The planning you do before a the event will make trade show business development after the show that much easier. Your schedule may be booked solid with covering your booth, scheduled meetings and impromptu ones, but you still need to find time to engage with show presenters and speakers. Through their contacts, these people can grow your business network or provide you with direction when you need it. This is a major step in trade show business development that is often forgotten because of the hustle and bustle of the show itself.

While your team is reaching out to all of the leads made during the show, here are three things you can do to further develop new business and grow your network:

Press Releases

You’ve sent the pre-show release to let everyone know where you’ll be, now it’s time to send out a release that speaks to the success of the show. This should share something fun and innovative that was learned from the trade show. You could even go a step further and briefly interview one of the speakers, using a quote or two from them.

Reach out to the Speakers

You’ve listened to the speakers at the trade show and possibly found a couple that can really help your business. Presenters need you to spread the word about them as much as you may need their insight or network. Reach out to them, either by sending a quick email or a phone call to say hello. Try to remind them of who you are, then ask a question or ask for insight into a problem.

Host meetings

The show is over, but you have gathered a lot of leads and new contacts. Drill down into their info and see if these people are concentrated in certain areas. If you met 30 people from New Orleans, then it’s a good bet holding a gathering in New Orleans may develop new business. Or, host a mini-conference at your corporate office, where local leads can gather and discuss business. This feels like a continuation of the show and you’ll have more to talk about when next year’s show comes around.

The benefits of a trade event can go beyond generating sales leads. Growing your knowledge base and network is very important for trade show business development. And, some of the best public relations or benefits to your current clients is sharing what you learned at the show. When you create benefits that go beyond your product offerings, word will quickly spread about your business as being a reliable and credible source for products, services, and support.

ADM Two staff are experts on display design and fabrication, so give us a call at (813) 887-1960 and one of our knowledgeable staff can assist you with your display, no matter where your event takes place. Also, check out some of our other articles to get more information on trade show booth layout, trade show graphics, and etiquette.

Blog (Exhibit Insight), Marketing, Staff, Trade Show

The Trade Show – A Blend of Business Development and Marketing

2016-05-11 Susan Canonico

Trade show booth by ADM Two.

Trade shows are an interesting part of the promotional mix, in that they are a blend of both business development and marketing. This means that you have the opportunity to capture several layers of the sales process in one event – something that doesn’t happen very often. We’d like to define business development and marketing in the context of a trade show to see how they are at very different stages of the sales cycle and how they can often overlap at trade shows.

Trade Show Marketing

Marketing can be defined as a promotional activity that targets a broad audience. In this case, trade shows are a perfect example. The broad audience consists of the trade show attendees, which can number in the hundreds and even thousands. Your booth design, giveaways, marketing collateral, and social media posts are geared towards attracting attendees, imparting your brand and services to the attendees, and compelling them to learn more. Even your staff is there mostly for informational purposes and to add a welcoming smile, friendly face, or a word of expertise.

Trade Show Business Development

Business development, on the other hand, is a personal, one on one interaction that is closer to the actual selling point. Business development activities include networking, writing proposals, responding to inquiries about services, and other interactions on an individual basis. These interactions are usually geared towards closing the sale or nurturing a relationship, so awareness of the brand and services has already been accomplished.

Now that the terms marketing and business development have been defined, it’s easier to see how marketing to a vast audience can turn into one on one business development at a trade show. It looks a bit like this:

Capturing Attention

Your trade show booth captures the attention of an attendee and they pay a visit. They stop and look at your graphics, maybe pick up a pamphlet and start perusing. By this point, one of your staff members should have spotted the visitor and should be greeting him, asking him “what can I do to help?” Now the interaction is one on one, but perhaps the person is just curious and wants to know more. Your staff member describes your company’s services, perhaps walking the prospect through a slideshow or other media. The interaction is now bordering on business development, and if the staff member is a skilled sales person, he or she will know how to either secure the prospect as a client or capture their interest enough to continue the conversation.

