Exhibitor2010 Report
Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at 11:33AM Exhibitor2010 opened yesterday at 11:30am and we were waiting at the gate. We spent 4 hours on the floor and did not make it all the way through. Exhibitor is the Trade Show for Trade Shows. Here is where we see what is new, what is coming and what is gone. I get to touch the displays and evaluate the quality and ease of set up. Packaging is also a big consideration. It often gets overlooked but packaging affects the shipping rates and that is important.
Trends: My first big statement: White is dead. Or maybe is should be..... The trade show floor is a sensory overload and standing out is the challenge. Many companies feel that by going white you will set yourself from the crowd of color vying for your attention. Well, the opposite has occured. There is so much white on the Exhibitor2010 floor that now that all blends in. Not kidding there is a one isle that has 8 booths in sight that are all white. The booths that are standing out are the ones with rich, vibrant color.
Booth Models: I haven't seen so many in a long time. Pretty girls, cartoon characters and look alikes. Maybe they are cost effective- not sure why this is happening. Could just be that there are two companies exhibiting at the show and they brought a lot of staff.
Booths are smaller this year. Companies have downsized their space. The smart ones are taking the booth and lifting it. Big high signs are hanging over the booth to establish and own the space. Good ones do it so well that there is no doubt what company it is. Lights and items are draped from the signs or truss to set the foot print. By doing this you open up the floor for cozy sitting arrangements and sales space. I think the furniture rental people are probably doing well.
Rental Furniture: Because of the lifiting of the booth there is a lot of space available and a lot of furniture even in a small 20x20 booth. The Furniture rental companies have replenished their stock of furniture with new versions. The new furniture is up to date, mostly white and very cool looking. Welcome to the new century. The furniture is very curvey. This makes it easy to configure.
I expected more social media at the show but there is very little. One big exhibit house has QR codes but I could not get it to work for my Verizon Storm. I was talking to one staff member about it and he had very little knowledge on how they worked. There was no support info on what QR reader to use. Turns out the staff I was talking to was the Company Pres! lol. They could buy and sell me many times- I hope I did not piss him off. There are 3 companies on the floor dealing with advanced software and social media type things. I hope to investigate more. One company does Augmented Reality- Looking forward to talking to them. (they do work for NASA).
These items are my opinions. I am going back shortly to finish the show and go back over it one more time. I will report again. I have pictures but forgot my cord (dang). Will post when I get back.