Briefing in your next Exhibition Stand (part 2)

To make our life easier and to help our clients get the most out of their exhibition stand or event infrastructure, we provide them with a briefing document to complete comprehensively at the very beginning of the whole process.

Read Part 1 over here: Briefing in your next Exhibition Stand (part 1)

In part 1 we covered:

• About the company: Core services/ products and the size of the company
• About the stand: aims of the exhibition stand, target industry and markets and previous exhibition design stand failed
• Look & Feel: The exhibition stand should be an extension of any media, advertising or branding and do you have the graphics and copy text ready to go for the exhibition.

Here in part 2, we will cover the subjects of:

• Functional Requirements of your exhibition stands
• Checklist and tips for your exhibition
• Event promotional tip

FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS

1. What site have you selected for your exhibition stand?
   1. Is it an island, open on three/two/one sides?
2. Have you checked the proposed flow of the visitors traffic
3. Please include a site plan if possible
4. What is the best orientation for the stand? It may at times be best to face a large visitor attraction, rather than an entrance.
5. Do you wish your stand to be open and inviting or does it have to promote a more targeted approach with private meeting rooms?
6. Do you require a kitchen area?
7. What services do you require?
   1. Power, water & waste, telephone, internet, etc.
8. Will you have a raised floor? (Such floors may require a ramp for disabled access)
9. Do you wish to reuse the stand or elements of it?
10. How much storage space do you require?
11. Do you require display cabinets for products?
12. Please list physical product to be displayed with photo examples/ manuals/ specs.
13. Do you require any audio visual equipment?
14. How many literature racks, carrier bag hooks, etc.?
15. Does your product require specialist lifting or handling?
16. What is the maximum height allowed and do you wish to utilize this?
17. Is it possible to suspend marketing material/stand elements from the ceiling?
18. Do you understand the Health & Safety requirements – if not, we can help

CHECKLIST & TIPS

1. Are you certain the exhibition is the correct one? If so book early to get the best site available
2. Book hotels early to obtain the best rates and locations etc.
3. Appoint an exhibition stand design & project Management Company early to allow time for completion of visuals etc.
4. Pass the exhibitors manual to the appointed company to ensure that deadlines for ordering services etc. for the exhibition stand are not missed as this will result in extra cost
5. Decide graphic content early for production allowing plenty of time for the graphics to be sent with the exhibition stand if it has to be freighted Appoint somebody within the company to liaise with the design and project Management Company. This will hopefully help to stop design by committee which is generally a disaster
6. How will you obtain details of visitors? Bar code readers, business cards, etc.
7. How do you propose to judge the success of exhibiting at this event?

EVENT PROMOTION TIPS

When you’ve decided to spend money on a new exhibition stand, it is very important to start promoting that stand and not only relying on the exhibition organizers to do it for you.

Consider the following methods:

1. Postal mail shots
2. Emails
3. Brochures
4. PR exercise
5. Sponsorship
6. Social Media
7. Complimentary gifts
8. Web site promotion

Promoting the stand is especially important if you are one of many providing the same or similar products/service at the show. If you do not tell your clients and potential clients you are exhibiting, there is a good chance that you competitors will be inviting them to their own exhibition stand.

CONCLUSION

So to get the best out of your next Marketing initiative at a an exhibition, trade show or experiential marketing campaign, provide as much detail as you can to your service provider, upfront. It can only be beneficial to your company in the long run.

About HOTT3D

HOTT3D design, manufacturer and build trade show booths and exhibition stands in South Africa. We provide our National and International clients with a well thought out platform to better market their brand and products at Trade Shows across South Africa.View our Exhibition Stand options here.

Employee Engagement Video

 

 

The Green Expo – Sandton & CTICC (Updated)

28 – 30 September 2012 at the Sandton Convention Centre

23 – 25 November 2012 at the CTICC

The complex issues of climate change, biodiversity, biotechnology and social investment are the big challenges facing society today. Our objective is to promote sustainability as a way of life, to make sustainability “Cool”.

