Trade Show Biz

Defining Solutions and Industry Best Practices the Goal

2011-07-01T08:36:00.000-07:00

ASAE, ESCA, IAEE, SISO Leaders Announce First All-Exhibition Industry Summit:

"Defining Solutions and Industry Best Practices the Goal"

DALLAS, 29 June 2011 - The leaders of four exhibitions and events industry associations today announced that an All-Exhibition Industry Summit meeting would soon take place for the purpose of creating a set of Guiding Principles that will define industry best practices.

Chuck Grouzard, President of the Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA), John H. Graham IV, CAE, President and CEO, ASAE, Vinnie Polito, Chairman of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) and Sean Guerre, Chairman of the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) jointly disclosed that they will be inviting two elected leaders from each of the associations that are active in the exhibitions and events industry in the United States to attend the Summit. The industry-wide summit would be "a precedent-setting and long-overdue breakthrough," they added.

Grouzard says, "There have been many piecemeal attempts throughout the years to define those practices that are essential to the efficient and fair conduct of business in the exhibition industry. While we applaud all of those past attempts the fact remains there are too many troublesome issues that demand a common and agreed to set of understandings. We believe it is now time for the entire industry to come together. Anything less than a broad and comprehensive industry effort is destined to fail."

"A joint initiative across our sector is imperative to the future of the industry we represent," said ASAE President and CEO John H. Graham IV, CAE. "Now, more than ever, we need to put our brains together to come up with guidelines to streamline our operations and ease the many processes that guide the work of our industry as we work together on today's challenges and prepare for future opportunities."

"The stresses of the Great Recession and the anemic economic recovery ever since make it essential for all of the segments of the exhibition industry to consider how we might adapt ourselves and our industry to the new realities that lie ahead," Guerre added. "The pressures to do our business efficiently have never been greater. There has never been a more appropriate time to do this than now."

Speaking for IAEE, Vinnie Polito pointed out, "If all of the organizations in our industry set aside our respective organizational egos and devote our full attention to crafting real solutions that will withstand time and further economic stress we will have contributed something very important to our members and the customers that they all serve. We know that if the will is there we can achieve great things."

Among the organizations that will be invited to participate in the summit meeting are the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR); the Corporate Event Marketers Association (CEMA); the Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI); the Exhibitor Appointed Contractors Association (EACA); the Exhibit Designers and Producers Association (EDPA); the Healthcare Exhibitors Association (HCEA); the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM); the International Center for Exhibitor and Event Marketing (ICEEM); the International Exhibition Logistics Associates (IELA); the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA); and the Trade Show Exhibitors Association (TSEA).

The summit is likely to take place in October at an agreed to location for a day and a half. An independent professional facilitator will be retained to help guide proceedings. Invitations will be issued within several days.

About ESCA

ESCA is dedicated to the advancement of the exhibition, meeting and special events industries. Through the education, information exchange and level of professionalism shared by members and their customers, ESCA promotes cooperation among all areas of the exhibition industry. Visit www.esca.org

About ASAE

ASAE is a membership organization of more than 22,000 association executives and industry partners representing more than 11,000 organizations. Its members manage leading trade associations, individual membership societies and voluntary organizations across the United States and in nearly 50 countries around the world. With support of the ASAE Foundation, a separate nonprofit entity, ASAE is the premier source of learning, knowledge and future-oriented research for the association and nonprofit profession, and provides resources, education, ideas and advocacy to enhance the power and performance of the association and nonprofit community. For more information about ASAE, visit www.asaecenter.org.

About IAEE

Since 1928, IAEE continues to provide quality and value to its members through leadership, service, education and strong relationships. IAEE is the largest association of the exhibitions and events industry in the world, with a membership of show organizers, exhibitors and exhibition suppliers. Organizers of more than 20,000 exhibitions and buyer-seller events around the world are members of IAEE. Through the 2006 consolidation with the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR), IAEE delivers valuable industry research reports. IAEE also supports IAEE Services, the IAEE Public Events Council, The International Center for Exhibitor and Event Marketing, and the Exhibition and Event Industry Audit Commission, which are IAEE councils that provide products, programs and information to members. IAEE recognizes its strategic partners: American Airlines, ASP, Inc., Bearcom, Mexico Tourism Board, Orange County Convention Center and Visit Orlando, Vertical Nerve, Inc. and VoiceLogic. Visit www.iaee.com for more information.

About SISO

The Society of Independent Show Organizers' (SISO) members are represented by their respective Presidents, CEO's and Owners and twice a year meet to exchange ideas, share experiences and launch industry-wide projects. The SISO CEO Summit and Executive Conference are for strategic planning in April and tactical implementation in August. SISO represents more than 125 member companies that produce over 3,000 shows annually and range in size from smaller entrepreneurial businesses with shows in hotels and community centers to companies with billion dollar global portfolios that take over entire city facilities. SISO member companies produce shows in just about every industry sector. Please contact: Lewis Shomer, Executive Director, 2601 Ocean Park Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90405: (310) 450-8831; www.siso.org; lshomer@shomex.com

The 12 Most Effective Ways To Develop a Solid Blog

2011-06-22T05:15:00.000-07:00

The 12 Most Effective Ways To Develop a Solid Blog
Posted by Troy Claus on Jun 21, 2011 in Blog, Blogging, Social Media | 55 comments

23
inShare20
ShareDigg Digg1. Be you
If you’re going to write a blog you have to make sure you’re doing it because you want to, and love to. “You” is the key word here. Don’t be afraid to be yourself – if you conform to the rest, you will (usually) fall behind.

2. Compare yourself to no-one
The problem with comparing yourself to others is you create self-doubt. Everyone has his or her own writing style – you should learn to love yours and, if/when you do, it will come through in your writing. Learn from others, admire others and respect others, but don’t compare yourself to others.

3. Bend the rules
There are too many people who follow the “rules” when blogging. Is my post too short? Is my post too long? As long as your content is compelling, people will generally read it. If it seems too long, break it up with some headers and/or pictures, it makes the flow of the post a lot better for reading.

4. Do it
The best way to improve your blog is to do it more. Like anything, the more you do it, the better you will get at it. Even if you don’t hit the Publish button on every post, write every day – it will help you define your style and narrative voice.

5. Avoid the numbers game
Too many people get caught up in the numbers game. Try not to pay attention to who subscribes and who doesn’t. If you start to worry about that it can throw your writing style off, as you try and write solely for numbers, which usually means lesser quality posts.

6. Make it relevant to your audience
You need to take the time to recognize who your audience is. Once you know that, then you can create fun offers exclusive to your readers. It could be a guide filled with tips, a free chapter from your ebook…etc. But whatever the offer, it needs to be relevant.

