4 Amazing Trade Show Exhibitors

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Looking for the ultimate boost to your business’s bottom line? Few sales avenues can match the huge return on investment that’s possible with a carefully targeted trade show exhibition.

Whether your business sells consumer products or business-to-business services, these four exceptional trade show exhibitions are the ideal source of inspiration for any small business exhibitor.

1. Google’s MWC Android Booth

While Google certainly isn’t known online for its eye-catching designs, the search engine giant is a hit at trade shows with its colourful, fun-filled mobile exhibitions.

This example, from the 2012 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, was one of the mobile world’s most eye-catching trade show exhibitions. From giant Androids to full-size playground slides, it’s hard to top Google’s exhibition in terms of fun.

android-booth-mwc-2012

2. Lamborghini’s 2013 Geneva Exhibition

If there’s one automotive company that knows how to attract attention, it’s Italian supercar giant Lamborghini. Known for its provocative designs, the supercar firm went all in on its Geneva Motor Show booth, displaying its wildest vehicle to date.

2. Lamborghini’s Geneva Exhibition

Priced at £2.6 million, the Lamborghini Veneno turned heads and attracted visitors to Lamborghini’s booth for the entire two-week show. When it comes to attention-grabbing designs, it’s hard to build anything better than this.

3. Apple’s Clean and Simple MacWorld 2008 Booth

While Apple’s involvement in the Macworld conference unfortunately ended at the 2009 conference, its involvement in the trade show produced some great examples of simple, effective design in a very busy setting.

Macworld 2008 Booth

Of all the company’s trade show exhibitions, the 2008 Macworld exhibition was one of Apple’s strongest efforts. Divided into five sections – iPod, iPhone, iMac, Macbook, and Mac Pro – the exhibition was an ultra-focused look at Apple’s five core products.

4. Nintendo’s 2006 Wii Exhibition at E3

The Electronic Entertainment Expo, a digital entertainment conference based in Los Angeles, is the gaming world’s biggest trade show. Every year, the three ‘big players’ of the gaming world – Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft – compete for the informal title of ‘best exhibition.’

Amazing Tradeshow Display2006, the year that Nintendo’s Wii console was unveiled to the public, was a definite win for the Japanese gaming giant. With live consoles and hands-on tech demos, the legendary gaming company’s exhibition had 90-minutes queues of eager journalists waiting to sample the new console and its launch titles.

This article was written by Peter Symonds of Display Wizard, the UK’s top supplier of banner stands and modular display systems for exhibitions, trade shows, and events.

 

Trade Shows…The Original Social Media Marketing Platform

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Why do some exhibitors fail to grasp this point?

Trade Shows…The Original Social Media Marketing Platform
The concept of a trade show is as old as the bazaars in Persia dating back to the 7th or 8th century. When you think about it, an institution that has thrived for centuries must have something going for it. And it does. According to a Wikipedia entry, “Social media refers to the means of interactions among people in which they create, share, and exchange information and ideas in virtual communities and networks.” Remove the word “virtual” and you have a pretty good definition of a trade show.

Trade shows have been a vital element in my business career. In the early 70’s my partners and I were young, eager and pretty naïve when it came to product development. We actually thought that the credit card imprinting machines that we made (you know, those old zip-zap, knuckle-busters used to record a credit card transaction) were pretty good. Actually, they were not. We had four North American competitors, two of which were Fortune 500 companies. The two other competitors were no slouches either.

Our machines were manufactured in assorted (sordid?) venues: my studio apartment in New York’s Yorkville neighborhood, the basement of Claremont Liquors, the basement of a Queens bingo parlor, a former stable, a barn on the East End of Long Island…you get the picture. Our “assembly line” workers included many of the regulars at O’Brian’s Tavern, at the time a Yorkville institution. Among the crew, an out of work stockbroker, a semi-employed actor, a lawyer and my partners, Ed O’Reilly and Alan Heftman.

The odds would appear to have been stacked against us. In fact, they were. But we beat the odds, in good part due to our success at trade shows. On a shoestring, we built a very profitable $9 million business (about $15 million in current dollars).

Trade shows represented a big risk for us. We had very little money for marketing. Our collateral material was less than brilliant. Our booth was built in house and it showed. As mentioned, our product was not first-rate…or even second-rate. Third-rate? O.K., third-rate. Going in, we didn’t have industry contacts. Yet trade shows proved to be a major factor in our success.

The key was relationships that we formed with other exhibitors. Our fellow exhibitors, the ones not competing with us, proved to be extremely important to our success. We socialized with them, enjoying one another’s company. We had fun. We formed friendships.

