
Supposedly, everyone driving a forklift truck at an exhibit hall loading dock has some sort of professional certification. It seems like this school must also teach demolition derby tactics. A plywood case panel is no match for a dock worker in a hurry. Still though, heavy wood crates, and wood ATA cases, are the standard in the trade show shipping industry. Back in the old days, it was “no harm, no foul”. shipping costs were reasonable (at least when compared to today), and you just had your case repaired when it came back from the road. So, what has changed? For one thing, those nasty fuel surcharges that now significantly add to your freight costs. The penalty for bigger and heavier cases is now at an historic high since dimensional size and total weight affect not only the base shipping price, but also the surcharge. The other factor is the number of shows that professionals are now exhibiting in. Many of the larger companies have trade show marketing departments that remain always on the road. Instead of just going to one or two big shows a year, these companies are now going to an increased number of smaller regional shows. This means that shipping cases are on the road longer, and being worked harder. If one breaks, there may not be time to repair it in time for the next show. So what can be done? The answer lies in both the case construction, and in the case interior design. New, lighter weight panel are now available that actually increase durability and penetration protection. These materials started in the billboard construction industry and have been modified with laminates that give the protection needed in commercial shipping. These materials can reduce the weight of a large case by up to 30% without any compromises, and some added benefits such as no splintering. The case interior construction has traditionally been an afterthought at best. Most professionals purchase cases that are either foam or carpet lined, and use bubble warp and scrap foam to cushion the case contents. The secret here is that a properly engineered case interior can not only provide better protection for the contents, but can also reduce the case size needed. This obviously saves cost in freight, but also in hidden costs such as item breakage and repair cost.
Posts Tagged ‘Show’
Trade Show Shipping Cases – How to Loose The Weight, Yet Still Survive The Exhibit Hall War Zone
How to Use Your Shipping Cases In Your Trade Show Booth Without Looking Like a Flea Market Vendor

As everyone who exhibits regularly knows, shipping cases provide a rich source of delay and hassle in trade show setup and take down. You have wait for them to be delivered to your booth, unpack then, and then wait for someone to pick them up for off-the-floor storage. At the end of the show, the process repeats itself in reverse. What if you could save money, time and hassle at the show by utilizing your shipping cases inside your booth? My apologies to any flea market vendors reading this, but the flea market look is not the image most professionals are going for in their booth design. That being said, if your are going to try this, it must be done the right way, and with the help of a case professional. Ever notice how much those “incidentals” at the show cost. The cost of renting tables, chairs, stands, podiums, etc. can add a significant amount to the overall show cost. The benefit of renting these items is that they are magically delivered to the booth before you get there, and you get to just walk away from them when you are done. What many people don’t know, is that a fabricated shipping case can easily be built with table legs in the lids, removable flat table tops, graphic ready inner surfaces, and even attractive shelves. The natural rigidity of the cases ensures that these structures are durable enough for use within the booth. With the intelligent use of removable drapery and skirting, you can hide the ugly truth, and nobody will be the wiser. Another common item transported to shows is the plasma or LCD screen. Because of the large size, odd shape, and fragility of these screens, they already require a specially made case to keep them safe. Custom cases for large TVs can be made with fixtures so that the screen can be removed from the case, and then quickly and easily attached to top of the case lid. Since the plasma case is tall and unstable, the bottom of the case is outfitted with snap-on removable outriggers for stability. Once again, a little drapery hides the ugly truth. Plasma cases with hydraulic lift systems have been around for a long time. Given the lower weight of modern screens, the heavy weight of the hydraulic lift, and the very high cost of these case systems, they are generally not preferable to the system described above. It is also possible, and sometimes very practical, to build a trade show shipping case that opens up in the middle (or in sections) to reveal an attractive surface ideal for hanging graphics. These cases can also be outfitted with attractive wood or metal shelves for displaying your items and literature. In some situations, you can pre-stock your items before the case ships to the show, and be sure that it all gets there and is displayed in the the optimum way. The advantage of this is obvious. At the beginning show, just un-pack and setup, at the end, just pack up and walk away. Since your case is your booth, you will also save money by having less to ship, and less to rent when you get there.
Alternative TO Custom Trade Show Booths

