The mark of a good business expo might be hard for some people to find. While many people might think it is all about the glitz of the show floor, others believe the proof is in the heavy swag back they tote home with them. Here are some trade and true ways to evaluate the next trade show you attend.
#1 Did they exhibit booths have personality?
If you walk away from a trade show thinking, "wow, that looked good" then you were just at a great show. When a convention exhibitor invests the time to design an interesting and captivating display, it shows you that this is an important show. The best way to tell if you are going to be impressed with an expo is if the vendors take the time to present themselves in a unique and memorable way.
#2 Were the exhibitors excited?
The people behind the booth are the barometer for how well a convention is doing. A hall filled with smiling faces and the buzz of commerce means an A+ convention. Keep in mind that this event is an expense for the businesses exhibiting and they want a successful show to ensure a good return on their investment. Happy vendors means the show is going well. If you can hear a pin drop or the people working at the exhibit booths appear bored, the prognosis of the show is poor.
#3 Did the show have amenities?
There are a few markers of a first class show, and having "extras" is at the top of the list. Trade shows with quality convention services will likely offer additional features that a lower budget show may not be able to afford. If you can spot a guest lounge, refreshment kiosk, guest services counter or upgraded theme decor in the convention space it is likely that you are at a high end show. Many lower budget shows don't attract high big spenders and probably have a more simple display. The shows that have their pick of exhibitors and expect a large crowd will often invest in more colorful drapery, upgraded guest conveniences and eye catching designs.
If you are looking to set your next convention or business trade show apart, call Convention Expo Services, a division of Total Events. We offer a variety of services to accommodate the needs of show organizers and exhibitors alike. We’ll be with you every step of the way, ensuring that every detail is taken care of efficiently. With our selection of services, you can rest assured that your event will run smoothly. A single source for all your event needs makes for a far less stressful planning and execution process. Convention Expo Services would be proud to become your partner in creating an outstanding event. www.conventionexposervices.com
If you have never heard of Clark + Walker, I suggest you check them out. Their photography and videography are outstanding, and here is a little taste. This trailer is from Meenakashi+Rohit wedding at The Sagamore is amazing. What a great team we had to work with!
The return of warm weather means the beginning of another great outdoor party season. Here are some reasons to host your next Event inside a Total Events tent.
#1 Convenience
When you have a tent event, the party goes wherever you want. It is certainly convenient to host a large gathering in the comfort of your own backyard, especially when the bulk of your guests are bound to be friends, family and neighbors. Total Events makes backyard gatherings like a Graduation party easy by providing you with all the options to show your school spirit like specialty table linens in a variety of colors, balloon decor and colorful lighting.
#2 Budget
Hosting a backyard event can be an economical solution to a tight budget gathering. Controlling your food costs by preparing the spread yourself will make the burden of hosting 100 people a bit less expensive.
#3 Options
Designing your own event from the ground up (literally!) give you the flexibility to create the day however you want! Weather you want a casual brunch, an easy lunch, a late night crowd or an all day open house a Total Events tent event accommodates it all. There are never any reasons to worry about what window of time your guests will arrive, because you have the opportunity to set your own rules! A Total Events tent is usually set up at least 24 hours in advance to ensure that you have the time you need for your special day.
#4 Design
The first rule of tent events is there are no rules for tent events. No matter what the size or theme, a tent can transform into the venue of your dreams. From a petite 20x20 tent all the way up to a 60 X 140, tents come in all sizes and shapes. If an all white canvas isn't your scene we have a multitude fabric available to drape the interior of your canopy. From the ceiling to the floor, Total Events offers custom options for any need or want.
#5 Flexibility
It doesn't matter if you want to BBQ yourself or have a talented catering company take care of the food; the choice is up to you! Our area is lucky to have some of the very best off premise catering companies available for all types of events. Having a tent event gives you the flexibility to select from dozens of talented vendors to create the perfect combination of Event professionals.
Total Events offers a wide range of products for a variety of different events, from the largest wedding to small festivities. Total Events provides specialty items, décor linens, china and glassware, catering equipment, furniture, tables, chairs, lighting accessories and more. For more information, visit www.totaleventsny.com
Navigating your way through the beginning of planning
Recently, one of my best friends became engaged. She's a successful TV personality who has also managed to be in at least a dozen bridal parties. K does her duties well. She purchases the questionable dress, throws the pre-wedding functions and smiles at the camera through hours of grueling group shots. Now it is her turn to cash in. Being as I owe her one (she was decked out in an Eggplant, Melissa Sweet bridesmaid dress for my big day) she called me to get the ball rolling on her planning.
Being a part of the Event industry for several years, the basics all seemed elementary to me and I forgot how overwhelming this process can be to a novice, such as K. Her first question was "What the heck is a wedding theme?" It occurred to me at that moment what a broad expression that is, and how it may be confusing to some people. It seems that K took this idea of theme very literally, and was left wondering if she had to select from a Wild West or Mardi Gras themed reception (I kid, I kid). For most brides, the theme is more of less the color scheme. If they are basing their design elements around a particular era (Victorian or retro) or feeling (glamorous or country), some people consider this the theme of the event. I advised K to start with the colors she liked for the Event, and we would move forward from there. If we picked up an element that we wanted to repeat during the process (monogram or insignia of some style) that we would incorporate that into the design from start to finish.
Her next question was a very valid one, where do I start? The truth is, there are a million different components to a successful event and looking at the to-do list can be daunting. My first order of business is always to select the venue. The location of the event (and subsequently also the date) will dictate every other decision that you make from the dress to the availability of the other wedding vendors. The location of your reception is the beginning of your design inspiration, and it is important to carefully select a location that lends to your personal style and reception expectations. I always guide people to select a venue that works with their taste, rather than against it. It is far easier to enhance a space that is half way there, then to re-decorate a room that clashes with your colors.
The finale of my advice is more a general motto for all events... go with your gut. This is your wedding; hopefully it will be an Event that is put together in a way that you will remember it always as one of the best days of your life. Take this opportunity to select the things that make you feel special, happy and that represent who you are as a couple. If you have always loved the woods and they are a big part of your life, plan your day at a beautiful location inside the Adirondack Park. If you are a member of the military and want your service uniform to be represented, then have an elegant White glove evening inside a picturesque ballroom. No matter what, take some time to evaluate what is really important to you and make sure it is represented well.
Good luck to K and all of the upcoming Total Events brides on planning the day that describes YOU!
Total Events has all of the specialty décor, custom Event rental options and wedding accents you design the day of your dreams. Visit our website at www.totaleventsny.com for photos and ideas!
