Conference Technologies, Inc.®

Getting the Most Out of Trade Shows

Conference Technologies, Inc.^® Rental Helps With Practical, Highly Attractive Booth Structures

image #2 Will trade show attendance rebound in 2010? Many meeting planners think so, as the economic thaw brings buyers out in larger and larger numbers.

Still, if you're planning to exhibit at a trade show this year, you want to maximize your return on investment and make sure that every attendee notices your booth and understands at least the basics of what you have to offer.

"The problem a lot of our customers have is that they don't go to enough shows to justify buying an elaborate booth structure," says Jimmy LoMonaco, National Rental Director for Conference Technologies, Inc.^® "Yet using our staging inventory, we're able to put very impressive exhibits together on a one-time basis at an affordable cost."

The secret is that the same trusswork, lighting and other gear that Conference Technologies, Inc.^® uses to stage concerts and other large events can easily adapt to small and mid-sized trade show booths. "We can bolt together our truss to form various types of columns or arches, perfect for holding signs, banners, lighting and various types of video displays.

"For a surprisingly small investment, you can have something that will literally make yours the most noticeable booth at a business-to-business expo, conference, convention, Chamber of Commerce show or the next meeting of your trade association."   

Not your run-of-the-mill trade show booth

You have probably seen the type of structure LoMonaco is talking about in some of the larger exhibits at an Auto Show or Housewares Show, or perhaps in a nightclub or on a concert stage.  Nonetheless, trusswork is very adaptable to smaller exhibits, even the 10' x 10' spaces standard at most trade shows.

"We'll be happy to talk through your needs, priorities and budget, then create a CAD drawing showing what your booth will look like together with a quote," LoMonaco says. Conference Technologies, Inc.^® can actually provide all of the more esoteric technologies you'd see at an Auto Show, but some are much more adaptable to smaller trade shows.

Trusswork structures.  Conference Technologies, Inc.^® can create backdrops, columns, perimeter frames, roofs and arches, and then attach almost any kind of AV or lighting gear, as well as shelving and signage. "We're limited more by the restrictions trade show managers impose –for example, on the height of a booth– than by any limitations of the material," LoMonaco explains.

Flat panel displays add an impressive touch to any exhibit booth, and they can be hung where they can best catch the eye and communicate a message about your organization."We can hang projectors, screens, even high-brightness LED displays," LoMonaco says, "but flat panels are ideal for most booths."

Wii game setups can draw large numbers of people into a booth, and Conference Technologies, Inc.^® now carries them in its rental inventory. "People like to have a little fun when they're out of the office, and a sports or fitness game can be just the thing to bring potential customers into your booth."

Interactive touch screens. Consider adding a touch-sensitive display to make requests for information, product demos and surveys a little more fun and interesting.

A videoconferencing system can allow you to tap into specialized talent or bring company officers or even customers into your booth to speak on your behalf. "We use these systems constantly in our own trade show booths," says LoMonaco. "They give people a chance to interact with others in an unusual way, and they're generally very interested in doing so." 

Specialized lighting and sound systems can grab people's attention and add an extra dimension to your organization's message. "We can encapsulate the sound within the booth space using directional speakers," LoMonaco explains. "The idea is to provide extra impact while working within the rules of the show."

Production services. "Very few of our customers realize we offer video and computer production services as well as rental equipment," LoMonaco says. "We can create a video or slide show demonstrating your product or service, or we can adapt media you already have on hand to work well within the special conditions of a trade show."  Conference Technologies, Inc.^® also partners with local businesses to provide signage, banners and other materials you may need.

"We're going to work with you to pull people into your exhibit," LoMonaco explains. "Your booth is going to stand out, so that people will notice it and want to come and see what's going on."

For more information and ideas, contact Jimmy LoMonaco at (314) 993-1400 or simply phone your local Conference Technologies, Inc.® office.

Please contact Conference Technologies, Inc.^® to learn more about digital systems.