Trade Show Marketing Blog

Most exhibitors start out with table top displays and progress to larger exhibits as their trade show marketing program picks up steam. In the past, floor displays were cost-prohibitive to many companies, but today there are many inexpensive options that allow small businesses to move immediately into 10′ x 10′ spaces. These options allow exhibitors to make a big impact on a small marketing budget, making their trade shows more profitable than ever before. Take a look at a few of the affordable options we offer below:

Standard Retractable Banner Stand Wall - $597 (includes graphic design)

OneFabric 10ft Curved Display - $895 (includes graphic design)

Waveline 10ft Curved Display - $845 (includes graphic design)

If you have any questions about these affordable trade show displays, please call 877.663.3976 or email sales@moddisplays.com to speak with one of our professional exhibiting consultants.

Free Stand-Off Graphic with NLC1 Counter

Free stand-off graphic with the purchase of any NLC-1 locking counter and case. Call 877.663.3976 to redeem this promotion.

Free Ground Shipping on Smartpak Cases

Free ground shipping on all Smartpak cases. Use coupon code “CASESHIP”.

Free Printed Wings with 10 x 10 Exhibit One Purchase

If you purchase a 10 x 10 Exhibit One display, for a limited time only you will receive free graphic wings. Call to take advantage of this limited time offer.

10% Off Any New Skins for an Xpressions 10 x 10 Unit

Take 10% off any new skins for an Xpressions 10′ x 10′ display by called 877.663.3976 or emailing sales@moddisplays.com.

Free Light Kit with Any Allure Banner Stand

Purchase any Allure banner stand and receive a free light kit. Call or email our sales department to redeem this offer.

Free Printed Proofs for Exhibit One, XRline, VBurst, or Xpressions

For the month of August only, receive a printed proof free of charge when you order an Exhibit One, XRline, Xpressions, or VBurst display. Call 877.663.3976 and press 2 for graphics to speak with a graphic designer about arranging your proof.

15% Off Additional Waveline or OneFabric Graphics

Do you need additional graphics for your Waveline or OneFabric displays? Take an extra 15% off any additional graphics you purchase for your system when you order all at once.

$15 Off Replacement Cassettes

Use coupon code “CASS15″ at checkout to receive $15 off the purchase of replacement cassettes for Imagine or Advance banner stands.

Visit our promotions page for more details, or call 877.663.3976.

The expression “in the driver seat” originated with car salesmen who discovered the value of putting their customers in control of the vehicle. These salesmen discovered that potential customers were much more likely to close the deal quickly when they were allowed to experience the car to the fullest extent. The experience of being behind the wheel of a car is more powerful for the potential customer than anything a car salesman can say.

If a sense of control is important to creating confidence in a person who is looking to purchase a vehicle, how can we apply this principle to the trade show environment? The answer to this question depends on the type of products and/or services you are selling, but one fact remains consistent: You need your potential customers to experience your product first hand. Simply describing it to them or providing information about your product will not be as effective as putting the product in their hands and under their control.

If you sell software or web-based computer applications, allow your customers to use the full version of your product at demo stations within your booth. By letting them experience the interface of your product first hand, they are much more likely to make a purchasing decision on the spot. Even the most effective brochure or sales pitch will leave the potential client with questions and doubts.

If you sell physical products (such as machines, gadgets, tools, or equipment), allow your potential customers to hold the product in their hand. If possible, allow them to use the product in an application similar to the way they would use the product in the real world. The tactile sensation of handling your product and using it in a practical application will reinforce a purchasing decision in your customer’s mind.

Trade shows are so successful because they afford companies the opportunity to meet their customers and potential customers face to face. If you only provide brochures, sales pitches, and branding material, you are not taking full advantage of the face to face interaction. You can send your customers brochures, sales pitches, and branding material by email, so why do that in person? The best way to take advantage of direct marketing is to put your products in the hands of your potential clients. You will be amazed with the results.

