I had the pleasure of attending my first industry trade show - ASI New York - and was very impressed. There were so many vendors and products with amazing and unique features, it was a little overwhelming at times. I just didn't know where to look first!

With rows and rows of booths set up in Manhattan's Javits Convention Center, we made sure to visit everyone. And we got to see some pretty cool things. Here just a few of the highlights:

This pillow separates passengers on a plane for comfort and privacy. I don't know about you, but I could definitely use one of these! 

A new kind of printing for apparel. They won't tell us exactly how they do it, but it looks very cool - definitely one that would stand out in a crowd.

Beverage cooler meets slap bracelet. What I love about this one is that it's adjustable for a one-size-fits-all fit. Plus, it's really fun.

What a great experience. I have to say it was definitely one of the more interesting trade shows I've been to. I think I can speak for the Motivators gang in saying we all enjoyed the ASI Show in New York!

It's a car. It's a plane... It's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang?? Nope. It's just your everyday flying car... Wait. What?

That's right! The New York International Auto Show unveiled the first practical, functional flying car. Though many attempts have been made, most of them have resulted in glorified small airplanes. But Terrafugia Inc. is changing the future, delivering the Transition to customers as early as this year.

The Transition is a four-wheeled vehicle with folding wings and a rear-facing propeller. This "roadable aircraft" runs on unleaded fuel and gets 35 mpg on the ground, which is better than some boring, old, non-flying cars. It's a fully functioning car as well as plane, up to regulations by standards of both land and air. And though you won't need a hanger for this airplane, it may not be the easiest to find parking for at the mall...

It does require an actual runway (and pilot's license), so sadly the Transition won't get the average consumer around rush-hour traffic. The goal, according to Terrafugia, is to make travel more convenient for pilots. No more worrying about ground transportation at the end of the flight. Private and sport pilots can order their very own "flying car" with an estimated price point of $279,000.

Just goes to show that there is no such thing as a "boring" trade show. Sure it's no Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, but you never know when or where something will come along and change life as we know it...

Trade shows are the not most environmentally-friendly events. There tends to be a lot of waste and litter. You can't control what other companies do, but you can make sure that yours puts its best (and greenest) foot forward. Here are a few tips for going green at your next trade show:

Reduce
Cut down on paper. You can still make an impression without handing out printed materials. Many exhibitors are now taking advantage of our growing technology with promotional flash drives. You can put your digital brochures and other marketing materials on the drive and customize it with your company name and logo. It accomplishes two goals at once and reduces the use of paper.

Reuse
Most trade shows provide some kind of food, and not all of it is always eaten. Check with the show prior to attending and ask them how left-over food is disposed of. Encourage or even head-up donation to ensure it doesn't go to waste.

Recycle
Nowadays, trade show facilities often have places for exhibitors to recycle and even offer separate compost bins. Look into the available options before the show and put clearly-marked receptacles at your booth to allow visitors the ability to recycle paper, plastic and metals as well as dispose of trash so it does not end up littering the facility's surroundings.

Just try to make greener choices in general. If you must have paper products, try to use those made from recycled materials. If you must have sample spoons or forks, find options that are compostable (not just biodegradable) to reduce the amount of waste produced at the show. And top it all off with eco-friendly promotional products.

When you go green at your next trade show, not only are you doing something good for the environment, but you're also showing your customers and potential customers that you are willing to help reduce your carbon footprint in any way you can.

It's not enough to simply attend an event equipped with trade show giveaways and business cards; the staff you choose to represent you will make a huge impact on your success. No one wants to be bullied or annoyed at an exhibit, but they don't want to be ignored either. Find the balance. Here are a few key qualities you should look for in your staff to choose the right team to attend your next trade show:

• Knowledgeable - Your team should be knowledgeable about your business. Every member should know the ins and outs of how it works as it relates to the customer. Choose those who can explain what your company is all about in simple terms that potential business can understand. This group should also be able to communicate your unique selling proposition so that attendees can clearly see your value.

• Engaging - Look for employees who are outgoing but not pushy. Choose a team that is comfortable approaching people without making them feel pressured. They need to be more than just friendly; they need to engage people in conversation and make passers-by want to stop and chat.

• Approachable - Trade shows are often filled with tight schedules, tiring travel and lots of stress, but your team must never show misery. Make sure those you choose will keep a positive attitude and portray a welcoming energy that will make them approachable even under pressure.

At a trade show, the team that attends is the face of your company or organization. Make sure you're putting your best foot forward by choosing the right people for that team.

The International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions (IAAPA) hosted this year's expo event from November 14-18th at Orlando's Orange County Convention Center. Every year the IAAPA gathers people from across the United States to check out what is new in the amusement parks industry.

This year's event saw a three percent increase in attendance. "Exhibit sales, buyer attendance, education program participation, and total registration are all up from 2010, which speaks volumes about the strength of the industry and the expo's role as a global can't-miss event, " said Chip Cleary, IAAPA's President and CEO. "The buying, learning, and sharing of ideas that takes place here is simply phenomenal. The results for IAAPA Attractions Expo 2011 surpassed our expectations on several fronts."

Exhibitors from 32 countries gathered to display their products including innovative rides, attractions, water slides, mobile ticketing systems, inflatable devices, stage productions, arcade games and new food and beverage items. Next year's event is scheduled for November 12-16, 2012 at the same location. So save the date on your calendar!

The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) recently revealed the results from their 2011 Changing Environment of Exhibitions Study, which explores the industry's evolutions in providing key market insights. The results are astounding. The study found that exhibitions and trade shows are highly valued in achieving marketing and sales objectives in the B2B arena.

The CEIR surveyed marketing executives across the industry sectors in charge of marketing and promotions decisions. The response rate was 2.1 percent, totally 298 participating executives.

Study Highlights

*According to the study, 73 percent or more of executives polled rated exhibitions as highly valuable in helping their companies achieve the following marketing objective goals that they identified as a high priority:
    -Building or expanding brand awareness (83%)
    -New product or service promotions or launches (63%)
    -Reinforcing brand awareness (63%)
    -Promotions targeting specific business sectors (58%)
    -Existing product service promotions (45%)

*According to the study, 77 percent or more of executives polled rated exhibitions as highly valuable in helping their companies achieve the following sales objective goals that they identified as a high priority:
    -Existing customer relationship management/engagement (73%)
    -Relationship management/engagement with key accounts (67%)
    -Relationship management/engagement with prospective customers (64%)
    -Generating new sales order with existing customers (57%)
    -Generating new sales leads in general (56%)

*About 40 percent of executives indicate that they are participating in the same number of exhibitions today as they did several years ago. Looking to the future, 85 percent say they will maintain current levels or even increase the number of exhibitions they participate in.

This study is, of course, good news for the trade show industry, but the takeaway here is really for the business-to-business industry. Participating in trade shows and handing out promotional products not only helps with brand awareness, but also overall with key marketing and sales objectives.

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.

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!

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.

    

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.