http://www.absoluteexhibits.com/tiki-blogs_rss.php?ver=2 Thu, 17 May 2012 08:00:19 +0100 Tiki CMS/Groupware via FeedCreator 1.7.2.1 http://www.absoluteexhibits.com/img/tiki.jpg http://www.absoluteexhibits.com/tiki-index.php en-us http://www.absoluteexhibits.com/tiki-view_blog_post.php?blogId=2&postId=344
Click Here to EnlargeClick on the picture at the left so you can see what we going to talk about. Yes, you are looking at a scale model FT racing truck … the one sponsored by our client Fras-le that runs in the FT circuit throughout Europe and the same FT circuit that will be coming soon to the U.S. Working with her AE account executive, Don Burks, prior to AAPEX 2011, Steffanie Savine, the office marketing manager / coordinator for Fras-Le?, manufacturer of brake pads and linings for large trucks, racing trucks, and also for the airline industry. Steffanie asked for Don’s help to create a scale model version of their FT racing truck with a few little creative twists.

The truck was to debut at AAPEX in November 2011 and then be loaned out to Fras-le’s larger dealers for smaller regional shows and events. It is five feet wide, six feet tall and six feet long. The windshield is actually a 50” flat screen monitor that shows actual footage with sound of their trucks racing in Europe on the race track, along with periodic advertisements. The headlights are the actual speakers. Finally the fifth wheel in the back of the truck hides their DVD player, the amplifier, as well as the plug and play application.

So where do you go for something so creative to be built? The sales offices for Absolute Exhibits, located right here in southern California, home of the film industry, Disneyland, and a variety of theme parks. Our partner that built this FT works directly with all of these clients; and if you have ever been to Legoland, it is a treasure trove of their work. After the initial design and three revisions a steel framework was built. Then a Styrofoam basic shape from a C&C was placed over the steel with specialty hand carved components. Everything was then sprayed with a hard plastic coating, similar to way resin is applied to a surfboard. The truck is then painted like a car, in this case we matched their racing truck running the European circuit.

The FT Truck received an incredible reception on the show floor at AAPEX. Fras-Le? went the extra mile with developing this and they now have an incredible show-piece for years to come. Having a flat screen presentation area with sound abilities takes this display to the next level – everybody has to slow down and at least take a look, it’s that nice!
Congratulation Steffanie for a project well conceived and completed.
]]> ccorbin Wed, 09 May 2012 01:13:37 +0100 http://www.absoluteexhibits.com/tiki-view_blog_post.php?blogId=2&postId=343
Renting an exhibit for your next Trade Show has so many benefits, but you know that because you have already made the decision to rent. Developing a long-term plan could save you thousands of dollars by committing to a multiple-show rental contract. Many companies offer a discount if you agree to multiple rentals up front, even for various size exhibits and different designs. First step is using your graphics from exhibit design to exhibit design … and this can be done in the beginning design work.

Your goal is for every passerby to assume that your fabulous exhibit is owned. It is imperative to work with a custom rental company so you can achieve your specific exhibit marketing goals. Most rental companies have a select number of pre-made exhibits that have Graphic change abilities – is that what you really want? A true broad base rental company builds your exhibit using your specifications. It should have a similar look and feel to an exhibit you would purchase but with the added benefit that you can change things out from show to show.

A good rental exhibit company will offer a variety of solutions for monitors and wire management. They will have staff in their office to create Graphic applications. Keep a file (with photos and dimensions) of all of the graphics you own. More than likely they can be re-used for future shows. Absolute Exhibits offers crating and storage for all graphics you own at a flat fee.

Your decision to rent may not have come from a concern about the environment, but guess what, you couldn’t be using a greener exhibit! Many rental exhibits use sustainable components, such as recyclable aluminum, fabrics, and reusable packaging. Regardless, there’s no greener way to exhibit than by renting your exhibit. It’s worth promoting to your internal team and sharing with your customers in a pre- or post-show marketing campaign. And don't forget the flooring. There are lots of green flooring alternatives.