Trade show displays are physical screens and backdrops that are created to fill a temporary exhibit space. Typically trade show displays are designed to represent a specific company or interest, which means they come in many different sizes and styles depending on the goals of the exhibitor. Today, the number of exhibitors at trade shows is tremendous increasing the competition. Exhibitors continue to deploy new and creative methods to attract trade show visitors. Because multimedia has become an increasingly important part of trade show marketing, modern trade show displays are designed to support multimedia accessories such as monitors and computer systems. In the past, exhibitors were forced to purchase counters or other accessories because their back wall exhibit could not support a flat screen monitor. Additionally, modern trade show booths provide exhibitors with a wide variety of accessories and customizable options. There are several trade show booth accessories that are designed into trade show displays and many that can be appended to custom displays. Modular Hybrid displays are specifically user friendly in avoiding custom displays. They come with lighting built directly into the hardware of the display, which eliminates the need for a custom lighting system, literature shelves and also several other built in booth accessories such as monitor stands of varied specifications as multimedia support. Apart from using graphics with the right pizzazz; multimedia today plays a very important role in driving home the exhibitor’s message. Great flat screen monitors either Plasma or LCD provide for great visual imagery. Depending on your business a few great ideas for monitors are – * Software demos* Video presentations* On demand video with touchscreen* Powerpoint presentations running on a loop* Still images taken with your digital camera* Plant tours* Properties representedThe right monitor stands should be chosen for each type of trade show display. There are several types of monitor stands and monitor cases to support pop-up displays, table top displays and outdoor displays. The ranges would include wheeled stands, inline monitor stands; popup monitor stands as per the requirement, size and specifications of the exhibit display.
Tote bags – trade show at the end of the day Giveaway

Monitor trends in trade promotional display products, is easy to follow popular products such as pens, key chains, calculators and mouse pads. Most people look for products trade show that attracts much attention as key chains or rubber flexible multifunctional calculator, but there is a big trend in marketing promotional products for trade goods is a benign follicle. Tote bags or totes, like conversation, is currently the most widely used products trade show, style and comfort make it a favorite with leading event promotions. Some success in these positions that appear normal and is due to the upward trend of environmental concerns as a bag of reusability. Also, totes are the elements that people can always use more than whether it is a shop, and travel to work or pregnancy. Here are some of the elements are the most popular used for trade fairs: cotton tote bags – natural cotton fibers from cotton plants. Cotton material is very soft fiber and only very weak, it becomes incredibly strong when woven together in the fabric. This makes these bags are strong enough to implement the provisions and heavy but still soft to the touch. Download jute bags – totes jute bags is leading to environmental sold because they are made from plant fibers which can be used 100 percent clean. Those who try to show compassion for their companies and environmental consciousness and has achieved great success with jute bags wear. Lunch bags and totes cool – totes are not isolated but usually insulated totes to keep perishable items fresh for hours and hours. This insulated totes are ideal for companies to determine where there is a growing tendency to take lunch from home to work. Tote bags are part of the growing trend of popular products that are used repeatedly. Products for reuse, awareness and good for the environment. Tote bags are able to replace hundreds of plastic and paper bags used by one person, only one year. These products are not only environmental, it is not unusual, which increases the attractiveness and popularity.
Managing a Trade Show

