Eco-Friendly Trade Show Booths for Sustainable Events

24 March 2023/in Uncategorized @en /by Brigitte Fortin

The events industry can have a significant impact on the environment, especially when it comes to trade show booths. More and more companies are looking to reduce their carbon footprint and take a more responsible approach to sustainability. One way to do this is with an eco-friendly exhibit booth, an increasingly popular choice for many companies.

By choosing an eco-friendly trade show booth, you can improve your company’s brand image and help protect the environment.

totm exposition trade booth manufacturer in Montreal tells you everything you need to know about green trade show booths.

What is a green trade show booth?

An eco-friendly trade show booth, or “green” booth, is designed and constructed in an environmentally friendly way.

Choosing a green booth helps minimize the environmental impact of trade shows while allowing exhibitors to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and improve their environmental performance.

Companies who want to be seen as environmentally responsible trade show exhibitors or to strengthen their brand image while reducing their environmental impact find an ideal solution in committing to a green trade show booth.

To qualify as “green”, a trade show booth must meet several durability and reusability criteria. The booth should be designed from sustainable materials such as cardboard, wood and aluminum. It should also be equipped with LED lighting, which is more energy efficient than incandescent lighting.

Keep in mind that an eco-responsible trade show booth can also be constructed as a modular booth capable of being reused and reconfigured in countless ways.

Use environmentally friendly materials

One of the key criteria for designing an eco-friendly trade show booth is choosing to build using environmentally friendly materials. To qualify, the materials must be recyclable, obtained from renewable and sustainable sources, and environmentally friendly.

One material that qualifies as eco-friendly is wood, a natural material that is widely used for the construction of eco-friendly trade show booths. For partitions and panels, cardboard and natural fibers are a good choice.

Reduce waste: eco-design, reuse, recycle

Waste reduction is another important thing to consider when designing an eco-friendly trade show booth. The first step is to use recyclable and reusable materials in the design of the booth.

It is also important to think about the overall ecological impact of the event. Transportation and what you do with your booth when the event is done can have a big environmental impact. It’s worth taking the time to plan how you can recover and recycle your booth.

Finally, minimize the waste generated during construction and dismantling by using light materials and avoiding unnecessary packaging.

Manage energy consumption

Managing energy consumption is important if you want to have a truly eco-friendly trade show booth. Choose an energy-efficient type of booth lighting such as LEDs. Remember that using energy-efficient equipment such as laptops or tablets can also limit your electricity consumption.

Advantages of eco-responsible trade booths

At Totm Exhibition we understand how important brand image is to a company. If your trade booth sends the wrong message, it affects all your event communication.

1. Brand image: promote your commitment to sustainable development

By opting for an ecological trade show booth, you show your company’s commitment to sustainable development. Promoting your social responsibility and environmental commitment will strengthen your brand image.

Customers and prospects are increasingly interested in companies that are committed to environmental protection. A positive environmental image can translate into an overall better brand perception and greater customer loyalty.

2. Profitability: reduce operating costs

An eco-friendly trade show booth can also be financially profitable. Using environmentally friendly materials and reducing energy consumption can save on operating costs. Choosing durable, reusable materials can reduce maintenance and replacement costs.

3. Environmental impact: choose sustainable materials

Environmental impact is a major issue for today’s businesses. Green trade show booths help reduce a company’s carbon footprint by minimizing greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. Committing to reduce, reuse and recycle materials from your trade show booth will reduce the amount of waste generated by your company.

Choose an eco-friendly trade show booth and show your environmental commitment

Eco-responsible trade show booths represent a major opportunity for companies to show their commitment to sustainable development at trade shows.

If you are interested in creating an eco-responsible trade show booth for your company, contact totm exposition. We specialize in designing and manufacturing custom trade show booths. With our expertise in eco-friendly design, we can help you create a booth that meets your commercial needs and reflects your commitment to protecting the environment.

At totm, we’re committed to helping the planet thrive. We’re not just traveling the world, we’re also making it greener one tree at a time! For each booth we bring to you, a tree is planted!

Cabinetmaker, a vital job in the events industry

10 March 2023/in Uncategorized @en /by Brigitte Fortin

The events industry employs a wide variety of professionals. Those who come first to mind are project managers, producers, salespeople at trade shows, etc. But many more profiles are contributing to the success of an event.

Regarding trade shows, exhibitors’ booths are among the most visible elements. The conception and building of these structures require a whole team of professionals: project managers, designers, warehouse workers, etc.

Today we are going to look at this sometimes unsung hero, the cabinetmaker.

Time for a little history lesson

Woodworking jobs are numerous and varied: lumberjack, carpenter, joiner, cooper, woodturner, wood carver, stringed instrument maker, etc.

Photo by Michel Rohan on Pixabay

In the events industry, and more specifically when it comes to exhibition booths for trade shows, one of these crafts is vital; we are talking about the cabinetmaker.

Cabinetmakers are craftspeople who transform wood to create functional or decorative furniture (source: Wikipedia).

Historically carpenters were the ones who worked with wood, mainly to build the structure of a house. Then came joiners who specialized in smaller items.

In France, the word “ébénisterie” (cabinetmaking) appeared for the first time in a dictionary in 1732. The word itself comes from “ébène” (ebony), a rare and valuable wood. Of course, using wood to decorate or build furniture dates back a lot earlier, since antiquity for Israel and Rome and the Middle Ages for Europe. But, before the 16th century, ebony was only used for small objects, such as chess boards or small boxes.

It’s really under the reign of Louis XIV, thanks to Charles Le Brun and Charles Boulle, that marquetry veneer really starts to become ubiquitous with the use of thin layers of ebony, copper, tin, or shells. By the mid-17th century, the joiners’ corporation finally welcomed this new category of craftsmen, initially referred to as “ebony joiners.”

