Eat Up.

As if Halloween wasn't enough, this weekend also marks the 14th annual Chocolate Show in New York, NY. Held at the Metropolitan Pavillion, this tradeshow will feature more than 65 fine chocolate companies that will display their art for all to see. Additionally, there will be exhibits designed for children, cooking seminars in two elaborate theatres and promotional book signings by world-renowned chefs.

For those who can't make the last minute minute trip to the chocolate hub of North America and are too old to walk door-to-door for Milky Way bars, there is always promotional chocolate products from Motivators. There are chocolate coins, chocolate shapes and even chocolate gift boxes. All of these are delicious and always fresh upon delivery. Perfect for clients and employees for the upcoming Holidays...or for yourself. 

If you are in the mortgage broker industry, one event you do not want to miss this year is the National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB) trade show and conference. NAMB is the only national trade association representing the entire industry.

Who:

Appraisers
Bankers
Credit Scorers
Flood Insurance / Flood Certification
Home Inspectors
Insurance Companies
Lenders
Marketing and Advertising Companies
Office Supply Companies
Software Companies
Title Companies

What:

NAMB's annual trade show and conference.

Where:

MGM Grand Las Vegas
3799 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV  89109
(702) 891-1111
www.mgmgrand.com

When:

12/3/11 - 12/5/11

Why:

Exhibiting at the NAMB/West 2011 Loan Originator Conference opens up doors to national recognition and exposure. Showcase your products and services, network with other industry experts and get face-time with new, existing and potential customers. Registration includes a company listing in the printed conference program as well as the conference website, attendee lists pre and post-show, and the opportunity to attend all scheduled events. In addition, you will receive two complimentary booth staff as well as hotel accommodations for one with each 10x10 booth purchase.

For more information about this event, contact Tina Rose at 480-306-7093 or mgr0313@alliedhomenet.com.

Don't forget to order your financial services giveaways in time for the trade show and conference! Motivators has you covered on all your promotional products needs.

Trade shows tend to have a fairly uniform look about them.  But what if you could transform your venue into something extraordinary, something that would garner more attention for your brand than you ever imagined?

Ken Legault would like to make that happen for you.  According to the Times & Transcript, for over 30 years, Legault "has been in the business of turning drab convention halls and meeting rooms into special places for trade shows, corporate dinners, weddings and even funerals."

Legault's company, Legault Decorating, has worked many trade shows, making sure to "dress up the places before the exhibitors and the customers get in the door."  How exactly do Legault and his crew turn normal spaces into beautiful displays?

Times & Transcript reports that, "To get the job done, he has ... warehouses full of carpet, tablecloths, draperies, furniture and big props." Some examples of the trade show supplies Legault keeps stored are a giant lobster trap, a 12-foot-high lighthouse, and a full rural-style kitchen with a wood-burning stove.

As trade shows become more and more popular, I'm sure we're going to see an increase in decorating companies such as Legault's.  What do you think -- would you consider hiring help to bring more people through your event's doors?

Did you know that the average high and low temperatures of New York during the month of January is less than half that of Belize? New Yorkers will typically see 36 degree weather while Belize's early morning temperature is a very comfortable 70 degrees. 

Before you moan and pout, just consider this: hundreds of thousands of Americans spend the winter months traveling. Whether it's seeing family or seeing new things, there's something about the winter months and Holiday season that attracts people to the very thought of travel.

Before you start researching on Kayak and Priceline for that exotic getaway or elaborate vacation, consider attending the Luxury Travel Expo in gorgeous Las Vegas, NV. The expo will have experts and businesses in the travel industry, all of which provide a unique product or service not often found in commercial travel companies. There will be conferences where all of your questions will be answered. 

So take a break from your vacation plans and pack a few promotional bags for the Luxury Travel Expo. The tradeshow takes place from December 6-8 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.  

It's a new idea, a different kind of show.  The minds behind Surf Expo, an Orlando-area tradeshow for everything surf and skate, are bringing LAUNCH LA to the market next July.  And not just any brand will be able to show off its products or services.

