FAQs
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Q. My company has decided to exhibit in a show in Europe and doesn't want to ship our exhibit. Where do I start this planning process when I exhibit oversees? - Marketing Manager, Fortune 1000 Telecommunications Provider
A. Exhibiting overseas is very different than exhibiting in the U.S. Fortunately, you have many options such as renting a booth, a "build and burn" booth or building a multi-use booth and keep it in storage between shows (just like in the U.S.) when you exhibit in Europe. Our International project management team can help you with all the details, click here for more information.
Q. We are going to build a new booth and won't need our old exhibit anymore. Where can I find a buyer for it? - Trade Show Coordinator, Software Company
A. You have a few options when you want to sell or dispose of your old exhibit. There are several websites - exhibitauction.com or exhibittrader.com on which you can post your exhibit for sale. You also have the option of selling it to an exhibit house for their custom rental inventory. Do keep in mind that there is a lot of inventory and not a lot of demand, so don't expect to get more than about $.05-.15 cents on the dollar for a used exhibit. If these options do not work, it may be better to have your current storage provider dispose of your exhibit to avoid paying the monthly storage fee.
Q. Everyone is talking about ROI. How should I be measuring the value of my shows? How can I explain to upper management that it's about more than leads? - Director of Marketing, Healthcare Corporation
A. There is more to ROI than just counting leads and sales at or after your trade show. There are 3 key areas to measure: leads & sales, cost reduction (i.e. the money you save by bringing customers and salespeople together at a show vs. individual sales calls and team meeting) and the impressions your company receives through exposure on-site and through the show's pre and post-show marketing opportunities. Count these impressions just like your advertising counterparts do when they measure the reach of an ad, and add it to your ROI equation. Nth Degree has experts in the field of measuring ROI. With a proven model, our proprietary "Payback Ratio" method of evaluation, we can provide a simple and effective basis for budget justification and growth. Click here to learn more.
Q. I'm trying to set a budget for our international shows. What is a forward contract and how does it affect my budget? - Trade Show Manager, Leading Automotive Company
A. A forward contract is an exclusive agreement between two parties to buy or sell a certain commodity for a fixed price at a future dates. You can use a forward contract to make foreign currency payments to vendors or suppliers overseas. To find out how you can save money on a forward contract, click here.
Q. My procurement department is questioning the costs of the suppliers we have selected for our program, yet I don't feel they understand the big picture. How can I justify our choices to a group that is so focused on cost reductions? - Marketing Manager, Pharmaceutical Developer
A. Through measuring the Return on Objectives and Return on Investment, you can justify your spending to your procurement department and top management by proving that the suppliers you are using for your trade shows are providing top of the line services, which in turn provide higher returns on your ROO and ROI. Working together with your suppliers, you can educate your procurement department about certain "blackholes" that are commonly found in the industry. For example, look with your procurement manager at the total hours spent on the project, not just the hourly rate. Some labor providers are able to set your exhibit in less time than a company who charges less per hour but takes a longer time to install your booth, in turn saving you money. Also educate your procurement manager about the difference between markups vs. management fees, your supplier should understand its role in your program and work within your set budget. Click here for more information on how Nth Degree can help you prove the value of your program and save you money.
Q. My exhibit is very intricate and complicated to install and dismantle. I spend so much time on the show floor explaining the details of the exhibit during set-up and tear down to the labor providers that I don't have time to focus on other details of the show. How can I spend less time on the show floor during set-up and dismantle? - Trade Show Manager, IT Company
A. Assigning a dedicated project manager to handle the installation and dismantle of your exhibit would allow you to spend less time on the show floor. A project manager will be trained to know all the details of your exhibit from show to show. This expert will also be able to manage the implementation of all third party services. While it may seem like travel expenses add to your individual show budget, in the long run, using a project manager will save you both time and money through increased efficiency and fewer total hours. To find out more about Project management, Click here.
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