One of the reasons you decided to rent was because you wanted to lessen the headaches that come with managing your own exhibit property. At Absolute Exhibits we ship to and from the show in our own trucks. We also provide I&D services for all rentals as part of the price. Graphics, furniture, flooring, AV, plants, even coffee service are included in your rental project. If you are going to rent – really get the full benefit of one stop shopping.

]]> admin Wed, 09 May 2012 01:12:40 +0100 http://www.absoluteexhibits.com/tiki-view_blog_post.php?blogId=2&postId=342
Absolute Exhibits does approximately 50% of its business with clients from outside of the USA. We work either directly with the client or with their exhibit house. Because of our relationships with the foreign exhibit houses we have partners that build for us in their cities. I have attached a few of our most recent builds. We have had our client’s designs built in Rome, Paris, Madrid, Dusseldorf, Hanover, Berlin, and London. Clients have also had exhibits built in Sao Paulo, Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Santiago. In the east we have had builds completed in Melbourne, Hong Kong, and Macau. You might wonder why you should not go directly to an offshore exhibit house by yourself. Here are a few reasons:

1. Our staff includes people that speak most of the more common foreign languages – we negotiate in the foreign language not English and we have mutual understandings to get to the lowest pricing possible as quickly as possible.

2. We have long standing relationships and know the quality of the builders work, as well as their reliability to complete the job on time.

3. Pricing outside of the USA in most instances is far less as there are no Union fees for building and I&D – AE adds a small percentage to make your project happen and you will still be spending less than an overall project in the USA.

4. You will not be on your own in a foreign country. Just as we provide project managers to guide you in the USA we do the same all over the world.

If you are considering working outside the USA you might look into a new government sponsored program. The STEP Program is a pilot grant initiative, authorized for three years under the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010. The Act authorizes award of up to $90 million in grants over three fiscal years, with up to $30 million to be awarded each year. The 50 states, District of Columbia, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa (‘States’) are eligible to apply for competitively awarded grants covering the period October 2012 – September 2013. (For each State, only the single state agency that has been officially designated as sole entity responsible for conducting that State’s trade and Export activities, may apply.) Individual State project award amounts will vary, based on each State’s proposed project plan and budget. In fiscal year 2011, SBA awarded 52 grants totaling $30 million. The average value of awards was $577,000. This program can help you fund your overseas development.

Now is the time to relook at your product or service and see how it fits into another country. We are here to help you, take a look at some of our builds, http://www.absoluteexhibits.com/Exhibit+Abroad, the internet has opened industry to the world – be one of the first to join! The picture accompanying this article is for Littman Industries, built last month in Sao Paulo for a lighting industry show. This exhibit was 6,500 square feet and will move to Italy and Germany next year.


]]> admin Wed, 09 May 2012 01:10:25 +0100 http://www.absoluteexhibits.com/tiki-view_blog_post.php?blogId=2&postId=341
Train your people. Make certain that the people who speak for your company at international trade fairs are well educated and trained and know the cultural divergencies of the people with whom they will relate. They should know how to greet and address visitors. Handing a business card to people of particular nationalities is more like a classic tea service than a back-handed pass of your card in a bar.

Understanding different business negotiating styles, conversation sensitivities, and how women are treated in business, is essential, in addition to knowing eye contact, handshakes, body posture and spatial distance differences. The key is to develop relationships of trust and sincerity, as they are critical for successful business.

Many international business contacts will speak English. Problems occur when slang, sayings, or the latest buzz words are sprinkled in conversation. These are often difficult to translate. It is far more effective to keep communication, written and verbal, basic and easy for anyone to understand. Can you imagine saying that the wall décor is “fly,” how does that translate?
Seventy percent of communication is nonverbal. Gestures and body language, with the exception of smiling, are not worldwide in meaning. Be aware of the protocol on personal space, eye contact and when, what and how to touch. Prepare company leadership in advance with the awareness that Attendees will wish to discuss technical details of products and are expecting to place orders. These Attendees are usually top level management and want to meet with their counterparts.

