2003
 

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advanced exhibit methods 
3000 south croddy way
santa ana, california 92704 
714.513.1900 fax714.556.8781 
1.800.U.EXHIBIT
Advanced Exhibit Methods (AEM) has been helping trade show exhibitors of all sizes create high-impact, attention-getting exhibits for more than 15 years. From 10' pop-ups to 3500 square foot custom modular islands, AEM creates exhibits that stand out and get you noticed. 

Our convenient Orange County location enables us to easily service trade shows in the bustling Anaheim, Los Angeles, Long Beach and San Diego Convention Centers, as well as nationwide.

If you are looking for a trade show exhibit that makes a statement look no further than Advanced Exhibit Methods.


Contact: richard.diess@advancedexhibitmethods.com
Dear Exhibitors:
As we approach summer and the sun is higher in the sky (good thing because we may need it to light your exhibit in Las Vegas, see below), it appears that consumer confidence is also rising. The CCI jumped 25% in the last month. Whether this is a post-war bump or just anticipation of X-MEN 2, is unclear to me. But remember,"bad news" sells, so what is typically presented in the media is more negative than reality. Whatever the reason, let's just enjoy the encouraging signs that our economy is on the way back up and soak up a little sun while we're at it.

Have a great May and don't forget to Remember Your Mom.
 

Sincerely,


 




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Cut Out the Costly Mistakes!
We're told that the economy is looking brighter, but that's certainly no reason to stop being budget conscious. Now that people are out consuming again, you've got to make your marketing dollars reach as many people as you can.

One of the easiest ways to make your dollars go far is to stop making costly mistakes. We've polled a few of our most experienced project managers to find out what they've seen as the most common (and costly) trade show blunders.

1. Stop ordering unnecessary services. Often times services such as carpet, basic electricity, or table & chairs are already provided with your booth space at no extra cost. Read through your exhibit manual to find out exactly what is supplied before you order show services.

2. Make sure you pre-order services before the discount deadline. Most of the time, the pre-order pricing schedule is at least 40% cheaper than the regular price. That's certainly incentive to stay ahead of the game.

3. Send a spare. If your exhibit has any hard-to-replace or easily broken items, send an extra one. The time you will save during the installation should anything happen to break will be well worth the extra $5 in shipping.

  
4. Consolidate your shipment. Most shows have a minimum drayage charge of 100 or 200 pounds per shipment. At the rate per pound most convention halls are charging these days, it just makes good sense to ship all of your goods at once. Send your literature, premiums, graphics, etc., to your exhibit house and have them pack it with the booth. That way you won't get hit with a drayage charge every time a separate box of lit shows up. And whatever you do, DO NOT SEND your 2 lb. FedEx package to the convention hall, it will be charged the full 100 lbs. Send it to your hotel instead, you'll be amazed at the money you'll save.

5. Avoid sending too much literature and premiums. You spent good money having these marketing and promotional items made, so you don't want to leave the left-overs at the show. A good rule of thumb is to bring enough literature or premiums to give to 33% of the expected attendance. If they're expecting 12,000 people, bring 4,000 brochures. It should be just enough.

We've all heard the old adage "Work smarter, not harder." Cliché as it may be, there is some truth to it. With a little forethought, you can head off some pretty ugly (and unnecessary) trade show bills.
 

Email us with your article suggestions at: design@advancedexhibitmethods.com

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LET THERE BE LIGHT …..Except at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
 
As we discussed in December's newsletter, the Las Vegas Convention/Visitors Authority (LVCVA) had planned to restrict the use of certain halogen lights in their facilities. This was to take effect in the summer of 2003. However, they have moved the date forward. It is now in effect. 

The ban covers specific types of halogen bulbs and thus their associated fixtures. The following are the banned halogen bulbs: linear halogen bulb, uncovered MR16 bulbs, low voltage Bi-Pin, and screw in line voltage bulbs. You are most familiar with the linear halogen bulb. It is typically found in a 200W configuration on an arm light. This is the type of lighting used on approximately 99% of all popup exhibits. The other bulbs are more likely found in display cases and other exhibit applications.

What does this mean for you, the exhibitor? If you attempt to use any of the banned lights, the convention managers will require you to turn them off. They will not be allowed to function in their facilities.

What is the immediate solution to this problem? There is no good solution. It would take 8-10 of the allowed MR-16 sealed bulb fixtures to adequately light a popup photomural panel. As the MR-16 will project an elliptical pattern on the image, you will then have a series of overlapping ellipses rather than a nice "wash"
of light. Compounding this problem is the number of lighting attachment points, typically 5, on a popup. Thus you will be limited to 5 lights or fixtures.

In practice, substituting MR-16 lights will be the current best solution. If you plan on exhibiting at Las Vegas Convention Center or the Cashman Center on a regular basis, it would be appropriate to purchase these lights. However, if your exhibit schedule includes only an occasionally visit to these facilities, renting the approved lights may be a better choice.

The LVCVA controls only the Las Vegas Convention Center and the Cashman Center. It does not, fortunately, control any of the hotel convention centers in Las Vegas. In fact, this ban does not exist anywhere else in the world.

If you have any questions on this situation, please contact me at the following address: richard.diess@advancedexhibitmethods.com . Also, you can contact the decision makers at the LVCVA at the address listed below.

Bradley J Stasik, CFPS
Fire Protection and Safety Coordinator
Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority
(702) 892-7637
bstasik@lvcva.com

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To see used 10' x 10' exhibits, click here 10 ft used
20'x40' island exhibit. High tech, new age design with custom laminate and metallic finishes. 2 custom counters, large overhead projection screen, and 2 wavy fabric wings spanning from the center structure to freestanding kiosks. Originally purchased for 76k

Asking price: Best offer

For more information, please contact:
sales@advancedexhibitmethods.com 
20'x20' island exhibit with 3-16' towers that protrude from 3-8' tall double sided backlit kiosks. Three backlit headers hang from towers. Includes shipping crates and 2 custom reception counters. Originally purchased for 70k

Asking price: Best offer

For more information, please contact:
sales@advancedexhibitmethods.com
10' x 20' in-line exhibit. Black laminate. Alcove counter, backlit header, light box above alcove counter, reception counter, and two shipping cases with wheels.

Asking price: $10,500

For more information, please contact:
sales@advancedexhibitmethods.com 
Panelflex, gray Tempo fabric.
7 down lights and free standing counter
Ships in 2 Anvil cases (included)

Asking price: $2,000

For more information, please contact:
sales@advancedexhibitmethods.com 
10' x 10' Tigermark custom exhibit. Iridescent mariner burl gloss laminate. 2 backlit panels, 42" flat screen monitor cut-out, 2 custom podiums with locking storage and keyboard drawer. Shipping cases included. Used only twice!!!

Asking price: $6,500

For more information, please contact:
sales@advancedexhibitmethods.com
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For article suggestions, comments about the newsletter, or to unsubscribe, contact: design@advancedexhibitmethods.com