According to TransWorld Business magazine, companies looking to exhibit at next year's LAUNCH LA event will have to be approved by a "jury" who will "base their decisions to allow brands in overall design on product innovation."  Josh Hunter, LAUNCH LA's Head of Sales and Marketing, told the magazine that the new trade show "grew from a combination of listening to what the market has been asking for an dalso being aware that sometimes the wheel does indeed need to be reinvented."  So how will LAUNCH LA be different?

The main component that sets LAUNCH LA apart from other trade shows is that it's a juried event that will only include "game-changing products."  According to Hunter, "The idea is that every brand exhibiting at LAUNCH must have a compelling story to tell, and the product they’ve chosen to bring to market is the vehicle through which they are telling their story."  That's why the cost to exhibit will remain reasonable -- the minds behind LAUNCH LA do not want to set a price that will prevent fresh, young labels from presenting.

The show, according to TransWorld Business, will be an "eclectic mix of brands from streetwear and action sports." Think your brand has what it takes to get its start at LAUNCH? Applying is simple; simply visit LaunchShow.com and click "Apply to Exhibit."  You never know; the jurors might just believe your sports promotional items will be the next big thing! 

The 2011 H. H. Backer Assocites' Annual Pet Industry Christmas Trade Show and Educational Conference went off without a hitch this October. It turned out over 650 exhibitors showcasing new products and services as well as interesting and interactive trade show displays.

The Pet Industry show proved that even in this prolonged recession, American pet owners are still spending on pet-related services and products. In fact, the American Pet Products Association reports that nearly $2.9 billion will be spent in this industry this year alone. Backer's show showcased high-end pet beds, toys, food and even clothing. Thousands of pet-store buyers and boutiques gathered to pick out their holiday items for pet parents to pamper with this holiday season.

One of the most popular toys featured at the show was the Dog Tornado by The Company of Animals. Big names like Petco are now selling it. It's a thinking game designed to present obstacles for your dog to discover hidden treats. Here is how it works.

According to the American Pet Products Association, overall spending in the pet industry grew 5.4% from 2008 to 2009 and continues on the rise throughout the years. Food, supplies, veterinary care, live animal purchases, grooming, boarding and pet sitting all saw zero declines. "The pet industry continues to thrive. Despite a troubled economy, the pet industry still continues to invest research and innovation to bring the very best to store shelves," says Don Tomala, managing partner of Matrix Partners. Take advantage of such statistics, and order your promotional pet products to keep up with the growing industry!

Technology; it paves the road for our world's future.  That's why the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year.  At CES, attendees are guaranteed to "see where a single stroke of genius can change the course of tomorrow."

But the world of technology is also ruled by men.  Therefore, news of a partnership between the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and Spike TV for the CES was no big surprise.  After all, Spike TV is known for being "The First Network for Men."

However, the collaboration begs the question:  What role will Spike TV play at CES?  According to a Spike TV press release, the television channel will broadcast the tradeshow live.  But its presence goes beyond TV; Spike TV's press release reports that "Spike will also introduce 'CES All Access Live,' which will offer tech fans more than 12 hours of 2012 CES coverage across multiple platforms – TV, online, mobile, social and more."

Tech junkies all over America are no doubt celebrating the announcement of Spike TV's multi-platform initiative.  They'll get an inside look at all the most influential exhibitors and their electronic giveaways.  Indeed, Spike TV reports that "From whichever platform viewers choose to watch, Spike's 'CES All Access' will offer a first-hand look into the 2012 CES’ hottest items, from televisions to tablets, cell phones to cars and games to gadgets, as the team sifts through thousands of new products and analyzes the biggest trends, the best inventions and the most important new technologies of the future."  Few other trade shows offer such an interactive experience!

The event is scheduled for January 10 - 13, 2012 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.  If you can't make it, no worries; just tune into one of Spike TV's many broadcast platforms!

