May 16th, 2012
‘Tis the season for outdoor events. Tradeshows And Displays has everything you need – from tents to flag-stands to A-frames – if you want to get noticed outside. Before you assume that you have the displays already, take note that most (if not all) tradeshow displays are NOT designed for use outside in the elements… in fact, you’ll probably ruin them! Imagine your pop-up wall toppling over in the wind, or your retractable banner stand’s movable parts being trashed by moisture… Don’t let it happen to you!
Unlike your tradeshow displays, outdoor displays are designed to handle wind, rain and sunlight, plus they are weighted in all the right places to keep from blowing over.
 Flags like these can have weighted bases or ground stakes to keep them flying in the wind.
 They come in many shapes and sizes.
Displays that are intended to be outdoors are also scaled up accordingly, especially flag stands. Tradeshows And Displays carries models where the tops of the flags reach 18 feet into the air. (You won’t get away with that at an indoor show, no matter how high the ceiling is!)
- Use a series of these to define an area or walkway.
We have too many choices to name here, or even list on our web site. So give us a call toll free at 866-511-1719, or locally 630-860-1661. Tell us a little about your event, and we’ll offer you some options.
 The VenueTent is shown here with optional backdrop.
Why not go to the exclusive dealers who only sell one brand? With Tradeshows And Displays, you have a better selection! We’ve partnered with several top manufacturers to provide you with options at different price points and with various features. This enables you to find the display that’s right for you, rather than conforming your needs to fit one brand.
Has the boss ever asked you this: “Why not go online and get the equivalent display for less money?” Tell her: “‘Cause you get what you pay for.” Many of those e-commerce sites are fly-by-night and don’t have a physical storefront; many are just selling knockoffs of other company’s designs; many are made with inferior materials; many do not back their product. With Tradeshows And Displays, we find the display that works best for you, not what’s the priciest or what we have in quantity.
Whatever it is you need for your outdoor events, come to Tradeshows And Displays for the maximum value.
866-511-1719
td@tradeshowsanddisplays.com
Tags: Banner Displays and Banner Stands, basics, display, displays, portable, product, shows, tradeshows, visit
Posted in Banner stands, flag, flag stand, monsoon, outdoor, Portable tradeshow displays, Retractable banner stands, Roll up banners, Trade Shows and Displays, zoom | No Comments »
May 8th, 2012
Pretty much all Chicagoans are painfully aware that the NATO Summit will be taking over our city in just a few days. Protestors and security concerns have been in the news for weeks – even months. These are broader issues and certainly newsworthy ones… but what about the mundane, workaday issues that we’ll be facing? More specifically – how are we going to get around the city?? Come May 19, as they say in New England, “You just can’t get there from here.”
Much information is available regarding street closures and parking restrictions. The Chicago NATO web site features a traffic alert page , complete with map and a list of closings. Part of that same web site is a detailed press release from the Secret Service that contains an even more specific day-by-day schedule – and the “fun” actually begins with parking restrictions on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 13.
 Road closures per ChicagoNATO.org.
All of these hindrances are going to affect the average person commuting to work, as well as business along those routes and even our world-class museums. The campus encompassing the Shedd Aquarium , the Field Museum , and the Adler Planetarium is right in the heart of the action. As we’ve heard on the local news, these attractions may be closed throughout the summit because it will be so difficult for people to get there. I mean, we can go any time, but a shame that the international guests and their entourages would miss out on our beloved museums! (And the museums will truly miss the revenue.)
Not to be outdone with maps, routes and schedules, the CTA web site features route changes and travel tips for surviving the NATO Summit. Furthermore, the “Chicagoland” section of the Sunday Trib included a comprehensive map as well.
Tradeshows And Displays has shared just about all the information we have regarding navigating NATO. We just have a couple more pointers.
1. Avoid the area if you can
2. Use public transportation if at all possible
3. Allow extra time if shipping or messengering packages
4. Plan for delays
5. Stay calm – we’re all in this together
6. Order your Displays ahead of time!
Tags: Chicago Trade Show Exhibit, Chicago Tradeshow Displays, helpful, tradeshows, visit
Posted in Logistics, Trade Shows and Displays, Transportation | No Comments »
May 2nd, 2012
Business Review USA has rated the top ten convention centers in the nation. Here they are, starting with number one:
Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), Orlando
McCormick Place, Chicago
Las Vegas Convention Center
Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C.
