How Did this Happen to Me ???
    “Stupid is forever, ignorance can be fixed.”
- Alice Kahn



Virtually every large tradeshow establishes an official show photographer. Do you have to use them? Well that is completely up to you. We order show photographs all of the time and in almost every case we use the official show photographer and they are professional, budget minded, and take beautiful shots. However, in some mid-sized shows the official show photographer may be quite affable but you do not receive the greatest photographs. On the other hand if you use a non-official show photographer that person may or may not have access to the show floor as readily as the official show photographer. They may not carry ladders and show lighting that will really make your photos pop. We suggest that you ask for references to be certain that your end result is of the highest quality possible – remember you cannot retake the pictures after the show!

     In the next few weeks you may get an email or two from DisplaysandExhibits.com. This is our online store for purchasing a pop-up display, a banner stand, a table throw – and all other items that can be shipped to you in a short time. Our store has been online for over a year and has been very successful –
 		       You arrive at your show to be greeted by your installation team – there is a slight problem. The rental exhibit you ordered is 14 feet high with a hanging sign centered over your island booth space – it is officially illegal for your show. Or the exhibit you bought last year, your beautiful custom exhibit with your name on all four sides of the central tower that is 16 feet tall, is officially 4 feet too high. Or your hanging sign that you have used the past 3 years suspended at 18 feet up top and falling to 15 feet from the floor now must begin at 14 feet and fall 11 feet from the floor. How did this happen? Essentially the rules changed – and you did not get the memo.
     Every year for a number of reasons there are changes on the show floor. It could be the show itself or it may be the venue. And even if you have exhibited at a show for the past ten years – year eleven may have new rules. We just experienced this predicament with clients at a show in Texas last month. How did this happen – poor communication on everyone’s part? Installation teams were scurrying all across the show floor trying to bring everyone into line with the new rules. There can be a multitude of finger pointing – as the rental company, we now have someone in the office to check all show regulations with the show – we cannot take the client’s word any longer. As the client that just purchased a new exhibit – it becomes your duty to know which shows you are taking your new exhibit to – and that it will meet all of the rules and regulations for that show. We know for a
certainty that if your show is at Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco, with its undulating ceiling, that you must be certain of your height limitation for your particular space. If you are at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas, on the bottom floor – you probably cannot go over eight feet because of low ceilings. However, your knowing the venue does not dictate the rules – the show management, not the show contractor dictates the rules. Be aware and read your regulations!
    as online buying offers clients a way to comparison shop without staying on the phone for 2-3 days. It is our recommendation that if the online store you are visiting does not offer complete information and disclosures about their product – you really need to consider passing.
     Be selective when analyzing a retailer. Look for merchants that offer a wealth of information about the products they offer. The best retailers will include in depth information with detailed descriptions of each product, and high-quality pictures of all items offered.
     Read the FAQ and fine print. Most professional sites will offer a listing of Frequently Asked Questions. These questions should answer basic concerns about shipping rates, return policies, and payment security. All reputable merchants have secure sites that protect the security of your credit card and check information and other personal information. Look carefully for any fine print or special terms and conditions. If a site does not offer this information, contact customer service and inquire about the merchant's policies. If a retailer is not able to provide basic information on their sales policies, look elsewhere for a more proficient seller.
     Look for deals on shipping rates. One of the biggest complaints from online shoppers is about the high cost of shipping. Many sites offer discounts or free shipping if you spend over a certain amount of money. Other sites provide a bulk rate if you buy more than one item. Taking advantage of such offers can significantly reduce the costs of your overall purchase.
The reason you will be getting notices from DisplaysandExhibits.com is that we are introducing Free Shipping on many of our items and we have streamlined and mechanized the systems we have in place and we are passing the savings onto the buyers to increase our volume – and make us more important to the manufacturer. This is a win-win for all of us – please take the time to visit – www.DisplaysandExhibits.com.