Everyone should be addressing sustainability issues and everyone can make a difference.

For businesses, sustainability reporting and standards will become increasingly important over the next few years and opportunities to profit from the necessary changes that society will be adopting abound.

People are rapidly becoming more and more interested in making changes to their own habits as well as understanding the business opportunities that are already awaiting us.

UPDATE:

The Green Expo, taking place from the 28th to the 30th of September at the Sandton Convention Centre, is set to be the year’s most talked-about eco event. The expo is expected to draw thousands of visitors, from the most environmentally-savvy eco warriors to those just discovering sustainability and the concept of “going green”.

In proud association with National Geographic Channel, The Green Expo 2012 will showcase some of the world’s most innovative products, services and eco-design and provide practical green solutions to consumers and businesses, enabling them to harness their green consciousness in a fun and sustainable manner.

With the Expo byline Sustainability is your Responsibility underpinning the event, complex issues of climate change, biodiversity, biotechnology and social investment will be addressed as part of the Nampak Bevcan Main Stage Programme.

click to enlarge

Jam-packed with interesting and informative presentations on all things green, the Programme includes Jason Drew, author of The Protein Crunch and Atit Bhatia from Hindustan Tin Works, who discusses the sustainability of metal packaging. The topical and fascinating subject of Biomimicry is shared by Matthew Rosmarin, who will explore the lessons learnt from nature over the last 2 million years. Jane McKenzie looks at sustainability as it pertains to our health, while John Fox presents a frank discussion on packaging and its effects on the environment.

Other speakers include Nick Tselentis, discussing the Aerosol Recycling Initiative and Michael Baretta and Camilla Howard, who will present their amazing “Trekking for Trash” concept. Nampak Bevcan shows us how we can wear our metal packaging by bringing aluminum to life with the Grinding Edge Fashion show.

The Nampak Bevcan Main Stage Programme starts at 11 am every day of the Expo and ends before 6 pm each evening. All talks are included in the price of a ticket.

Another exciting aspect of the Expo is the partnership between The Green Venture Group and The Green Expo, which will see an Eco Home valued at R1, 2 million being given away. The house will be built “off the grid” in the picturesque Wellington valley and all visitors to The Green Expo will be in the running.

In keeping with their objectives, The Green Expo will also be instituting green measures of its own; waste reduction through the recycling of all paper and plastics, the recycling of biodegradable waste through compost production; and low energy consumption at the event, through the various energy-saving measures.

An array of delicious meals will also be on offer – all prepared from natural and organic produce by the stall holders of the Bryanston Organic Market.

Presented by the multi award-winning organisers of the SABC Education Baba Indaba, this comprehensive trade and consumer exhibition promises to equip visitors with the most current information, tips and trends for a greener home and work environment.

Don’t miss this first-of-its-kind event in Sandton, from 10:00 – 18:00 on each of the three show days. Tickets are R50 each, but visitors who cycle to the event get in for free!

The Green Expo, 28 to 30 September 2012 at the Sandton Convention Centre. For more information visit www.thegreenexpo.co.za/ or follow @GreenexpoSA for regular updates.

About the Green Expo:

Three City Events, organisers of the award winning Baba Indaba exhibitions have a proven track record in the exhibition industry, winning the “EXSA” awards for the best consumer exhibition of the year four times in the last five years as well as a Gold award for the Most Memorable Event in 2009. We have also been awarded the “Top Women” award for Gender empowerment.

We have been actively involved in the greening of the event industry and have an active involvement in the newly formed “Event Greening Forum” Recent events have had the carbon footprint minimised with the balance being offset with renewable energy certificates, making the expos carbon neutral. In addition we have, wherever possible, supported a local small businesses as suppliers and exhibitors following the principles of the triple bottom line.