Nowadays, cabinetmakers use new materials and sophisticated, high-performance machines, notably Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) Machines.

Photo by Shoot Studio

Cabinetmakers in the events industry

Let’s return to the events industry, specifically professional trade shows. Cabinetmakers are essential actors when it comes to building booths for exhibitors.

Indeed, the cabinetmaker is in charge of preparing and building all the walls and partitions, but also the furniture, following the blueprints provided by the designer. He is also an integral part of the assembly of all the components of a booth.

He has to work harmoniously with the project manager and the designer to ensure all the deadlines are met.

Photo by Shoot Studio

To complete these tasks successfully, the cabinetmaker has to master all the stages in a cabinetmaking project, i.e., conception, production, and assembly of all the components in the project. In addition, he must master the use of the tools required to complete the projects, be an expert in reading blueprints and be knowledgeable in mathematics. Finally, he needs a deep understanding of the raw materials that are used in construction. He now also needs to be able to program and operate CNC machines.

Education

In the USA, most employers prefer to hire individuals with a minimum of a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) credential, even though cabinetmakers are not required to have completed formal education related to the trade. Generally, a minimum of three years of experience is required to be considered a skilled craftsman. Still, some cabinetmaking apprenticeships are available after a high-school diploma and are usually completed in four years.

In the province of Quebec (Canada), specific diplomas are required to be able to work as a cabinetmaker: a Diploma of Vocational Studies (DEP) in Wood and related materials—cabinetmaking or a Diploma of College Studies (DEC) from the “École Nationale du meuble et de l’ébénisterie” (Victoriaville and Montréal).

Photo by Shoot Studio

In France, it is possible to start with a Professional Qualification (CAP) in cabinetmaking (2-year curriculum), then proceed with a Vocational Diploma (Bac Pro) in Cabinetmaking (also two years). Other diplomas are available such as a BMA (trade degree level 4) and a BTMS (vocational qualification) level 3. A master’s degree is in the process of being recognized on a national level.

How much does a cabinetmaker earn?

In the USA, cabinetmakers earned an average of $40,070 annually in 2021. In addition, the BLS (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) predicted a 4% growth in employment for the woodworking field between 2021 and 2031, with good job prospects for highly qualified candidates.

In Quebec, the hourly wage varies between Can$16 and Can$29.71, depending on experience and qualifications. This represents annual earnings between Can$33,280 and Can$61,796.80 (40-hour-week basis).

In France, a novice cabinetmaker is usually paid the minimum wage (which was set at €1,709.28 monthly before taxes as of January 2023, i.e., €20,511.36 per year). On the other hand, an experienced artisan can reach up to €3,800 per month, i.e., €45,600 per year.

In conclusion

Cabinetmakers are vital when it comes to building exhibition booths, as they move a booth from a project phase to a built structure.

At totm exposition, we are very proud of our team of cabinetmakers who bring to life the ideas of our designers and clients.

We are always looking for talented craftspeople! So if you are interested or know someone who might want to join a dynamic and friendly team, please get in touch!

Author : Veronique Colombani

How will the metaverse impact the events industry

9 February 2023/in Uncategorized @en /by Brigitte Fortin

In our previous article discussing five trends that would shape the meetings and events industry in 2023, we outlined how tech would be used to enhance the experience of the attendee, mainly thanks to the advent of metaverses.

In-person events have made a spectacular reappearance in the past year. However, it also looks like virtual and hybrid events are here to stay. But keeping attendees engaged during this type of event will require new techniques and features. Enter the metaverse.

In this article, we are going to explain what exactly a metaverse is and how metaverses might shape the events industry in the future.

What is a metaverse?

“In science fiction, the ‘metaverse’ is a hypothetical iteration of the Internet as a single, universal, and immersive virtual world that is facilitated by the use of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) headsets. In colloquial usage, a ‘metaverse’ is a network of 3D virtual worlds focused on social connection.” (source: Wikipedia).

Photo by danmo on Pixabay

In other words, we are talking about digital spaces where users can interact with each other using individualized avatars. And that’s where they differ from today’s virtual meetings: participants will join a digital event area as their own avatar and have the flexibility to wander about freely, communicate with other attendees, and create their own unique event experience.

The concept has been around for quite a long time (the term itself originated in 1992), and the first metaverse is believed to be the virtual world universe Second Life back in 2003. However, the concept came back to the forefront in 2021 when Facebook was renamed “Meta Platforms.”

According to Forbes, the potential economic value of the metaverse could generate up to $5 trillion by 2030.

The technologies that go hand-in-hand with the metaverse

Elements of technology necessary to access the metaverse include regular computers and smartphones, augmented reality, and virtual reality.

Most people are very familiar with computers and smartphones, maybe less with VR and AR. So let’s define these concepts.

Virtual Reality

According to Wikipedia, “Virtual reality (VR) is a simulated experience that employs pose tracking and 3D near-eye displays to give the user an immersive feel of a virtual world. Applications of virtual reality include entertainment (particularly video games), education (such as medical or military training), and business (such as virtual meetings).”

Photo by Maxime Doré on Unsplash

Augmented Reality

Augmented reality (AR) is “an interactive experience that combines the real world and computer-generated content. The content can span multiple sensory modalities, including visual, auditory, haptic, somatosensory, and olfactory. AR can be defined as a system that incorporates three basic features: a combination of real and virtual worlds, real-time interaction, and accurate 3D registration of virtual and real objects.” (source: Wikipedia).

