Monday, May 12, 2008

Getting Noticed at Big Trade Shows

Trade shows booths have become much more completive in the design of the booths. The standard fabric booth, pop up or the home made booth still work but buyers have gotten eyes full of these type displays. Smash Hit Displays is well aware of this and offers both the standard booth and large custom designed booth. With more and more graphics out on the show room floor now the display has taken on a new meaning. To stand out in a lot of cases you need to be different. When the buyer is on their 2nd or 3rd day you really need to peek there interest by showing them that you are different and exciting. It does not have to be expensive to be different so calls us and we can help your next show be more successful.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

The Power of Simplicity

Stunning, simple, eye-catching, and loud. These are all words that should describe the look of your trade show graphics. Many companies tend to forget the fact that they have less than three seconds to woo the attendees. They are under the impression that the more information and color used, the better their chances are of getting people to stop at their booth. This could not be farther from the truth! There is just one thing you must remember when designing your graphics- less is more. A photo of your product, a few key features of the product, and a striking headline is all you should need in your display. Do not waste your time using “cutesy” words. Get straight to the point; this way, the attendees will know exactly what your product is all about and whether or not they would like to stop at your booth. No one is going to want to stop at every booth and read several paragraphs in order to figure out what it is you are selling. The colors used are equally as important as the pictures used. A black background with red, white, or yellow text would pop out more than graphics with neutral colors. All of these tips may seem very easy, yet many companies tend to make the same mistakes. If you would like to read more tips on designing your graphics, go to http://www.trade-show-tips.com/articles-vinyl-banners/article_vinyl-banners-6.shtml. Let Smash Hit Displays help design your next trade show graphics. Our knowledgeable associates know exactly what to do to create a display that gets attention. We listen to your needs and can design your graphics from scratch to meet your requirements. Let Smash Hit Displays make your next trade show exhibit a smash hit!

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Economy In Trade Show Displays

If you have a trade show display but would like to add another product, it is not necessary to completely start over and design a new display from scratch. An easier solution would be to add a banner stand or another smaller display, which will show all of the new information you would like to add. There are several different banner stands to choose from, all of them being easy to haul from show to show. One of the most popular choices is the retractable banner stands. It literally takes minutes to set up and the banner rolls up in the base, making it a space-saver. You can choose from either the single-sided or double-sided retractable banner stand. The single-sided option allows you to show graphics on one side of the display, but the double-sided choice allows you to display information on both sides. Another great option to display your new product is the scrolling banner stand. This alternative has a scrolling mechanism at the top of the banner and has several different widths and heights to choose from. Depending on regulations set by the trade show organization, you may also be able to use a hanging banner. This is a great option to get you and your product noticed from anywhere in the show. You can choose from square or triangle-shaped hanging banners. Some shows have certain rules that prohibit this kind of display, so make sure to check with the trade show first. The professional, helpful staff of Smash Hit Displays knows exactly what it takes to make a lasting impression. We can also design your graphics either from scratch or from a picture you would like to use. Let Smash Hit Displays help you with your next trade show display!

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Innovative Displays

Smash Hit Displays is constantly adding the latest, most innovative products to their web site. Some of these new products include retractable banner stands. Our most recent additions include the Barracuda and Imagine retractable banner stands. The height of your display can be adjusted, anywhere between 30 inches and 80 inches. The graphics easily roll right into the base, making traveling much less stressful. The base can now hold even thicker graphics, which will open up a number of possible fabric types for you to use. If you want a trade show display that will get you noticed, consider the Alumalite pop up display. The header and wings are made of frosted plex a glass, allowing your graphics or company name to be very appealing to the trade show attendees. There are numerous possibilities of attention-grabbing accessories that can be added, including an LCD monitor, a fixed counter, a free standing, and more. Visit Smash Hit Display to see all of the newest products that have been added to the trade show market

Monday, March 10, 2008

Trade Shows Still a Good Investment

With the economy in a slump many businesses have a much smaller budget, including money used for advertising. Fortune magazine conducted a survey that showed half of those who participated were spending much less than last year. One of the best, and most cost efficient, ways to market your products and services are through trade shows. Because you are in competition with other companies who are also worried about catching the recession bug, it is important to take advantage of this marketing opportunity. Smash Hit Displays sells pop up displays as low as $524.95, and our graphics department can create a look that gets noticed. Backlit walls are another great option because lights are attached behind the graphics, making them light up the room. Since you only have 3 seconds to get the attention of the trade show attendees, this item will get the attention you need. Remember Smash Hit Displays for all of your trade show needs!