We have noted the need for a generally accessible exhibition focusing on sustainability issues appealing to the homeowner as well as the business person. It is with this in mind that The first Green Expo was held at the CTICC in November 2011. The success of this expo has led to the launch of the Johannesburg Green Expo to be held in September at the Sandton Convention Centre.

Member of and bound by the codes of conduct of the Exhibitor Association of South Africa and the Event Greening Forum.

www.thegreenexpo.co.za

Meetings Africa Celebrates Record Numbers | Events

Via Scoop.it – Exhibitions, Conferences & Trade Shows – South Africa

“Though some do disagree the Organisers of meetings Africa released a report stating that numbers where up 20% year-on-year, whilst international visitors doubled from 106 in 2011 to 205 in 2012”

 

The Sandton Convention Centre Johannesburg reports record attendance numbers for the recently concluded 2012 Meetings Africa international exhibition.

 

The Sandton Convention Centre Johannesburg reports record attendance numbers for the recently concluded 2012 Meetings Africa international exhibition.

Meetings Africa is Africa’s business tourism lekgotla which ran over three days  from 28th February to 1 March at the Sandton Convention Centre.

Overall attendance was 20 percent up compared to 2011, recording 3 452 visitors and with registered international visitor numbers nearly doubling from 106 in 2011 to 205 in 2012.

“We are delighted with the huge success of this year’s exhibition which has been hailed by South African Tourism Chief Executive Officer, Thulani Nzima, as the most successful Meetings Africa show yet.

The incredible attendance by both foreign and local visitors has certainly done much to position the Sandton Convention Centre as the definitive home of business tourism in South Africa,” says Mati Nyazema, Executive Director of the Sandton Convention Centre.

It is the seventh consecutive year that the venue played host to South African Tourism’s largest marketing platform, showcasing  Africa’s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing, Exhibitions) industry to both local and international buyers.

For the Sandton Convention Centre, Meetings Africa provided a platform to showcase its pedigree, as part of Southern Sun Hotels which in turn is a division of Tsogo Sun Group, South Africa’s leading hotels, gaming and entertainment company. The formidable Tsogo Sun team proved a force to be reckoned with and produced an impressive exhibition stand that went on to win the Best Stand Award in the large category (19 sqm and over).

“As part of the Southern Sun Group, the Sandton Convention Centre enjoys a competitive edge in that it can offer delegates a one stop conference and hotel product, with competitive rates from  the adjoining three to five star group hotels in Sandton,” says Nyazema. The Southern Sun presence includes over 1 000 rooms available from the Intercontinental Sandton Towers, Sandton Sun and Garden Court Sandton City.

“In fact, there are 15 world-class hotels located within walking distance of the convention centre, as well as the convenience of direct access to a number of world-class shopping, dining and entertainment offerings within Sandton City via the sky bridge, the centre is ideally positioned to integrate our complementary interests and leverage off our combined service offering.”

Morning Live, South Africa’s premium morning television news show, also devoted one broadcast from theMeetings Africa exhibition, reinforcing the importance of the event on the local exhibition calendar. When interviewed by well-known Morning Live host, Leanne Mannas, Nyazema commented that in recent years, the City of Johannesburg through the Sandton Convention centre,  has taken a firm positioning as the primary home of local and international business tourism in South Africa.

Nyazema says that perhaps the most encouraging news for the local tourism industry is the increased interest in South Africa from the BRICS nations seen at the panel discussion that took place between tourism representatives from South Africa, China, India, Brazil and Russia on the penultimate day of the exhibition.

“A number of hosted BRICS buyers commented not only on being impressed with the variety of establishments and experiences South Africa as a destination offers, but also the great organisation of the exhibition as a whole, the facilities on offer, as well as the friendliness and professionalism shown by all Sandton Convention Centrestaff at the event,” she adds.

