New ESP Store Website Coming Soon

We’ve got exciting new changes coming to our store. We’ve selected a new shop platform that we will be transitioning to in the next few months. The new shop will include an easy to use interface, and make it more efficient for each visitor to search and find products. For more information contact us at esp@expexhibits.com

We will be sending out more information as we get closer to the transition.

ESP
Extraordinay Show Productions

CREATIVE CONFERENCE & Graphic Imaging Value Summit

We are inviting ESP Clients to join us for 5 Days of education and sharing.

The Creative Conference will be held at Presentation Media Inc., in Gardena, CA. It will showcase new capabilities and highlight innovative ideas for TRADE SHOWS, PRESENTATION GRAPHICS, fine art reproduction, CORPORATE GRAPHICS, signage and much, much more.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
Monday, March 17th:

Specialized Logistics – There is a better way
Jason Barbatta, CIO Jet Delivery.

Tuesday, March 18th:

Industrial & Medical Imaging as Art
Dr. Mohammad A. Kamal, MD, CEO OmniPathology.

Wednesday, March 19:
Augmented Reality – The Printing is only the Beginning
Dan Freedland, Professor, Communication Studies at LMU. President International Printing Museum.

Thursday, March 20:

Success Criteria – A Process that Will Ensure Success Through Communication
Michael Norris, MA, MFC, Master Chair of THE DOJO FOR LEADERSTm, Certified Somatic Coach

Friday, March 21:

How Video Conferencing can Save Money and Save your Trade Show
Von Bedikian, CEO, President and Founder of GBH Communications

GUEST SPEAKERS:

Presenter: Jason Barbatta, CIO Jet Delivery
Jet Delivery is a leading provider of emergency transportation solutions in California with capability to move shipments across town or across country within hours.

Presenter: Dr. Mohammad A. Kamal, MD, CEO OmniPathology
A nationally renowned leader in the field of pathology, Dr. Mohammad Kamal is the founder and CEO of OmniPathology. An Assistant Clinical Professor of Pathology at UCLA and frequent lecturer at medical schools and conferences throughout the US and internationally.

Presenter: Dan Freedland, Professor, Communication Studies at LMU. President, Board of Trustees of International Printing Museum.

Mr. Freedland teaches Media and Marketing Communications, Communication Studies and “Political Communication”. He has nearly 40 years as a leader in the printing industry.

Presenter: Michael Norris, MA, MFC, Master Chair of THE DOJO FOR LEADERSTM, Certified Somatic Coach

THE DOJO FOR LEADERS™ (TD4L™) is private developmental leadership group for C-level executives of small to mid-cap privately held companies. Mr. Norris is a former Senior Master Chair of Vistage International, Inc., a CEO organization.

Presenter: Von Bedikian, CEO, President and Founder of GBH Communications

Mr. Bedikian founded GBH Communications in 1986 which has become a leading provider of conferencing, collaboration and unified communications products.

WHEN:
MARCH 17-21, 2014

WHERE:
Presentation Media, Inc.,
12820 S. Western Ave., Gardena, CA, 90249
(just south of El Segundo Blvd.)

HOURS:
Showroom OPEN from 12:00PM to 5:00PM.

Daily presentations will be offered from 3:30PM – 4:30PM. Attend one or ALL!
RSVP (619)222-8813 or Just RSVP online here.

VIDEO CONFERENCING from ESP Exhibits

Introducing VIDEO SHOW

Now available for immediate installation at your next event. Don’t wait until AFTER the show to close a deal. Do it on the spot!

• Single or Multi-Point-to-point video conferencing
• Crystal clear audio and video

We offer technical support and deploy only state-of-the-art equipment. Customer satisfaction guaranteed.

Flex pricing to meet any budget: Economy, Economy Plus and Pro.

Call ESP today to learn more about video conferencing. Don’t let that deal vanish into thin air!

(619) 222-8813

Exhibit Rentals from ESP

Just a few years ago, if you wanted to ensure you had a dynamic, effective display, your only option was to purchase a custom exhibit. If you wanted to reduce costs by renting an exhibit, you had to make do with generic, one-size-fits-all, often unimaginative displays. This is no longer true.

Today’s top exhibit producers are offering rental displays that are fresh, dynamic, compelling to visitors and customized to meet your unique needs. Now exhibitors can enjoy all of the benefits of custom design impact – effective brand communication, and functionality – and still save money.

Navigate our site featuring hundreds of display designs and rental displays. Now it’s easier than ever to decide if you want to Rent instead of Buying.

The Monsters are coming!

MONSTER VINYL BANNERS…that is.