Photo by xresch on Pixabay

To summarize the difference between virtual reality and augmented reality, VR virtually creates a real or imaginary environment, while AR adds virtual elements to the real environment.

What could it mean for events?

New opportunities for engagement

According to Jennifer Best, VP of marketing at speaker bureau All American Entertainment: “The metaverse will transform the way we meet by remedying the number-one grievance event planners have about virtual events—that current virtual event platforms do not allow for the level of engagement they desire at their events.”

This is mainly due to the fact that the metaverse expands on the concept of gamification, which is a powerful tool when it comes to incentivizing participation and driving engagement.

The metaverse will impact hybrid events most by breaking down the divide between the participants attending in person and those attending virtually. It might help ensure that both enjoy an engaging experience.

A more immersive experience for on-site attendees

The metaverse could become a medium that will only be constrained by the imagination of the attendees.

For example, they would be able to experience how it might feel to drive a high-power car from the safety of the car manufacturer’s booth.

Photo by XR Expo on Unsplash

We could also imagine a keynote address given in real time by a popular animated character or a panel whose stage changes based on the subject being covered.

An in-person-like feel to virtual events

A study by the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) showed that 76% of almost 9,000 participants said networking was a top driver when deciding whether or not to attend a conference or event.

And it comes as no surprise that it is still one of the most challenging aspects of virtual and hybrid events, primarily because of the absence of breakout sessions, which represent the best opportunity to engage in networking.

With the metaverse, we can imagine in-person attendees being able to see holograms of virtual participants through the use of AR glasses. At the same time, virtual attendees could watch in-person participants projected onto a VR version of the event. During virtual conferences, participants could debate topics in holographic form, undoubtedly offering a whole new experience of being connected whilst apart.

The metaverse could also enrich the way speakers can deliver information during virtual events. Speakers have a lot of methods at their disposal in an in-person event, but these tools don’t work for a virtual conference or panel. With the metaverse, we could imagine 3D models that would appear in front of participants.

Photo by Finepixels on Pixabay

In conclusion

In the corporate world, the metaverse could help bridge the gap between the physical and the virtual world, allowing for more engagement.

It’s still early to tell if the metaverse will succeed, as the necessary infrastructure is not ready yet, and there are multiple concerns regarding privacy or user safety.

Metaverses might bring some new exciting developments to the events industry. Event planners will need to adjust to it as it will undoubtedly provide opportunities for events to foster and build communities.

How to use experiential marketing at a trade show

1 February 2023/in Uncategorized @en /by Brigitte Fortin

Experiential marketing is a cutting-edge marketing technique used widely by companies and brands to establish lasting emotional connections with their prospects.

There are many ways to implement quality experiential marketing techniques with trade show visitors. Our trade show booth designers discuss a few of them below.

What is experiential marketing?

Experiential marketing, also known as ‘engagement marketing’, aims to create memorable experiences for consumers. It is intended to evoke authentic emotions by offering customers meaningful and unique moments with the brand. The ultimate goal of experiential marketing is to build brand loyalty, recognition and credibility.

Experiential marketing can be very effective for companies of all kinds. If implemented correctly, experiential marketing can help improve brand awareness, build consumer loyalty and generate product interest.

How to integrate experiential marketing into your brand strategy

Experiential marketing can be a very effective part of your marketing strategy. For it to really work you’ll need to know a lot about your target audience and how to function within a digital environment. Here are some tips for creating a successful experiential marketing strategy.

1. Identify your target audience

The first step to implementing an effective marketing strategy, whether it’s in the context of digital, content or event marketing, is to understand your target audience. This involves a thorough analysis of their demographics, buying behaviors and motivations. An in-depth knowledge of your target market allows you to segment your clients based on their specific tastes and interests.

Audience segmentation is crucial to reaching the right people with the right message. It maximizes the relevance of your marketing strategy and increases the impact of your efforts. This in turn leads to improved consumer satisfaction, increased brand loyalty and ultimately a higher return on investment. Deeply understanding your target audience and segmenting them accordingly are fundamental steps to a successful experiential marketing strategy.

2. Invest in design

To build lasting connections with your consumers, it’s important to present your brand in a consistent and engaging way across all sales channels, including physical and online stores, as well as mobile apps. User interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design plays a crucial role in every interaction with consumers.

A quality design should convey your brand’s values and reflect its identity. This can be accomplished by consistent use of colors, fonts, images and designs, which will reinforce your brand recognition and strengthen the brand’s emotional connection with consumers. If you are attending or want to participate in trade shows, investing in a custom trade show booth is essential for presenting your business in a coherent and impactful manner.

3. Create a brand story

Establishing a strong, memorable presence for your brand with your target audience can be difficult. To connect and engage them, it’s important to inspire them. An increasingly popular way for companies to convey their values and build trust with consumers is through storytelling.

Storytelling is a crucial element of human communication that can easily evoke emotions and effectively convey messages. Don’t be afraid to share your story, as it can help you make a meaningful connection with your audience as part of a sustainable experiential marketing strategy.

4. Use visual media

The use of visual media can contribute significantly to an experiential marketing strategy.

Videos and other visuals can convey brand values and personality, stimulate your target audience’s interest and inspire engagement with your company. If your trade show visuals need a professional touch to meet today’s standards, the experts at totm exposition offer graphic design services tailored to your brand.

5. Leverage social media

Social media provide a place where consumers can connect with each other and interact with a brand, making social platforms a key element in the development of any effective engagement marketing strategy.

Experiential marketing can be made even more effective by harnessing technology to create immersive online experiences. These interactions can increase consumer engagement and even encourage buyers to become active brand ambassadors. Investing in technology to create superior digital experiences will bring your marketing strategy to life and take it one step further.