Dallas Convention Center
Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta
Phoenix Convention Center
Moscone Convention Center, San Francisco
Anaheim Convention Center
San Diego Convention Center
So, there is good ol’ McCormick, right there at Números Dos. What sets OCCC above the rest? As stated in Exhibitors Daily, “The Orange County Convention Center was selected as No. 1 because of its significant economic impact the facility brings to the community, which amounts to $87.50 in estimated tax savings to each Orange County household every year. The article also highlights the center’s amenities, including full-service restaurants, food courts, remote airline check-in and on-site massage.”
Hint hint. Not only is it a busy convention center in a temperate climate with amenities, but it provides a benefit to the area residents, as well. Maybe McCormick Place should rework its financial plan so that it saves every resident of Cook County $87.50 in taxes each year. Hell, we’ll even round it down to $86, just to be nice.
Considering that eight of the top ten facilities are located in a temperate or warm climate, I think McCormick did exceptionally well for itself. Things we at Tradeshows And Displays think it has going for it are:
It is the most centrally located in the nation (among the top ten)
It is the largest in the USA
The four exhibit halls are attached to keep visitors out of the weather
Chicago has two airports for travel options galore
It’s in the heart of a world-class city
The higher-ups of McCormick are executing ongoing improvements
High ceilings and large windows improve the atmosphere
Clean and numerous bathrooms
Yes, we may complain about McCormick, but it does have its good points, too.
Regardless of where you are exhibiting, come to Tradeshows And Displays first. We’ll help you make a great impression!
Tags: article, Attendance, booth, Chicago Trade Show Exhibit, Chicago Tradeshow Displays, convention, display, displays, exhibit, exhibitor, exhibits, hall, meet, trade show, tradeshow, tradeshows, vegas
Posted in Portable tradeshow displays, Trade Show Exhibit, Trade Shows and Displays, Tradeshow displays | No Comments »
April 25th, 2012
Last week, Crain’s Chicago Business reported that “McCormick Place events, attendance rise in 2011.” You may as well read the whole thing.
McCormick Place hosted more events and visitors last year than in 2010, according to new data from the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau.
The convention center had 103 events in 2011, a 12 percent jump over 2010, and overall attendance increased 2 percent to nearly 2.1 million.
The numbers are the best results in several years but still short of McCormick Place’s historic highs. McCormick Place booked its most events in 2007, with 112 meetings and trade shows. Its highest attendance, more than 3 million people, came in 2001, the earliest year for which data is available.
Overall, the amount of exhibit space used last year declined by 14 percent to 6.5 million square feet from 7.6 million in 2010.
Of the 103 events last year, 52 were trade shows or conventions — events sponsored by professional organizations and open only to professionals. Another 39 were meetings, which do not include exhibitor booths, and 12 were open-to-the-public events like the Chicago Auto Show.
Attendance at the trade shows and conventions totaled 768,685, down nearly 10 percent from 2010. But attendance at public events rose more than 9 percent to more than 1.2 million. Attendance at the meetings, which are far smaller, rose to 59,328, a spike of nearly 50 percent.
Numbers and percentages sound really nice, but is it actually translating to more business for everyone? For anyone? Clearly, McCormick Place, its supply chain, and the expo organizers are seeing improvements, but what about Joe Exhibitor? “Eventually, business will improve for everyone,” says Tradeshows And Displays president Jim Noon. “We would not have more exhibitors and bigger shows if it wasn’t producing positive results.” And so we wait for the ripples in the pond to expand until they reach across the business world! The question is – How long will it take?
Side Note: Our April Promotion is still in effect through 4/30/2012!
Whatever it is you need for your expo, come to Tradeshows And Displays for the maximum value.