As a consequence, established, well regarded exhibitors introduced us to their friends/customers who quite often were our potential customers. These potential customers made suggestions on how we could improve our products. Eventually, many of them became loyal customers.

When the exhibit floor closed each day, many of our competitors went to their rooms, turned on the TV and called room service. We, on the other hand, readily accepted the invitations of the “old hands” among the exhibitors to join their merry band. We had fun, formed friendships that have endured and got an entrée into bank credit card departments that probably would not have otherwise been open to us.

That is why I view a trade show as “social media”. Meeting people on the web is fine. Social media on the web is here to stay, rightfully so, but nothing  beats face-to-face.

What takes place on the trade show floor is only half the battle (and not even half the fun). The social aspects of a trade show should never be overlooked. You want trade show sales leads? Take a sincere interest in your fellow exhibitors. Socialize with them. Help them with sales leads.

One last thing (a little self-promotion): Be prepared to keep track of the relationships your form, the leads that you get. The best way to do so is to make use of a tool that’s always with you, your mobile phone. With your phone and a lead retrieval app, you will be able to keep detailed track of the new relationships you form. It only takes a moment to make a voice-to-text note, to take a photo, to capture contact information. As I have pointed out in previous posts, one lead could be worth millions.

Download our eBook: Pinterest Tips for Tradeshow Industry Marketers

 

 

Six Reasons Why Lead Retrieval Apps Are Better

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More Dedicated than a Dedicated Lead Scanner

When it comes to collecting sales data at trade shows, mobile phones and tablets can do a far better job than any dedicated lead scanner. Lead Retrieval Apps Are Better

There are lots of reasons. Here’s a quick half-dozen:

  1. A mobile phone is a technological marvel. According to author and physicist Michio Kaku, “Today, your cell phone has more computer power than all of NASA back in 1969 when it sent two astronauts to the moon.”
  2. Sales leads originate in many places at a trade show, not just on the show floor. Wherever exhibitors and attendees interact, there is an opportunity for a sales lead: At receptions, seminars, golf outings, cocktail lounges, coffee breaks. What’s best for recording these leads? C’mon, you know.
  3. A prospect may not have a business card, but it is a sure bet that an exhibitor will have a mobile phone at all times.
  4. Given the right phone and the right lead retrieval software, voice-to-text notes can be quickly created.
  5. Run into a current customer? Why not ask for an on-the-spot testimonial? Yes, your iLeads app can record that as video, audio and text.
  6. Your leads will always be with you ‘cause they’re in the cloud, not just on your device.

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Top Five Reasons to Choose iLeads Lead Retrieval App for Your Exhibitors

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Don’t hesitate to offer your exhibitors iLeads. Rest assured, iLeads is hassle-free for you and exhibitors truly love it.

iLeads Lead Retrieval App

Top Five Reasons to Choose iLeads for Your Exhibitors

  1. iLeads represents no out of pocket costs for you, the event organizer. Fees are paid by exhibitors.
  2. iLeads is the highest rated app of its kind on iTunes.
  3. iLeads is the original and most widely used exhibitor lead retrieval app.
  4. Universal appeal. It works on Apple, Android, Kindle and BlackBerry® devices.
  5. Finally, we offer exhibitors our try iLeads before they buy it program. This means there is no obligation to you or your exhibitors.

Exhibitors say the cloud-based iLeads is “easier” and “less expensive” compared to other lead retrieval products they’ve used. They like how you “can download the leads right away” and “gather leads anywhere.”

If you’re thinking of offering your exhibitors lead retrieval or need help tracking event sessions, let’s talk! Click here to schedule a call with us.

PS: If you would like to watch a replay of today’s iLeads demo or want to send it to your co-workers, »  here’s the link.

 

No-Show Trade Show Exhibitors or The Ghost Exhibitors

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Ever wonder about the trade show exhibit that looks all dressed up with no place to go? I’m talking about the exhibits that are complete in every detail but one: No one, but no-body from the exhibiting company is ever spotted within a 5-iron of the exhibit hall. Out on the golf course? Good possibility. By the pool? Perhaps. At the bar? Could be. But at the exhibit?

Exhibitors Empty Booth
How does this happen? Anecdotal evidence points to big companies that seem to think that they know all the customers and prospects and the customers and prospects all know them. “They’ll see our booth. Our literature is there in abundance. They know who we are and what we do. So, why get tied down to the booth? There are so many other things to do here (none of which involves being on my feet for 6 hours).”