The skill of the staff member plays a large role in whether or not an interaction will become a business development activity. The line becomes blurred at some point and human interaction is the defining trait of business development. Marketing activities can be performed by websites, collateral, and media, business development can only be performed by a person.

We hope this helps to better prepare you for your next trade show. Trade show staffing is a valuable investment and works together with great design to create a lasting impression on your prospective clients. ADM Two are experts at trade show booth design and fabrication, so give us a call at (813) 887-1960. One of our knowledgeable staff can assist you with your trade show needs. Also, check out some of our other articles to get more information on trade show staffing.

Blog (Exhibit Insight), Branding, Marketing, Trade Show

Trade Show Booth Case Study – Creating a Memorable Experience With Characters

2015-05-27 Nikki Devereux

In a previous article, we discussed some ideas for creating an exciting and memorable experience for visitors of your trade show booth. There are many ways to capture attention, and we love to work with clients who approach this in an innovative way. Recently, we worked with super creative marketing firm HCP & Associates to fabricate a custom trade show booth for DENTCO at the PRSM National Conference in Philadelphia.

DENTCO’s inline custom trade show booth is always fresh and exciting, as they use captivating, extraordinary graphics. However, this year, they brought one of their graphics to life for the maximum wow effect. The ice princess character from DENTCO’s “Face of Your Exteriors” campaign worked the trade show booth space like no other! One certainly could not miss her.

DENTCO’s Ice Princess was a trade show booth success!

DENTCO maintains the exteriors of large retail chain stores and restaurants by providing management for snow removal, landscaping, parking lots and other exterior services. HCP came up with the “Face of Your Exteriors” campaign to make the elements personal, bringing a face and life to each specific season and service. The visuals are stunning, especially in the trade show booth, where they are larger than life.

DENTCO’s larger than life trade show booth graphics.

Says Senior Strategist/Partner at HCP & Associates, Eric Polins, of the campaign, “Once the campaign became established online, in national publications and trade shows, we had always planned on having the real ‘Snow Queen’ make her appearance! We have created mascots in the past that were successful, but this went beyond our expectations; it allows us to create multiple personalities with an emphasis on seasonal change and all of DENTCO’s unique services. If you liked the Snow Queen at the PRSM show, wait until you see who shows up next year!”

The ice princess with Eric Polins at the PRSM National Conference.

HCP & Associates is a Tampa-based marketing consulting firm that has been working with Michigan-based DENTCO for 15 years, and they came up with the “Faces of Your Exteriors” campaign about 3 years ago. We are certainly looking forward to seeing what HCP comes up with next for DENTCO’s trade show booth graphics and characters.

Creating an exciting and engaging trade show booth starts with choosing the right trade show booth fabricator and designer. ADM Two are experts in trade show booth fabrication, so give us a call at (813) 887-1960, and one of our knowledgeable staff can assist you with trade show booth ideas. Also, check out some of our other articles to get ideas for trade show exhibit graphics and etiquette.

Blog (Exhibit Insight), Branding, Marketing, Trade Show

Press Release – Helios Wins Award at RIMS for Trade Show Booth by ADM Two

2015-05-15 Nikki Devereux

http://www.pr.com/press-release/618690

http://www.tampabaynewswire.com/2015/05/07/helios-trade-show-booth-fabricated-by-adm-two-wins-best-in-show-at-rims-new-orleans-34669

Helios Trade Show Booth Fabricated by ADM Two Wins Best in Show at RIMS New Orleans

Tampa Bay’s premier exhibit display company fabricates another award winning custom trade show booth for Helios.

Tampa, FL, May 13, 2015 –(PR.com)– ADM Two, a Tampa Bay-based trade show and museum exhibit company, teamed up with Helios to create an award winning trade show booth –Best in Show at RIMS, New Orleans.

This isn’t the first time Helios and ADM Two worked together to create an award winning design. The Helios trade show booth that ADM Two fabricated in February of this year won a silver ADDY at the American Advertising Federation Awards held by the local chapter in Tampa.

“Helios is a great client to work with – we love their sense of warmth and their desire to create a ‘home away from home’ for trade show attendees,” said ADM Two VP of Sales and Marketing Shannon Bennett.

