custom exhibit displays | The Exhibit Company, Inc.

Articles Tagged with: custom exhibit displays

Feb 15, 2018

How Technological Advancements Have Helped Exhibit Design Firms

Technology has made incredible advancements over the years, inching its way into all types of industries. Even exhibit design firms have found a way to incorporate technology into their custom displays. Here at The Exhibit Company, Inc., we use technology to create touchable 3D experiences. These displays welcome interaction and are effective at developing memorable encounters.

Exhibit design firms like The Exhibit Company, Inc. continue to find new ways to integrate technology into their designs. Let’s examine a few of the ways that these advancements are already being used in their creations.

Touchscreens Free Up Time and Resources

With the rise of smartphones and tablets, people are naturally comfortable using touchscreen devices. Therefore, when visitors walk past a display and notice a touchscreen, they are instantly drawn to it. Interactive touchscreens are effective at delivering information and adapting to each user. This technology is also cost effective and environmentally friendly. We never hesitate to use touchscreens in our displays to enhance the user experience.

Mobile Apps Allow for Effective Lead Capture

Trade show apps bring the best technology to exhibitors. These apps allow for lead capturing, optimizing event success and driving ROI. Having contact information stored in a neat, organized manner is far better than having a fish bowl of names. As exhibitors can more easily measure the success of their trade show events, they see the value they’re getting from attending conventions and investing in custom booths. You can find some of our favorite lead capture apps in a previous post.

Digital Graphics Can be Adapted to Each User

We can’t ignore how good digital graphics have become over the years. Traditionally, printed materials were most popular for trade shows. The problem with printed materials is that they need to be re-printed for each show. This requires time and costs money. Digital graphics, on the other hand, are cost- and time-effective. Though the equipment can be an initial investment if not rented, digital displays can be used over and over again.

Technology Allows for Flexibility

Lastly, design firms like ourselves have a greater degree of freedom and flexibility because of advancements in technology. We can serve our clients better and provide individualized, immersive experiences. For example, custom smartphone apps offer new ways for exhibitors and visitors to connect and displays can be tailored to each person’s needs. Additionally, online tools such as social media and email are helpful for engaging with audiences before and after the event.

Technology has significantly benefited the exhibit design industry. As exhibitors see a greater return from their investment, they won’t hesitate to take advantage of more trade show events. This means more business for exhibit design firms as well as the opportunity to build bigger, better booths.

Jan 30, 2018

5 Most Popular Cities for Trade Shows

This time of the year, convention centers are getting ready for a new batch of trade shows. Some cities are more popular than others based on their venues and nearby attractions. Let’s check out five of the most popular cities for trade shows and why. Who knows – maybe you’ll find yourself at one of these destinations sometime in 2018!

Las Vegas

It’s no surprise that Las Vegas tops the list. Vegas continually brings in a large number of trade shows because it’s a fun place to visit, with warm and sunny weather year round. Entertainment is in every corner, from live shows to incredible dining to ample shopping. With so many venues available, it’s easy to find places to host large crowds. One of the largest trade shows held in Vegas is the Consumer Electronics show, which is held each year in January.

Chicago

Chicago has been growing in popularity thanks to the beautiful architecture, two major airports, and convenient public transportation system. There are endless places to shop, five-star restaurants to eat at, and popular attractions to visit such as Navy Pier, Wrigley Field, and the Shedd Aquarium. Sure, the weather isn’t always sunny and warm, but Chicago is home to the largest convention center in the country: McCormick Place. Well-known trade shows held in the city include the Luxury Bridal Event and the Chicago Boat Show.

Indianapolis

You may be surprised by this one, but USA Today rated Indiana a top destination for trade show events. It gets praise for being near hotels and restaurants, even though the entertainment isn’t quite as plentiful as Las Vegas or Chicago. Convenience is also a factor, as Indiana is accessible from most states. Plus, if you attend a trade show at the Indiana Convention Center, you get to be right across the street from Lucas Oil Stadium.