Training is essential for international Trade Show exhibitors as the money that you have spent to get there will go out the window without attention to the cultural differences. You make only one first impression and a blatant offense can end any further talks.

]]> admin Wed, 09 May 2012 01:09:08 +0100 http://www.absoluteexhibits.com/tiki-view_blog_post.php?blogId=2&postId=340
This is really quite painful to write, as in the broad sense of the American market, women have become an accepted part of business and in most cases do not have to prove themselves. Recognize the role of women in business outside the United States is a whole and another matter. Of course even within the most civilized countries there will be slip-ups and mishaps. However in certain cultures, as a woman, you may not have any role except coffee/tea pourer no matter that you are a card carrying Harvard graduate.

Explore the customs of the country you are visiting, as they are relevant to women. Become acquainted with local and regional attitudes and cultural differences about women in business. This will help to delineate your line of attack and avoid potential problems during international trade fairs. Be prepared to prove yourself since you may not be taken as seriously as your male counterparts. However, business overseas is based on trust and relationships. And women, like men, are accountable for generating the necessary relationship to achieve their objectives.
]]> admin Wed, 09 May 2012 01:08:24 +0100 http://www.absoluteexhibits.com/tiki-view_blog_post.php?blogId=1&postId=339 Dear Marcia,

Thank you for all the support that we received during SCAA and for trusting us. We hope to keep doing business with you for the next years to come. The I&D team from Absolute was excellent, great guys. Please say hello to them from us.

Sincerely,

Alberto Carrizo
Ministerio de Comercio e Industria

]]> ccorbin Tue, 08 May 2012 23:57:20 +0100 http://www.absoluteexhibits.com/tiki-view_blog_post.php?blogId=2&postId=338
Dealing with show services is probably one of the least attractive aspects of exhibiting, yet it’s a real necessity. I cannot emphasize how important it is to read the exhibitor service manual. It is the official guide to everything the exhibitor needs to know about the show: all the relevant information, rules and regulations, service forms, registration, show promotions, Contractor and shipping information. Remember to observe all deadlines.

Know what services you need - Services ordered on the show floor could result in 50% additional costs. Identify which products you are planning to demonstrate and display, and what utilities are required along with cleaning and security services. Be familiar with the floor plan. Always order more utilities than you think you’ll need so your products perform at their optimum level.

Drayage involves delivering your display materials to the assigned space, removing empty crates, returning the crates at the end of the show and delivering the re-crated materials to the Carrier loading dock. Consolidate your shipments into as few as possible. Remember to remove old labels and put new ones on everything. Labels should include your company name, show name and Booth number.

Every city in the USA is different regarding Union rules. Read the service Manual carefully to familiarize yourself with what is and is not permissible. Any questions should be directed to show management or the service contractor. Carry all relevant paperwork to the show site and leave a copy at your office.

Also bring service orders, tracking numbers for all shipments, as well as important contact names, email addresses, cell phone and fax numbers. The bottom line is pre-planning your services will save allot of money, much time on the show floor, and considerable wear and tear on you personally – read your manual!

]]> admin Tue, 10 Apr 2012 16:14:33 +0100 http://www.absoluteexhibits.com/tiki-view_blog_post.php?blogId=2&postId=337
Exhibiting at a Trade Show without a well founded strategy is a multitude of wastes in money, time, and even your physical being. Your Trade Show strategies echo your overall plan. Often, exhibitors disregard time or attention to developing their Trade Show strategies. As a result, their marketing efforts can become somewhat chaotic. What are your core objectives? Who is your target audience? What are the solutions that you offer?

