Any ideas for a boring exhibit?

I've got someone who has one of those little table top shows they have to go to just to show everyone they are still in business. There is no real benefit to being there, the attendees are not the decision makers so no deals are being struck. They have to show because in their industry companies are constantly closing shop or being acquired...they want to let their current customers know they have not gone anywhere. And can you get more boring...they are a market research firm...hey they even say that of themselves...

They are looking for ideas that will make this ho hum show at least interesting enough so they don't fall asleep in the booth...anyone got any ideas?

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Permalink Reply by Lee Ali on March 20, 2008 at 10:46pm

Well i guess they could conduct some market research or surveys from the visitors; create a really hot or controversial topic in the industry and get the staff to approach the visitors and ask their opinions - could be a great thing to do in partnership with the event organiser. This way they are still visible to the industry without really selling anything.

Even better would be to use some really cool Promotion Talent from Expo Stars to conduct the surveys to really let the crowd know they are alive and well (excuse the blatant plug but a mans gotta spread the word) :-)

Lee

Permalink Reply by Christopher De Armond on April 11, 2008 at 11:42pm

If they could/are willing to expand beyond a table top exhibit add lighting effects and a Plasma/LCD with a game console such as a Wii or such. I have seen these in effect and they are great at driving foot traffic and keeping the attendees awake!

Permalink Reply by Traci Browne on April 12, 2008 at 1:59am

Thanks for the ideas...I like the idea of the controversial question/topic...unfortunately this is one of those table top only events (why do organizers put exhibitors through table top hell?) so we cannot expand the space.

Permalink Reply by Harris Schanhaut on April 28, 2008 at 4:30pm

Hi Traci,
I can understand why some organizer do this to us. Taking a look at the larger picture, they are leveling the playing field so the smaller companies are not dwarfed by the rest. This can be done in several ways, not just the 10 X 10 limitations. One very large show limits the dollar value of the give aways and prohibits contests.

Harris Schanhaut, CME
Schanhaut@optonline.net

Permalink Reply by Maugie Lyons on April 15, 2008 at 2:26pm

How about deciding firstly what makes them different from every other exhibitor - then quite simply tell the world what that difference is before they ever get to the table. i.e. the usual pre- mailings and emails, however they should also include their competitors and exhibitiors in these. The press and of course key clients. These should all drive bodies to their table if there is an offer in there also.(The offer could be simply to have an appointment to discuss the difference).
You can create a situatuion of excitement/interest without putting anything whatsoever on the table - simply get them to the table - then make sure the sales bods are ready and able to maximise the opportunity. It looks like the objective is not to sell simply to inform the industry. Best of luck!

Permalink Reply by Harris Schanhaut on April 16, 2008 at 4:06am

To expand on one of the ideas previously stated, first create a dynamic presentation geared to the audience then with a laptop, you can play it on a plasma screen, the biggest one you can get on top of the table.

Permalink Reply by Steve Thomson on April 28, 2008 at 3:07pm

A jigsaw on the table. Something with a little relevance if possible, but a great ice-breaker even if the image is nothing to do with the industry. Invite passers-by to help, and get them talking.

Steve Thomson

Permalink Reply by Traci Browne on April 28, 2008 at 3:23pm

That is so not a bad idea...I really like it...it's perfect for this situation where they are not needing to scream look at us look at what we do but more just say, hi, here we are again...we're still around, what's up. Thanks for that one Steve!

Permalink Reply by Steve Thomson on April 28, 2008 at 3:37pm

You're welcome. It was a concept that was originally developed for a British company exhibiting in the USA to get across the idea of geographical and cultural differences. You can imagine some of the feedback. I won't repeat it here in case I offend someone. Email me if you want more detail!

Steve

Permalink Reply by maxine Elias on July 2, 2008 at 12:32pm

Use the Oxgen bar to increase energy it's the latest A-list health craze from the USA. It is creates a buzz physically and mentally. Visitors sit for a minimum of 5 minutes it's the perfect opportunity for the market researchers to have the customers full attention.
The visitor will leave fresh with a head full of positive thoughts.

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Permalink Reply by Tom Waters on July 31, 2008 at 9:29am

Hi Traci my name is Tom and I am a new member saw your question and the suggestions you received.

What did you go for in the end and did it work?

Kind regards

Tom

Permalink Reply by Traci Browne on July 31, 2008 at 2:37pm

The suggestion that was relevant to the discussion was the puzzle idea which was fantastic. Unfortunately the event took place before I could pass it along.