The final 20’x30’ booth design includes fabric, white furniture, table art, plants and a rollable wood floor to finish the modern look Helios wanted in order to stand out at the show. The warm, welcoming feel of the booth was a hit at the show.

About ADM Two
Founded in 1983, ADM Two Exhibits & Displays is a trade show and museum display company that specializes in custom design and fabrication. Our 39,650 square foot design center and workshop is located in the airport district of Tampa with easy access to major cities throughout the Southeast. Services include sales and custom manufacturing of trade show booths, museum exhibits, corporate interiors and retail showrooms. For additional information, please visit www.admtwo.com or call 813.887.1960.

About Helios
Helios, the new name for Progressive Medical and PMSI, is bringing the focus of workers’ compensation and auto-no fault pharmacy benefit management, ancillary services, and settlement solutions back to where it belongs – the injured party. Along with this new name comes a passion and intensity on delivering value beyond just the transactional savings for which we excel. To learn how our creative and innovative tools, expertise, and industry leadership can help your business shine, visit www.HeliosComp.com or call 800.777.3574.

Helios custom trade show booth fabricated by Tampa-based ADM Two.

Contact Information

ADM Two
Nikki Devereux
917.251.1187
Contact
www.admtwo.com

Blog (Exhibit Insight), Branding, Marketing, Sales, Staff

Trade Show Booth Staff Etiquette: Good First Impressions

2015-04-29 Nikki Devereux

PCSU Staff dressed to the nines in their company colors, making a great first impression.

Your trade show booth is all ready to go – you have a beautiful design, impeccable marketing materials, and engaging presentations. Now you have to make sure that it all runs smoothly by selecting your trade show booth staff. Your trade show booth staff is as important as the design of the display itself. Below are some trade show booth etiquette tips that will ensure your staff creates the right atmosphere for your potential and existing clients.

Proper trade show booth etiquette starts with well-trained, knowledgeable staff. Staff should be experts who can field the variety of questions that will inevitably arise during a trade show. They should demonstrate a genuine belief in the product, and they should be trained on the do’s and don’ts of trade show booth etiquette.
Set goals for your trade show booth staff. The goals should adhere to the overall marketing goals of the company.
Good listening skills are key to excellent trade show booth etiquette. People like to be heard. If your trade show booth staff are empathetic listeners, they may be able to help a prospective client in a way that no one else can, and this will make a lasting imprint in the mind of the client.
Your trade show booth staff should be stellar hosts. If your trade show booth is the party, the staff should be the life of it. They should be warm and friendly, but not overwhelming. You don’t want to scare attendees away, but rather, make them feel comfortable and welcome.
Avoid drama. Your trade show booth staff are there to work, so keeping a professional demeanor is of utmost importance. There are business opportunities everywhere, both inside the trade show space and outside, so trade show booth staff should conduct themselves with grace no matter where they are or when. At larger events, it is possible that you may be seated beside a potential client at a restaurant or even on the plane. Practicing discretion at all times is paramount to maintaining a clean, respectable public image.
Proper attire is required at all times. Your trade show booth staff’s appearance will send as clear a message as the trade show display itself. Staff should look polished and professional during the show and after hours. Remember, you never know when you are going to run into a potential customer. You may even want to design articles of clothing sporting the company logo for after hours.
Party time should be kept to a minimum. Trade shows can be fun, especially if the event is in a city with an exciting night life. While it is okay for your trade show booth staff to have a good time, they should also practice restraint. Facilitate this by creating a set of company guidelines for trade show booth staff regarding after hours conduct and alcohol consumption.

Trade show booth etiquette is a key component of a successful trade show campaign, and works symbiotically with the design element. ADM Two staff are experts on trade show display design, so give us a call at (813) 887-1960, and one of our staff can assist you with your display needs. Also, check out some of our other articles to get ideas for trade show display design and graphics.

