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Extraordinay Show Productions

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ESP Exhibit Design Search Feature

Our Design search Feature was created to assist your navigation of all the products we offer.

Search several hundred designs from table top to large island displays.  Sort by exhibit booth size and/or price range.  Portable hybrid displays, pop ups, banner stands, counters & pedestals, workstations & kiosks and more.

Go to the  EXHIBIT DESIGN SEARCH

Exhibit Shown: VK-5087 Hybrid Trade Show Island Exhibit-

Exhibit Shown:
Visionary Designs Hybrid Exhibit
Custom, Custom Modular, and Kit Solutions
VK-5087 Hybrid Trade Show Island Exhibit– gg=3d Series

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.

Full color graphics on display floor

A great way to brand your message is by printing full color graphics on your display floors.  We are able to print on many surfaces, so you can let your imagination run wild. Your brand can be on vinyl, wood and laminates. You can have colorful images and wrap around to compliment a floor.

There are materials like padding and carpet, bamboo and cork that will leave a favorable impression on visitors. You can swap out faded or worn out flooring with easy to change panels made from different materials.

Your exhibit flooring is one of the most important pieces of real estate that you have, don’t overlook using full color graphics on it.

From ESP Trade show tips
http://www.espexhibits.com/trade-show-tips.php

Raised floors or platforms are commonly used to accommodate utility line distribution throughout the stand. The main reason is the prevention of multiple speed bumps. Since carpet padding is not typically used and carpet is often of low quality, electrical wiring, computer cabling, and especially plumbing cannot be effectively hidden.

A typical rental carpet consists of ½-m square carpet tiles. While rolled carpet is available, it is usually low pile and similar to what would be considered indoor/outdoor carpet by U.S. standards.

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.

What Do You Mean Hybrid Trade Show Display?

Perhaps no term is more hyped and less understood in the exhibit industry than “hybrid.”  Nearly every exhibit manufacturer and custom builder refers to their latest designs as portable hybrids, modular, hybrids, or even custom hybrids. Why the emphasis on this term? The answer is simple: Value. More than ever, exhibitors are demanding displays that do everything – assemble quickly, look custom, ship light, and reconfigure. Just a few years ago that would have been impossible, but not any more.

The Building Blocks

If you’ve walked a trade show recently, you’ve seen a profusion of aluminum structures and tension fabric graphics. Those are the building blocks of hybrid displays. Aluminum is attractive, structural, and lightweight. Tension fabric is vibrant, durable, and cost-effective. Together they serve as the creative foundation for displays priced from $3,000 to $250,000.

But what makes them hybrids. For the past 30 years, the exhibit world was divided into two worlds: portable/modular displays or custom exhibits. Portable/modular displays have been dominated by pop ups, panel displays, and modular laminate exhibits. These “systems” have well-defined configurations, components, and accessories, but limited design flexibility. Custom exhibits, built primarily from wood, have offered exhibitors endless design possibilities but are rarely portable or modular.

Hybrid Exhibit Systems

Hybrid exhibits merge those two worlds. Hybrids start with tension fabric and aluminum extrusion systems (such as MODUL). Beyond that, the design can be anything and can include anything. There are portable hybrids, such as Sacagawea or Magellan, consisting of an aluminum extrusion frame and tension fabric graphics, which pack in portable roto-molded cases. There are modular hybrids, like Euro LT, which add modular laminate components and pack in roto-molded tubs or small crates. And there are custom hybrids, such as Visionary Designs, which combine extrusion with just about anything else – metal, wood, plex, glass, and sometimes even portable or modular systems. As with all custom exhibits, the final design is whatever fulfills the marketing and budgetary requirements of the client.

Hybrids may not be the ideal for solution for everyone. For many exhibitors, a basic pop up or full custom makes more sense for their exhibit marketing goals. However, hybrid exhibits are here to stay. Only hybrids offer the lightweight strength of aluminum extrusion, the bold impact of tension fabric graphic, and the flexibility of unlimited design – all at a terrific value.

Guidelines

• Before deciding on any portable, modular, or custom display, the following guidelines and questions should apply:
• Know your exhibit goals. What are your immediate and long-term goals? A portable display should be viewed as a long-term investment rather than a short-term solution.
• Is your organization expecting to grow over the next couple of years? How does this effect your trade show needs?
• Do you need one product to accomplish multiple display requirements? Or, is it better to purchase different displays to accomplish your various trade show needs?
• View decisions about exhibit hardware, exhibit design, and exhibit graphics separately. It is too easy to be swayed by any one element. All three must work together.
• Consider shipping and drayage costs.
• Price is important, but price should never be the number one factor in your decision when purchasing a portable exhibit.
• Ask questions. Not all portable displays are created equal. Each has its unique strengths and weaknesses.

Source:  Mel White, Classic Exhibits

Click to search more than 600 Hybrid Trade Show Display Designs. or just a few of our favorite Portable Hybrid Trade Show Displays.

Learn more about ESP (Extraordinary Show Productions Ltd), 619-222-8813, esp@espexhibits.com

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

How to be a Trade Show Tightwad

With tight budgets in an uncertain economy, exhibit managers must find ways to minimize costs. Below are a few tips drawn from an article published in 2003 that still apply.

1. Negotiate Booth Space Discounts

Bypass the salesperson and call the show manager directly. Show management would rather make less money on an occupied booth space than no money on an empty booth space.

2. Trade Your Stuff

Is your product or service something that show management or exhibitors can use during the show? Can your CEO give a speech? Trade for free booth space.

3. Partner-Up

Get a partner to pay for the booth space in exchange for doing all the show preparation.

4. Staff Your Booth with Local Drama Students

Students can quickly learn enough about the product to pull attendees into your both and turn them over to an experienced sales person. This saves employee travel expenses or the cost of high-priced actors.

5. Record all Vendor Mistakes

Don’t request a fix, negotiate a discount instead.

6. Never use the Official Show Freight Carrier

At the very least, get quotes and compare to other carriers. If your booth can be shipped FedEx or UPS, do it. And send it to your hotel rather than to show site. Wheeling your display into the show hall yourself will save drayage charges.

7. Hurry Up and Wait Until the Last Minute

For shows you know you want to attend, start negotiating early for discounts on booth space to give show management time to consider your offer. Follow-up periodically. As the show gets closer, show management will be more interested in filling empty booth spaces (see no. 1).

By Sandy Flom/CEO, Extraordinary Show Productions Ltd. (ESP)

Find more trade show tips at http://www.espexhibits.com

Source: Secrets of a Trade Show Tightwad by Whitney Archibald, Exhibitor Magazine, September 2003