In previous posts, we’ve discussed print-on-demand trade show literature as a cost-savings and waste reduction strategy, but there is another savings opportunity, the ubiquitous giveaway. Based on the shipping and handling costs associated with giveaways, we have some ideas of how to reduce this line item expense for your next trade show. Exhibitors should consider bringing just enough promo material that they give it all away by the last day of the trade show. Exhibitors may initially object... more
North Carolina Does Business at Trade Shows Nationwide
North Carolina businesses have been taking the show on the road this year. Trade show displays for Greensboro and RTP based Syngenta have made it to over 150 trade shows this year, including over 75 farm shows, from the of vines of California to the citrus groves of Florida, and from the soybean fields of North Carolina to the potato fields of Idaho. Durham, NC based Burt’s Bees sent their Award Winning Green trade show display just returned from Natural Products Expo East. Cary, NC based... more
The Giveaway Strategy: Trade Show Tip of the Week
Green Marketing Challenges and Benefits in the 21st Century
Exhibit Resources is proud to host the Triangle AMA’s February Social Event, “Green Marketing Challenges and Benefits in the 21st Century,”. Join us to learn more about Green Marketing (Challenges and Benefits) from IBM’s Program Manager, Steve Cole, and connect with other marketing leaders. When: Wednesday, February 3, 2010 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM Where: Exhibit Resources, 7521 Exhibit Court Raleigh, NC 27617 Attire: Business Casual FEE: View Event Fees RSVP Tuesday, February... more
Events Build Communities: Trade Show Tip of the Week
In thinking about the December holidays, we at Exhibit Resources can’t help but notice some parallels to our face-to-face marketing world. Sure, the food, the presents, the carols, the candles and the decorations are a part of what make the holidays so special, but some of the underlying magic behind it all might be the connections we make or strengthen with friends and family during this time. In fact, the holidays are about fellowship, much like trade shows and other marketing events that bring... more
Corporate Special Events: Trade Show Tip of the Week
Corporate Special Events are an increasingly effective way to get face time with your target audience. Special events help your staff and your brand take center stage and capture your audience’s undivided attention. Especially in the cacophony of advertising in email, tweets and other media, event marketing is an effective way to stand out, get your message heard, and be memorable. Some successful types of corporate events include grand openings, open houses, new product launches, dealer... more
Year-end Strategy: Trade Show Tip of the Week
As the holiday season got underway last week with Thanksgiving, you might not have been thinking about budgets and business taxes. But the following year-end planning tips for businesses and marketing departments can help you make the most of your year-end financial situation. 1. Get a Marketing Budget Update from Accounting: As part of your year-end strategy, you should have a good idea of your company’s financial picture and how that relates to your marketing effort. Now is a good time... more
Alternate Display Graphics: Trade Show Tip of the Week
Trade show exhibitors often struggle with what information and images include on their trade show display graphics. Many offer a wide range of products and services, and may feel frustrated when trying to distill their pitch down to a “billboard” message. But we have a workaround for this problem that seems to be working for our clients. We suggest that exhibitors create alternate sets of trade show display graphics for secondary markets or additional product lines. With a larger... more
Niche Vertical Markets: Trade Show Tip of the Week
Just after the fall busy season is a great time to look back at your 2009 Exhibiting successes and to consider your 2010 schedule. What shows were your best performers? Where could you expand your company’s presence to get more out of your event marketing effort? One strategy employed by some of our clients is to seek out shows in vertical markets outside of their primary industry in order to access to new business. Take a look at your top 5-10 clients. What trade shows are they exhibiting... more
Harness Online Marketing: Trade Show Tip of the Week
Exhibiting at trade shows is a vital part of the marketing mix, but the effort can represent a significant investment. Trade show participation has been shown to be a cost-effective way to generate leads and close new business, according to the findings of CEIR, The Center for Exhibition Industry Research, as explained in their report The Cost Effectiveness of Exhibition Participation. The data from that report and others show that the typical cost of generating a sale from exhibiting at a trade... more
Custom Portable Displays: Trade Show Tip of the Week
When experienced trade show coordinators hear the words “Custom Trade Show Display,” they may think of the heavy wood construction of traditional trade show display designs. Similarly, when they hear the phrase “Portable Display” they no doubt think of the convenient, but generic looking curved pop-up trade show display that has become a staple on the show floor. Although each of those still has its place in the broad trade show marketing world, there are exciting new alternatives... more
Choosing a Rental Display: Trade Show Tip of the Week
Rental trade show programs are an increasingly popular way exhibitors are participating in trade shows. But how does an exhibitor evaluate and select a trade show display rental provider? Here are some questions a trade show coordinator should consider when deciding on a rental trade show display agency: Does the exhibit house have sufficient experience with custom rental projects? Trade show display rental agencies with longevity are a better bet for reliability and satisfaction than a startup.... more
About Me
Page Ballenger is a Trade Show Exhibiting and Marketing Consultant




