Dear Exhibitors:

For many exhibitors, business is not "hopping". Management is scrutinizing budgets with a fine tooth comb. One question which continually comes up: by exhibiting at the same trade shows each year, are we putting all of our eggs in one basket? Are we wasting money? The answer: Not "eggsactly".

At a typical trade show, 37% of attendees are new. Due to recent corporate reorganizations, this number may be even higher. Over half of these attendees have not been to a show in the prior year. However since 83% of them have buying power or influence, you have a potential new audience of at least 30%. Combine this with a new product or service presentation and the qualified new audience number can approach 83%.

With these numbers, even though your prospects are not brightly colored, you shouldn't have to hunt hard to find them. When you uncover them, grab them quickly and carefully and put them in your client basket.

Happy Hunting!

Sincerely,

Premiums are one of the fastest-growing areas in trade show marketing. When used properly, they serve a two-fold purpose: catch your prospect's attention and remind them of your presence. But the big question is this--how do you make sure your premiums are working for you?

The first step to great results from your premium program is to make wise selections. Although tempting, resist the urge to go with the first neat gizmo that catches your eye. You can maximize your results by keeping some strategic points in mind when making your choices:

1. Know your intended audience. Who will be attending this show? What items would be the most useful in their line of work? If you are aiming for a particular industry, think about items that they would use every day. With today's premium offerings, you can select anything from stress-balls and toolkits to flashlights and dictionaries printed with your logo and message.

2. Choose items that are representative of you and your industry. Although that plastic toy is fun to play with, what does it really say about your company? Select items that are both entertaining and functional and will give attendees a clear reflection of your company and it's products. What about in a hard to define industry? Rather than handing out something completely unrelated to your

One of the best ways to stay on top of design trends in any industry is to stay involved in the industry. The best way to do that in our industry is go to trade shows.

I know, I know. Who's got the budget to go to all these different trade shows? Not many of us, that's for sure. And how are we supposed to know which ones to go to?

That's why we've put together a virtual tour of the 4 hottest trade shows on the planet. Of course nothing beats the real thing, but if you can't make it in person, at least you can be there in cyber-spirit.

What ever did we do without the internet???

Comdex-The largest trade show in the world
www.comdex.com (these pics aren't as great as the rest, but this is a show that you really want to go to in person anyway) pics1 pics2 pics3