Orlando

Another great convention city is Orlando. You can probably understand why! Between Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, there are endless attractions to see after the event. The weather is always warm, and Orlando International Airport provides close access to the convention centers. Some of the hottest trade shows held in Orlando are the PGA Merchandise Show and the Florida Wedding Expo.

New Orleans

Last, but not least, is New Orleans. You’ll find that many of the prominent trade shows are scheduled around Mardi Gras, which is no accident. Event goers can attend their show and catch exclusive entertainment. Of course, there are other reasons why New Orleans makes a great trade show destination. Among them are the beautiful convention centers along the Mississippi, an abundance of hotels and restaurants, stunning architecture, and Bourbon Street.

Trade shows are held all over the country, but some cities are more favored than others. No matter where your industry trade shows take you this year, we hope to see you around!

Sep 14, 2017

The Traveling Exhibitor: Tips for Shipping Your Custom Exhibit Display From Show to Show

One of the brilliant advantages to purchasing a custom exhibit display is that you can use it over and over again. This cuts expenses, keeps your brand image consistent, and alleviates the burden of having to create new exhibits for each event. There is a hurdle, however, and that’s getting your custom display from show to show.

What many exhibitors end up doing is hiring trade show transportation. This service does cost money, but there are ways to keep costs in check. To ensure that your custom exhibit is shipped securely, on time, and affordably, here are a few tips to follow.

Know who’s driving. Many carriers subcontract their freight to others who aren’t experienced in trade show freight. Do your homework and ask the right questions. Does the carrier have its own trucks and drivers? If not, who are they subcontracting with, and do the drivers have experience with trade show materials?
Stack freight to save space. Opting for a taller vehicle can save money on transportation costs. Here’s why. Common-carrier trailers do not allow stacking but van lines do. By using a van line, you can stack your freight, take one vehicle, and cut costs.
Condense small boxes. Each box that is sent to the trade show costs money, so watch your small containers. They can really add up! Rather than shipping promotional products, literature, and other small items in separate boxes, it’s best to purchase palletized boxes or “D containers” that can be stacked on the trailer.
Map out your trade shows. Depending on the trade shows you plan on attending, it might make sense to ship your exhibit directly to the next event rather than back to your exhibit house. Many advance warehouses allow exhibits to be shipped and stored for free for 30 days.
Contract your own transportation. If you decide to use your exhibit house’s transportation provider, be sure that they are doing their part to obtain several quotes and ask for discounts. Otherwise, you might save money by arranging transportation on your own.

Save Time, Money and Hassle with The Exhibit Company, Inc.

If you have a trade show exhibit custom-made by The Exhibit Company, Inc. you won’t be disappointed when it comes to transportation. Once your custom display is created, we will deliver it to where it needs to go!

Unlike shipping carriers that simply unload and leave, our professionals will be on-site the day of your event to make sure that everything runs smoothly. Our customers are provided with 24-hour access so that all preparations can be tracked in real time. Spend your time talking to potential leads, developing relationships, and enjoying the trade show. Let us handle the rest.

To learn more about creating a custom exhibit with The Exhibit Company, Inc. and having it delivered to your event, call us today.

Apr 20, 2017

Pro Tips Revealed: How to Create a Total Brand Experience

Creating a brand identify is the easy part. Creating a total brand experience is the hard part.

A brand identity is how you want others to perceive your brand. It includes many components such as your logo, tone, tagline and typeface. A brand experience, on the other hand, is what causes people to feel emotion toward your brand.

How Disney Has Created an Experience – Not Just an Identity

Consider Disney. People don’t just see Disney and think Mickey Mouse or 2-hour tearjerkers in the movie theaters. They feel Disney. Many of us can agree that Disney brings us back to our childhoods. Seeing families posed in front of the castle reminds us of our own vacations as kids.

If you’ve ever been to the theme park, you’ll find that the Disney brand is etched into every experience, from the hotel rooms to the restaurants to the transportation. Everything done at the park is tied into the Disney experience, which is why people are able to fully immerse themselves in this culture that is separate from Florida.