Upper management would be appalled – if they knew, which they rarely do. You would think that an organization that invests 20 or 30 grand or more would want to take full advantage of the opportunity presented by a trade show. My belief is that it is far better not to exhibit at all than it is to have an unstaffed booth. An unmanned exhibit reeks of disdain for the event’s attendees.

This is far less likely to occur with small companies. At big companies, there is a certain safety in numbers. At small companies, the distance between the “boss” and staffers assigned to a show may be measured in feet – the boss very likely is on site and at the exhibit. The boss and the staff knows that not everyone knows their company. They aren’t there to show the flag. They are there to get leads and form relationships.

If you are responsible for your organization’s trade show ROI, there is a way that you can measure your on-site staff’s commitment. Electronic lead retrieval can effectively incentivize and monitor the activity within your exhibit. Download our whitepaper Why Do Companies Use Lead Retrieval? and find out how.

 

 

 

 

Virtual Trade Shows: Will They Replace Face-To-Face Shows?

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When it comes to “virtual trade shows”, I agree with Gertrude Stein’s log-ago observation: There is no there there.

A virtual event and an in-person event can each be described as a “trade show”. True… and a TV turkey dinner and mom’s Thanksgiving turkey dinner are both “turkey dinners”.

Virtual Trade Shows: Will They Replace Face-To-Face Shows?

There are virtues to “virtual”, but for some purposes, the drawbacks outweigh the benefits. Let me give you an example. I’m on the advisory board of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at UMass Amherst, my alma mater. At most meetings, at least one person attends “virtually”. Time and again I’ve witnessed the vast difference in the value of the same member’s input when he or she attends in person, as opposed to attending virtually.

Admittedly, attending a meeting or trade show virtually beats not attending at all. Time and money considerations may dictate the use of virtual technology in some instances.

I’ve asked two of my fellow advisory board members that have participated both in the flesh and from a distance for their insights:

“When I was based in Hong Kong, the comparison between my virtual and physical presence at board meetings in Amherst was, literally, night and day. There is simply no substitute for being there.” - Ben Happ

” As a Board member for the past six years, one critical point stands out. The entire experience is much more positive when I attend in person. Dialing in from a remote site yields significantly less benefits. You must be there to make it happen.” – Kent Elwell

Our UMass board gets together for dinner the evening prior to each meeting. The camaraderie produced at those dinners has resulted in a chemistry that makes the board meetings especially productive. You might be able to hold a virtual meeting, but a “virtual dinner”?

The points made by Ben and Kent are equally applicable to trade shows. Trade shows, after all, are meetings. They are meetings of buyers and sellers, of course. But buyers meet with other buyers, sellers with other sellers. It’s a community where we learn from one another. That’s not possible to replicate “virtually”.

Tradeshow Organizer Survival Guide

Tech for Your Event on the Cheap…

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Planning a small event is tough, especially with a tight budget. It is often like a three ring circus. You Bartizan Event Tech Packagewant to make sure your exhibitors are pleased and that your vendors make your life a little easier. Your event has to run smoothly, be green, high tech, yet affordable.

All events now can have low cost, yet high tech lead tracking and session tracking, get proposal here.

The Key Components:

  1. Lead Retrieval: There is no cost and no required minimums with iLeads exhibitor lead management.
  2. Session Tracking: We use 1D barcodes, it’s easier to scan, no on-site tech is required and no special badge printing software is required. You just rent the equipment; we provide instructions for successful implementation.
  3. Superior Customer Service: Expert guidance throughout the process including 24/7 telephone tech support.

 

Request pricing & a proposal here for one of both of these services. We’ll be in touch with you to discuss your event. If you’re ready to get started we’ll walk you through the process step by step.

Bartizan’s Badge Scanner App, iLeads Named Official Vendor at all 2013 ASAE Shows

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Badge Scanner App iLeads Official ASAE Vendor ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership has announced the selection of Bartizan’s iLeads as its official lead capture app offered to all exhibitors for it’s upcoming 2013 events. iLeads is a lead retrieval software application created specifically for smartphone’s and tablets. The award winning iLeads is the first and most widely used exhibitor lead retrieval app. It is available for Apple, Android, Kindle and BlackBerry® devices.

Bartizan Connects is the market leader for lead retrieval systems and will offer iLeads to exhibitors at all 2013 ASAE shows.

Bartizan will also be exhibiting and available to answer any questions regarding lead retrieval apps.

