"Green" Trends in the Trade Show Industry

Several staff members of EXHIB-IT! Tradeshow Marketing Experts attended the 2009 EXHIBITOR Show in Las Vegas. For a well rounded approach from several perspectives, graphic artists from the trade show display design team, client service representatives, sales associates and the company CEO braved the unusually snappy weather and spring break crowds.
Green display products are definitely the wave of the future. Manufactured using recycled, recyclable and sustainable products, these trade show displays and graphics offered state of the art design, without high impact on the environment. From fabric graphics made of recycled water bottles and bamboo banner stands to extrusion made from recycled aluminum and led lighting, the concern for the environment was evident. More and more environmentally friendly marketing materials are becoming available as businesses commit to conservation efforts.
We encourage our clients to invest in long lasting framing and hardware, because displays that last and offer the ability to grow with a company, won’t end up in a land fill. We offer fabric graphics made from recycled plastic. We also offer rental displays, an oft forgotten aspect of recycling.
What small steps can businesses participating in trade shows take to reduce waste and be environmentally friendly? Our team chose to walk to events whenever feasible and to use public transportation rather than renting a vehicle. We also reused linens and towels at our hotel to reduce water usage and waste of energy. We avoid taking printed materials we don’t want, and also give out information to qualified leads rather than filling someone else’s trash bin.
If everyone would practice these small changes, think how we could minimize the environmental impact of the 1.2 million business meetings, trade shows and conventions held in the US each year.

Trade Show Marketing Remains Effective

What is the best way to market your business? The value of social media in your marketing campaign is undeniable. Blogging, Twitter and other forms of social media are cutting edge methods of developing business relationships. However, the face to face marketing of trade shows remains the number one way to market your business. According to a 2007 survey, 43% of businesses say meetings and conferences are the most effective way to market to them. The survey also revealed that trade shows are the top method of getting a business buyers attention. Another study conducted by the Center for Exhibition Industry Research reveals that revenue from B2B events grew 6.6% in 2007 and continued to increase throughout 2008. While early reports claim that trade show attendance is down this year, the situation provides a unique opportunity to exhibitors. More qualified leads and a higher percentage of buyers are some of the expected benefits of the decrease. It is essential to choose the right shows, and to continue your post show follow up in force, but the future of the trade show marketing remains bright.

EXHIB-IT! FREE Networking Event

Spring is right around the corner and that means warmer weather. After the long cold winter, don’t you love spending time outdoors? The longer days and the clearer skies lend the perfect for outdoor marketing events. In today’s challenging economy, it’s important to take advantage of as many marketing opportunities as possible and outdoor events are becoming more and more popular.

Our company is hosting our annual indoor/outdoor business to business event in May. Last year’s event drew over 400 local business people for networking, food and beverages. This year we expect to draw an even larger crowd. Warm weather and the economic climate will work together to draw local business owners, government officials and local celebrities to enjoy the evening sunshine at a free networking event. We know that in these difficult times it’s more important than ever to give back to the community. We are giving a pop up table top display to a nonprofit organization and holding a silent auction of donated items to benefit the Albuquerque Christian Children’s Home.

For our indoor/outdoor event we will be using event tents, outdoor flags and a gazebo. The event tents offer shade, signage and will create a special atmosphere for the event. Our gazebo provides a great place for our bar, while serving as promotional signage displaying our logo and company branding. The outdoor flags are used outside our business every day! Available in numerous shapes and sizes, we have selected a variety of outdoor event flags for promotion.

With so many warm days ahead, so many interested in low cost marketing events and the opportunity to give back to the community. Outdoor trade events are a great way to go!

Table Throw or Table Cloths

Tables are everywhere at trade shows and events.

Have you thought of adding a logo table throw to your table to take advantage of every branding opportunity?

They are a great way to enhance your existing display and even more important for the companies that do not utilize a trade show display. Your logo on a tablecloth will quickly tell people who you are, especially important if you are engaged with a prospect.
For more information on table throws and how to choose the correct one for your logo you may click here.