According to Nyazema the success of the Sandton Convention Centre is a result of the combined efforts of dedicated staff members. “The combination of experienced event management experts makes for a formidable team with over a decade of combined SCC event experience under their belts. A key focus for us is training and up-skilling of our staff . This ensures that we not only provide our clients with access to the highest calibre of people but also maintain a good staff retention track record,” she says.

Sandton Convention Centre has hosted several high-profile international events including the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development; the 2005 World Petroleum Congress and the 60th Fifa Congress held in 2010.

More evidence of the Sandton Convention Centre’s status as one of Johannesburg’s most desirable meetings and events venues is its selection to host amongst other prestigious events in 2012: the third Annual Biological Safety Conference taking place in June 2012 ; the International Small Business Congress and Expo happening in September 2012; as well as the 27th International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists Congress and the 2012 Discop Africa Expo both taking place in October.

“We launched an aggressive bidding strategy two years ago, and the return has been phenomenal. Strong alignments were secured with industry and destination stakeholders. Through having a clear vision and objectives in place, the results are coming through with an increased conversion rate for international bids,” comments Nyazema.

The SCC was shortlisted earlier this year as one of three countries that will be presenting their bid for the 2016 World Association of Chefs Society Congress. “South Africa has been shortlisted alongside Turkey and Greece and an entire delegation will be attending the conference in Daejeon, Korea, for the 2012 conference where we will be presenting our bid. We are confident that we will bring the event to South Africa,” concludes Nyazema.
Via www.conworld.net

Design Indaba

Via Scoop.it – Exhibitions, Conferences & Trade Shows – South Africa

Design Indaba Expo begins this Thursday 01st March at the CTICC in Cape Town. The 01st is purely a trade only day. From Friday 2nd March until Sunday 4th March it will open to the public.    The HOTT3D crew will be onsite from tomorrow installing an Exhibit for Woolworths.

“Design Indaba drives a better world through creativity with conferences, expos, magazines and projects that improve the quality of living in Cape Town and the world”
Via www.designindaba.com

Pharmaplan teams up with OperationShoebox

At Biological Psychiatry currently on in Stellenbosch Pharmaplan teamed up with Operation Shoebox to create an activity for delegates to participate in.

At medical congresses delegate participation in activities is big in South Africa. At any one show delegates can be seen making pottery, painting, creating caricatures…even wall climbing.

On Pharmaplans stands delegates are encouraged to personalise shoe-boxes in their own unique way using paint, pens, stickons, glitter. These boxes will then be filled with clothing, toiletries, stationary and a toy or two by Pharmaplan and donated at Christmas to the underprivileged or the sick.

We are aiming at 200 decorated boxes and are also encouraging Doctors and delegates to go online at the stand to do their own personal donation…This really is a fantastic initiative as not only satisfies the exhibits needs, but does good too and that’s always a win win situation.

The stand itself flanks the entrance doors to the lectures venues and as such was designed in a split manner. Pharmaplan is launching a new product Oleanz Rapitab and hence that signage is prominent. Every delegate must at some stage pass through the doors between the stand and as such the visibility and possibility for interaction is high.

We took great care to make sure that we chose the best possible position for this client to maximise their exhibit value.

[Hott3D is an Trade Show Exhibition Stand Designer & Builder based in Cape Town, South Africa)

Pharmaplan SASUOG exhibit

Based on a 6m x 2m floorspace this stand was an offshoot of an exhibit built previously for the Gyneacology division of Pharmaplan. It made use of existing graphic panels.  Products on display included Smecta, Linola, Cosmofer, Cathejell and Lomexin.

SASUOG was held at the Upper Eastside Hotel in Woodstock, Cape Town.

The exhibit used the following finishes

1. Raised tongue and groove timber flooring

2. Octanorm aluminium structure

3. Stretched fabric prints

4. Custom bar counters with backlit graphic panels

5. Hospitality including a water cooler and popcorn (always a hit on these shows)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The exhibit was in a prime position at the main entrance of the hotel Lobby ensuring a very busy stand for the congress duration. Popcorn is always a hit at these events to such an extent that we need to hire in extra help to run the popcorn machine.