Blog (Exhibit Insight), Branding, Custom, Marketing, Trade Show

Color Choice in Trade Show Graphics and Design

2015-04-22 Nikki Devereux

Just as trade show graphics are the foundation of a great trade show display, color is the foundation of great trade show graphics. Color evokes emotion, portrays personality, symbolizes temperature, and defines brands. The colors you choose for your trade show graphics will create the mood in your trade show display, so choose wisely. Hiring a graphic designer who specializes in trade show booth design is a smart idea – they will help you determine the perfect color palette to send your message out to trade show attendees, loud and clear.

The most powerful aspect of color is that it sends a nonverbal message. It can lead visitors through your trade show display, without them ever actually being told where to go. For example, red is the color of stop signs, fire trucks, and flashy sports cars. When we see the color red, we stop what we are doing and pay attention. Use red in trade show graphics to stop people in their tracks.

On the other hand, the color blue is a meditative, soothing color. When people see blue they tend to associate the color with trust and calm. Use blue in trade show graphics to evoke an intrinsic trustworthiness in your trade show display. Use a variety of other hues in your trade show booth design to create atmospheres of playfulness, longevity, wisdom, and even to impart the message that your company respects the environment.

Color is the first thing people see when encountering your trade show display, and it is something they are naturally drawn to. A well-planned color scheme will help you stand out in the crowd; this is especially important at trade shows, where you could be surrounded by hundreds of competitors.

Sky Golf uses black, white and natural wood to add an air of sophistication to their trade show graphics and booth.

The sky is the limit when choosing colors for your trade show graphics. Work with your graphic designer to choose the right colors for your trade show display space. This will depend on your own color preferences, the colors of your corporate logo, the overall marketing goals of your company, and even the location of the trade show. In order to maintain the integrity of your brand and speak to potential clients, your trade show booth design should seamlessly combine all of these factors.

Creating an exciting and engaging trade show display starts with great trade show graphics, but you can get as creative as you’d like with the rest of the design. ADM Two staff are experts on trade show display design, so give us a call at (813) 887-1960, and one of our knowledgeable staff can assist you with your display needs. Also, check out some of our other articles to get more ideas for trade show booth design and etiquette.

Blog (Exhibit Insight), Marketing, Trade Show

Planning Your Trade Show Exhibit Booth

2015-04-16 Nikki Devereux

The success of your trade show exhibit booth is directly related to how well you plan. It is essential to stay organized and maintain a clear goal, and don’t wait until last minute to start planning. Assign someone to plan the schedule and another person to handle the budget. In the budget, you will need to consider costs of travel, rental space, trade show graphics, trade show exhibit design and size, shipping, installation, staffing costs, electricity and printed materials. The budget should be detailed, tailored to your marketing goals, and should maximize your Return on Investment.

The size of your trade show exhibit booth will have a major impact on your budget. For a small company, a 10’ x 10’ trade show exhibit booth is usually sufficient. However, be sure to use your marketing goals to determine the size and layout of your trade show display. ADM Two are experts at creating trade show displays that fit your company’s marketing goals and needs. Just ask us, and we will help you navigate the trade show exhibit design world!

Your trade show exhibit design should take into consideration traffic flow, storage, kiosks, and product displays. The design is also tied to the overall marketing goals and message. In the planning process, make sure your trade show display is not too crowded or cluttered. This will detract from your overall message and may even be hazardous. Safety is important for your visitors and employees, so this is a doubly important aspect of trade show display planning.

Nextech taking into consideration traffic flow through their trade show exhibit booth, with kiosks, seating, and a presentation area.

Another consideration in trade show exhibit design are the rules and regulations of the exhibition space. Planning your trade show display according to the specific rules of each space is essential – if you don’t, you may find yourself eliminated from the trade show floor. Professional trade show display designers like us have experience with these rules and can help you create a trade show exhibit booth that adheres to the particular standards of your location.

Ultimately, the trade show exhibit booth is a miniature version of your business. It is an opportunity to draw in potential customers, make sales, and generate buzz about your company. Spending the time and money to create a well-planned, well-directed trade display will yield dramatic results.