7. Link it up
When writing a post, if there is topic/point that you’re touching on but you know of another blogger who wrote an entire post on it, link to them. Not only are trackbacks a great way to increase traffic, but it helps build a relationship with that blogger that could be expanded upon further down the line.

8. Visit and comment
Try to get out of your house (blog) and visit other ones. Start off by leaving one comment a day for each day of the week. This gives you the opportunity to meet new people, offer up your opinion and potentially have them come visit your blog.

9. Pick the right picture
A picture can speak 1,000 words (and it generates 50% more interest). This is a great way to connect with readers – it allows for that emotional connection. Whether it be funny, sad or angry, it helps set the tone for the reader.

10. Facebook linking
Write a fun or intriguing question on your Facebook page and then link it back to your blog for the answer. This is something fun for your friends/fans and a great way to drive traffic to your blog.

11. Have a strong headline
Your headline can be the reason your blog is rocking, or a tumbleweed. Find ways to spark the interest of the reader. You could position it like you’re solving a problem, telling a secret, giving away valuable information, or just keeping it fun.

12. Tweet your post
If you’re on Twitter, you may be wondering what the appropriate number of personal retweets are. I would suggest 2/day for 2 days. Remember, when we are up and working, the other side of the world is sleeping. So once every 12 hours is good. If you are a Tweet-a-holic, then once every 8 hours for 2 days is good too.

BizBash Florida Expo 2011

2011-04-15T11:20:00.000-07:00

7 Insights From the BizBash Florida Expo
NEWS 04.30.10 10:10 AM

The first BizBash Florida Expo took place on Wednesday at the Greater Fort Lauderdale and Broward County Convention Center. Nearly 1,100 people attended the day’s seminars and trade show, along with 80 exhibiting companies.

Throughout the day, attendees and speakers—including keynote presenters Colin Cowie, BizBash editor in chief Chad Kaydo, and Bruce Sutka of Sutka Productions International—discussed the state of the corporate event market, planning tips, and design ideas. Here’s a look at what people had to say.

“I think in the last 30 to 45 days we’ve started to turn the corner and the phone is ringing again,” and budgets will be back to normal in 2011.
—Colin Cowie

“Corporate is coming back. It’s just that instead of one event with 300 people, we’re doing three events of 100 people to spread out the budget a bit.”
–Keith Blauschild, co-owner, Parkland Chef Catering

“There’s a lot of movement in the corporate market. The extravagance of ’05 and ’06 is gone, but people are opening up [to doing events again]. They stayed away from entertaining for so long that they are starting to see they need to do it for both incentive and marketing purposes.”
–Warren Dietel, owner and president, Puff ‘N Stuff Catering

“I am negotiating hotel contracts for meetings like I never have before. You can get deals now that make no sense not to sign right away. The benefits are unbelievable.”
–Mona Meretsky, president, Comcor Event and Meeting Production

“People want to see the food prepared in front of them. It’s not just about the food, it’s about the presentation and show. And it doesn’t cost any more.”
–Ralph Rendsland, partner, Three2Oh

“Projections really help create an atmosphere. When you have a theme in mind, it really takes it to the next level without a whole lot of extra decor.”
–Bruce Sutka, president, Sutka Productions International

“I’m amazed at how much furnishings have come into parties but I like that type of residential design. It makes me feel like I’m bringing someone into my home and creating an environment where 200 people feel like 10.”
–Colin Cowie

—D. Channing Muller

ESCA Standards & Best Practices Committee Reaches Out to College Students

2011-04-14T12:45:00.000-07:00

On Monday, March 21st, ESCA's Standards & Best Practices Committee member, Rich Curran, presented the Site Inspection Workshop to Johnson and Wales University's School of Hospitality in Miami, FL. "How to Plan and Execute an Effective and Productive Site Visit of Hotels and Exhibition Venues" was presented to a class of 40 students who represent the future of our industry. This workshop is for everyone involved in exhibitions and meetings, i.e. general service contractors, Hotels, Convention Centers and CVBs.

Typically it is held as a lunch and learn that is an open forum with a panel of professionals from GSCs, Hotels, Convention Centers and CVBs, but it has been condensed to better educate the entry level status of the students. This presentation not only educates the students about site inspections but also familiarizes them with the ESCA brand. Please contact ESCA if you can help set up this presentation at a local college near you. www.esca.org

www.expocci.com

Expo Convention Contractors, Inc. Places two In the TSE’s Fastest 50.

2011-02-09T18:09:00.000-08:00

Tradeshow Executive’s Fastest 50 Honors

Press Release
Expo Convention Contractors, Inc. Places two In the TSE’s Fastest 50.

MIAMI FL USA – Expo Convention Contractors is proud to announce that two of its clients: FIME International Medical Expo and Jewelers International Showcase (JIS) won the Trade Show Executive Magazine’s Fastest 50 tradeshow award.

“The average trade show declined (2.7)% in net square feet in 2010 and I have been told that any show that managed to grow during these tough economic times is truly remarkable” states Brad Mandell Executive Director of FIME. “For FIME 2010 we grew over 30% and Expo Convention Contractors took care of all the extra exhibitors without missing a beat. In fact, Expo Convention Contractors received the highest rating from our exhibitors ever and this was the 21st FIME Expo. At FIME we value our employees, our vendors and our customers, and strive to provide all of them with a positive experience and atmosphere. FIME takes pride in recognizing outstanding talents and efforts and we have to attribute some of our success to Expo Convention Contractors and their outstanding attention to detail in every area. They are truly a topnotch GSC” Mandell further states.

FIME is the largest International Medical Trade Fair and Congress for medical equipment, products, supplies, technology and services in the United States. Registrants from around the world and from all specialties and disciplines of the total health care arena attend FIME to find new and cutting edge products, meet with top manufactures and learn from industry experts in the 3 day 5 track conferences. For more information about FIME visit the website at www.fimeshow.com

Jewelers International Showcase (JIS). In its fourth decade of serving the Jewelry Industry, and is the largest Independent Jewelry Tradeshow in the Americas. Leading world-wide Manufacturers and Wholesalers of Jewelry market and sell their products and services at our Shows to thousands of Jewelry Trade Attendees from 50 Countries in the Caribbean and Latin America; plus Florida and 42 other USA States. Leading worldwide Manufacturers and Wholesalers of Jewelry market, sell, and deliver their products and services in our secure one-floor/one room environment. http://www.jisshow.com

Expo Convention Contractors is currently celebrating 15 years of service to the exposition industry and is consistently ranked as the number one service contractor in South Florida and a top contractor across the nation. For more information about Expo Convention Contractors visit www.expocci.com.