Experiential marketing: an effective solution

Consumer engagement with brands is a key element in strengthening connection and fostering loyalty. To make this happen, it is crucial to create memorable and rewarding encounters with consumers. Experiential marketing is one of the keys to success in achieving this goal.

Engagement marketing can take many forms, such as live events, demonstrations, workshops and games. It can be used for many different goals, including launching new products, improving brand awareness or building consumer loyalty.

What are the benefits of experiential marketing?

To generate a positive impact, experiential marketing must be creative, relevant and in line with a target audience’s expectations. The goal of a successful experiential strategy is to engage the consumer and influence their perception of the brand by creating an immersive and disruptive experience. This can take the form of an animation at a point of sale or at a strategically important meeting place with your target audience, such as a trade show.

Why use a trade show booth for experiential marketing?

Your trade show booth is an experiential marketing tool that allows you to showcase your company. Its overall conception (design, lighting and furniture) will help you stand out at a trade show and give visitors a unique experience.

Instead of saying who your company is, show it with your exhibition booth.

Inform and entertain

Trade show visitors are solicited more than ever before. Sometimes it’s hard to get their attention.

A sales pitch focused on the features and benefits of a product or service doesn’t always lead to a conversion.

A better way to convert visitors is to make them “experience” your product. For example, if you sell non-stick pans, rather than explaining to the visitor that nothing sticks to your product, give them a demonstration.

Hand them the pan and ask them, for example, to cook an egg in it. They will see first-hand how effective the product is. This simple, yet engaging demonstration, as opposed to a sales talk, will stick in their memory and stay there, even days or weeks after the event.

In addition, approximately 65% of consumers say that live demonstrations give them a better understanding of a product than any advertisement.

Immerse the visitor in your world

Experiential marketing also helps to immerse the visitor in your brand universe. If you sell luxury cruises to tropical destinations, don’t just show your prospect pictures of the destinations.

Make them experience the cruise right from your trade show booth. For example, set up an area that looks like the deck of a boat. Replicate a cruise cabin or give them a taste of the food that will be served.

Show, don’t tell, your business

Your corporate values are probably hidden somewhere on your website in the About section. You may also have an extensive Portfolio or Team section with a wealth of testimonials and highlights.

If your business is fun-oriented, hosting trade show contests can directly engage the visitor in your booth. And if your business is focused on relaxation, create a space where visitors can unwind as they walk through the trade show.

If your business is focused on entertainment, set up a photo booth and invite visitors to take pictures of themselves. You can even offer them a discount or a sample if they share it on social media with your hashtag.

You can also equip yourself with a VR headset to show your premises, your showroom or anything else to visitors.

Experiential marketing and trade show booths: a perfect combination

Experiential marketing helps a visitor become emotionally invested in your products or services. It creates memorable experiences that stay fresh in their mind.

Your custom booth, modular booth or portable booth can help you accomplish this type of exceptional visitor experience at a trade show.

If you were looking for another reason to attend a trade show, remember that a live event of that kind is a perfect opportunity for you to implement experiential marketing.

If you need help designing your trade show booth, get in touch with us. We will be happy to help you.

How much does it cost to participate in a trade show?

30 January 2023/in Uncategorized @en /by Brigitte Fortin

At your last meeting with the sales and marketing department, you decided to participate in a trade show. The whole team is delighted. But the question remains: how much will it cost?

Even if you have attended trade shows before, it is good idea to regularly re-evaluate the costs associated with participating in a trade show, especially those associated with reserving a booth, renting the booth, hiring the appropriate staff and doing the necessary promotion.

The cost of attending a trade show: an overview

Although it is difficult to estimate how much it will cost to attend a specific trade show, the costs are generally divided as follows:

35% for renting a space
30% to build a trade show display
20% for labour
15% for promotion at the trade show

Let’s take a closer look at how to calculate these costs.

1. Trade show booth costs

Cost of building your booth

The cost of a trade show booth, as you can probably imagine, will vary greatly depending on your needs. These factors can help you to estimate the cost more precisely:

Type of trade show booth, since the design of a custom booth or a portable booth is not the same
Size of the booth
Materials used to build the booth
Logistical services required for installation and delivery
Professional booth storage for before and after the trade show.

With so many factors to consider, it is difficult to give a general estimate of exactly how much a trade show booth will cost. Estimations must be done on a case-by-case basis.

The best thing to do is to get quotes from trade show booth designers and compare prices. Use that information as a basis for determining the total cost of your trade show attendance.

Cost of renting a space for your booth

Another cost to consider is the rental of the booth space. How much does it cost to rent a space? This depends on the show.

For an exact amount, contact the organizer directly or consult the show rules sheet, which generally specifies the terms of participation, layout and space rental prices.

2. Labour costs

If you want your trade show to be successful, you need to pick the right people for your team, especially your sales teams. However, there are significant costs associated with this, including compensation, travel and accommodation. It is important to take these costs into consideration when planning and budgeting for your event.

Obviously, the further away the show is from your office, the higher the costs will be! You should plan for at least $2,500 for transportation and up to $4,500 for accommodation. These personnel expenses typically represent between 15% and 20% of the total costs associated with the show.

3. Promotional costs

Promotion is incredibly important before and during a trade show. The more people talk about you, the better your chances of getting good results. You can use various promotional materials to help with this including printed visuals (flyers, point-of-sale advertising, business cards, posters, etc.) and audiovisual equipment (videos, lighting, screens, etc.).

You will also need furniture (tables, stools, chairs, etc.). These items should factor into your cost calculation. Some exhibition booth manufacturers offer furniture rental, so you may be able to rent some equipment instead of buying it.