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Trade Show Blue's

I didn’t even get enough sales to cover the cost of my trade show booth. Have you found yourself saying this? In most cases the real sales are made after the trade show. The biggest order I ever received ($100,000) was from a source I thought had nothing to do with my product. I take lots of notes in a note book during the trade show and staple the card right to the note page. I would right down the conversation and what the person looked like. So when I got a call 4 months later from this customer I had forgotten about, I quickly looked at my notes and sounded like I had just met them. Remember in most cases the relationship you make at the show can pay good dividends in the future. Remember if you need advice or trade show display products you can reach us at http://www.blogger.com/www.smashhitdisplays.com.

Monday, December 31, 2007

Design Your Trade Show Display Through Your Customers Eyes

Know who your audience when you get ready to purchase or change your trade show display. Try and think what will be attractive look at through your prospective customer’s eyes. What item(s) are going to capture the attention of your next customer? One of the trade show displays purposes is to get the attention of a customer for the first few seconds and peak their interest. Then let other parts of your trade show display show what you have to offer. I try not to give examples of what is eye catching for two reasons.1) I don’t know your customer, vibrant colors my work for some while a photo of a baby might work for another. In this case the displayer knows best. 2) Another reason is I don’t want to limit the imagination of the people doing the presentation. What ever the case we still can provide any help you could ever need at http://www.smashitdisplays.com/.

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Relieving Stress During the Busy Season

The busiest season in the trade show industry is approaching. Although the Holiday Season is a time to relax it’s always good to think ahead. The month of January is consistently the busiest for the entire trade show industry. This means stress for anyone in the industry, making this time of year very hectic. There are few easy steps that can be taken in order to minimize stress when purchasing trade show displays. First if your display will feature graphic design order sooner rather than later in order to secure your spot in line for printing. During extremely busy times print time can increase from the typical 4 business days to 12 business days. Second if you find yourself strapped for time be sure to ask about rush fees. Rush orders can increase you turnaround time from 5-7 days to as little as 2 business days, but be prepared it will cost you and is not always available. The last tip for easing the pressure of trade show display purchase is considering other options. Look at all our displays and find one or two alternatives to your display of choice. This allows for alternatives if the first choice of display is backordered. Following these three easy steps will help to make your display purchase as stress free as possible. Remember January is the busiest month in the trade show industry so be prepared for longer than usual turnaround times and always order as early as possible! http://www.tradeshowweek.com/article/CA6514424.html

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Robotics Tradeshow Showdown

I came across this funny take / cartoon on a tradeshow and found it rather amusing. The color pallette needs be updated a bit and Jenny's (robot character) take on trade shows as being a social event to meet the opposite sex isn't too far off from reality (especially in Vegas). I hope you enjoy! Actual Robotics Trade Shows Include IMTS - http://www.imts.com/ Robots and Vision Show - http://www.robots-vision-show.info/ North American Robot Safety Conference - http://www.roboticsonline.com/public/calendar/details.cfm?id=93 A Smash Hit! Trade Show Displays is a tradeshow supplier specializing in banner stands, table top pop up displays, mural trade show graphics, backlit graphic exhibits and trade show carpets. Let us help you avoid the devistation of a trade show showdown and make your next event A Smash Hit!

Friday, April 27, 2007

Entasi Fabric Displays

One of the latest products to hit the Smash Hit Displays website is the full line of Entasi Trade Show Displays. These displays use an extruded aluminum frame where each frame component is shock-corded to the next making setup extremely easy. One of the unique features of this display system is the ability to powder coat the frame in virtually any color imaginable. This level of customization enables you to create very unique display and avoids the cookie cutter look from one display to the next.

Since I'm on the subject of powder coating let me give a "shout out" to my good buddie Scott Bedwell, who is the owner of Rocket Performance Coatings. Rocket Performance Coatings specializes in powder coating in the Richmond, Virginia area. If you're looking to protect anything metal with a extremely durable coating then give Scott a call. His contact information can be found on his website.

