the end of the show.
2. The pricing is predictable in that I&D, drayage, and rentals (structure, carpet, pad, funishings, cleaning) are combined in a single contract (that is, if you use the general contractor as I did at this most recent show).
3. It can be repeated and works well for programs of four shows or fewer.

While it ain’t the latest in design, for a tech company or a company with a conflict or reduced budget, this can work very well. While it is a compromise in some areas, it is workable and delivers the messages that are critical for the client: those related to product and about how serious they are about cost containment. Read More...

At some time in our career we all have to deal with the hanging sign. It is what you can see across the hall that draws your prospects and suspects (and maybe clients/customers) to your booth. They can see you “across the crowded room” without having to know or search for your booth number.

Hanging signs can take a number of shapes and sizes, but most are fabric-over-aluminum framed (otherwise known as Moss-type signs–after the most popular manufacturer) units. They can be hanging banners, pinwheel shaped, cylindrical (round) or square. They can be lit, motorized (so they turn); they can be hung from light trusses or straight from the ceiling. Professional riggers (usually a crew of two in most cities) must be hired to assemble and install hanging signs from aircraft cables using a crane (equipped with a basket) and proper tools. Read More...

I’m in Fabulous Las Vegas this week for the annual Exhibitor’s Show, presented by Exhibitor Magazine. This 20-year-old event is aimed at industry professionals who either produce shows for companies for supply goods and services to exhibitors. There are over 300 exhibits in 2 halls along with over 200 conference sessions spanning 5 days.

I’m here on for Zachry Associates to learn, network and support one of our clients. This is a great way to get reconnected and learn about new trends and happenings in the industry. This has become the premiere “trade show for trade shows” (to borrow the line from TSEA’s TS2 event, my apologies) and gets bigger each year. So far, I’ve reconnected with my trade show supplier roots, met with some new suppliers and potential clients and continued working on a project for a client. Read More...