ASAE Springtime Expo ’13 Walter E. Washington Convention Center Washington, DC May 16th, 2013 Order iLeads online: http://shop.bartizan.com/ASAESpringtime.html

ASAE MMCC 2013 Marketing, Membership & Communications Conference in Washington, DC Walter E. Washington Convention Center June 4th– 5th, 2013 Order iLeads Online: http://shop.bartizan.com/MMandC.html

2013 ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition Georgia World Congress Center Atlanta, GA August 3rd – 6th, 2013 Order iLeads Online: http://shop.bartizan.com/ASAEAnnual.html

2013 ASAE Technology Conference & Expo – Walter E. Washington Convention Center Washington, DC December 4-5th

iLeads is easier to use than most traditional lead retrieval equipment, offers exhibitors portability and instant access to leads.

To capture an attendee’s data, exhibitors enter the attendee’s badge number, or scan a QR code if present, and the record is quickly and easily captured. This data is uploaded to LeadsLightning.com and into the exhibitor’s secure account. If exhibitors do not own a smartphone or tablet, they can rent an iPod touch or iPad with the iLeads software already installed.

All ASAE attendees will also benefit because they get free online access to the valuable list of the exhibitors who scanned them during the show by going to Bartizan’s My Tradeshow Connections.

 

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Lead Retrieval App Vendors – A 2013 Exhibitor Comparison

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Exhibitors often come to us because Bartizan and our iLeads app, in particular have become synonymous with customer satisfaction, reliability, ease of use,
and industry leadership.

How to Choose a Lead Retrieval Vendor

iLeads was the first and remains the highest rated and most widely used app of its kind. We have found that if iLeads is not being offered at an exhibitor’s event – they’ve often asked us to get in contact with show management to get iLeads at their next event. We even had to set up an exhibitor request form just for such requests! We answer every exhibitor inquiry – even when they ask us about our competitors.  Exhibitors ask us who are some of the other lead retrieval app vendors out there. So we decided to provide a round-up here.

First, if you are looking for registration and a lead retrieval app, here’s a list of some of iLeads reseller partners: Cistems, Crowdcomms-Smarter Event Technology, E-Vents Registration, Event Ready, Expo Tracker, LLC (Conv. Sales Assoc), ExpoTrac Registration Services, George Fern Company (Louisville), Global Registration Solutions (Wyndham Jade), KF Events, Lead Retrieval International Marco Associates Inc., MGL Management Inc., QMS Services, Inc., Smart Source Rentals (Rent – A – PC), Spargo & Associates, Technology Resource Corp. Trade Show Leads and the University of Oregon.

Here is a list of some of the companies that have a solid history in the trade show business and also offer lead retrieval apps that in many ways are similar to ours. The descriptions are taken directly from each vendor’s website.

  • X•Press LeadApp – Convention Data Services The X•Press LeadApp is a full-featured app for the iPhone, iPad and Android phones and tablets that includes all of the standard features and functionality of traditional lead retrieval devices. Exhibitors can scan or type the badge ID to retrieve complete lead details in real-time. Add notes, answer qualifiers and review all the leads captured at the event right on a smart phone.
  • Experient SWAP® SWAP is a lead capture native application for Android, iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch and a web-based app for other data-aware smartphones. In the dashboard, view leads generated by the hour, day, by attendee demographic, in aggregate, or by exhibitor, no matter which lead retrieval devices were used.
  • CompuSystems CompuLEAD Smart CompuLEAD Smart is a mobile app for lead retrieval. This app gives your exhibitors a way to capture and qualify leads on and off the show floor using their own smartphone or tablet. After downloading the app, exhibitors are equipped to start taking leads immediately. Leads can be captured by simply entering the registrant’s email address. This means they can take leads anywhere, any time – the opening reception, social events or anywhere there are prospective buyers registered for the event.
  • LeadWizard The Lead Wizard is an almost-universal trade show lead retrieval system that exhibitors own. No more renting overpriced, limited scanners at each show. With Lead Wizard, exhibitors save money and add customized qualification to each lead. The Lead Wizard works with so many different trade shows because it has a barcode scanner, magstripe reader, and custom software that is engineered to read the badges at almost all North American shows. There are a few exceptions based on the specific provider of badges contracted by the show.
  • Trakkers  SmartMobile tLeads SmartMobile operates alongside Trakkers traditional lead capture hardware using a common barcode. There is never a need for multiple barcodes with Trakkers’ technologies! SmartMobile provides exhibitors with a rich user-friendly interface and comes with useful options such as built-in standard qualifiers, easy to input custom qualifiers, and ability to add notes to scanned leads on their smartphones.

So there are 5 companies to consider if you’re getting quotes for your events lead retrieval needs, or if you are an exhibitor curious about our competitors lead retrieval apps.

Get a Proposal Today for Your Exhibitor Lead Retrieval App from Bartizan.

 

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