Trade shows according to Investorwords refer to events wherein the products and services of a business are exhibited and demonstrated. Based on this definition, it is undeniable that trade shows really play a major role in advancing the marketing efforts of a certain business. Trade shows serve as the ideal spot where different buyers, sellers, suppliers and retailers meet to do business. Many visitors attend a trade show that’s why it is considered to be a very ideal means of marketing a business. Aside from high visibility, your business is also given the chance to get a hold of effective branding. Surely, you don’t want to miss the chance to take your business to the next level. With trade shows many doors of opportunity are within your reach. But the question is how will you manage a trade show? How will you direct the attention of your prospects to your booth? Managing a trade show will never bring you trouble when you know the proper way to do it. You need to take into account several things just to make sure that you’re on the right track. Here are some basic steps that you must follow in managing a trade show:1. Create a strategy. The main purpose why you take part in a trade show is to build relations with your customers. Study which trade shows would bring out the best in your business. When you’ve evaluated which shows is the best; then it’s time to plan for the trade show. 2. Do some pre-show promotions. Have some direct mail marketing. Use some kind of a teaser to secure the interest of your potential customers. Make contact with your prospects even before the show. This way you’re a one step closer to accomplishing your trade show objectives. 3. Grab the attention of your targets. Don’t wait for the trade show visitors to find you. You should make a way for your booth to get noticed. It’s quite confusing however on how you will be able to do this. Even experts argue on which strategy is better. Some says that to get noticed you have to use bold and flashy trade show displays. While others say that it’s more effective when you use simple designs in your trade show displays. The bottom-line is to persuade your prospects to opt for your products and services. 4. Establish good relations. In trade shows, you make contact with your prospects in person. You don’t just present your products with your customers. You must learn the proper questions to ask. By asking the right questions to your customers, you’re able to get to know the customer better; thus it’s easy to build rapport between them. 5. Make a follow-up after the show. Follow-up is very important in the absolute fulfillment of your trade show objectives. Leads are useless when they’re not activated. For this reason, it’s best if you would make a follow up five days after the trade show. Trade shows are ideally for the benefit of small businesses. It is very suitable especially when you want to make it in the industry without wasting your time, money and effort. If you want a fruitful business, then you must follow these steps. These steps will lead you one step closer to achieving a successful trade show promotion.
What Types Of Cases Are Available For Trade Show And Exhibit Transport Of Goods?

When preparing for a major trade show, exhibition, expo or other event, you undoubtedly spend hour upon hour creating attractive displays and exhibits that will grab the attention of the people wandering around the facility. All of the hard work in the world can be wasted, though, if your carefully-crafted signs, graphics, displays and other components fail to arrive at the convention center in one piece. Indeed, nothing can ruin an otherwise well put together trade show display more effectively than a tear, bend, fold or crack. How do you avoid these problems? By using topnotch custom cases and specially designed trade show carrying cases. Graphics Cases Graphics are a huge part of any well-designed trade show exhibit. Whether you choose to use brightly colored banners, bold decals or any other kind of signage imaginable, the best way to ensure that they arrive looking as great as they did at the office is by transporting them in specialized graphics shipping cases. These cases generally come in two main varieties: flat and tubular. Which type you choose to use will largely depend on the specifics of the actual signage and graphics that you need to transport. Custom designed carrying cases for graphic displays can be an indispensable part of any trade show experience. Panel Cases In today’s increasing digital world, flat panel monitors are becoming par for the course at most major trade shows. Incorporating a flat panel screen into the design and layout of your exhibit can really help it stand out. However, getting that expensive and fragile monitor safely where it needs to be is a challenge. Fortunately, panel cases are among the most popular custom cases used by business professionals today. They are designed to cushion flat panel screens with special foam inserts, while holding them snugly in place and encasing them with tough, heavy duty plastic. Transport Cases Most trade show exhibits involve more than flat panel monitors and graphics, which is where transport cases come into play. Transport cases are containers that come in a wide range of sizes and configurations; they can be used to safely carry any number of important pieces for a trade show or exhibit display. Whether its a set of special lights – and their associated cords and wires – or glass cases that showcase special products, transport cases are some of he most popular shipping cases available today. Custom Trade Show Durable Packaging Solutions Every now and then, a particularly specialized component needs to be used in a trade show display. Whether it boasts unusual dimensions – or is unusually fragile – such equipment calls for a bit more than a standard, stock transit case. Fortunately, custom cases can be special ordered and are built according to your exact specifications. Custom cases are more-than-worthwhile investments, since they shield high priced, custom equipment from harm. Such cases can be designed to include ergonomic details that make handling them easier and less cumbersome. All around, custom cases are a wonderful addition to any trade show experience.
Pop Up Trade Show Displays