Counselor Magazine introduced its 2011 to-do list on how to help grow your business. Check it out and see if you're doing all you can to compete in this tough market:

• Client Connections
  • Improve customer service by asking customer what they like or don't like, conducting surveys and routinely following up.
  • Don't be afraid to let bad customers go. Customers that take up more of the company's time than the revenue them bring in are not worth that time. Dismiss them without burning bridges.
  • Start a referral program for networking opportunity. These types of programs also offer incentives and a personal touch for your clients.
  • Host an open house to bring in current and potential clients. This is a great opportunity to offer promotional products to remind them of your business.

    

• Internal Operations
  • Depending on your business and your clients, it's a good idea to have at least one multilingual staff member.
  • Create a financial cushion. Try to keep enough money set aside for your business to run a whole year without making money, so if the worst were to happen, you would be prepared.
  • Initiate a sales incentive program to add energy to the sales team and improve business.

• Marketing
  • Come up with your elevator pitch and perfect it. Be able to connect with your audience in thirty seconds or less.

    

  • Speak at a networking event to boost you company's visibility and portray you as an expert in your field.
  • Exhibit at both industry and non-industry trade shows with unique and eye-catching trade show supplies.
  • Distribute an email newsletter to help customer retention and create a resource for your customers.

• Technology
  • Make new connections on Facebook and other social media outlets through tactics such as games, contests, and prizes.
  • Create a mobile app to show your customers that you are up with the latest technology.
  • Revamp your website with fresh content. Create eye-catching designs, quality copy and easy navigation.
  • Target your audience with search engine optimization and marketing.

    

Let's face it:  Our world is becoming more and more digital.  Even when it comes to trade shows, non-physical forms of marketing are beginning to reign.  For example, many exhibitors are starting to utilize QR codes and other forms of electronic advertising to supplement or substitute the use of promotional items.

But are we forgetting the value of physical media?  According to Forbes, while marketing and advertising is becoming more and more digital, "our customers and prospects alike are still human--and as such the need to arouse the sense of touch will always be present."  To what extent do we still need tangible media?

Millward Brown, a branding company, recently sought out to answer this question.  In a recent report, the organization found that "physical media left a ‘deeper footprint’ in the brain."  While the study focused on direct mail, its findings certainly apply to the trade show industry.

Millward Brown's research revealed that:

• "Physical material involves more emotional processing, which is important for memory and brand associations,"
• "Physical materials produced more brain response connected with internal feelings, suggesting greater 'internalization' of the ads,"
• and that "More processing is taking place in the right retrosplenial cortex when physical material is presented. This is involved in the processing of emotionally powerful stimuli and memory, which would suggest that the physical presentation may be generating more emotionally vivid memories."

It's clear that these conclusions are not only connected to direct mail; instead, Millward Brown's analysis reveals much about the physical side of the ad world in general.  According to Forbes, "...There will always, ALWAYS, be the need to factor in the human side, the living, breathing human element when trying to reach your target audience."  So at your upcoming event, don't skip the trade show giveaways.  You never know -- your logoed giveaways could be the key to your company's next big venture.

The trade show industry can fall flat in summer months, but this August proved to be a big hit in Las Vegas, Nevada. With close to a 20% increase in convention attendees, the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority (LVCVA) was overjoyed. In addition to the increase in attendees, there was also an increase in the number of trade shows, conventions and meetings held in August this year - a jump of close to 14%.

Why the sudden increase? There are a few contributing factors to the boost in the Las Vegas trade show industry: some shows rotated back to Vegas after being held elsewhere in recent years, and there were several big shows that brought in extra bodies.

According to the LVCVA, the North American Beauty Events' Cosmoprof Beauty Show was a huge contributing factor to the rise in attendance this August. In previous years, the show has been held in July. In addition, Advanstar Communications' MAGIC Marketplace brought in a huge audience to the Las Vegas Convention Center and Mandalay Bay.

It only goes to show you that you should never write off anything in this industry. Trade shows continue to rise, bringing you great opportunity for face-time with current customers as well as new business. Trust Motivators to help you make a big impression at your next event with unique trade show giveaways.