4. Overhead costs

Don’t forget your overhead costs, such as your travel costs and the delivery of various materials, as well as the fees for your supporting team the trade show. Will you need the services of a barista, a caterer, a hostess, an animator, a maintenance team, etc.?

Again, contacting the organizer directly or consulting the show rules sheet will help you determine what you can expect to spend.

Let totm exhibition calculate the cost of your participation in a trade show

So how much does it cost to attend a trade show? The answer: it depends on your exhibit space and promotional needs. Additional fees related to the event can also add to the overall cost. You can easily find out more information about costs by getting in touch with the show organizers.

If you need help working out the cost of participating in a trade show, or for information on designing a booth, contact our team now. We will be happy to answer your questions!

Managing event logistics to prepare for a trade show

26 January 2023/in Uncategorized @en /by Brigitte Fortin

Managing logistics is one of the most important aspects of attending a trade show. It’s also one of the most challenging, especially for new companies attending a trade show or other trade event for the first time.

From comparing shipping rates to making sure you’re acting in compliance with event guidelines, the process of preparing for a trade show involves many steps.

In this article, the trade show display experts at totm tell you more about managing event logistics and how to successfully plan and attend your next trade show.

What are event logistics?

Event logistics include all the resources and skills needed to successfully plan and implement an event. Logistics needs will vary depending on the type of event – what is needed to run a successful sports event will not be the same as for a concert, for example.

Event logistics are tailored to the specific needs of each client and goal. A logistics professional will plan and optimize the production and transportation flows related to events. This can include the delivery of products for virtual events or the rapid shipment of bulky materials. Managing logistics correctly means that every aspect of attending an event will run smoothly and the event will be a success from start to finish.

Events that require logistics management

Managing event logistics is essential for planning a wide variety of events, each of which has its own unique needs. Some examples are:

Trade shows
Sports competitions
Private events
Concerts
Theatrical or musical performances

The logistics coordinator adapts to each event by making a unique plan to meet the specific needs of that event. Logistics requirements vary depending on the type of the event, its location, its budget and the number of participants, so it is important to tailor your logistics management to each individual event.

Tips for successfully managing event logistics

With the right approach, managing event logistics is not as difficult as it sounds. Below are some tips you can implement to make the logistics process easier and less stressful. They will help you enjoy the entire process of participating in any trade show.

Contact the event organizer for logistical details

Trade show organizers can provide specific instructions to exhibitors, ranging from where to store your modular booth to how to pack your equipment.

When choosing a trade show, it’s always a good idea to contact the organizers as early as possible to learn about the logistics of that specific event. The event organizer should be able to provide you with a guide explaining where to ship your booth and how to prepare it for the show.

In most cases, you will need to ship your booth several weeks in advance. The event organizer should provide you with complete shipping information, including the schedule for the warehouse where the booths and other event equipment are stored.

The earlier you get this information, the easier it will be to plan your logistics and make a practical checklist for a successful trade show.

Label your equipment

Prior to the event, your booth and equipment will likely be stored in a warehouse with hundreds of other booths shipped and labeled by other attendees.

By carefully labeling your equipment, you reduce the risk of losing or misplacing it. If you forget to label even the smallest item, it could go missing.

Before storing your display materials, label and number each item so that your assembly process is simple and straightforward. This will also make inventory easier and less stressful.

Don’t just label your exhibit booth and its materials. It’s also important to label your shipping containers with your company name and the show you’re attending.

Use a logistics broker

Managing the logistical aspect of an overseas trade show is a big challenge, but a manageable one. From insurance to vital documents, planning a trade show exhibit becomes more difficult when you have to cross a border.

For this reason, it is best to work with an experienced logistics broker if you are attending a trade show in another country or province.

A logistics broker will be able to keep you informed of essential paperwork to fill out before your event. They will also be able to take care of most of the logistical process for you, saving you considerable time and allowing you to focus on preparing for the event itself.

Why ask a professional to manage your event logistics?

There are several reasons why it can be beneficial to entrust the logistics of your event to a professional logistics broker: experience, resources, reliability and respect for deadlines. Let’s take a closer look!

Expertise and resources

Whatever the size of your event, you may not be prepared to handle the sometimes complex logistics of attending it. Why not let a logistics broker who is familiar with the process take care of managing the logistic constraints – from start to finish – for you? You can trust a professional to be rigorous, meticulous and careful to manage every detail.

By entrusting the logistics of your event to a specialized company, you can relax knowing that everything will be taken care of.

Respect for deadlines and quality transport

Outsourcing your event logistics gives you the advantage of being able to count on reliable and timely service. Event logistics professionals have experience managing tight schedules. You can be sure that everything will be handled efficiently and on time for your event.

Hiring a logistics professional also gives you access to quality transportation. No matter what needs to be transported or the destination, they will provide you with the right resources.

A service tailored to your needs

Working with a logistics professional allows you to benefit from personalized service. Whether you need to transport food for the event’s buffet or furniture for a display, the delivery drivers will handle it appropriately.

A complete and professional service guarantees that the goods will arrive safely and intact. The carriers are adapted to the specific needs of your event, and will ensure that all products arrive on time and in good condition.

Choose totm exposition to manage your event logistics

Managing event logistics can be an extremely difficult process, especially if you have no prior experience. Often it is best to leave the logistical aspect of the exhibition to the experts.

At totm exhibition we offer a wide range of services including transportation, logistics, and storage. With our help, you will be able to concentrate all your efforts on making your event a success.

5 reasons why your company should attend a trade show

13 January 2023/in Uncategorized @en /by Brigitte Fortin

Think attending trade shows is a waste of time for your business? Think again!