Exhibitors who fail to recognize the importance of developing a strategy and pushing toward core objectives cannot have nearly the long-term Trade Show success as those who do. When you create your Trade Show plan in light of your overall strategy, you can plan for events more efficiently. Many exhibitors do not realize that there is an important difference between Trade Show strategies and tactics. While strategies reflect the long-term big picture, tactics are the relatively short-term events that are measured on the road to accomplishing your strategic objectives. In effect, your strategy is executed through your tactics. And the right strategy is more forgiving of less than perfect tactics.

To achieve your core objectives you must think strategically and speak to each of the short-term tactics you will use leading up to, during, and after the show. You must utilize pre-show marketing to drive customers to your booth. Promotional items and giveaways can effectively brand your company. Even your choice of where your Booth will be located can be leveraged to better enable you to meet your long-term goals. In short, your implementation of your tactic schedule will converge to promote your Trade Show strategies.

]]> admin Tue, 10 Apr 2012 16:13:23 +0100 http://www.absoluteexhibits.com/tiki-view_blog_post.php?blogId=2&postId=336
A great looking and functioning Trade Show Booth is essential to your success in Trade Show marketing. Different types of businesses require different styles, so be careful in the look you choose. Design a Trade Show Booth that reflects your company's image and gets the response that you desire. Be sure to plan ahead to give yourself plenty of time to complete the design and gather all the materials that you will need for your Trade Show display.

When you arrive at your design meeting or web-meeting be prepared with answers as well as questions. Know the purpose of your booth. What is your main goal in showing at the trade show? You may want to capture customer leads or increase the buzz about upcoming projects. The purpose of your Trade Show design will affect what type Trade Show Booth design you require.

Then think about how you want to showcase your product or company. In some cases, large posters with information work well to get the point across. In others, you may want display cases to show your product, or LCD screens to show videos. You may need a meeting room, and if you do how many you need to seat. Plan for the size. When you sign up to participate in the Trade Show, you'll receive the Booth dimensions from the Trade Show organizers. This will let you know what your limitations are, bring all of that information to your design meeting. How many times have we met with a prospective client that wants a hanging sign but have purchased an inline exhibit space? Only to find out that in 99% of all shows they must be in an island or peninsula space to have anything hanging over their exhibit?

What image do you want to portray? Light colors convey a professional appearance while bright colors attract attention. Choose colors that fit your company's personality. Display information in a memorable way. Think about how your Booth visitors will get information. Takeaway pamphlets, short videos or PowerPoint? presentations can quickly show off your main points. Tell your designer everything – come with a must list and a wish list. Most importantly come with a realistic budget – we do not want to design a Rolls Royce when a client has a Volkswagen budget. We know more about smoke and mirrors than you can shake a stick at – but there is nothing worse than designing a masterpiece based on a high budget only to be told we will need to cut out half of everything to keep you in-budget. No one is ever happy with the end result. So be a good scout and be prepared!

]]> admin Tue, 10 Apr 2012 16:12:43 +0100 http://www.absoluteexhibits.com/tiki-view_blog_post.php?blogId=2&postId=335
When working with your exhibit house you really need to have one person speak for your company … or have a shared voice with shared control. The real bottom line is too many cooks spoil the broth and really confuse your project manager. It is essential that everyone that is conveying information for your tradeshow appearance be on the same page, speak with one voice, and do not start falling out between themselves. I can assure when this happens problem escalate exponentially.

If your Logo is green and black and one of the clients calls us and tells us that it should be blue and black – that needs to be the last voice. If someone calls the next day and tells us to print all of the walls in green and that person does not know about the color change to the Logo we, in all probability, will not be able to tell the second person what the first person said about the new color logo. Because the first person has been communicating with our Graphic department and the second person is speaking to the project manager about fabrication. Get it? We are always willing to help your company make initial changes however, you need to have a meeting in your office first and then communicate everything to the exhibit house after your meeting.

This may sound simple and it is, but this is where the additional costs begin to mound up. One voice, one line of communication, one perfect execution of your company’s desired exhibit.

]]> admin Tue, 10 Apr 2012 16:11:56 +0100