Successful exhibitors know that it is important to grab the attention of attendees long before the show begins. If you can generate buzz and excitement about your trade show booth before the show even begins, you are much more likely to have a successful event. The internet is a great way to spread the word about your company and encourage attendees to look for your booth when they arrive at the event. Here are a few ways to get your name out:

• Submit press releases that announce your plans to exhibit at the event. If you follow established guidelines for press releases, you may be lucky enough to get your story picked up by media giants like Google and Yahoo (who regularly grab articles from press release websites), and users who are searching for news related to the trade show may find your company’s press release.
• Purchase advertising space on the show’s website. Most modern trade shows use online registration for attendees, and if you can afford to place an advertisement on those web pages, it is likely that many attendees will see your company name when they are signing up to attend the show. This is a great way to reinforce your presence and your branding image.
• Create a web page that describes the highlights of your company’s exhibit, and use search engine marketing to direct traffic to the page. When attendees search for information about the show they plan to attend on Google or Yahoo, you can have them directed to your web page which outlines your plans for the event. Directing users who are searching for information about the event to your page can be a valuable way to increase exposure.
• Be sure to update your friends and business associates on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and other social networking sites to let them know that you will be exhibiting at a particular trade show. Websites like Twitter are filled with voyeuristic users (called “lurkers”) who are interested in what you have to say, and information spreads very rapidly when lurkers republish information they find from your posts.

The internet is a powerful way to spread information about your company, and successful trade show marketing professionals always use the internet to get the word out about future events. Be creative and come up with your own marketing ideas for the internet.

Waveline displays are the most exciting trade show exhibit system to hit the market in a long time. Although they look a lot like popup displays, Waveline booths offer a lot more value for a much lower price. We are excited about the customer feedback we have received so far, and we believe that these displays will help exhibitors make the most of their trade show marketing budget. We are proud to offer a system that offers a number of advantages over traditional trade show displays, such as…

1- Waveline displays are the most affordable 10ft displays available. Purchasing an entire 10ft display with complete graphics for $845 was unheard of until now. Since Waveline units cost less than many tabletop displays, exhibitors are able to move up to bigger and more exciting venues and do more with their marketing budget.

2- The graphics for Waveline displays are produced using the latest technology in large format printing. Every Waveline display is produced using a process called dye sublimation. This process creates a durable, machine-washable fabric graphic that is guaranteed never to wrinkle or fade for as long as you own your exhibit. Dye sublimation graphics are simply better than the graphics you would receive with a traditional popup display.

3-  Setup takes less than 5 minutes. Assembling a Waveline display is very easy. The frame of the display is made from lightweight aluminum tubing that is shock-corded together for easy assembly, and the fabric graphic fits over the frame like a pillow case to create a smooth, curved wall. A sales person working alone could put together then entire exhibit with no stress at all.

As with all of our trade show displays, MODdisplays provides detailed graphic templates that make designing your exhibit a breeze, or you can let us design your exhibit for you at no charge. Every Waveline display comes with detailed setup instructions that are easy to follow, and those can be found on our website as well. If you have any doubts that this is the most exciting new trade show booth to hit the market in years, call our helpful staff at 877.663.3976 or email sales@moddisplays.com.

As the spring trade show season winds to a close, there couldn’t be a better time to make sure all of your exhibiting components are in good working condition. MODdisplays is offering its deepest discounts of the year on trade show booths and exhibiting accessories in the month of May. If you take the time now to correct any problems with your exhibiting components and store your system away properly, you will be happy you did at the beginning of the fall trade show season.

The following is a list of promotions that expire on May 31, 2009:

Free Shipping on Alumalite Zero

When you purchase any Alumalite Zero trade show exhibit, receive free shipping using the coupon code “ALZSHIP”.

10% Off Xpressions Salesmate

Receive 10% off the purchase of any Xpressions Salesmate display when you use the coupon code “XSM10″.

Free Shipping on Table Covers

Using the coupon code “TCSHIP”, receive free shipping on any table covers found on our website. This coupon cannot be used in combination with any other coupons.

Take 10% Off All Counters

MODdisplays offers a wide selection of trade show counters. Use the coupon code “COUNT10″ to take 10% off any counter system on our website.

Free Shipping on Hero Tabletop Displays

Our Hero Panel Tabletop Displays just got more affordable. Receive free shipping on any Hero using the coupon code “HEROSHIP”.

Take 10% Off Any Hanging Sign

Take an additional 10% off any hanging sign on our website using the coupon code “HANG10″ at checkout.

Free 10 x 10 Section of Flooring

When you purchase any XRline trade show display in the month of May, receive a free 10′ x 10′ section of interlocking soft wood flooring in your choice of color. Call 877.663.3976 for details or email sales@moddisplays.com.