Tags: Attendance, Chicago Trade Show Exhibit, convention, displays, exhibit, exhibitor, exhibits, hall, industry, tradeshows
Posted in leads, Portable tradeshow displays, prospects. expo, Trade Show Exhibit, Trade Show Marketing, Trade Shows and Displays, Tradeshow displays | No Comments »
April 16th, 2012
Tradeshows And Displays is running a promotion throughout April 2012, wherein the client receives a cool 10% off any full-size pop-up kit. Not too shabby! This includes displays from our three most popular brands:
POP Up Magnetic
Soft Image
Coyote
Hop Up
E2000
MediaFabric
Several models include a lifetime hardware warranty! The kits include the popup frame and hardware, printed graphics, podium/shipping case, printed podium wrap, and lights – in other words, everything you need to look professional in a 10-by-10-foot space. No more piecemeal booths with an old banner, generic table from the show, and a borrowed literature stand.
Why not go to the exclusive dealers who only sell one brand? With Tradeshows And Displays, you have choices! We’ve partnered with several top manufacturers to provide you with options at different price points and with various features. This enables you to find the display that’s right for you, rather than adjusting your needs to what’s available from one brand.
Why not go online and get the equivalent kit for less money? ‘Cause you get what you pay for. Many of those e-commerce sites are fly-by-night and don’t have a physical storefront; many are just selling knockoffs of other company’s designs; many are made with inferior materials; many do not back their product. With Tradeshows And Displays, we find the display that works best for you; our sales consultants consider factors such as how often you’ll use it, who will be setting it up, your budget, etc.
Whatever it is you need for your expo, come to Tradeshows And Displays for the maximum value.
Tags: achieve, booth, Chicago Trade Show Exhibit, Chicago Tradeshow Displays, convention, display, displays, lightweight tradeshow displays, pop up booth, portable tradeshow displays, Trade Show Booths, Trade Show Exhibit, Tradeshow Booth
Posted in Banner stands, Trade Show Exhibit, Trade Shows and Displays, Tradeshow displays | No Comments »
April 3rd, 2012
We at Tradeshows And Displays are based here in the Chicago suburb of Schaumburg. So we have a keen interest in the convention happenings of McCormick, Rosemont, etc. I just read that McCormick Place in Chicago is doing some fancy shmancy stuff to win back tradeshow business. Most of us are familiar with the ongoing drama surrounding labor and fees in Chicago’s biggest exhibition venue. Apparently, in addition to bringing down fees and instituting more sensible labor regulations, the McCormick people are arranging for convention-goers to have some nice indulgences.
McCormick Place/SMG teamed with American Express OPEN to develop a new amenity for those attending events at McCormick Place. A premium, state-of-the-art American Express OPEN Business Lounge is projected to open this summer on level 2.5 of the Grand Concourse in the South Building. Naturally, the suits provided some self-indulgent quotes about how fabulous the lounge is, using phrases like “exciting enhancement,” “added value,” and “the McCormick Place experience…” and we won’t repeat the aforementioned quotes here. (You’re welcome.)
 McCormick Place at night.
Let’s bottom-line it. The lounge is to include free WiFi, refreshments, computers/printers, seating for meetings, and comfy chairs to relax. And apparently it is for American Express OPEN card members and new applicants only. Gee, thanks a bunch, McCormick place! What if my company has a Visa card? I guess I’ll go sit outside on the curb and drink rainwater while I try to get a signal on my phone.
Oh, for you American Express OPEN card members, the OPEN Business Lounge will be located in the retail area of the Grand Concourse in conjunction with events taking place in the South and North Buildings.
As for us at Tradeshows And Displays , we accept AmEx, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and checks. ;o)
Tags: American Express OPEN, Business, Chicago, Chicagoland, concourse, convention, event, events, exhibition, Lounge, McCormick Place, Rosemont, Schaumburg, suburbs, tradeshow, venue
Posted in prospects. expo, Trade Show Exhibit, Trade Show Marketing, Trade Shows and Displays, Tradeshow displays | No Comments »
March 27th, 2012
Aside from new products and fancy spectacles of lighting and effects, the trend at this year’s Exhibitor Show was toward fabric; in addition to offering more fabric options in their display repertoires, more exhibitors were using fabric in their own displays. You may wonder, “What’s the big attraction to fabric-skinned displays?” Many factors contribute, including the practical considerations, such as shipping. Fabric is less costly to ship, and requires less packaging because it’s harder to damage in transit than other materials.