Pop Up Trade Show Displays Pop up displays are the best way of advertising products and attracting visitors to the stalls in trade shows and exhibitions. Trade shows are becoming popular as under one big roof many companies competing with each other for similar products display and sell their goods. The competition forces the companies to display their products in an innovative and attractive manner which helps them make an impact on the crowd and stand apart from the general. Participants in trade shows use various display methods to show off their products and one good way of doing this is using quality pop up trade show displays. Pop up displays are foldable displays used to advertise the products and services by any company with a visual graphic on it. The graphics are displayed clearly and these pop up displays can be used in any booth or stall no matter whatever the size of the stall is. The Pop up displays are durable and can be used again in any trade show or exhibition. These are easy to install and pack and can be transported easily. The pop up display is used by most participants in trade shows. These pop up displays can be used both indoor and outdoor which makes it a preferred choice among portable displays.
Trade Show Give-aways- R. O. I. on Trinkets and Trash

Hi, it’s Anders with an additional trade show marketing tip. I desire to talk about giveaways. Several companies don’t believe in giveaways, they only give away advertising material and business cards, but they don’t actually want to give away any sort of premium, gift or tchotchke. I would have to disagree with that decision. They’re making a mistake because gifts create a great feeling of gratefulness and gratitude. This makes them indebted to the giver. This can be advantageous in the marketing and sales world. The gift doesn’t have to be of great value in actuality. It just has to have high perceived value in the moment. I see it all the time where the 2 cent trinket out performs the more expensive gadget. Giving out gifts can help generate crowds in the trade show booth. I use items that are called promo links, which actually have a teaching element built into them. This allows for more interaction with the salespeople. If the sales rep has to physically show the recipient how it works it positions your sales people, instead of product pushers as trusted advisers. Making your booth staff in to an instant mentor creates a relationship that is hard to attain in that amount of time. Another interesting twist to the teaching element is, if you get a chance to touch the prospect and help them by positioning their hands etc. . . you are entering into their personal space. Not in an invasive way but in a helpful invited way. This personal space is the space that is reserved solely for friends and family. By giving out a 2 cent trinket you have furthered the relationship and gotten your foot in the door so to speak. Studies have shown that salespeople who touch (with integrity) have a greater chance of closing the sale. Bottom line. It’s well worth it. We’ll talk to you again when I send you a new video in the coming weeks. Thanks a lot.
Attracting Traffic To Your Booth Using Trade Show Magicians

What better way to stand out from the crowd, attract booth traffic and leave a strong brand image in the minds of your audience than to hire a trade show magician? Expert trade show magicians work with your company to understand your business model and unique selling points. They use this knowledge during a show to entertain people and to implant in their minds, key details about your product or service. So they most definitely offer good value for money. If you are planning to hire a trade show magician for your next trade show, here are a few points to keep in mind: 1. ) Research and see how effective the magician was in his previous projects. If possible, watch him live in the act or watch previous recordings. 2. ) Check details of the magician’s past clients and engagements. A professional trade show magician should be able to provide you these details – if they can’t there is something wrong. 3. ) Before hiring the magician check to see if the magician is a member of magic societies like the International Brotherhood of Magicians. Only serious and accomplished performers are chosen to become members of these societies and hence a membership here guarantees professionalism. 4. ) Consider looking up the magician’s website and printed promotional materials. Good magicians will have an updated website, videos or DVDs and printed materials.
