Trade Show Marketing Insights from Marlys Arnold, the ImageSpecialist

Trade Show Blog

Download a Free Book on Trade Show Marketing

If you visited our booth at EXHIBITOR 2012, you probably met Marlys Arnold. Known as the ImageSpecialist, Marlys travels the country consulting and training both exhibitors and show managers, and is the author of Build a Better Trade Show Image (2002), host of the Trade Show Insights blog-cast, and creator of the ExhibitorEd Success System.

We’ve teamed up with Marlys to offer her book, Build a Better Trade Show Image, to Classic Exhibits customers. Through the end of May, we’re including an “Our Gift to You” promotional postcard with most inline and island hybrid displays, such as Sacagawea, Magellan, Perfect 10, Visionary Designs, and SEGUE. The postcard has a unique code where exhibitors can download the 280+ page e-book on how to launch, improve, finesse, or fix their trade show marketing program. It’s an excellent book, valued at $25, which every trade show expert or novice should own.

If you are unfamiliar with Marlys, here are three sample posts from her excellent blog.

What Exhibitors Can Learn from Birds

“Have you ever spent any time birdwatching? It’s fun to see how birds behave and interact with one another. In fact, there’s a lot we can learn by watching them, including some very valuable lessons for your upcoming trade shows!

Birds know how to find food.
In order to survive, birds must learn where the food is most likely to be found and then hang out there.

Exhibitor Lesson:
Go to the shows whose audience best matches your target demographic.

You’ve got to show off!
Birds aren’t shy. Peacocks display a fan of their colorful plumage, cranes dance, and many birds have loud calls to gain attention.

Exhibitor Lesson:
Don’t count on being noticed on the crowded show floor — DO something to attract attention.” [continue]

The Challenge of Using Salespeople as Booth Staff

“Following a recent exhibitor workshop, several attendees came up to me with a similar story: their sales team comes to the show, hangs out in the booth, and becomes more of a handicap than an asset. They wanted to know how they can turn that situation around.

Unfortunately, this is a common problem because the very things that make a sales person great at what they do often create a challenge in the trade show environment:” [continue]

Banish the “Little Voice”

“A fairly new exhibitor recently shared that what holds her back in the booth is the “little voice” on her shoulder who keeps telling her, “No one wants to talk to you … you’re just another salesperson.” I think every exhibitor could admit to battling that little voice at one time or another, but how can you banish it?” [continue]

To learn more about the book, visit www.imagespecialist.com/build.html or check out Marlys’ blog-cast at www.tradeshowinsights.com.

–Mel White
http://www.linkedin.com/in/melmwhite
mel@classicexhibits.com

*********************************

Based in Portland, Oregon, Classic Exhibits Inc. designs and manufacturers portable, modular, and custom-hybrid exhibit solutions. Classic Exhibits products are represented by an extensive distributor network in North America and in select International markets. For more information, contact us at 866-652-2100 or www.classicexhibits.com.

Recent Posts

Trade Shows are a Journey. Send Sacagawea.

The Sacagawea Portable Hybrid Display is an American-engineered and built system designed for professional exhibitors. It’s meant to last for years, look amazing, and setup fast from the first to the fiftieth show. No compromises.

Introducing the New Classic Website!

Good websites are never fully done. They evolve… and the new Classic website makes changes much easier. So, if “stuff” moves around or we add new features, it’s because we’re antsy about the status quo at Classic Exhibits. Which shouldn’t surprise you.

What Makes a Good Trade Show Booth?

When it comes to creating a good trade show booth, you are in luck. The booth design is the fun part for most exhibitors. You get to work with an exhibit designer who has your trade show goals and budget, along with an understanding of your customers, your culture and your branding. While the question “What makes a good trade show booth?” depends on the exhibitor, there are commonalities to every good trade show exhibit. We’ll explore those similarities in this article.

Our Membership in the Xperiential Marketplace

Classic Exhibits announces our membership in Xperiential Marketplace (XM), an innovative buying and education group for the exhibit industry. XM was founded by two industry veterans, Jason Weddle and Rob Cohen with a mission to unlock savings, create stronger partnerships, and increase growth.

The (3) Types of Portable Trade Show Displays

No category of displays is more perplexing than portables. Prices, capabilities, and quality vary considerably, and the differences are often opaque. As a result, buyers sometimes make hasty decisions based on attractive renderings, professional websites, and low prices.

Trade Show & Event Rental Furniture Trends

Kevin Dana from CORT Events shared trade show and event Rental Furniture Trends during an online webinar. His slide deck was the PERFECT example of the expression, “A picture is worth a thousand words.”

Trade Show Product Displays: Stands, Shelves, & Setup Ideas

For companies with physical products, the ability for clients to see, touch, taste, or smell their products is crucial to their trade show success. For them, “show and tell” isn’t standing in front of a monitor. It’s handing the product to an attendee, inviting them to participate in a demo, and giving them the opportunity to test it right then and there.

Island Booth Solutions for 360° Trade Show Impact

At most trade shows, island booths are the rock stars, attracting more foot traffic than inlines. Thankfully, it’s possible to mingle with the “stars” without blowing your marketing budget. In this article, we’ll review the basics of an island booth, the advantages, island design trends, and showcase affordable examples of island booths, both for purchase and to rent.