Aesthetics play a role as well. More display makers are developing new options for fabrics, including dramatic colored spotlighting, as well as backlighting. We know fabric can take on virtually any shape, and the display makers are taking advantage of this with wonderfully creative support structures for the fabric skins. Suddenly the displays become pillars, fruit, waterfalls, plants… whatever the designer wants.
 Fabric displays with pink lighting.
As for a general overview of the show, Jim Noon, president of Tradeshows And Displays, observed that, “exhibitors were up about 20 percent over last year.” He also reported that Exhibitor2012 occupied more floor space than last year, and that more attendees were present (although he did not have figures for the latter). Based on this and other factors, Mr. Noon believes that the tradeshow industry is improving. “It doesn’t lead or lag the economy in general,” he points out, “but it’s usually a pretty good indicator of what’s happening at the moment.”
 Entrance to Exhibitor2012
Several new products were introduced at the show, some from manufacturers we at Tradeshows And Displays sell. Expand International has introduced the LinkWall, a system for displaying rollable graphic panels in a much more modular and flexible way than the traditional pop-up display. The idea is that the exhibitor can link together as many or as few sections as space allows to convey the marketing message. All details and pricing are not yet available, but Tradeshows And Displays will be offering this product soon. Contact us to schedule a future demo! 630-313-6744 or jimn@tdinow.com.
 Expand's LinkWall showing just a few configurations. CALL TODAY! 866-511-1719 or 630-313-6744
Tags: achieve, Attendance, convention, display, displays, exhibit, exhibitor, exhibits, fabric, lightweight tradeshow displays, modular, pop up booth, pop-up display, portable, portable tradeshow displays, trade show, Trade Show Booths, Trade Show Exhibit, tradeshow, tradeshows, vegas
Posted in Portable tradeshow displays, Trade Show Exhibit, Trade Shows and Displays, Tradeshow displays | No Comments »
March 12th, 2012
The president of our company was at Exhibitor2012 last week. As you can imagine, this show is a big deal for us; we get to meet with display manufacturers face to face and see what new products they’re developing. As he walked the aisles, the president noted that, at some booths, the staff seemed to know little if anything about the product. Other booths were crowded with too many staffers – who stood around chatting with each other. “What a waste of time and money,” he thought.
Going to a tradeshow is often a good thing. Going without a plan, however, is the equivalent of making a bonfire with $100 bills. If you’re going to spend the time, money and man-hours at a expo, you want some ROI. It won’t just fall into your lap – you have to make it happen. Make it happen by being prepared. The Tradeshow 101 pages of our web site offer a wealth of helpful information in this area.
The page is named such because this section starts with very basic definitions and types of displays, then graduates up to strategy and follow-up. Our clients are not all seasoned expo veterans, so starting with the basics is important.
 Announce that you'll be exhibiting at the show!
We’ve observed that the one thing just about all exhibitors could improve on is training their booth staff. It’s really the only way to achieve your goals at the show. You do have goals, don’t you…? Yes, you must have goals – meet new prospects, launch a product, build your image, schedule meetings with clients, enter a new market, etc. Whatever the goal may be, it cannot be achieved solely with a nice-looking display. It’s about people – your booth staff and their interaction with attendees. Remove the face-to-face interaction, and you may as well take out ads in the trade mags.
The human interaction is the catalyst for achieving your goals – just the tip of the proverbial iceberg; many steps (in addition to training!) must be taken in advance of the expo to help make this happen, such as logistics planning, promoting your presence, etc. This helps to drive traffic to your booth.
Plan your goals, take steps to reach those goals, and above all, do your follow ups. Make every tradeshow dollar count by setting clear goals and training your staff on how to achieve them.
Tags: achieve, booth, display, exhibitor, expo, face to face, follow up, goal, goals, helpful, interaction, meet, plan, product, prospects, staff, tradeshow
Posted in follow up on leads, prospects. expo, setting goals, Trade Show Exhibit, Trade Show Marketing, Trade Shows and Displays, Tradeshow displays, training your staff | No Comments »
March 5th, 2012
The tradeshow for people in the tradeshow business is barely underway in Vegas, and already “they” are saying that it means great things for the industry. (Never mind that every time any show exceeds the attendance of the previous year, the entire economy has been saved.)