Our welding capability utilizes state-of-the-art equipment to join already large separate graphics.  Welding can turn your large banners into monsters!  Large 13oz. Vinyl or Mesh banners can become even larger when welded together.  Banner welding is accomplished by “melting” the edges of individual pieces to create one larger piece.  After the banners are merged together, great pressure is applied creating a strong bond.  Extremely large banners are then sewn together for additional reinforcement.  The result is a monster banner with a seamless look.

Use together with Solv-it! A solvent printing process that utilizes outdoor ink.  Featuring 12 months plus of outdoor use with zero to minimal fading, Solv-it! is the best solution for great quality LARGE “Monster” outdoor banners.
Contact ESP to make your Monster banners come to Life!

No Stress Trade Show Service

Our customers have confidence knowing their exhibit will be delivered, 100% complete and “show ready” for every event. We learn your events schedule and help plan the execution, ESP will help make your next event stress free. Contact us today or link to our site for more helpful information.

Right directions for Exhibit Marketing

For all your exhibition services.

Trade Show 101 – Just Getting Started?

Trade shows are an important part of marketing your company, and the contacts and impression you make at a trade show can be critical to your success. There are some basic steps to consider for making the most of your trade show experience. Click the link below to learn more.

How to Plan for a Tradeshow: Trade Show Basics by ESP

http://www.espexhibits.com

Trade show basics by ESP helps you with all the steps to plan a successful tradeshow exhibit with tips on exhibit.

Timeline

Begin with creating a timeline that will help you avoid last-minute rush charges and lost opportunities. There are a number of software packages available specifically for project management. Or, you can just use a simple spreadsheet or word processing program. Use this Trade Show Preparation Timeline  as a guideline in developing a schedule tailored to your trade show participation.

For organizational purposes, it is nice to create a notebook divided into sections, including budget, shipping information, trade show services, graphics, promotions, travel logistics, and miscellaneous information.

Strategy

Research the trade show. Review who will be attending as well as the trade show’s history. Many trade shows begin their space reservations before the previous show closes. Visit the show’s website. The majority of trade shows are available for exhibit booth space signup through the Internet.

Sign up as soon as you make the decision to participate – this could prevent late signup costs. Most trade show organizers will ask for an initial deposit to confirm your booth space and then provide you with the due dates for additional payments.

Determine who will be part of your exhibit team which may be both internal and external personnel.  Setup a meeting with your team and determine their assignments and deadlines.

A handy method for keeping track of each task is to jot down on your calendar each task per specific date and follow-up when you turn to that date.   You also should determine exhibit design, promotions, lead handling processes, staffing and logistics.

Exhibit Design

It is important to have an idea what you would like for your exhibit design, meet with other members of your marketing/sales department and determine what your message should be for this trade show. If you will be building or renting an exhibit, planning should begin at least three months in advance. If you are going to be using structure already available and making minor or no modifications to existing booth graphics, this can be done in about a month.

Promotion

Trade show organizers will allow you to rent prior years’ attendee lists as well as the current year’s pre-registered attendees. With these lists, you will be able to send notices of your trade show participation as well as the exhibit booth number. Additional promotional strategies also are provided by show organizers and should be included in your exhibitor-services manual.

This also is a good time to determine what promotional giveaways and literature to handout during the show. Add this to your time schedule.

Lead Handling and Collateral

Work with your marketing/sales team to determine what information you will want to obtain from attendees. Decide whether you will use an electronic or manual system for retrieving leads during the trade show. You should also determine what your post-show lead fulfillment plan would be. This should be done about three months prior to the show.

Staffing

Decide who will be attending the trade show and staffing your booth as soon as possible in order to communicate any show particulars and share your show strategy. You will need these names to order exhibitor badges as well as providing the staff information on show dates, location, conference registration, hotel accommodations, and air and ground travel arrangements.

Installation and Dismantling (I&D)

Determine who will be installing and dismantling your booth well in advance of the trade show. Estimate how many hours it takes and the dates you will be setting up and tearing down your booth. Provide this to the show organizers by completing the paperwork located in the exhibitor-services manual. This should be done about 30-45 days prior to setup.

Shipping

Determine what you will be shipping to show i.e. structure, equipment, display hardware, giveaways, literature, and supplies. This will help you decide what type of carrier you should use – van line or air freight. Provide the pertinent trade show information to your carrier and they will determine when your shipment should be ready for transport. Make your return shipping plans with your carrier at the same time.

The return shipment date can be determined by referring to the trade show teardown date and scheduling the pickup for the day after show closing.  This should be done at least two months prior to the show.

