Trade Show Marketing for Dummies

You are now in charge of your company’s trade shows.

Congratulations!

But there is a problem, you’re new at this.

Remain calm, do not panic.

Use this presentation to help guide yourself through the trade show process and

be happy.

1. the name & dates of your show2. booth number, size and type of space (inline-island -peninsula)

3. show move in – move out dates4. booth space payment dates

5. show’s rules & regulations –located in the exhibitor manual6. due dates for ordering services

7. trade show budget8. will you rent or build or use an existing exhibit

9. who will work the exhibit10. who’s responsible for the sales leads collection & distribution

Trade Show Must KnowsBefore you get started, make sure you have the following information.

Pop Up Displays

• also known as portable displays

• come in 10’x10’ and 10’x20’

• affordable & easy to set up and transport

• graphics can be easily changed out

What type of exhibit will you need?

Inline exhibit

•come in 10’x10’ and 10’x20’ & larger

•allows for more customization

• can include pop up displays, furniture, custom graphics & plasma screens

• available in rental and custom options

What type of exhibit will you need?

Island Exhibits

•come in wide variety of sizes

•aisles on all sides

•available in rental and custom

What type of exhibit will you need?

Peninsula Exhibits

•aisles on 3 sides

•come in a wide variety of sizes

•allows for more customization

•can include pop up displays, furniture, custom graphics & plasma screens

•available in rental and custom

What type of exhibit will you need?

Convention Center is where the trade show takes place. The larger and most popular convention centers include Chicago’s McCormick Place, Los Angelas Convention Center, Las Vegas Convention Center & Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center.

Trade Show Terms

Trade Show Terms

Trade Show Association promotes the trade show, rents out the convention centers, hires the show contractors, and decides on the cost of the exhibit space and hotel rates.

General Show Contractor is the company who manages trade show, including leasing the exposition facility, hiring official contractors, and promoting the show. GES and Freeman are two of the more well know show contractors.

Exhibitor Appointed Contractor is hired by an exhibitor to perform trade show services independently of show management appointed contractors. Dimension Craft is an exhibitor appointed contractor who builds, ships installs & dismantles exhibits.

Trade Show Terms

Trade Show TermsShipping is the cost to bring your exhibit and exhibited material to the convention center’s loading docs.

Trade Show Terms

Drayage (material handling) is the cost to bring your exhibit from the convention center’s loading docs to your booth space. The charge is normally based the weight cartons skids, and crates.

Trade Show Terms

Bill of Lading is an official document between the shipper and the carrier listing the items being shipped. Most shows contractors will only issue your bill of lading once all your show expenses have been paid.

Trade Show Services

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

Riggers will uncrate/unskid, crate/skid and position your machinery and exhibit. 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.

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 or FABTECH, 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.

Plumbers will provide the installation and dismantling of water, air, gas lines to your equipment and exhibit. If your exhibit requires plumbing, be sure to provide a location layout, and valve fitting sizes when submitting your plan.

Understanding the trade show lingo

Carpenters will install and dismantle your trade show exhibit.

Common Trade Show1. not understanding drayage

2. not confirming ordered services ahead of time

3. showing bad body language

4. loosing your cool at a fellow employee or show official

5. waiting until the last second to make move out arrangements

6. not ordering carpet padding

7. wearing new shoes

8. poor exhibit lighting

9. cluttered or low quality graphics

10. handing out mindless give-aways

Don’t Forget to Pack These Items1. Velcro

2. first aid kit

3. electrical extension cords and power strips

4. cleaning supplies: Windex, paper towel

5. phone charger

6. business cards

7. tool kit

8. breathe mints

9. bottled water

10. promotional hand outs

1. Global – World or Recognized Leader

2. Cutting Edge Technology

3. We are Committed or Dedicated

4. Award Winning Services

5. Over (fill in the number) Years of Experience Working for You

Try to avoid these overused slogans in your trade show exhibit design.Think of a trade show slogan that will set you apart from the competition.

Blah Blah Blah

Dimension Craft Inc.Dimension Craft is a nationwide, family owned and operated tradeshowexhibit and display manufacturer. Our team of professionals work towardsyour company’s success and to making you a great exhibit that will set you apart from the competition while keeping within your budget.

Our Chicago based headquarters is located only 7 miles (15 minute drive)from McCormick Place. Exhibits are built and stored in our 130,000 square foot warehouse.

Dimension Craft has earned the reputation as the premier exhibit solution partner for small businesses to Fortune 500 corporations. Let us create for you the exhibit experience of your future.

2600 W. 50th Street Chicago IL, 60632 ph: 773.925.6500 www.dimensioncraftinc.com info@dimensioncraftinc.com

Design Construction Installation & Dismantling Storage Graphics