Contact: Scott Bright
Director of Sales
Phone (305) 751-1234
sbright@expocci.com
Expo Convention Contractors Inc
57 N.E. 179th Street
Miami, FL 33162
www.expocci.com

Nerds Support Client of the Month : Expo Convention Contractors Inc.

2010-12-22T06:14:00.000-08:00

Expo Convention Contractors the largest company of it's kind in the South Florida area is the client of the month and will receive a donation to the charity of their choice. Nerds Support is the leading IT & computer support company in Miami.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRLog (Press Release) – Dec 14, 2010 – Our December client of the month is a 2nd generation family business started by Richard Curran.

Richard is the founder of Expo Convention Contractors (http://www.expocci.com/) and has been in the trade show business for over 40 years. Since the beginning of when he first got into the industry he has seen major technological changes and has seen how those changes have impacted the way that companies conduct business. Richard Curran has embraced those changes and has managed to move up from being a worker on the trade show floor to finding Expo and growing it into the biggest convention contractor in the South Florida region.

The current Vice-President and general manager of Expo Convention Contractors is Rich Curran Jr the founder’s son. He shared that Expo Convention Contractors currently has 54 employees and has had 20% growth in the past 8 years. Miami is well known for its conventions and trade show gatherings and Expo Convention Contractors is right in the middle of that scene. They have worked for the famous Antique Show in Miami Beach for the past 30 years. Recently they have also acquired The International Boat Show (The largest Miami boat show) as their new client. With all this growth they are now shifting their focus on capturing a bigger market share especially in areas such as Orlando and West Palm Beach.

Although, in times of recession marketing dollars are usually the first cut and thereby trade show spending also drops this hasn’t affected Expo. Expo claims that because much like Nerds Support they have taken a proactive approach in wowing their customers and delivering on their promise they have not only retained their clients but have also grown during their past years.

Rich shared that one of the most important changes that he’s seen is how customers now expect an immediate response. Social media has spoiled us in the sense that we want everyone to be accessible and easy to get a hold of, especially people and companies that we are working with. This back and forth communication has made technology a critical part of the business. Nowadays, it’s hard to imagine a world without cellphone, email and instant messaging. “When my father first started in the industry no one had cellphones and only few had beepers” Said Rich.

“Expo Convention Contractors has had no computer crashes in the past 5 years and because of Nerds Support’s proactive approach and constant maintenance has minimized the system’s downtime especially with the glitches that happen with outside services and vendors.” Rich proudly stated. He then continued and shared that one of the biggest benefits of working with Nerds Support is “I never have to worry about getting on the phone and talking to our ISP or phone vendors. I can rest assured that I ever have issues with them Nerds Support will handled all the technology related issues on our behalf.”

Nerds Support congratulates Expo Convention Contractors on their success and will be donating $50 to the charity of their choice. We are grateful and honored to have Expo as a client and member of the Nerds Support family. http://www.nerdssupport.com To learn more about Expo Convention Contractors and how they can help you and your business contact them by visiting: http://www.expocci.com/

# # #

Nerds Support offers Computer Support that takes your small business to the next level. With Network Services customized to meet your needs, you can enjoy the benefits of advanced IT Consulting without the hassle of challenging maintenance or support.

http://www.prlog.org/11150122-nerds-support-client-of-the-month-expo-convention-contractors-inc.html

My Love / Hate Relationship With Trade Shows

2010-06-24T10:53:00.000-07:00

I came across this article and I had to post it because it is so true.

My Love / Hate Relationship With Trade Shows
May 22, 2010 | Mike Thimmesch |

Ask people about trade shows and you’ll provoke a strong reaction: they either love them or hate them. Me? It’s complicated. I love trade shows … most of the time. Here are 6 reasons I love trade shows, and 3 reasons I hate them:

1. I love to talk with customers at trade shows
At a trade show you have the opportunity to talk face-to-face to more customers in one day than you could in a month or more in the field. And while talking to hordes of customers is great from a sales standpoint, it’s just as valuable for a marketer like me. You get to listen to so many clients talk about their needs, challenges, pains, and goals. If they love your company and products, they tell you, and tell you why. If they don’t love your company they’ll tell what you need to improve. It’s like a monster focus group, except you are simultaneously generating valuable sales leads.

2. I love learning at trade shows
Today’s constant change requires constant learning. And while I gain lots of new ideas and insights via the web, people I follow on Twitter, magazines and books, I get a more potent infusion of knowledge attending sessions at trade shows. There is something about getting away from the office and its distractions that make these training sessions that much more impactful. I simply absorb more when attending a live presentation. You also learn what is the current state of the industry, as your body is an antennae receiving hundreds of transmissions a day answering the question, “How’s business?”

3. I love the marketing challenge
Trade show marketing is the epitome of integrated marketing. You bring together exhibit design, booth staffing, and promotions to create a memorable event that vividly engages your clients and prospects. Guess what? So do all your competitors. So the thrill is devising and executing a theme that stands out and gets attention, yet is clear and concise enough to be quickly understood. It’s a buzz when your booth is the buzz of the show floor.

4. I love to see our worldwide network
At our main industry show I get to connect with our far-flung team members who have also traveled to the show. I love to see friends from London to Los Angeles, Toronto to Texas, Memphis to Montreal, Canada to Costa Rica, and Frankfurt to Florida. I enjoy hearing how they’ve experimented with new marketing ideas. They are intelligent, passionate, caring, and just the people you want on your team and at your dinner table. The only downside: during show hours I am focused on taking leads for them and can’t chat so much then.

5. I love to talk to competitors at trade shows
In your normal day-to-day routine you never see your competitors. But at a trade show there are so many you are surrounded. That’s a good thing: They are not your enemy, they are your community. Your competitors share common goals, challenges, and interests. They can also be funny with a capital FUN. And networking with your competitors gives you deeper industry insights than you’ll get from talking only with your fellow employees.

6. I love the travel

Miami seen from Key Biscane, the day after a trade show.
When I fly to a trade show I always get a window seat because the view still astonishes me (such as Lake Mead on the way into Las Vegas). And when I get there? I try to tack a vacation day onto each trip, especially when good friends live there. Memorable days include biking on Angel Island in San Francisco, strolling the beach at Key Biscayne in Miami, touring the art museum in Philadelphia (no, Traci, I did NOT run up the steps), and rollerblading the Lake Michigan waterfront in Chicago. Each location has its own delicious flavor, and as a worldwide destination there is the blend of languages I also love to hear.

That’s a lot to love, but it’s unfortunately not the whole story. There are things I hate about trade shows:

1. I hate time away from my family
While I am having fun at trade shows, that’s tinged with missing my family. I miss the giggles, the growth, and the closeness. Whether it’s getting the kids off to school in the morning or homework patrol in the evening, I hate leaving my wife to carry a heavier load while I am gone. This year I will spend the 4th of July in Shanghai instead of with them, and other years I’ve missed soccer games, school performances, and spent my own birthday over a thousand miles away from the ones I love. And while milestone days are harder, every day away can suck.