On-site Services

When you receive your exhibitor-services manual, all of the on-site services deadlines will be identified such as: material handling, carpet rental, furnishings, floral arrangements, cleaning, electrical needs, and computer equipment rental. Order online or complete the paperwork for each service you will be using. Normally, there is a discount for providing this information early.

At the Show

Prior to the trade show, make a list of details to be completed at the show including: picking up badges, confirming you have received all items ordered, ensuring your shipment has arrived, supervision of exhibit installation, pick up lead retrieval systems and blank bills of lading.

Show Close

Dismantling usually begins as soon as the show closes although not in all cases. This information can be found in your exhibitor-services manual. It is usually the time you return your lead retrieval system as well as audio visual and computer equipment. Normally, the floral will be yours to keep; however, plants ordered are typically on a rental basis and will be picked up by the floral company. The furnishings also will be picked up soon after show closing.

Exhibit dismantling sometimes can be started immediately upon show closing although some trade show organizers may wait until the next day. The repackaging of your exhibit is done after dismantle and, at that time, the completed bill of lading should be turned into the exhibitor services center. If you do not submit your bill of lading, your shipment will not be released to your designated carrier but rather it will be sent via the shipper of choice of the trade show contractor company.

Post Show

The trade show is over and it has been a success! Now is the time to turn leads over to the appropriate sales people; submit a personal expense report; work with the exhibit house to inventory the exhibit and determine necessary repairs; review final show invoices and finalize show budgets.   ESP can help you with any of the above details. We are ready to help you with our range of products, advice and experience for successful trade show participation.

 

Your First Trade Show

Advice for your First Trade Show Display

If this is your first time at a trade show, you are possibly a little bit nervous about how the event will unfold and if you’ve forgotten anything in organizing your display.

This is one of the advantages of dealing with ESP – a company that can help you every step of the way. We’ve seen all kinds of trade shows and displays and there is little for which we can’t provide either some advice or a definitive answer.

But let’s go back to the beginning for a moment and speak to those who are just beginning to think about their first display.

What are the criteria for your first trade show display?

Price

Either you’ve put together a budget yourself, or you’ve been given one by your company. In any case, the total cost of your trade show display is a determining factor in what you should be looking at.

1. If your budget is under $5000.00, you should consider portable tabletop displays, freestanding popup displays such as SALESMATE presentation displays, XpressionsSNAP 3D popup displays, VBURST! stretch fabric popup displays, classic popup displays with Velcro-friendly fabric panels or mural graphic panels, folding panel display packages, or banner stands.
2. More elaborate portable displays and simple modular display systems or possibly a combination of these display types usually fall within the budget range of $5,000.00 to $10,000.00.
3. If you have more to play with, say between $10,000.00 and $30,000.00, you should be looking at simple to slightly customized modular display systems and full custom displays depending on the size of your display booth and the image you want to portray.
4. And if price is no object, then you should consider custom modular display systems and full custom exhibits. Note that custom exhibits can be modular to a degree although they usually don’t have the same flexibility as modular display systems and are often heavier and bulkier resulting in higher shipping and show site drayage costs.

Combining display types is an option to help you meet budget objectives. For example, you can combine a tabletop display or a freestanding portable popup display with a banner stand.  Or you can use three banner stands to create a 10’w display backwall in your exhibit booth space.

Also, popup displays can be combined with modular display systems to help meet budget restrictions.  The possibilities are virtually unlimited.

Space

1. If your trade show booth space is linear (in a line with several other exhibit booths), your display is usually restricted to a height of 8′. While any display type can be used in a linear space, the most common are freestanding popup displays such as classic pop ups, XpressionsSNAP 3D popup displays, VBURST! stretch fabric popup displays, folding panel display systems and tabletop displays. Multiple banner stands are also frequently used to create a linear booth space backwall.
2. For island and peninsula (also known as end cap) exhibit booth spaces, the typical display is either a modular panel system or a custom exhibit. Although less common, portable popup displays are also used in island and peninsula spaces.

Multiple story displays are almost always custom exhibits or a combination of custom and modular display systems.

Portability

If you’re looking for the best in portability and convenience; if your ideal trade show display is something you can transport and set up yourself or ship inexpensively, you should be looking at portable tabletop displays, freestanding popup displays, and banner stands. 

 

These portable displays are lightweight and usually can be transported by car, plane, or via express shippers.

If you want an idea of how the preparation for a trade show should look, take the time to read our Trade Show 101 section.

