There are some new trends in trade show booth designs that are getting more traction in 2019. These are focused on visitor’s perceptions and experience with a brand, going beyond simple product displays and demonstrations. In order to get to the forefront of these trends, you’ll need to see how your company’s presentation can affect them in positive and productive ways, which starts with being customer focused.

More Individual and Personalized Experiences

Knowing your audience, that’s the key to personalized experiences. Then, ask yourself what are these potential customers looking for? Bold colors and unique signage may grab their attention, but what makes them feel comfortable in your booth is what really matters.

Your trade show booth should represent different levels of engagement, so visitors have a choice. These levels of interactions allow them the freedom to explore what they are comfortable with. It respects their need to be in charge. A customer-centric booth keeps the customer in mind every step of the way.

Rising Above All Others

Multistory signage gives you an advantage to rise above the crowd. There are many creative ways to raise your signage far above the others, just remember that there are height restrictions at most shows. So, think about scalability and materials to really standout the right way.

Engaging visitors through all five senses can quickly build emotional connections. Touch is one of the best ways to have them interact more with your booth. Incorporating taste, smell, and sound will require some creativity and thoughtful design.

Nostalgia

A customer’s first impression is everything, so an intuitive design should appeal to their imagination and emotions. A lot of technology has filled that need for quite a while now, but much of the excitement built around it is waning.

Nostalgia can bring up strong memories from the past. It connects with people on an emotional level. Plus, it encourages more interaction, because these things from the past are familiar and feel comfortable to use. These experiences are real and authentic. It ignites the spark you need to really connect with your visitors.

Virtual Reality

Yes, virtual reality continues to disrupt with the most innovative way to give immersive experiences. It has a two-fold purpose to attract customers and capture their attention. Designing your booth for VR requires a lot of safe space for viewing, as well as easy-to-use stands for resting headsets. Customized stands and displays will protect your investments, while allowing visitors the freedom to give VR a try.

If you need help updating your trade show booth to adapt to these trends, the ADM Two staff are experts on display design and fabrication, so give us a call at (813) 887-1960. No matter where your event takes place, 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 booth layout and trade show graphics.

Blog (Exhibit Insight), Technology, Technology, Trade Show, Trade Show Technology

Trade Show Technology: Top 10 Trade Show Apps

2018-01-24 Shannon Bennett

Over the years, we have written about trade show apps and why they are important for your trade show to be successful – they offer more interaction and quick data capture about your brand.

Our research has found 10 low-cost to no-cost apps. These are easy to set-up and use right away. Before you look into customized software, take a quick look at what’s already out there.

Scheduling

When I Work – With this free app, you can create and view personnel schedules, organize booth coverage, communicate with your team and make calendar requests.

TeamUp Calendar – A cloud-based app that’s free for small companies with only a few people on the team. As much as it is an organizer and calendar, it also keeps room bookings and customer meetings.

ShowGo Mobile – This is an easy-to-use software that is robust enough to handle all of the key trade show management tasks, which include budgets, reports, wizards and templates for planning.

Capturing Leads

Leadature – Available for both Android and iOS, this app scans badges and business cards, measures interactions and generates reports for Excel.

iLeads – This app allows exhibitors to track leads and follow up with them during and after the show. Uses QR code scanning or manual entry of event attendees.

CamCard Business – Quickly scan or exchange business cards with CamCard, rated 4.2 at Google Play Store. CamCard also has many other features to organize and collaborate with others.

CDS Xpress Connect – More like a trade show assistant than an app, CDS Xpress Connect has many of the same features as other card scanners with the addition of lead qualification and appointment scheduling. Plus, it’s free!

iCapture – Last but not least, iCapture scans trade show badges and business cards, too. It also syncs with your CRM and sends documents with only a couple clicks.

Surveys

QuickTapSurvey – Surveys are a great way to capture and qualify leads at your next trade show. This app also gathers valuable feedback from customers on your brand. The monthly cost is worth it if your company does three or more trade shows a year.

iSurvey – This app allows you to collect attendee data while offline. It also connects multiple devices to give real-time stats, all for less than $10 a month.

Successful trade show attendees pay attention to all the details, from trade show technology to great design. 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 graphics and trade show staff etiquette.

Blog (Exhibit Insight), Design, Interactive Displays, Technology, Trade Show

Consider Your Audience

2017-12-22 Susan Canonico

To get the most return on your tradeshow investment, you need to connect with the audience. How you connect with them begins with knowing who they are and what they like.

Tradeshow Demographics

Almost every tradeshow can provide some background on the attendees. These audience profiles are typically posted to the websites and may include:

Profession
Job level
Age
Income

There may be more information available on the audience. This may cost extra, but it’s worth it, especially if you are exhibiting for the first time.

The General Audience

There are certain generalizations you can make about the audience and what they like or dislike. Younger audiences are much more likely to engage with technology (although this is quickly changing). For example, Millennials are considered to be “digital natives.” Their entire life has been surrounded by technology. They will also give personal information more freely.