Take 10% Off Showmax and Showstyle

Using the coupon code “SHOW10″, take 10% off any Showmax or Showstyle tabletop display unit. These exhibits are perfect for exhibiting in tight spaces.

Free Lumina-8 Lights with 10 x 10 Xpressions Unit

We ordered too many Lumina-8 trade show lights, and we have to get rid of them. When you purchase any 10′ x 10′ Xpressions Display, you can get one free. Call for details.

Take 10% Off Any Burst Display

Using the coupon code “BUR10″, take 10% off any Burst Display we offer on our website, including our new Burst package deals.

If you have any questions about these promotions or would like to place an order, please call 877.MOD.EXPO or email sales@moddisplays.com.

The VBurst 10ft Media Wall is the perfect system for press events, red carpet events, and marketing seminars. Using only a vector form of your company’s logo, MODdisplays can offer a simple media wall backdrop that looks professional and eye-catching. Professional business marketing firms have found that logo repetition and brand reinforcement are a great way to leave a lasting impression on viewers.

The structure of the VBurst 10ft Media Wall is made from sturdy aluminum tubing, and the graphic is printed on a washable, wrinkle-free fabric that remains on the frame even in storage and transportation. The entire media wall can be set up in less than a minute thanks to the simple frame structure. The exhibit carries a lifetime warranty against manufacturer’s defects, so there is no need to worry about a damaged frame.

To order your Media Wall today, call 877.663.3976 or email sales@moddisplays.com.

MODdisplays is proud to announce the release of Xpressions Salesmate Tabletop Displays. These lightweight, portable tabletop displays are perfect for sales reps, insurance and pharmaceutical reps, college recruiters, and small companies looking to break into the world of exhibiting. The system is compact enough to be stored in carry-on luggage or packed away in your sample case, but provides a huge branding presence at your sales meeting or conference.

The frame is similar to that of a popup display, but the graphics are made from a dye sublimated fabric material. The entire exhibit weighs less than 3lbs., making it one of the lightest and most portable tabletop trade show displays on the market today.

The Xpressions Salesmate offers a number of benefits and features, including:

• Extremely compact
• Fast and easy set up - 5 seconds
• Easy change of images for different presentations
• Fits in sample case or carry on luggage
• Creates fantastic subliminal message in the sale presentation
• Low, low cost especially for large volume orders
• Sets up just about anywhere
• Nothing on the market like it

To get your Xpressions Salesmate Tabletop Display, call 877.663.3976 or email sales@moddisplays.com today.

No two companies are exactly alike, and every company requires a unique marketing strategy. Balancing professionalism and personality is a challenging task for a new company, but finding that balance could yield big returns on your marketing efforts.

Sometimes the industry itself demands a specific approach. A company that sells life insurance will probably maintain an air of professionalism, while a company that sells toys for young children would do well to create a more approachable feeling. As a result, companies are often forced into a particular mold that they cannot escape without doing irreparable harm to their image.

Some industries allow for a good deal of flexibility and creativity. As you shop for trade show displays, you’ll probably notice that exhibit retailers employ a wide variety of marketing styles. On some websites you’ll find pictures of staff members and their families and other personal touches, and on other websites you’ll find a rigid, corporate, and impersonal style. As a general rule, when there is less market research data available in a specific industry, marketing strategies tend to vary wildly. Companies tend to cling to something that works instead of asking themselves what works the best.

Striking a balance between professionalism and personality should leave your clients with the feeling that you are dependable, honest, and capable. Every industry is different, and you may need to be more professional or more personal to get the best results, but the only way to find out for sure is through trial and error.

Recent studies show that exhibitors have less than 7 seconds to grab the attention of attendees at a trade show. In order to catch their eye, your marketing copy must be clear and concise. Using the active voice instead of the passive voice in your marketing copy is a great way to avoid some common mistakes in promotional language. The following sentences illustrate the difference between the active voice and the passive voice:

• Active Voice: The dog bit my hand.
• Passive Voice: My hand was bitten by the dog.

As you can see, using the active voice will keep your sentences short and to the point, while the passive voice will take your readers in a long circle before finally bringing them around to your meaning. With only seconds to grab the attention of attendees, the active voice is the obvious choice.