A Smash Hit! Trade Show Displays encourages it's clients to dream up displays that create unique experiences for prospects and customers who visit their booth. We help our client's do this by offering portable trade show exhibits and indoor banner stands. Also make sure to check out our full selections of pop up display stand, trade show exhibit panel, trade show display truss, fabric trade show display systems, lighted trade show displays, modular trade show booth, trade show carpet and tradeshow tables.

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Trade Show Greed

Back in the dotcom heyday many predicted the demise of the trade show. Yea right! You think executives are going to give up company paid vacations while at the same time building their businesses? I doubt it! Trade shows will always exist and I say this because the computer and the Internet will never replace the human element. Will technology and the Internet make trade shows better? Of course they will and already have. The title of this post is called Trade Show Greed and references an article on The Standard, China's Business Newspaper. The article details that lots of new tradeshows have popped up in China that do not offer much value. This always happens in huge growth markets like China and can be challenging to figure out what is a good show versus a bad show. We suggest always asking for past attendee audits and current attendee registration as a measure when attending a new or existing event. You can also ask to review their marketing strategies to build the attendance and qualified buyers at the show. If they can't show you this information then it probably isn't worth exhibiting.

Trade Show Exhibit Product Review

The curved 10 foot pop up display is the most common type of display seen at tradeshows. There are lots of other unique popup dislay shapes including a serpentine or wave, straight and horseshoe. These displays make you stand out as you won't have that generic look that everyone else has yet still offers you the flexible and portability.

Friday, April 13, 2007

Tips to Increase Post Trade Show Sales

I read a great article on Sales Renaissance detailing challenges a medical device and distribution company had when closing sales after the trade show ended. Follow the link below to read!

How Re-Engaging Prospects’ Emotions Increases Post-Trade-Show Close Ratios

Trade Show Display Product Highlight

Banner stands can be a great way to quickly create a branded sales space. However, what if you are outside? Most banner stands will not work out side as they would just be blown over. Outdoor banner stands have been around for quite some time, however, they do require the transport of a bulky base that must be filled with water or sand in order to keep the graphic from being blown away. Now, there is an alternative! A retractable outdoor banner stand! This retractable banner system is a two sided banner that includes weighted stabilizer feet and a patented vertical riser that flexes in the wind.

Thursday, April 12, 2007

Event Marketing Surpasses Print

According to MediaBuyerPlanning.com event, trade show and conference marketing has surpassed print advertising for the first time. Print is on the way down where event marketing is the third fastest growing source of revenue for b-to-b publishers. This doesn't surprise me as nothing can replace face-to-face meetings. Why is print going down? Do you have time to read through all the junk mail you get? We've all been programed to throw the stuff away. Long live the trade show!

Trade Show Display Product Highlight Pop Up Displays are the classic standard for most exhibitors who have 8 foot and 10 foot booth spaces. The Pop Up Display is one of the most versatile, flexible and portable displays on the market and most models pack in one single rolling case. The only display that's lighter and smaller are our fabric tension pop up displays. Fabric tension pop ups use wrinkle resistant graphics that stay permanently attached to the pop up frame making them even easier to setup.

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Trade Show Booth Staffing

If you don't plan to staff you trade show booth at all times you might as well not even show up. It would be nice to claim that our trade show displays close business on there own, however, we know that's not the case. The human element is mandatory at trade shows and it does require more than just showing up. Greet your clients with a smile and with the same respect as if they were the President (hmmm...that might not be the best example). Don't sit down and be sure to watch your body language. If you're crossing your arms, not smiling and showing no interest then attendees will walk right on by.

Trade Show Exhibit Product Highlight We are proud to announce that we now offer Centiva Commerical Flooring on Snaplock. Centiva Flooring comes in 38 styles and 132 colors and is available in 12" and 18" Square Tiles. The SnapLock system makes almost unlimited combinations of colors possible and makes for easy transport and installation.

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

FogScreen Makes Business 2.0 Bottom Line Design Awards

There a quite a few specialized trade show products in the marketplace, however, only a few of those can really be considered "cool". One of those products is called FogScreen and was recently added to this years Bottom Line Design Awards presented by Business 2.0 Magazine and Frog Design. Congrats! Click here to view all the award winners.

Trade Show Exhibit Product Highlight Trade show carpeting is one of the most often overlook design aspects of ones trade show booth. A plethora of new products have been introduced to the market in the past few years so don't forget to look down at your next show and ask yourself, "What does our flooring say about our company".