Older audiences use technology a little differently. They are attracted to easy navigation, a compelling story, and no frills. They are also more apt to engage face-to-face, investigate, then follow up through email.

Professionals Are People, Too

While looking at the audience profile, remember that professionals are people, just like everyone else. An interesting booth will generate more interest and spread awareness about your brand.

Interactivity is a great way for everyone to experience your brand in a fun and challenging way. Another thing to think about is where your booth is located. If your booth is in an odd location, then play to the strengths of being unique. For example, you’re in the middle of the showroom, try offering visitors water and snacks to help them get to the finish.

ocean optics hybrid trade show booth demo_small

This Ocean Optics trade show booth had several stations with demonstrations and interactive sessions. It was pretty incredible and fascinating!

Make It Memorable

For anyone attending the same show, year-after-year, it can feel monotonous. Making your booth an experience, and not just an information depot, can leave your audience with memorable impressions about your brand. This is very important for brand recall and positive associations.

If you’re looking to exhibit your business at a trade show, the ADM Two staff are experts on display design and fabrication. Give us a call at (813) 887-1960 and one of our knowledgeable staff can assist you with your tradeshow needs, 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.

ADM Two Case Study, Blog (Exhibit Insight), Client Spotlight, Design, Hybrid Trade Show Booth, Technology, Trade Show

Creating an Experience with PSCU – Client Spotlight Part I

2016-09-21 Shannon Bennett

Creating an experience is something we believe in wholeheartedly because it is so focused on the client. PSCU does this especially well. We have worked with PSCU several times over the years, so we have a rhythm with them when it’s time to do a trade show booth or environment project. As always, creating an experience for their clients was one of their main goals. The experience they wanted to provide was a fresh, inviting and innovative space to connect in order to foster relationships. We created two pieces for them based on the overall goal – a trade show booth for the Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) and an environment piece for their Member Forum in Nashville, TN.

Creating an experience for PSCU customers started with a large, open design.

PSCU is a leading provider of traditional and online financial services for credit unions. Representing more than 800 credit unions, PSCU offers credit, debit and prepaid card servicing to its customers, as well as online bill payment services. However, the company strives to do more than offer products and services – helping their clients to strengthen member relationships and cultivate revenue growth is a priority. They wanted their trade show booth to impart all of these facets.

The GAC is a pivotal event for PSCU. GAC is where credit unions converge to advocate for themselves and remind lawmakers why credit unions are the best choice for Americans. For this and all events, PSCU wants to be innovative and captivating, and that is just what we accomplished in partnering with them on this trade show booth.

Creating an Experience with Design and Interactivity

We created a 40×50’ booth for the GAC, with several areas for interactivity and connection with trade show staff. The size of the booth reflected the size of the organization – as one of the largest and most well-respected credit union service organizations in the country, PSCU needed to have a presence with impact. We included comfortable living room style seating areas for a more casual, inviting atmosphere, as well as tall bar-style tables for group discussions. A separate area showcased the giveaways – selfie sticks in slick PSCU branded packaging. On the selfie stick boxes was the hashtag #CUSelfie, which encouraged attendees to snap a selfie and share with the hashtag. This automatically entered them into a contest to win an Apple iPad. This created a very engaging and exciting buzz around the PSCU trade show booth (who doesn’t want a free iPad?). Trade show attendees were eager to gather around the PSCU booth and because of this the staff had plenty of opportunity to connect with them and inform them of PSCU’s products and services.

Selfie stick giveaway with #CUselfie for a chance to win an iPad!

Another very cool innovation aspect of the booth (which attendees LOVED), was an interactive vertical screen. When a people asked questions, the responses actually came from a live actress who was listening to the attendees in order to give personalized responses. It was a great way to be innovative and fun while at the same time showing that PSCU cares and is listening. Needless to say, the PSCU trade show booth was abuzz with activity throughout the day because of their brilliant interactivities.

The PSCU experience included this interactive vertical screen.

The overall design of the trade show booth was very open and inviting. Much of the furniture and the electronics were white, which imparted a clean, modern, tech-savvy feel, while the green from the PSCU logo evoked harmony, growth, and safety, and is also the color most associated with finance. An accent of blue evoked trust, loyalty, wisdom, and confidence, all traits that we want to see in an institution that handles our money. Overall the look is very bright, modern, and friendly, and bespeaks PSCU’s innovative, client-centered approach to all they do.

“We want our booth to be about the member experience (i.e, our credit union members), and ADM delivers. They do a great job designing and executing the production of an ‘experience-centered’ display that actually engages our members and gets them involved in activities and discussions with our team members,” said Byron Loper, PSCU’s program manager for conferences and events. “We value partners that are flexible, creative, and willing to go the extra mile to provide us the best possible product for our members and the industry.”

Clean, modern, inviting – all part of creating the experience for PSCU’s clients.

Don’t forget to check out Part II of our project with PSCU and visit their website at www.pscu.com. It was such a pleasure to work with them on this trade show booth and creating an experience is what we do best. For more information on how we can help with your next interactive trade show booth, call us at (813) 887.1960 or email [email protected].