2. I hate the weight gain
Okay, this doesn’t happen at every show because I’ve learned to watch out for it. But 8 years ago on a trip to Europe, where even bread and cheese is a culinary delight, I was astounded to find I was the Biggest Winner, putting on 11 pounds in 2 just weeks. People often tell me I have a hollow leg and can eat whatever I want. Not anymore, and especially at the tempting tables at trade show meals. (So sorry, no more seafood buffet at the Rio in Las Vegas.) Vigilence doesn’t taste as good, but it makes for less stress after the show.

3. I hate the growing pile back at the office
Sure, we’re more connected now with smart phones and wireless internet in our laptops, but when you truly engage with the entire trade show experience (booth staffing, show floor walking, networking, classes), there’s little time to keep up with the regular workload. And when you get back to the office after the show with that stack of leads, the pile on the desk competes with the quick follow up necessary to bring that trade show mojo to fruition. (Which is why you must have an excellent follow-up plan in place.)

With twice as many reasons to love trade shows as to hate them, I’ll be doing trade shows for years to come. What do you love about trade shows? Hate about them? Share your passions and pains in the comments box below. I’d love to hear from you!

Thank you~ 3rd Annual Madison's Wish Golf Tournament

2010-06-11T05:44:00.000-07:00

Hello All, I wanted to pass along a letter from Madison’s mother and father:

On behalf of our family, I would like to thank you from my heart to yours as I think of how blessed our family is to have such wonderful people in our lives. Your commitment to helping us is sincerely appreciated. Your generosity will make an immediate difference in the lives of Madison and her SMA friends.
For one thing, we are going to use your donations raised at the 3rd Annual Madison’s Wish Golf Tournament to fund a water therapy program over the summer so our SMA friends can receive 1 free day per week of water therapy in Madison’s new pool. Your generosity is going to help Madison buy her formula, supplements, respiratory services, all the therapies insurance does not cover, create a learning space for home schooling since she is to medically fragile to attend preschool and make an accessible bathroom for her. 
A portion of the proceeds also went to Chris Odgen’s funeral expenses. Chris recently lost his battle with SMA Type I on May 10, 2010 at the young age of 9.
Our goal, is to continue to make a difference in the SMA world and in Madison’s battle. With the help of donations from supporters such as you, we will continue to see improvements in both. The amount of money raised at the 3rd Annual Madison’s Wish Golf Tournament will also let us focus on doing fundraisers for raising money for research for a treatment for SMA and one day a cure.

Frankly, we could not do what we do without supporters such as you. We deeply appreciate your generosity. We look forward to seeing you all next year.

Thanks again for your kindness,
Jennifer and Aaron
www.madisonswish.com

See the pics of the event here!
http://share.shutterfly.com/share/received/welcome.sfly?fid=d700b09fbdd29376&sid=8AcsXLJi1Yt3lQ

Here is what we raised!
Total Raised $38,281.00
Total Expenses $17,125.35
Total funds to go toward Madison’s care and other children with SMA $21,155.65

Thank you to our Sponsors:
Metropolitan Exposition Services PLATINUM SPONSOR
IUPAT Local 1175 GOLD SPONSOR
Agile Trade Show & Event Furnishing SILVER SPONSOR
Edlen Electrical Exhibition Services SILVER SPONSOR
Gardens America SILVER SPONSOR
Nerds Support SILVER SPONSOR
1-800-411-PAIN HOLE SPONSOR
Dr. Barry Raxenberg & Dr. Bruce Ossler Chiropractic HOLE SPONSOR
Peter Doran HOLE SPONSOR
Smiley Carrasco HOLE SPONSOR
SMT Solutions HOLE SPONSOR
Stephens Distribution for sponsoring the BEER!
Creative Manufacturing Group, LLC for sponsoring the SHIRTS!
Rick Case Automotive Group for sponsoring the Hole-In-One!

2010-05-20T08:22:00.000-07:00

100 Trade Show Lead Generation Ideas
May 01, 2010 | Mike Thimmesch

For most exhibitors, lead generation is their #1 reason for exhibiting at trade shows. Exhibit marketers want leads to replenish their sales pipeline, bring in new and repeat customers, and generate sales revenue.

So to help stoke the lead generation fires, here are 100 ideas to get you more leads at your upcoming trade shows, divvied up among 5 main areas:

Get more trade show leads by how you select shows

Go to more trade shows outside your local region
Go to more trade shows, in your best vertical markets
Go to more trade shows, in foreign countries
Go to fewer trade shows, but put more effort into booth staff preparation and promotions for each remaining show
Exhibit at trade shows where your buyers are
Track leads to determine and expand in the shows with the best ROI
Evolve show selection to match changes in company’s best vertical markets
Get more trade show leads with your exhibit design

Get a bigger booth
Get a booth space closer to the hub of traffic, or by a bigger competitor
Get a corner booth space
Backlight your trade show display graphics
Design your exhibit to more boldly and clearly say why attendees will benefit from working with you
Put fewer elements on your exhibit, but make the remaining images and messages bigger and more concise
Use graphics with images and benefits that appeal more directly to attendees at your vertical market shows
Put benefit statements on your trade show exhibit graphics
Replace your tired old display with a new trade show exhibit
Make your exhibit architecture more inviting to enter
Pick more exciting colors on your exhibit
Bring fewer products, such as only your most popular products, to minimize clutter
Get a taller exhibit
Add more lighting
Put messages on your flooring
Avoid an exhibit that looks like everyone else
Keep your booth neat and clean throughout the show
Move interesting equipment and technology to the outside of the booth
Use a theme that gets attention and memorably ties into your competitive advantage or offering
Match your exhibit message to your other marketing materials
Get more trade show leads with pre-show promotions

Send an inexpensive postcard offering a free gift in your trade show booth
Run a banner ad on the show website
Send a pre-show email blast to your clients and top prospects located close to the show location
Put stickers with booth location and show info on all outgoing mail
Email invitation to a pre-show microsite with targeted messages and offers
Have your sales people invite their prospects to visit your booth and set up meetings in advance
Send an email invitation to the show’s pre-registered attendee list for this year, and the registered attendee list from last year
Use social media to reach more attendees
Send half of something of value to attendees before the show, and promise to give the other half in your booth
Contact your industry press and tell them about the innovative new product you will be introducing at the show
Put your booth number on all your pre-show promotions: email, mail, ads, website
Design more creative and compelling pre-show promotions to cut through the mailbox clutter
Invite top prospects to lunch or dinner at the show
Send a pre-show promotion offering a more valuable gift in the booth, but not to the entire list, but only to the subset of show attendees that match your target audience
Send free tickets to the trade show to clients and best prospects
Post your trade show schedule on your website with a link to sign up for appointments
Ask the show for additional promotional opportunities
Get more trade show leads with at-show promotions and activities