Trade shows can make a big difference to your company. Here are 5 reasons why your company should participate in these events.

Attending a trade show is a great opportunity to showcase your brand

Attending a trade show is a great opportunity to raise brand awareness and increase your brand reach.

No matter what industry your company is in, you can always find trade shows that are specifically dedicated to it.

All you have to do is acquire a modular or portable booth and showcase your products or services. Sounds attractive, doesn’t it?

Trade shows are an opportunity to study your competitors

When a trade show devoted to your industry is being held, a few or even several of your competitors will naturally show up to the event.

Instead of seeing it as a competition, use the opportunity to take a walk around the venue to see what other companies in your industry have to offer. Analyze what your competitors offer and look at what works and what doesn’t in their proposals or strategies.

This will help you draw inspiration for your projects, partnerships and more.

Growing your contact network is easy at professional events

As mentioned above, trade shows are an opportunity to study what competitors have to offer. But why not take advantage of this forum to expand your contact network?

While strolling around the venue, exchange with the professionals you come across and spend some time getting to know them better. Who knows, these new encounters may even benefit your company.

Building your customer base is a good reason to attend a trade show

When you attend a trade show, acquiring new customers is easy. Trade shows are an accessible way to talk face-to-face with new and potential customers. And these days, that interaction can make a big impact on your sales.

Another benefit of trade shows: getting real-time customer feedback

Finally, your company should attend trade shows because they are the perfect place to get feedback from your customers about your products and services.

This will give you an idea of what you’re doing well and what you need to improve. Nothing beats what your customers think, because at the end of the day, they’re the ones buying your products.

totm exposition: your partner for trade show success

These are 5 compelling reasons to attend a trade show. If the only thing you’re missing is a custom-made stand, contact us now and tell us about your project! At totm exposition, our qualified team can design your trade show booth to fit your budget.

Five events industry trends you need to know about in 2023

6 January 2023/in Uncategorized @en /by MLBW

Last year, around this time, we published a list of five trends we believed would define the events industry in 2022. And some of them proved accurate.

After two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, events are back big time, but they look different from what they did before COVID hit.

Research by Skift Meetings shows that “meetings and events (…) use more technology, are planned with shorter lead times, have smaller attendance, and most include the option to attend remotely.”

That was 2022. So, what is in store for 2023?

Here are five trends we believe will be prominent for the meetings and events industry in the next 12 months.

Trend #1: Budgets are shrinking while costs are skyrocketing

ICE Annual Report estimates that event-related costs will increase by 83%. A sign of returned confidence in the events industry with large-scale in-person events back on the schedule, it is unfortunately also a consequence of numerous challenges: the costs of energy, F&B, and event production are on the rise, the labor shortage is still very real, raw materials prices have skyrocketed, etc.

Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash

Unfortunately, as shown in Skift Meetings’ latest report, budgets are still decreasing, as a total of 36.7% of respondents report a decrease in their 2023 budgets compared to 2019.

We believe this will affect how events are held with smaller and more local events (no air travel needed).

Trend #2: Experience-first events become even more critical

With the return of in-person events, planners might get excited that everything is back to “normal.”

And, yet, nothing could be further from the truth. Two years of the COVID-19 pandemic have given many people a taste of what a better work-life balance feels like. And, as much as people missed the in-person connections, many are not quite ready to go back to attending large in-person events if the experience is not guaranteed.

It might seem counterintuitive to say that events and meetings in 2023 will be experience-first, as events are, after all, experiences, and we’ve been talking about making your event an actual experience for years now.

But there are parts of an event that can be experienced remotely without changing the perception of attendees that much (panels, learning activities, etc.), especially as digital events and metaverses multiply.

Photo by Chris Montgomery on Unsplash

Remote work has lessened in-person demand, and attendees now need a good reason to leave the house, especially with inflation issues, rising fuel costs, and travel problems.

Indeed, the Skift Meetings’ report states that 73% of respondents reported lower attendance to their business events compared to 2019.

So if planners want people to attend in person, they will have to shift their focus on making the event worth it by including elements that can only be experienced live and in person.

Trend #3: Tech is used to enhance the experience

With the advent of metaverses, it’s likely that event planners will start to pay more attention to using tech to enhance the experience of their attendees.

While not a new concept, metaverses gained visibility when Facebook rebranded its corporate identity to Meta in October 2021.

Some of the technologies that provide access to this virtual world, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), have been around for a while but still need to gain traction at events.

Photo by Uriel Soberanes on Unsplash

Metaverses might open a whole world of possibilities for event planners, such as virtual conference centers, virtual booths, and shops. This could generate more interest in virtual and hybrid meetings and events.

Trend #4: Social listening is on the rise

Hootsuite defines social listening as “the practice of monitoring social media channels for mentions of your brand, competitor brands, and related keywords.”

Social listening can be used both for crisis and emergency, but also for social care.

Event planners can be alerted through complaints via social media about all kinds of potential crises: suspicious-looking people who need to be flagged and reported to security professionals, operational concerns such as loose sparking wires or slippery floors, health emergencies such as food poisoning concerns from people feeling unwell after having had food from the same vendor, etc.

Photo by Rob Hampson on Unsplash

Mainly, though, social listening will help with regular requests for help or information. A chatbot can help tremendously with that type of workload as people now fully expect mobile-friendly support channels with almost instantaneous response and problem resolution. Helplines are now things of the past!

Trend #5: Content creators are everywhere, and planners should use them

Events are a people business. Organizers and attendees, of course, but also the staff and volunteers needed to operate the booths, the doors, etc.

Almost everyone nowadays is the happy owner of a smartphone with a high-power camera. That means everybody present at an event can be a potential content creator.