Blog (Exhibit Insight), Technology, Trade Show Technology

Trade Show Mobile App Streamlines Communication

2016-04-20 Nikki Devereux

T1v inTouch Trade Show Mobile App Technology

Trade show mobile app technology has made trade show communication simpler for everyone from attendees to booth staff to event planners. Our partner, T1V, has taken the trade show mobile app technology one step further with Multi-Device Scanning to provide a seamless integration between its touch table application software and its mobile app, making tracking and analytics easier and more comprehensive.

Check out the T1V inTouch technology at www.t1v.com.

We have always admired the touch table application and its ability to transform a trade show booth into a gold mine of information, imagery, and videos. Imagine how much money can be saved on shipping brochures, pamphlets, and other printed materials when you have all of your information in one application that is easily accessed from the touch table or iPad. Users can choose what information they wish to receive and send it directly to their emails. The touch table is the path to greener trade show exhibiting as well. Less paper use and shipping = greener trade show exhibit. It’s a winning situation for all involved. Stay tuned for more information on T1V and their impressive trade show mobile app and touch table.

Trade show mobile app technology is a valuable investment, making everyone’s life simpler and more sustainable. ADM Two are experts at trade show booth technology, 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 design.

Blog (Exhibit Insight), Technology

Exhibit Design Search Feature by Classic Exhibits

2016-03-01 Tony Ricci

One of our most trusted and solid industry partners, Classic Exhibits, has an incredibly powerful search feature on the Exhibit Design Search (EDS), which ADM Two uses as well. Recently, they posted some updates to the EDS on their blog. Take a few moments to review the EDS, along with the newest features.

I am in attendance at Exhibitor Live in Las Vegas this week, so hope to see you there!

Exhibit Design Search by Classic Exhibits

Blog (Exhibit Insight), Technology, Trade Show Technology

Trade Show Technology – Apps to Make Your Life Easier

2015-10-07 Nikki Devereux

Make your life easier with trade show technology.

It’s incredible how far trade show technology has come, and for good reason. There are just some things that are better suited to time saving apps, such as business card organization and expense reporting. We’ve all been in the situation, whether at a trade show or on a regular day, of struggling to keep up with organizing and cataloguing the many business cards we receive.

“Show after show, exhibit managers and attendees alike pack a box of the rectangular paper cards in anticipation of exchanging them and increasing their respective professional networks (and scoring a few leads). Though functional, business cards take up space, are easy to misplace, and are only as durable as the paper they are printed on.” – Exhibitor Online

CamCard came up with a solution to the age old problem of business cards, with an app that scans business cards, pulls the contact information, and adds it to a database that can be accessed from several devices. Expensify simplifies your expense reporting hassles with a similar scan-and-go type app that includes a paid option so your entire company can be organized from a single account. There are apps to solve just about any problem you come across at a trade show.

Trade Show Technology Solution

Exhibitor Online crafted an excellent article with a list of trade show technology apps that will make your life easier, both on and off the trade show floor. Do yourself a favor and give this one a read: Trade Show Technology – 8 Essential Apps

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.

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.

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

ADM Two Among Initial Founders of Gasparilla Interactive Festival

2015-03-03 Nikki Devereux

The first Gasparilla Interactive Festival will be held on March 6, 2015 at Port Tampa Bay, Cruise Terminal 3. The Gasparilla Interactive Festival (GIF) is Tampa Bay’s showcase for cutting-edge technologies, digital innovation and entrepreneurial inspiration.

The Festival features compelling presentations and forums from the brightest minds in emerging technology, interactive media, and disruptive entrepreneurialism and will include exciting networking events hosted by industry leaders. The event will have a series of speakers and an expo. Confirmed speakers include Faris Yakob, Joanna Lord, Savannah Peterson and Peter Shankman.

The festival is a community event and is made possible through the collaboration of Tampa Bay’s public, private, non-profit, and academic institutions. Partners include AAF Tampa Bay, Ad 2 Tampa Bay, Hillsborough County, EDI2, University of Tampa, Port Tampa Bay, Visit Tampa Bay, Collaborative Technologies of Tampa Bay, Schifino Lee, The Publicity Agency and the Gasparilla International Film, Art and Music Festivals.

“We are so excited about the Gasparilla Interactive Festival,” said ADM Two CEO, Susan Canonico. “Technology is a key to success for any business, and especially for the trade show and museum fabrication industry. We are looking forward to being a part of the festival and seeing how it evolves over the next few years. It’s an exciting time for Tampa Bay.”

The festival is organized by the Gasparilla Interactive Festival Inc., a Florida non-profit organization that was founded by leadership members of the American Advertising Federation and Ad 2 Tampa Bay chapters.

Attendees may register for $150 or purchase a Founder’s Club membership for $1,000. Founders and sponsors will be invited to an Opening Reception the evening of Thursday, March 5. Visit www.gasparillainteractive.org to register and for more information.

Follow the Gasparilla Interactive Festival on Facebook and Twitter for updates.