Introduce a new product at the trade show
Add motion to your exhibit
Offer food, especially if it smells good, like baking cookies
Offer drinks to your booth visitors
Give your attendees something entertaining and fun to do
Do an engaging demo in your booth
Get your client to hold your product
Go beyond sight to appeal to attendees’ sense of smell, sound, taste, and touch
Add interactivity
Run presentations or video loops on large video monitors
Offer healthy food, not just candy
Put out a candy or chocolate dish to slow down attendees long enough to engage them
Offer in-booth massages
Give a free sample of your product
Give a free sample of a product made with your product
Hire a celebrity for your booth, where the celebrity is popular with your target audience at the show
Hire a celebrity lookalike for your booth, where the celebrity is popular with your target audience at the show
Giveaway something useful to your target audience
Hire a performer, such as a magician, to attract attention to your booth
Have a raffle, sweepstakes, money machine or a game
Hold a press conference if you have newsworthy news
Sponsor something highly visible at the show
Have a contest for attendees in your booth
Get signage in the show hall promoting your booth presence
Offer a show special or discount
Get someone from your company to be a speaker at the show
Give presentations or educational sessions in your booth
Do door drops that target only show attendees at their hotel rooms
Pay to include an invite or a gift in the official show bag each attendee gets
Put an ad in the show book
Brand your staffers with outfits or similar attire
Offer one really big prize (worth thousands of dollars) to get more attention
Get more trade show leads with better booth staffing

Bring more booth staffers
Bring booth staffers who actually want to be there
Hold a contest to reward the staffers who take the highest quantity of qualified leads
Leave your wallflowers at home
Train your booth staff how to work a trade show booth
Communicate to your staff the company’s goals and your expectations of them in the booth
Don’t use booth staffing as a training ground for brand-new employees
Ask visitors open-ended questions and listen to their answers
Get faster at recording each lead by not writing down every visitor’s name and address, but instead using a badge scanner
Have enough badge scanners to avoid lines with your booth staffers in busy times
Bring crowd gatherers (not booth babes)
Smile
Keep your booth staffers fresh by giving them regular breaks
Learn to more quickly disengage with unqualified attendees
Thoroughly train your booth staffers on the new products you are introducing at the show or just introduced recently
Make friends with your neighboring exhibitors, and refer attendees back and forth
Bring your top management to booth staff, and tell attendees they will be there
Get staffers out of the bowels of your booth and out to the edge of the aisle
Don’t sit down in your booth, unless you are talking with visitors
Don’t hide behind tables
Instead of giving away literature, offer to mail it to attendees, and get their contact info
Prepare your booth staffers with several good engaging questions
Arm your booth staffers with answers to common objections
Train your booth staffers to know your products and how they solve your clients’ problems
Which of these 100 ideas will you choose? Perhaps you are already doing several yourselves. Some can be combined to be used simultaneously. It’s a long list, and there’s no way anyone can do all 100. Some of them even contradict each other.

Yet as Bob Milam advises, while knowing a lot of tactics is useful, knowing which tactics to use and when to use them is even more useful. Determine your strategy first, then choose among these trade show tactics the most appropriate ones to support your strategy and generate more leads.

Also, while I’ve listed many tactics to get more leads, of course you need to also strive for getting higher quality leads. And if you can do both, go to the head of the class.

While 100 is a big list, it’s certainly not everything. Please share your own tips for generating more leads at trade shows in the comment box below.

Madison's Wish 3rd Annual Charity Golf Tournament

2010-05-13T05:57:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

I am reaching out to invite you to our 3rd Annual Madison’s Wish Charity Golf Tournament. Thank you so much for the support of last year’s golf tournament. We look forward to another outstanding event this year.
The tournament location is Jacaranda Golf Club in Plantation, FL.

Here is the link fo rthe reg form: http://www.madisonswish.com/images/stories/MadisonsWish_golfreg_flyer2010_2.pdf
This is going to be one exciting tournament and we have some great items to win.

All the proceeds will go to help Madison fight heir battle with SMA and FSMA which will help other Families of SMA.
Madison was diagnosed with this life threatening disease just prior to her first birthday. Thanks to all the love and support, Madison is now 3 years old ad making great strides in her development.

To read her whole story please goes to www.madisonswish.com and click on the attached link that has her Channel 10 news story.

Click these links to view photos of last year’s event:

http://share.shutterfly.com/share/received/detail.sfly?sid=8AcsXLJi1Yt3ew&imageIndex=0&fid=255b4af775bf1102

http://www3.snapfish.com/shareereg/p=838221243024809200/l=837471006/g=15668853/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB/pns/share/p=838221243024809200/l=837471006/g=15668853/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB

Madison is not only a special little girl but she is also my niece.
Thank you all and I look forward to see you all on June 5th.
Sincerely,
Rich Curran

2009: As Bad as It Gets for Exhibition Industry

2010-05-03T08:23:00.000-07:00

Mar 24, 2010 2:23 PM, By Dave Kovaleski

The worst year for the exhibition industry in recent history—2009—ended with an overall decline of 12.5 percent, representing declines in attendance, number of exhibiting companies, net square footage of exhibit space booked, and revenues, according to the CEIR Index, published by the Center for Exhibition Industry Research.

The decline of 12.5 percent is four times greater than the previous worst year ever, 2008, when the industry fell 3 percent.

There was no avoiding the negative effects of the recession as all 11 sectors that CEIR tracks experienced overall declines last year. "The length, depth, and reach of this recession made resistance impossible," said Douglas Ducate, president and chief executive officer at CEIR, in a press release.

In the fourth quarter the industry dropped 9 percent compared to the same period the previous year, marking the seventh straight quarter that the index has shown an overall decline. The decline was not as steep as the third quarter, when the index fell 13.5 percent on a year-over-year basis.

Looking at the four metrics that the CEIR Index tracks, professional attendance performed the best, declining 4 percent in the fourth quarter. The number of exhibiting companies dropped 6 percent, while net square footage of exhibit space declined 12 percent, and revenues fell 13 percent. All four metrics were an improvement over the first three quarters, but were still down 15 to 30 percent from 2007 highs.

CEIR officials say the outlook for 2010 is much better. Anecdotal information from events held in January and February is encouraging, indicating that the recovery is under way. However, since the exhibition industry is a trailing indicator, it will take a robust economy before the industry experiences sustained growth.

The complete 2009 CEIR Indexwill be released at the Society of Independent Show Organizers CEO Conference, April 11-14, in Austin, Texas. For more information on the CEIR Index, go to www.ceir.org.