Another superb and economical exhibit produced for Pharmaplan.

www.hott.co.za

www.budgetexhibits.co.za

Pfizer – SASMO SASCRO 2011

Our largest project of the year to date.

Pfizer took the main hospitality suite at SASMO/ SASCRO Oncology medical congress in August.  This entailed treating the entire stage at the Sun City Superbowl.

We chose a concept that was quick to install. All external walls where inflatable and internally lit with colour changing LED lighting. This created a soft space that was inviting, comfortable and an escape from the business of conferencing and the main show floor for doctors.

Features included:

1. Air-roof entrance

2. Inflate walls with internal LED lighting changing from soft white to subtle green

3. A fully stocked  smoothie bar

4. A fully stocked espresso bar

5. A variety of snacks

6. A full lounge and cafe area to each side of the exhibit

7. 2 large meeting suites with projector facilities utilising Octanorm Maxima

8. Free WiFi for delegates

9. Computer terminals for those delegates who didn’t bring their laptops.

10.  2 x emergency exits

Internally furnishings consisted of custom bar units, new furnishings, Octanorm maxima structures as well as eco-friendly Xanita board units to display product detail.

The crew at HOTT3D handled all aspects so that it was literally a walk-on, walk-off scenario for client.

All in all this project rolled out perfectly and smoothly, which is indicative of the pre-event planning we put into such projects

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For Design stands, Hospitality suites and Budget Exhibits visit us at ….

www.hott.co.za

www.budgetexhibits.co.za 

Cosmedica 2011 – Pharmaplan Aesthetics

Latest stand for Pharmaplan Aesthetics division for the Cosmedica 2011 Congress. Held at the Hilton hotel in Johannesburg.

Using Octanorm Maxima and large format high impact full colour fabric prints a simple yet effective booth was created.

The stand was used as a platform to launch their newest range Teosyal and also to further market Dermaceutic as well as Radiesse.

The following finishes were incorporated into the stand

1. Click lock timber flooring

2. Custom display counter with backlit surfaces

3. Storeroom

4. Full colour stretched fabric prints

5. Textured wallpaper panels

6. Finer details includes floated glass shelving and bamboo display

The stand was constructed in 5 hours and removed in just under 3 hours.

For exceptional and cost-effective exhibition stand design and construction speak to Liam Beattie at liam@hott.co.za or visit our websites  www.budgetexhibits.co.za and www.hott.co.za

Exhibition Stands Cape Town

Dermatology Congress 2011 – Pharmaplan

We recently completed a 9m x 3m exhibit for Pharmaplan at the 2011 Dermatology Congress held at CSIR in Pretoria during May 2011.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The exhibit is constructed using Octanorm combined with custom elements. It uses existing stock to a large degree and incorporates 2 separate divisions, both with vastly different exhibiting requirements.

 

Finishes used include

Stretched Fabric Full colour print

Textured Wallton Wallpaper

Recessed lightbox graphics

Custom produced display counters with incorporated backlit surfaces

Overhead ceilings with downlights

Custom structural support towers with display vegetation

Clicklock flooring throughout.

 

Many of these elements where existing from previous shows. Re-use of materials is crucial to not only keep costs down to the client but also from an eco-friendly perspective. The more it can be re-used the less environmental impact it has.

 

Hospitality included popcorn made on site along with a variety of coffee options to delegates. Chocolate Croissants were demolished by delegates on delivery every morning.

 

 

The inception chair

Every so often one has to blog off topic. Well not entirely off topic, but away from the norm.

The inception chair is something i discovered today on twitter and it is genius. Simple, functional and just downright cool. It was designed by Vivian Chiu and is a series of ten interlocking chairs made of ash, meant to mimic the dream-within-a-dream concept from the 2010 film Inception.

To me this is what Po refers to as pure awesomeness

The rest of the images can be viewed here