And don’t forget, if you’re confused at all or feel overwhelmed while planning your first trade show display, please feel free to call 619-222-8813 or contact us anytime for advice.

http://www.espexhibits.com/trade-show-planning.php

A Trade Show Exhibit for any budget

Whatever your budget dictates, ESP has a solution to meet your exhibiting needs. From table throws and banner stands to popup booths and from custom portable to custom modular, we’ve got it covered with no rush fees – EVER.

Shop online at your convenience http://ow.ly/jNoEb, browse our Virtual Showroom http://ow.ly/jNpd2, or call us for a consultation and custom quote 619.222.8813.

Trade Shows are Like First Dates

Are You Nervous?

Trade shows are like first dates, first meetings, or job interviews. Unless you have an ego like Donald Trump, these “firsts” scare the dickens out of you. They should. No matter how well you prepare, the unknowns trump the knowns by a ratio of about 10,000 to 1. If you’ve ever been on a blind date, or even a first date with someone you’ve just met, you know that a date is about being the person you strive to be, not the person you are.

Of course, not everyone has the gumption, the imagination, or the self-awareness to lift their game to the next level. Some people never grasp that first impressions are lasting impressions. They wear scuffed shoes to the job interview, slouch in the chair, chew gum, or dress inappropriately. They make the decision easy for the interviewer. On that important first date, when every word and every gesture is scrutinized, they monopolize the conversation, talk with their mouth full of food, and tell jokes that would offend Redd Foxx.

I suspect, however, that most of us strive to make a positive first impression. After all, we want to be liked, we want to be respected. In a typical social situation, we engage others in conversation in order to learn about their lives and to share ours.

Looking Good

Then why do so many trade show exhibits stink and so many trade show booth staffers stink even more. For the vast majority of attendees, their first impression of you is based on your display. It’s their first date, your first interview, and the first meeting for both of you. Walk the typical trade show, whether it’s a Chamber of Commerce “Meet and Greet” or your industry’s lollapalooza in Las Vegas, Orlando, or Chicago. About 50 percent of the exhibits are creative, targeted, and well-planned. The booth staff understands their roles and makes every effort to behave like outstanding role models. No inappropriate scratching, no Starbucks coffee cups littering the display, no obsessive Crackberry distractions. They are there to work the show and understand that during show hours they are on stage and every interaction is a performance.

Looking Bad

And then there are the other 50 percent. Let’s start with the booth. My oh my. . . too often it’s bulletin board artwork stuck to a booth built by the Alf and Ralph, the Monroe Brothers on Green Acres. Or if it’s a professionally designed exhibit, it’s long in the tooth, damaged, and the exhibit equivalent of Archie’s jalopy sitting on cinder blocks. Now that may be acceptable at the local hobby fair, but wearing the trade show equivalent of a lime green leisure suit at the Governor’s Ball is tacky (funny but still tacky). It screams, “I just don’t care.” Now you may be comfortable on your first date with a big piece of spinach stuck to your front teeth, but even if your date has matching green dental jewelry, chances are there will not be a second date. Trade shows are expensive, but the actual display is usually the least expensive investment over 2-3 years. So invest wisely.

Behaving Badly

Now the booth staff. This is almost too easy. So rather than riff on the stereotypical cell phone chatting, Motrin popping from a hangover, couldn’t give a rat’s @$$ booth staffers, let’s take the high road. The reason too many exhibits are staffed with the wrong people is simple. They are the wrong people. They don’t have a vested interest in the company’s success, they aren’t knowledgeable, and they aren’t “people” people. Trade shows are not magazine ads or television spots. They are face-to-face sales opportunities. How often have you been to a Chamber of Commerce mixer and the local bank’s display is staffed by a teller? The teller is pleasant and pleasant-looking, but he/she doesn’t know anything about the bank’s loan programs, CD rates, or charitable programs. The teller shouldn’t be there. The local branch manager should be. Pamphlets, key chains, and cleavage are not replacements for one-on-one knowledge.

Ideally, your trade show staffing should have senior management participation. They have the knowledge and the vested interest. Too often, however, they wander the show floor like a band of schoolgirls whispering snide comments about competitors, eating candy, and planning the evening’s activities. Never underestimate the power of a title. And unless your senior management is poison, meeting the CEO or President of a company in their booth can turn “interest” into an “order” almost immediately.

Want to succeed at your next trade show? Treat it like a first date. Look your best and mind your manners. Remember that first impressions are lasting impressions. And no matter how tempting that spinach omelet looks for breakfast, it’s probably a good idea to select the oatmeal instead.

Article Author:  Mel White, Classic Exhibits – ESP Trade Show Display Partner

More Trade Show Tips