Related links

Exhibition Industry Declines 3.1 Percent in 2008

CEIR Index Falls in Third Quarter

Exhibition Industry: Bottom Hit?

Aids Walk Miami another success!

2010-04-29T10:12:00.000-07:00

Expo Convention Contractors, Inc. assists Care Resource with the success of Aids Walk Miami. Expo also assists with the historic White Party Miami which also generates huge donations toward HIV/ Aids care.

16 Fun Things To Do At A Trade Show

2010-03-25T06:54:00.000-07:00

16 Fun Things To Do At A Trade Show
February 12, 2010 | Mike Thimmesch

Trade shows are a serious marketing medium in which we invest billions of dollars. In our quest to achieve business results, we often talk about getting the highest ROI (Return on Investment) or ROO (Return on Objectives). But what about the greatest ROF (Return on Fun)?

Trade shows are about meeting people, those unpredictable, emotional beings. To be engaging, you need to be having some fun, because if you are bored or too serious, that puts up an invisible barrier. After a few days per show, and many shows per year, how can you keep yourself entertained (without going overboard at the clubs and the casinos)? Here are a few suggestions:

Look up on the show city’s Visitors and Convention Bureau website all the fun activities you can do outside of show hours (try indoor skydiving in Las Vegas, it’s a blast).

Go to dinner with the funniest sales person who is staffing the booth. Repeat nightly.

Count how many trade show booths you can walk by before a booth staffer tries to engage you.

Visit your competitors at the show and ask them what they don’t do well. Watch ’em squirm.

When you meet attendees in your booth, stop treating them like numbers on the sales chart, and treat them instead as if they are going to be your new best friend.

Drinking game: Walk down the trade show aisle carrying a bottle of water (unless you are at a European show). Whenever a booth staffer says, “Hi! How are you?” you reply, “Fine,” take a swig, and keep walking.

Pick up giveaways from your fellow exhibitors, and then give them back … to different exhibitors.

Go to lunch with the second-funniest sales person who is staffing the booth. Repeat daily.

Look up old friends you haven’t seen in ages that live in the show city, via Facebook, LinkedIn or other social media, and relive the glory days.

Create a fun activity in your booth that helps get your message across to visitors.

Walk into an island trade show exhibit and play with their products. Count how many seconds (minutes?) it takes for a booth staffer to engage you.

Smile at your booth visitors, even if they aren’t. Pretty soon you’ll both be smiling.

Have a contest with fellow staffers to see who can work specific obscure words into conversation when talking with booth visitors, such as “corollary,” “obtuse,” and “Sandra Day O’Connor.”

Walk the show with a colleague. Have a bet on who can count the most: booth staffers sitting down or booth staffers on the phone. A third friend can count booth staffers eating or drinking. (This is like counting states on license plates when on a long drive.) Loser buys lunch.

Have another bet: Before you hit the show floor, bet which trendy new color will be on the trade show displays. Then count the exhibits with that color. Loser buys drinks … that are the color they picked.

Thank everyone who has helped you with the show – your booth staffers, your exhibit house, your manager, the show owner, the show labor, and especially your booth visitors. You’d be surprised how much fun that can be.

SMA Fight Night Huge Success

2009-12-14T08:45:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone who came out and supported our event. It was a huge success raising more than $4000 to go toward Madison's care as well as other children with SMA.
I would like to thank our sponsors, Outback Steakhouse, Club KO, M Point Productions LLC, Smokey Bones and www.sofloradio.com.

Weigh In Face Off

The big boys made weight.

And the winner is.....Rich "Frank the Tank" Curran by submission choke.

Fight for S.M.A. DECEMBER 12

2009-10-28T07:11:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends & Colleagues,
I wanted to invite you to come watch my Mixed Martial Arts debut at a charity fundraiser we are having for Madison’s Wish.

Come out and support Madison's Wish as we present the "FIGHT FOR S.M.A." Charity Event. This will be a Boxing, Kick Boxing, Grappling & M.M.A. Exhibition.
Watch Dave "The Tree Man" Stewart take on Rich "Frank the Tank" Curran as they battle it out at CLUB KO, Pembroke Pines.
8050 PINES Blvd. 954-432-3939 WWW.CLUBKO.NET
December 12, 2009 Doors open at 6pm, first fight at 7pm.
Tickets are $20 and there is limited seating so please get yours soon.
Sponsorship opportunities are available.

Please visit www.madisonswish.com for more info on Madison and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (S.M.A.)

Please contact me at 954-437-7574 or richardc@expocci.com to get your tickets.

Thank you for your continued support of Madison's Wish and FSMA.

Sincerely,
Rich Curran

Trade Show Contractor Issues

2009-08-31T07:11:00.000-07:00

I found this web article and thought I would share.

Trade Show Contractor Issues by Mitch Tarr
A good trade show contractor can make your day. A bad one can ruin your week.

In reality, it's not the contractor or its people that are the issue. It is often how you deal with them that is or becomes the issue.

Before and during a trade show it can be hectic and managing this relationship can be a new or daunting task.

In the larger shows at the major convention centers the event manager will direct you to use their trade show contractor for services.

Often, they are the only place you can receive these services. Take the time to review your exhibiting agreement and know what is allowed in the building and what must go through the trade show contractor.

Here is a sampling of services you may be offered.

Booth rental

Graphics design and signage

Carpet and furnishings

Exhibit transportation and cartage

Set up and break down of booth labor

Daily Cleaning and maintenance

Carpet, furniture and electrical

Utilities and internet connection
You may also see services designated like photography, flowers, catering, computer rentals and other related items.

You are not obligated to use ALL the services offered but some a mandatory and you will just work with it.

Others you have already in-house or may consider the convenience of dealing with the on-site trade show contractor.

You will be more successful if you treat this as a key vendor relationship to manage and not as an adversarial relationship which causes you heartburn.

Remember, contractors are people too, and they won't always be in the mood to handle your heightened level of stress (should you be in that state).

You may get better results with Mrs. Fields cookies than with evil glares!

Trade Show Marketing Tip
From here on in you are reading an excerpt from The World's Most Powerful Trade Show Marketing Guide.

Get a Trade Show Swiss Army Knife

Bring a survival kit with the booth. That means duct tape, paper, pens, phone numbers, spare parts, light bulbs, fasteners, holders, and anything that can be used to solve a last minute breakage problem.

Bring a small office worth of supplies.

Generally you will find that on set up day things don't quite go as planned. Small things break, last minute ideas crop up and you will be in a convention center far from a Staples.

Make sure you also map out where the closest Staples is so you can cab over there on Sunday afternoon and find the missing "insert last minute forgotten item here."