Creating an exciting and engaging trade show booth starts with solid trade show exhibit booth planning. ADM Two staff are experts on trade show displays, so give us a call at (813) 887-1960, and one of our knowledgeable staff can assist you with your display needs. Also, check out some of our other articles to get more information on trade show booth layout, design and etiquette.

Blog (Exhibit Insight), Branding, Marketing, Sales, Staff, Technology, Trade Show

Trade Show Graphics: The Foundation of Trade Show Booth Design

2015-04-10 Nikki Devereux

Trade show graphics are a fundamental part of your trade show booth design. With this in mind, think about hiring a graphic designer who specializes in trade show booth graphics. This person will have a better understanding of the dynamic nature of trade show display design, and you can work with them to create a comprehensive set of trade show graphics that flow throughout your entire display.

Having a clear, straightforward goal and message is the first step to great trade show booth design. “At ADM Two, we love working with trade show graphics designers. They help make the process a lot smoother, and the clients tend to be happier with the final product,” says Susan Canonico.

Trade Show Graphics Tips

Create a dynamic experience for your potential customers using some of the below tips.

Remember every level – There are multiple points of view in every trade show booth, from floor level to eye level to higher up. Place important information higher up on trade show banners so people can see them from across the room. This is your first opportunity to draw attention to your trade show display, so make it big – and impressive.
Avoid clutter and too much information – People have short attention spans and no one likes to look at a cluttered page. Keep it simple and to the point by getting your message across in less than 15 seconds.
High quality graphics – Make sure all images are of the highest quality. If the images on your trade show banners are blurry or pixelated, this will look amateur or careless. No one wants to work with a careless person.
Measure – Be sure to measure everything. If your graphics aren’t the right size for the monitor or trade show banners, they may get distorted or cut off. Even amazing graphics can look terrible if they are displayed on the wrong size monitor.
Color – Colorful, vibrant trade show graphics can be a major asset to the overall feel of your trade show display. Make sure they are printing correctly, they don’t clash, and they aren’t overwhelming. This is where a professional trade show graphics designer will be essential. He or she can help decide a color scheme that will align with your goals and your brand.
Font – A font sends a message before the person is even finished reading the message itself. Don’t overdo it, and make sure to choose a font that sends the right message. Graphic designers are great at this.
Impact – You want your trade show graphics to have an impact on attendees. Work with your graphic designer to make sure you are standing out from the crowd.

The graphics for this trade show booth are colorful and emphasize the company’s brand.

Creating an exciting and engaging trade show booth starts with great trade show graphics and booth design. ADM Two staff are experts on trade show displays, so give us a call at (813) 887-1960, and one of our knowledgeable staff can assist you with your display needs. Also, check out some of our other articles to get more information on trade show booth design, lighting and etiquette.

Blog (Exhibit Insight), Custom, Marketing, Trade Show

Create An Exciting, Memorable Experience with Great Trade Show Booth Design

2015-04-02 Nikki Devereux

One of the most important aspects of attending a trade show is your trade show booth design. First impressions are lasting impressions, so you want to put your best foot forward at every show. Your trade show booth design should stand out from the crowd and it should meet your marketing goals. We have a team of experienced professionals who can assist with every aspect of trade show booth design. “We listen to our customers, and ask a lot of questions to make sure they are getting exactly what they want and need,” says Susan Canonico of ADM Two.

Remember that trade shows are sensory experiences for your potential clients and existing customers. You have many opportunities to create a memorable experience that connects with many senses, but beware of sensory overload. A memorable trade show booth design will connect with customers through several senses, without being overwhelming.

Visual

Great trade show graphics are hands-down the most important part of trade show booth design. Think of graphics as the foundation of your trade show display. Avoid clutter and make sure to update trade show graphics regularly. Err on the side of simple and deliver a clear, straight-forward message that defines your company, your product and your solution in a matter of seconds.

Video and motion trade show graphics are a great way to capture people’s attention. Make sure to hire a professional to create clean, high quality videos. Having poor quality video defeats the purpose and can cheapen your trade show display. If you can’t afford high quality video, it is better to have none at all. Remember that videos, just like trade show graphics, should be simple and deliver a clear message that complements the overall message of your trade show display.