Unless they are prohibited from doing so, people will share exciting moments they come across. And with the prevalence of social media these days, this trend is likely to be stronger than ever.

Photo by lifesimply.rocks on Unsplash

So take advantage of it for your events, and encourage your teams to take pictures and videos that will pique the interest of potential future attendees or show your sponsors they were well represented at your event.

And don’t forget you can also use gamification to encourage content creation among your attendees by organizing, for example, a photo scavenger hunt with prizes.

In conclusion

These are both scary and exciting times for the meetings and events industry.

On the one hand, budgets are contracting while costs are expanding, and attendees’ expectations remain the same, if not higher. The COVID-19 pandemic is still around in many places, travel woes have made the headlines multiple times in 2022, and people are not as eager as they used to be to travel for days to meet in person.

But on the other hand, we believe exciting times are ahead with more possibilities available for social care, content creation, and tech-enabled experiences.

To help you navigate these uncertain times, you can count on the teams at totm exposition. Contact us today if you have a project you would like to talk about!

Trade Show Marketing: Definition, Planning and Strategies

20 December 2022/in Uncategorized @en /by Brigitte Fortin

One of the most effective ways to build brand visibility in your target market from people who already have a potential interest in your product or services is through trade shows. These large-scale industry events provide an excellent opportunity to network directly with potential clients.

This handy guide to effective trade show marketing will help you develop a strategy that will go a long way in making a big impact and generating leads for your business.

What is trade show marketing?

Trade show marketing refers to brands and businesses showcasing their latest products and services at an industry-specific event. These events not only offer businesses the opportunity to market themselves to attendees, but also provide the chance to gather competitive intelligence from other companies in attendance.

Trade shows have excellent marketing potential due to the sheer number of prospective customers that companies can target and communicate to. Most brands and businesses install trade show displays with video screens, printed signage, marketing materials and knowledgeable sales representatives to showcase their products and services.

The difference between B2C and B2B trade show marketing

The main difference between B2B and B2C trade show marketing is the target audience profile. B2C trade shows are intended to promote to companies that sell products or services to consumers, while B2B events are tailored for businesses that sell to other businesses.

B2C trade shows are primarily aimed at consumers, who are more inclined to buy early if certain products or services resonate with them. It can be difficult to build strong connections with any one person at B2C venues when there are hundreds or thousands of people in attendance. As such, it is all the more important to make your booth stand out from the crowd.

B2B trade shows are geared toward selling to other companies and typically require dealing with multiple contacts, which can take longer for final buying decisions to be reached. Exhibitors will often need to spend more time building relationships with different contacts after the event is wrapped up.

Trade show marketing plan

Creating an effective trade show marketing strategy requires some planning in advance. Take care of the following elements before diving into the marketing strategies you will use to engage your target audience.

Define your goals

As with any other marketing initiative, you will need to plan your strategy around a set of core objectives and KPIs.

Clearly defined goals will help you measure the impact of your show participation by tracking event data, ensure that you have a clear picture of what you want to accomplish and that all employees are firmly committed to achieving it.

Choose the right events to attend

Once your goals have been clearly defined, you will want to choose the most relevant trade shows to attend to achieve your objectives. Make a list of trade shows that target your industry or your ideal customers and narrow it down to the ones that make the most sense for different considerations:

Timing of a new product launch
Budget
Distance to travel
Staff availability

Prepare your booth

Perhaps the most important aspect of trade show marketing is your booth design. Your booth should be appealing to your ideal customer and displayed in a way that captures the attention of participants as they walk by.

There are many booth design options available including modular booths and portable booths so make sure you do some research beforehand. You will also want to consider details that are sometimes overlooked such as booth lighting and digital signage. The more your booth design stands out, the more likely you are to attract attendees and achieve your goals.

Choose your booth staff

A good team can make or break your objectives at a trade show. When choosing booth staffers, opt for team members that have experience in sales and customer interactions if you want the best results.

You will also want to ensure you have someone present at your booth at all times. This typically means having a minimum of 2 employees staffing your booth, with 3 or 4 being an ideal number of staffers.

Prepare trade show marketing materials

Allocate some of your trade show budget on marketing materials that will grab attention and keep potential buyers interested after the event. Here are some of the most effective marketing materials you can bring to a trade show:

Business cards
Merchandise or promotional items
Brochures
Samples
Banners and posters
Loyalty or rewards cards

Trade show marketing strategies

Now that you have clearly defined goals, know which trade shows you will be attending, have selected your staff and budgeted for marketing materials, you can start thinking about the most effective marketing strategies to use before, during and after the event.

Pre-show marketing strategies

Before the trade show is when you will want to promote your presence at the event. Here are some of the best pre-event marketing strategies.

Social media marketing: Organizers will surely make use of social media to promote their trade shows. Utilize hashtags for the event to promote your business and raise awareness of your brand.
Website and blog promotion: One of the best ways to let customers know you will be participating in a trade show is to announce it on your website. Create and share a blog post about the trade show you will be attending with links to the event registration page.
Email marketing: Promote your trade show attendance with a trade show invitation email to your existing customers. This will help you draw more traffic to your booth and generate more sales.

Marketing strategies during the show

There are various marketing tactics you can employ at the trade show to attract more attendees and help you achieve your goals. Here are some the most effective marketing strategies to use during the event:

Give out marketing freebies: Supplying attendees with marketing materials at your booth is an easy way to give them a memorable experience while promoting your brand. As mentioned earlier, these might include brochures, promotional items, rewards cards, free samples and more.
Run a contest or giveaway: A trade show contest is a great way to engage potential customers, promote your brand and collect contact info for post-event targeting. Giveaways of your merchandise or free products, services or demos are effective ways to generate brand awareness.
Interactive product demos: Another great way to drive traffic to your booth is with hands-on demonstrations that allow visitors to directly experience your products or services. This is where having friendly booth staff comes in helpful, since demos should be a guided experience that walks your guests through each step.