Fishing tackle boxes and tool boxes make good carrying cases for your Trade Show Swiss Army Knife items.

Plan for small annoying missing items and bring a supply with you.

original site: http://www.tradeshow-marketing.com/articles/trade_show_contractor.html

Although this article is brief, it touches on some very important things. If you ever want to discuss more in depth feel free to email me exporich@gmail.com, or call 305-751-1234

Thank you,
Rich

Please be Green !

2009-08-03T06:10:00.000-07:00

There are so many reasons to "Go Green". I feel that what ever reason you have is a good one as long as you do something. In case you have been living under a rock, here are some reasons.

Green Corner
Brought to you by the MBCC Sustainable Living Council
Green Tips:
5 MORE Reasons to Recycle
1. Preserves Landfill Space
No one wants to live next door to a landfill. It preserves existing landfill space.
2. Prevents Global Warming .
In 2000, recycling of solid waste prevented the release of 32.9 million metric tons of carbon equivalent (MMTCE, the unit of measure for greenhouse gases) into the air.
3. Reduces Water Pollution
Making goods from recycled materials generates far less water pollution than manufacturing from virgin materials.
4. Protects Wildlife
Using recycled materials reduces the need to damage forests, wetlands, rivers ~.,JI and other places essential to wildlife.
5. Creates New Demand
Recycling and buying recycled products creates demand for more recycled products, decreasing waste and helping our economy

Summer Education

2009-06-29T05:14:00.000-07:00

Recently I attended the Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA) Summer Educational Conference in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico.
"ESCA is dedicated to the advancement of the exhibition, meeting and special events industries. Through the education, information exchange and level of professionalism shared by members and their customers, ESCA promotes cooperation among all areas of the exhibition industry. www.esca.org."
I have a been a member and attending their conferences for 9 years and this was truly another great conference. From education to networking and down to the wonderful resort it was top notch.
On Sunday, I flew in early and checked in with enough time to squeeze in a round of golf before the the opening reception. There is something to be said about a golf course at the base of a rain forest. The views are wonderful but you can almost guarantee a wet & sloppy round. The opening reception was good time catching up with old friends and making new ones.
Monday morning came early with the Keynote Opening Session
David Riveness – The Corporate Jester - "Today, more than ever, individuals are searching for ways to contribute positively to organizational
leadership, culture and behavior. They look for insight into organizational truth as well as an understanding of how to interact with others to bring about positive impact." David was an engaging speaker and had a really good message about how little information makes it up the line to upper management.
Next session was with John S. Parke - Leadership Synergies, LLC specializes in sales strategy consulting, sales training, and sales audits. Before forming Leadership Synergies, John Parke worked for Marriott International for more than 18 years, most recently as Vice President of the Global Account Sales Organization. In that capacity, he was responsible for overseeing more than 200 senior sales executives and $1.3 billion of annual revenues. Under Mr. Parke's leadership, the Marriott sales force was rated Number 1 by Sales & Marketing Magazine for three consecutive years.
Besides the ever important relationship building and maintenance, John discusses the science behind strategic account management. He also explains how to evaluate your sales staffing ratios. It is always great to be able to put math behind the value of your sales force and your market share.
Tuesdays sessions began with a panel of speakers that were all Show Managers and it was interesting to hear their point of view on the contractor/ show manager relationship and their advice on how to work better with your customers. The next session had a similar format but instead of show managers, it was facility managers. They discussed issues such as venue/contractor partnerships, security, and Green innovations.
Then it was off to the golf tournament. The Rio Mar River Course was the home of the ESCA Golf Tournament this year. It was is great condition and the sun was out long enough that day to dry out some of the sloppiness. I definitely wasn't on my "A" game but it was still a good time and we finished at 66 (-6) and the winning team was 64.

Wednesday's sessions were good because they discussed all the updates and projects that ESCA has in the works. The Worker Identification System aka WIS program is a photo identification badge will be issued to all workers of ESCA member companies and will be linked to a secure nationwide labor database maintained by ESCA and its’ partner(s) in the system. The aim of the program is two-fold ……(1) streamline access to venues across the country and (2) provide a time-keeping function for ESCA member companies that want to utilize this feature of the system. The session was closed with a state of the industry address by industry leaders.
That evening was the closing reception that was held in a pavilion literally in the rain forest. Very unique venue, fantastic food and great entertainment.
After the conference, I stayed a few extra days with my wife and good friends to enjoy the tourist attractions and the scenery. We hiked down through the rain forest to the waterfalls and went night kayaking to the bio-luminescent waters. Although it was a great time, I don't recommend doing them in the same day because boy was I sore the next morning. We squeezed in one more round of golf and spent the day in old San Juan before returning home.

My World Series of Golf Experience

2009-05-18T12:00:00.000-07:00

The World Series of Golf (WSOG) is a high stakes game that combines gambling techniques of poker and the sport of golf. The greatest part of the WSOG is that it is literally any golfers game to win.
My WSOG experience began a year ago when I caught some coverage of the 2008 second round on tv. I called my buddy Keith and said "you can do this". Keith and I have been golfing together for about 16 years and I felt his game is solid enough to do some damage at this competition. We also run an annual golf tournament together, Madison's Wish Charity Golf Tournament (www.madisonswish.com), and we thought it would be a great opportunity to gain more exposure for our cause. Keith sent in his application and the next thing we knew, he was 1 of 125 golfers selected to play and I was to be his caddy/financial advisor.
We got busy on a game plan as to how we were going to win this thing. Keith flew out for a few practice rounds and played the course well and beat the competitors he was paired up with.
Then came tournament time. We gathered up the peanut gallery, decked out in Madison's Wish shirts and hats, and flew out to Las Vegas. It was definitely more than just a golf outing. From the arrival at the Mirage seeing the big WSOG window display in the lobby to the check in at the hospitality room, it was all around first class. The course, Paiute, was in immaculate condition and the staff made everything perfect.
Before anything kicked off there was a player/caddy meeting to go over the rules and regs ran by the President & Founder of the WSOG, Terry Leiweke. Terry really made it great for everyone from the high roller to the average Joe.
Following the meeting was the Opening Reception White Party. This was by far one of the coolest parties because the venue was the Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. While there was music playing, drinks flowing and great food we were watching a dolphin show. I was sipping my Capt & Coke while looking into the eyes of a White Tiger. All the competitors are cool people and even though they would be slugging it out for the $300k the very next day they all get along great.
On the opening day we were lucky enough to get the 11:15am tee time. This would give us plenty of time to get warmed up after a decent nights sleep (kind of). Keith was dead on accurate with his chipping. His putting was looking solid and his swing was smooth and consistent. WE WERE READY!!!!!So we thought.

