Trade Show

Every exhibit and event manager wants to increase their budget to achieve marketing goals and objectives. Many American companies are missing an opportunity to increase the annual budget by reclaiming Value Added Tax (VAT) or Goods Services Tax (GST) taxes that are paid on overseas events. VAT is a transaction tax on goods and services charged around the world. The tax may be listed as VAT, GST, MWST or consumption tax and can be refunded from Western Europe, Canada, Taiwan, and South Korea.

Successful trade show programs and events require careful planning and attention to detail. To continue to grow and develop a program, the post-show evaluation is an integral part achieving objectives for current and future projects. In this second edition of the series, we will focus on the exhibit design in the post-show evaluation.

Is the trade show or special event over when the last box is sealed, flooring packed and the truck is heading back to the shop? As the baseball legend, Yogi Berra said, “It ain’t over till it’s over." Part of determining the return on investment (ROI) is more than tracking the leads and new contacts made at the show. When returning to the office, make time for thoughtful evaluation of all aspects of the trade show or event when it is still fresh in your mind.

In the United States, the saying “location, location, location” is commonly associated with real estate but is it equally important in buying your trade show exhibit space. In this two-part series, we will provide information that will help ease the stress of space selection by sharing information we’ve learned from our experience with global trade shows.

Exhibit managers make decisions daily that directly impact a corporate trade show program. Before starting on the exhibit design, be mindful of the implementation- should the booth be purchase or rental? There are several criteria to consider when deciding between renting or purchasing an exhibit (or stand*) before making a final decision.

Technology and social media impact trade show and marketing programs both in the U.S. and at international events as well. It isn’t just about Twitter, Facebook and hashtags, trade show managers need to be sure the company website is “mobile friendly” too. The latest search engine algorithm change for mobile devices could leave your website off searches if it is not formatted for tablets and smart phones. Exhibit graphics and messaging incorporate social media and QR codes to engage the audience so mobile access should be incorporated as well.

Trade show displays are no longer just a 3-dimensional tool to deliver an exhibiting company’s marketing message. Including social media in exhibit planning objectives is another way to increase customer awareness and market share. Exhibitions are an opportunity for face-to-face interaction with customers. Social media can engage customers before, during and after the show.  
 

In part four of this series, an introduction to international exhibiting, you will learn more about shipping options and overseas tax. Initially, you may not think these two services have very much in common but soon you will see the correlation.

This is the second part of the series introducing American exhibit managers to international trade show management. In the last edition, the terminology differences were outlined to start and this blog will explore the differences and options for overseas exhibiting. When purchasing exhibit space, the choices are raw space or space only, shell scheme or participating in a pavilion. Here is more information on the choices and what to expect.

Dubai is a hot spot for event and exhibit managers looking to help their company to expand market share and it’s not just because of the high temperatures in the summer. Dubai is a global city and business hub in the Persian Gulf that is hosting major trade shows across all industries. The economy is rich in history as a trade center because it has always been an important port of call. Known today for oil, in the early days it was a fishing village and famous for pearl trading. Exhibition venues are as sleek and modern as the city itself.