As wonderful of a job as Disney does creating this experience, it couldn’t happen without its employees. The “Most Magical Place on Earth” isn’t going to be joyful if the employees are rude. All Disney staff realize their role in supporting the overall mission of the company.

How You Can Build a Brand Experience

Disney is an exceptional example of a company that has achieved a high level of branding, but that doesn’t mean your smaller business can’t learn a thing or two. Let’s dive into some of the ways that you can create a complete experience that humanizes your brand and engages consumers.

Think Holistically. The experience you provide customers with needs to be consistent and complete. Consistency means that customers know what to expect each and every time, while completeness requires that you give attention to each and every touchpoint.

Execute Tonality. Your tonality should be consistent with your marketing, otherwise you won’t be able to emotionally connect with your customers. Your tonality – or personality – should always be a conscious effort.

Include Your Employees. Much of your brand’s personality will come from your employees. Your friendly website doesn’t mean anything if customers aren’t welcomed by a friendly team. Include your employees in your decision making, whether it’s coming up with design elements like signage, ways to support the company or ideas for a custom trade show booth.

Enlist Key Leaders. It’s important to have key leaders throughout your organization, as these individuals have a deep understanding for your brand promise. Any new store launchings, product campaigns or trade show events should be led and supported by these key individuals.

Refresh the Experience. While consistency is vital to the brand experience, you must balance this with innovation. Customers need their experiences refreshed so that they are constantly engaged, and you’re able to bring in new audiences all of the time.

Creating a brand experience is one of the most exciting challenges of being a brand. By following the tips above and using corporations like Disney or Lego as inspiration, you can gain insight as to how to best utilize every touchpoint for a complete and memorable brand experience.

Mar 14, 2017

How to Build Excitement Leading Up to Your Event

Few things are as nerve-racking as anticipating an event and its turnout. What happens if no one shows up? What happens if everyone shows up and you run out of supplies?

With so many unknowns, you may feel like you have little control over your event. Don’t let your nerves get the best of you, though. Building excitement is an effective way to get people talking about your event and boost attendance. You may even notice a change in your attitude!

Let’s look at a few of the ways that you can build excitement leading up to your event.

Create an Event that Offers Value

You can only get people excited for something if it offers value to their personal lives. Think about your target audience and the types of things they would enjoy. If you’re appealing to millennials, food trucks and live entertainment can brighten up your event.

If you don’t know what your audience is interested in, ask them. A quick and easy way to do this is by taking a survey or poll on social media. Talking about your next event on social media also generates organic buzz.

Use the Event as a Way to Give Back

Attendees don’t just care about their own interests. They also enjoy being apart of something bigger such as a charity event or 5K. Better yet, volunteers of this era don’t mind getting their hands dirty. If you can think of a way to provide hands-on engagement, you create meaningful experiences that people will always tie back to your brand.

If possible, consider partnering with a charity or nonprofit organization that supports a worthy cause. Not only will you get some extra love at your event, but you may also get additional exposure through charity advertising, a local newspaper article, etc.

Share Your Brand Story

If your brand already has a story, don’t be afraid to tell it. Hook people in with the reasons why your company was created or how your products improve everyday lives.

If you don’t yet have a story, develop one through secondary credibility, which is credibility through association. Who are your partners? Your sponsors? What stories do they have? How did your partnership come to be?

Utilize Social Media

Between Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, there is no shortage of ways to share information about your upcoming event. Build excitement by sharing the details of your day: keynote speakers, promotional items, live music, free consultations and more. Offer prizes to the first x-number of attendees and share this in an email.

Go Custom

If it works, consider hosting your event at a unique location such as a rooftop, vineyard or old building. If it will be at a standard location, look into having a custom exhibit display built for the focal point. Let people know where they can find you (under the disco ball, next to the main stage). Give your audience something to look forward to from the start.

Most important is that YOU are excited about the event! Your audience will sense your attitude toward the occasion, so be positive, energetic and fun. Events are what we make of them!

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