I just read that, “If EXHIBITOR2012 holds true to form, the Las Vegas convention industry is in for an outstanding year. For several years, the show, which runs March 4-8 … has been a harbinger of what the upcoming year will bring for the city’s convention industry.
“After several years of struggle, EXHIBITOR2011 featured 54 new exhibitors, preregistration was up 12 percent and the show was rated one of the Top 5 Buying Shows in America by Exhibit Surveys, Inc.
“The Las Vegas convention industry, after several years of struggle, had more than 4.8 million people attend trade shows in 2011, an increase of 8.8 percent when compared to 2010. This year promises even more for both EXHIBITOR2012 and Las Vegas.
“The EXHIBITOR2012 exhibit hall was expanded twice to hold 271 exhibitors, an increase of 12 percent when compared to last year. More importantly, the exhibitors are building larger exhibits. For 2012, there are 65 exhibit spaces larger than 20’x30’, many of them with a large presence in Las Vegas. This is up from 53 in 2011. Conference and exhibit hall attendees also are ahead of last year.”
That’s all well and good, but does it actually predict economic improvements? It’s just one show among hundreds, and not even the largest in Vegas.
 Advance Poster for Exhibitor2012 “’The reason our show works as an indicator of the future is that an audit of EXHIBITOR2011 by Exhibit Surveys found that 70 percent of our buyers participate in a trade show held in Las Vegas at least once each year, with the average being three shows,’ said Lee Knight, founder and CEO of Exhibitor Media Group, which produces the event. ‘Twenty-three percent exhibit more than five times per year in Las Vegas, which is by far the most frequent show city used by EXHIBITOR2011 conference attendees. So when the buyers come to EXHIBITOR Shows, you know they will be back to spur Las Vegas’ economy,’ he added.”
Gee, that clears up everything. (Oh, and you’re welcome for correcting the typo.) This rosy outlook, like most rosy outlooks in recent years, is based more so on speculation and perception than on facts. But, if you’re a romantic, maybe that’s good enough. Sometimes perception leads to reality. Let’s hope this is one of those times.
Tags: Attendance, convention, economy, exhibit, exhibitor, hall, industry, shows, trade show, tradeshow, vegas
Posted in Trade Show Exhibit, Trade Show Marketing, Trade Shows and Displays, Tradeshow displays | No Comments »
February 20th, 2012
I recently read a really good article about the basics of portable exhibits. Not surprisingly, it was within the pages of that perennial trade publication “Exhibitor Magazine,” page 13 of the January issue, titled “Small Packages.” Read it online here.
This piece is geared toward tradeshow newbies – of course, as it is in the section called “Exhibiting 101″ – and it’s a nice refresher for the sometimes tradeshow exhibitor as well. What I find so appealing is that it takes the considerate step of defining portable displays for the reader, then reviewing the common types and what they are used for. *sigh* (Contended sigh!) It’s certainly refreshing to read something that helps get the exhibitor familiar with the world of portable displays, thus enabling better purchasing decisions when outfitting his/her own booth. Plus, it’s an appropriate companion to our own Tradeshow 101 page.
So, give this article a read-through, and then visit our Tradeshow 101 pages to explore more definitions and tradeshow basics. You’re welcome to call or e-mail us with questions. You can also visit our showroom to see some of these portable displays in person! 866-511-1719.
Tags: article, Banner Displays and Banner Stands, banner stands, basics, Chicago Tradeshow Displays, displays, exhibitor, exhibits, fabric, lightweight tradeshow displays, modular, pop up, pop up booth, pop-up display, portable, portable tradeshow displays, Trade Show Exhibit, tradeshows, visit
Posted in Banner stands, Portable tradeshow displays, Retractable banner stands, Roll up banners, Trade Show Exhibit, Trade Show Marketing, Trade Shows and Displays, Tradeshow displays | No Comments »
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