Post-show marketing strategies

Last but certainly not least are the marketing strategies you will want to employ after the trade show. Maintaining engagement with your leads and prospects after the trade show is especially important for post-event success.

Follow up with leads: After a trade show, follow up with leads to strengthen your engagement and guide them through the sales funnel to a purchase. This is most typically done with the help of an email campaign.
Measure your KPIs: As mentioned earlier, it is important to have clearly defined goals in order to measure your success after a trade show. When all is said and done, take stock of your KPIs so that you can adjust your marketing strategies for future events.

Trade show marketing with totm exposition

While trade shows can be intimidating (particularly your first event), your participation can have a meaningful impact on your revenues if you have a well-defined marketing strategy in advance. And since all trade show marketing efforts essentially revolve around your booth, it’s important to make sure that your design stands out from the crowd.

totm exposition is a global leader in trade show booth design and manufacturing and is always ready to create a stellar booth for your next trade show event. Get in touch with us now to discuss your needs or if you have any questions about our turnkey booth design services.

Mesurer la satisfaction des clients à un événement

How to evaluate attendees’ satisfaction at your events?

8 December 2022/in Uncategorized @en /by MLBW

Research conducted by Skift Meetings shows that 91% of event professionals measure the success of their events on attendee satisfaction. Indeed, at the end of the day, your participants’ opinions are the only thing that really matters and can make or break your event’s success.

When you organize an event, your main goal should be to provide the best experience to your attendees. But, unless you measure their satisfaction level in some way, how can you possibly know if you have attained your goal and if your event can be considered a success? Also, how do you improve your subsequent events if you haven’t measured attendees’ satisfaction at your most recent event?

So how should you go about it? No worries, we’re here to help! In this article, we will share five ways to measure your attendees’ satisfaction.

Measure the engagement of the participants

Engagement is one of the best ways to determine if your event resonates with your participants.

Indeed, people now have so many opportunities to have their attention snatched away from the experience you built for them that you need to make sure they don’t get distracted.

Photo by Nicholas Green on Unsplash

As we discussed in a previous blog post, ensuring your audience is engaged can be achieved through several means.

Measuring this engagement is an excellent way to determine the level of satisfaction of your participants, as there is a good correlation between engagement and satisfaction.

The more engaged your attendees are, the more satisfied with your event, and the stronger possibility they will attend the next time.

Check instant polls results for sessions

Whenever your event is based on content (think conferences, webinars, etc.), you need to assess the participants’ opinions regarding specific sessions and speakers.

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

Instant polls after each session can help you evaluate the reactions of your audience to a speaker or the session’s content.

These polls can be pushed through an event app and should be kept short and to the point.

Don’t be afraid to use them at any time during your event to get a good sense of your attendees’ state of mind.

The ratings of the different sessions and speakers will help you decide what you need to keep or toss away for your next event, as they will give you a strong indication of what’s of most interest to your participants.

Get actionable data from post-event surveys

Surveys are a type of active data tracking tool that will help assess your attendees’ opinions on the event. They are the ultimate way to give a voice to your attendees and see what worked and what didn’t for them.

They are an essential complement to the instant polls that you would have conducted throughout the event, as they will give qualitative insight into the state of mind of your attendees, as well as some quantitative data.

Use a mix of questions that ask participants to rate an item on a numeric scale,

Yes-No questions that are easy to analyze en masse and open-ended questions that can provide valuable qualitative feedback.

Don’t forget to include a question that will help you calculate your event’s Net Promoter Score (NPS=% of promoters—% of detractors). This question can be phrased like this: “On a scale of 1 to 10, how likely are you to recommend this event to a friend or colleague?”

If you host events on a regular basis, you want to have this kind of data so that you can make changes to ensure the participants get the most out of your event.

Monitor the activity on social media

In this day and age, if you didn’t see something on a social media platform, it didn’t happen!

So make sure you take the most advantage of your social media accounts to spread the word about your event and what is going on and monitor the attendees’ reactions and inputs. Don’t forget to create a specific hashtag for your event, as it will make it a lot easier to track the activity related to your event across several platforms.

Photo by dole777 on Unsplash

The number of shares or posts about your event can give you a good idea of the level of engagement of your attendees, and the monitoring and evaluation of the reactions will tell you what the attendees thought of your event.

This should ultimately give you an accurate idea of their level of satisfaction.

Also, don’t swipe negative comments under the rug! Instead, take the time to answer them so that people know their voice is being heard.

Evaluate repeat registrations

One of the best ways to evaluate satisfaction is to look at repeat registration numbers in the case of a recurring event.

If your event let down your attendees, it is doubtful they will come back. It’s also unlikely they will promote it to their friends or colleagues. Participating in an event costs time and money, and participants want to know your event will be worth their while.

So, if you get a majority of attendees to register again for your next event, there is a good chance they were highly satisfied with their experience the first time.

Consider personalizing your messages when sending invitations to repeat attendees, as this will emphasize the fact that you pay attention, and most people will think of it as a nice touch.

In conclusion

From huge trade shows to smaller-scale conferences, the success of an event is always measured by the satisfaction of the people who attend. This is why evaluating how your attendees feel about your event is essential.

You can go about measuring that satisfaction level in a number of different ways that we described above.

Analyzing the data you collect will then provide precious insight into what works and what doesn’t and help you develop efficient strategies for your next events.