Music

Playing music that matches your company’s personality is a great way to reach out to potential clients. Music activates a part of the brain associated with emotion, and there is no better way to truly connect with people than through emotion. Again, music should not be so loud that it overpowers your overall presentation.

Special Effects and Lighting

Create atmosphere and wow potential customers by adding dynamic lighting or sounds to your trade show booth design. If you have a flagship product, highlight it with a spotlight. If you are selling water softeners, play the pleasant sound of running water in the background. ADM Two can offer ideas and examples to enhance your trade show booth design with special effects.

This is a perfect example of creating atmosphere with stunning lighting and visuals. Award-winning Helios trade show booth fabricated by ADM Two.

Mascot

Having a company mascot generates interest and helps you stand out from the crowd. Choose costumes and props wisely. You don’t want to be tacky, you want to be unique. If you stay focused on your message and goals, this can be a great way to draw more attention.

The key points to remember about trade show booth design are avoiding clutter and sensory overload, having a clear, straightforward goal that aligns with your overall marketing plan, and creating an engaging experience. If you follow these general guidelines, your trade show display will be worth every penny you invest. Have fun with it, and get some professionals involved! Your trade show booth will be the best in show.

Creating an exciting and engaging trade show booth starts with great trade show booth design. ADM Two staff are experts on trade show displays, so give us a call at (813) 887-1960, and one of our knowledgeable staff can assist you with your display needs. Also, check out some of our other articles to get more information on trade show booth layout and etiquette.

Awards, Blog (Exhibit Insight), Branding, Custom, Marketing, Sales, Technology, Trade Show

ADM Two wins ADDY Award for Helios custom trade show booth

2015-03-12 Shannon Bennett

Tampa Bay’s premier exhibit display company adds American Advertising Award to the trophy shelf

ADM Two, a Tampa Bay-based trade show and museum exhibit company, earned a silver ADDY at the American Advertising Federation Awards held by the local chapter on February 26 at Port Tampa Bay. The ADM Two team was recognized for the custom trade show booth designed and built for Helios, a workers’ compensation pharmacy benefit management company.

“Our goal was to create a contemporary and clean, yet inviting environment for our 600-square foot space at the 2014 National Workers’ Compensation & Disability Conference,” stated Sarah Berger, VP of Marketing for Helios. “ADM Two collaborated with us to meet our visual and functional objectives and help us realize this vision.”

The final 20’x30’ booth design includes two vertical towers that provide height along with a feature canopy that spanned the booth space in Helios orange. The space features a welcome area, casual white seating, a private meeting room for quiet one-on-one discussions, and a rollable wood floor to finish the sustainable and inviting look Helios wanted in order to stand out at the show.

“We understand that companies are on strict budgets but still need to make an impact at trade shows,” said Shannon Bennett, ADM Two’s vice president of sales and marketing. “By repurposing existing components, refreshing them with new treatments, selecting cost-efficient finishes, and keeping the design simple, we were able to produce the Helios trade show booth for half of the industry’s standard square foot price. While we are proud to win the ADDY, we are more pleased that our design worked for our client.”

About Helios

Helios brings the focus of workers’ compensation and auto no-fault pharmacy benefit management, ancillary services, and settlement solutions back to where it belongs—the injured person. This comes with a passion and intensity on delivering value beyond just the transactional savings for which we excel. To learn how our creative and innovative tools, expertise, and industry leadership can help your business shine, visit www.HeliosComp.com or call 877.275.7674.

About ADM Two

Founded in 1983, ADM Two Exhibits & Displays is a trade show and museum display company that specializes in custom design and fabrication. Our 39,650 square foot design center and workshop is located in the airport district of Tampa with easy access to major cities throughout the Southeast. Services include sales and custom manufacturing of trade show booths, museum exhibits, corporate interiors and retail showrooms. For additional information, please visit www.admtwo.com or call 813.887.1960.