As we approached the tee box for our group's time the tension built up. There were cameras and people all around. The pres kept yelling "This is for HD baby" which did not help the nerves. Keith wanted to do a dedication trick shot off the first tee to try to get the nerves out. That didn't go so well, but it was better than shanking a legitimate drive. There was no possible way to prepare for this format of play unless you have played it before. There would be times that you won't swing a club for 20 minutes.
It was definitely a long and tough day. Keith did, however, win 2 holes and split another one. This kept him in until the 16th hole. Looking across the field of players and their scores, lasting until the 16th hole was not too shabby. When he stuck the green on the par 3, this took a huge amount of pressure off and he drained a 35 foot putt. It really is amazing what a crowd of people and TV cameras can do to your mind (and your golf game). All in all, I was very proud of my friend for accepting this challenge and honored to be his caddy and part of this awesome event.
To read more about the results of the tournament go to http://www.worldseriesofgolf.com/default.aspx.
I feel that the experience of doing it once has prepared Keith and he will really make a bang at next year's tournament.

Golf Season

2009-04-28T10:25:00.000-07:00

In addition to my life of trade shows I also have a love of playing golf. Not that I am any good, but I will try to squeeze in a round whenever possible. I don't quite know what it is about the game because to be quite honest it will frustrate the heck out of me to the point of wanting to give it up. Then there is that one great shot that keeps me coming back for more.
Since I know the game pretty well and I have played in many tournaments/ scrambles I decided to translate this experience into a fundraiser. My neice, Madison, was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). My sister's family now has an unbelievable amount of medical expenses in order to keep Madison's quality of life good. After great success last year, we are now having our 2nd Annual Madison's Wish Charity Golf Tournamet on May 16. Please go to www.madisonswish.com to learn more about Madison and SMA. You can also download info for the golf tournament as well.
My best friend Keith is the co-director of the golf tournament. Since we decided that planning and executing a charity golf tournament wasn't difficult enough, Keith has been selected to play in the World Series of Golf http://www.worldseriesofgolf.com. This is a nationally televised event that will be played the week of Madison's Wish Golf Tournament. Who else should be his caddy except his partner in crime (me). We must be out of our minds! I guess this will be a true test of our resilience.
In any case, please check out the World Series of Golf and support/ root for Keith and I when we are in Las Vegas. We will be using this opportunity to promote Madison's Wish and awareness of SMA. If you are in the South Florida area, we would love to see you at our golf tournament!

Managing vs. Babysitting

2009-04-14T09:50:00.000-07:00

I am the father of 3 year old twin boys & I am the General Manager of about 50 people. Sometimes I feel as though I am saying the same things to both.
Here are some examples:
Children vs. Employees
Stop whining / Stop whining
Finish your chores / Finish the project
Leave your brother alone / Stop harassing "Bob"
Change your clothes / Dress appropriately

Then there are the motivational words for children and employees.
Children vs. Employees
Good job, buddy / Good job, Bob
I'm so proud of you / You made the company proud
What a beautiful picture / That report was great

Apparently giving "positive reinforcement" to your kids is the same as "employee motivation". Obviously the pay-off is that you will have well adjusted kids and happier employees, but the irony is that both sides get offended if they are compared. The wife says the family is not employees and boy do the employees get upset when you tell them they are acting like a bunch of children.

It is funny how my wife has to remind me that I am not the GM at home, but it sure seems like I have to be a dad at work. I guess through time (maybe therapy) I will be able to separate the two.

I am sure you are bombarded with email marketing on education and employee motivation so I am not going to give you references, but they do work! It also helps to remind you not just how to do it, but to actually go out and give your employees the little motivational compliments they crave.
As for your children, there are numerous articles on positive reinforcement for your kids in Parenting Magazine.

Here is a fun little experiment for all you managers out there (or those of you who disagree with my comparison). Get a copy of a current Parenting magazine and read the tips on positive reinforcement or motivation. Then come in to work and apply the methods toward your employees and I would bet that they respond the same way (in a good way) the article said your kids should.

Good luck!

Trade Show Diet

2009-03-30T10:01:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have lived like a "roadie" the way us people in the events industry do, you can understand where I am coming from. Why does it seem that I am always saying "as soon as I get home its back to eating healthy". Will that day ever come? Let's dive into a typical day of eating while producing a trade show at a convention center.

6:30 am - breakfast @ hotel coffee shop - large coffee, danish or bagel & cream cheese
Mid morning Diet Pepsi
Noon - Fast food near by OR overpriced turkey sandwich from the stands that are set up for move in. And of course the Diet Pepsi.
4:00 pm - feeling ravenous so I grab a candy bar to hold me over until dinner and can't forget to wash it down with Diet Pepsi.
7:30 pm - dinner @ restaurant in hotel lobby - probably over eat since this is your first decent meal of the day and wash it down with a few beers or perhaps a Captain Morgan and you guessed it Diet Pepsi.

We constantly abuse our bodies outside and inside (looking at what I ingested above) and no one will will ever commend you for that. Which is OK, because you love your job.
I guess we take the bad with the good, and looking at the trade show diet, that is definitely bad.

Now what to do. For those of you who just read this and got a chuckle because you live it, great! If any of you would like some tips on how to eat healthier here are a few links. Good luck!

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,509574,00.html

http://www.completetraveldiet.com/

As for me, "as soon as I get home its back to eating healthy".

About Me

2009-03-27T12:58:00.000-07:00

I have been in this crazy business of Trade Shows & Conventions for a it seems lifetime already. You see, I am a 2nd generation trade show contractor. This means from the time I was a toddler I was walking the show floor and traveling the country.

Born and raised in South Florida, I then ventured out to see the world. I joined the United States Marine Corps at 18. I was a jet engine mechanic on the FA-18 Hornet. This was a very exciting time for me because I was able to take a boat trip (USS Enterprise) to the Mediterranean Sea and visits lots of countries in Europe and Asia.

After my 4 years, my heart brought me back home to follow in my father's footsteps. Once I got out on the show floor producing trade shows I was hooked. I love to learn a little about everything, so where better to do it then being a part of any and every industry there is.

Why do I love it? Good question. I love the stress of coordinating so many things and having it all come together rapidly in front of your face. I love when I am challenged to fix a problem when everyone thinks all hope is lost.

I am currently the General Manager of EXPO Convention Contractors, Inc. We are a family-owned and operated company small enough to be personable yet large enough to be exceptional. With over 50 employees in-house at all times, including a highly experienced management and sales team, we are available to service shows throughout the nation. We pride ourselves on exceptional service and our "can do" attitude.

Please come see what we can do by stopping by http://www.expocci.com/

My goal with my blog is to entertain you through the eyes of someone who loves what they do. Even if it is as chaotic as the convention & trade show industry.