Finally back at the Toronto Congress Centre with our wonderful clients this week! After months of wondering whether this show would too be postponed, Ontario was finally on a safe path to re-opening. The PackEx 2021 show went ahead and had all the protocols in place. Proof of vaccination was required as attendees picked up their badges, masks were still mandatory, and of course, lots of hand sanitizer was provided all around. It’s a step in the right direction as the Exhibit Solutions team continues to plan for clients’ 2022 shows and more exciting builds in the New Year!
The big reveal: a custom 20' x 20' Exhibit for Egger Wood Products
This custom 20' x 20' exhibit was designed and fabricated for the Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers® (AWFS®) show in Las Vegas. Constructed almost entirely out of Egger’s own wood products, the space showcased all their key offerings - high pressure laminates, particleboard, TFL (thermally fused laminate), and flooring.
Don’t forget to watch the video created for us by the amazing team at Proto Images!
Cloud Based Platforms: How SmartSheet helps us successfully manage clients projects - from home, in the office, or on the go.
This article was originally written for the Magazine of the Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Toronto Chapter, November/December 2017 issue – Engage and Interact. It was written to highlight how Exhibit Solutions uses a cloud-based platform to manage client’s projects and production schedules, and the benefits it offers any event professional. Little did anyone anticipate that almost 3 years later the world would shake with an unimaginable pandemic, disrupting economies, businesses, and the world.
Cloud-based collaboration platforms have provided numerous companies immense benefits, whether working remotely or physically in the office. With the future of work now easing into hybrid workspaces, a business model combining remote work with office work, cloud-based platforms provide a work-life balance for employees, social interactions, productivity, improved business continuity, powerful security measures, and reduced costs for companies.
A few of these platforms that we have utilized internally are Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Exhibit Force and Smartsheet. Smartsheet is a platform that can be an integral part of a company’s operations especially when there are many projects taking place simultaneously, with remote stakeholders. It can be used as a Project Management tool catering to businesses of any size. Being a software as a service (SaaS) application, it allowed us to manage all project-related tasks in one location. We use it to share information in real-time with clients and team members to further streamline and collaborate on certain show specific processes. The anytime-anywhere-access of this cloud infrastructure ensures information is always current and at our fingertips.
Some of the reasons we transitioned to this cloud-based system were minimal training, real-time updates, and ease of use. Modelled after Excel but having the functionality of a database, Smartsheet uses spreadsheets with incorporated collaboration functionality. Some of you may still use Excel to track numerous documents so the transition to this application would be smooth and could eliminate the need for hours spent on training. Transitioning our project management tools into the cloud also increased our on-the-go collaboration through Smartsheet’s mobile app. Although Smartsheet offers ample online help and tutorials, the application, as well as their mobile app, is quite intuitive, even for the non-tech-savvy user.
Once onboard with Smartsheet, our team members saw significant benefits. We were able to create web and event request forms, custom templates for event-specific jobs and streamline processes, tasks, and deadlines. Each department was able to interact with the same project, align efforts, report updates and gather information that impacted schedules - all in real-time. We were also able to set up notifications and reminders, attach files and have discussions on the overall project or for certain tasks. Due to the reminders and deadline alerts, we could plan weeks ahead with the calendar feature. While there are some limitations such as lack of social collaboration and time tracking, these do not outweigh the benefits found when managing client’s event programs.
Do you have clients with whom you share pertinent event details using Excel templates? Do these clients exhibit in numerous shows annually with many details and cumbersome processes that need to be reviewed meticulously? Utilize Smartsheet and share these advantages with your clients. Transfer your Excel documents into Smartsheet and invite your clients to have access. You and your client can then edit information, add new events, upload event documents, service orders and logistics and scheduling documentation. As the information is in real-time, your client and your team can access the most up to date details for all events from anywhere and notify each other of any amendments immediately. Parties with access can review any changes that were made, when they were made, and by whom. They are also able to view all schedules and milestones and any questions and comments can be noted for the project (as a whole or for specific tasks). No information is locked up in the workplace. Get your business on-board with utilizing a cloud-based application and turn your partnerships with your clients into an extension of your business family.
Especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, cloud computing has become the go-to for information technology within companies and has enabled the new normal of work. With vaccines slowly rolling out, summer and fall shows opening in the United States, hybrid events may quite likely be the norm for the next couple of years. Whether you are planning/hosting an in-person, virtual or hybrid event, the process and utilization of these tools remain the same. The anywhere-access of innovative cloud technologies can provide an immense benefit to your business giving you the ability to experience the advantages of computing, maintenance, accessibility, mobility and more. Using these new technologies to interact with your customers and vendors allows streamlining and automating operations as well as building a dynamic client-vendor partnership.
Neither Exhibit Solutions nor I am affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with Smartsheet Inc., or any of its subsidiaries or its affiliates.
Virtual Experience Checklist
We have been discussing Virtual Experiences over the past few posts and how utilizing this medium is a beneficial tool to connect with your customers and potential clients closely. It also provides your clients with the flexibility to access your information in a new way, learn about your products and services, and interact with your sales team for new inquiries.
The process of launching your own Virtual Experience is a simple one. However, it requires a very considered and strategic approach to ensure it is a success:
OBJECTIVE.
What is your objective with hosting a Virtual Experience? Do you want to sell products, launch new designs, educate prospects, or train existing clients?
AUDIENCE.
Who is your target audience? Is it B2B or B2C? Are you targeting potential customers or hosting an event for current clients?
THE SPACE.
"Where" do you want to host this experience? What visual experience is relevant to your product or service, and what type of space would resonate with your audience? A showroom, a retail store, a tradeshow booth, or a coffee shop?
CONTENT.
What content (videos, PDFs, presentations, data) will you feature? Incorporating interactive elements such as pre-recorded demos or product or service informational videos provides your customers the flexibility to access the information at a time convenient to them.
ENGAGEMENT.
Are additional engagement opportunities important? Chat, live speakers, demo bookings, calls? Customers could connect with your sales, marketing, or management team members with their queries or schedule a meeting instantly.
ACTION.
What action would you like visitors to take? Book a sales meeting, make a purchase, sign up for a course?
The Virtual Experience Realm may seem daunting to some exhibitors. But with a solid checklist that hones in on the key elements that need to be considered, along with a dynamic Exhibit team providing expert advice and design along the way, exhibitors can host an exceptional Virtual Experience for their clients and customers.
How your business can benefit from a Virtual Experience
As much as we love trade shows and in-person events, not everyone likes to attend conferences or live events. Hosting your own virtual experience to complement corporate presentations, webinars, or product launches enables you to engage with your clients more intimately. By utilizing a different medium to connect with your customers, they are flexible in exploring your products, unique features and asking questions in an innovative online space.
Imagine an experience that is accessible 24/7. Your virtual platform would allow your customers to connect with your information and products on their terms. Engagement within your virtual space may involve inviting your customers to discover products, showcase video demos or 3D models, to name a few. Integrating this high-quality experience directly into your virtual trade show’s booth page would also highlight your company’s presence from your competitor’s virtual booth.
Budget matters. Exhibiting at live trade shows or hosting in-person events require a significant investment. A digital experience allows you to maintain a connection with your customers at a fraction of the cost of in-person shows.
If you feel that your business would benefit from a customized virtual experience, the process is quite easy. We initially review your sales and marketing goals before presenting you with a solution. Our Designers then create a custom-designed 3D booth, retail space, or environment. Alternatively, there are options to select from existing designs branded to your organization. Once a design is finalized, our Graphic Designers, Programmers, and Web Developers produce your virtual experience. It is available as a webpage link, or we can embed it into an existing website. The experience is accessible from most mobile and web browsers, so you and your clients will not have to download any additional software.
As you can see, there are many advantages to hosting a virtual booth experience. It provides a new channel to support your sales objectives and customer experience goals. Also, the simple design and production process makes it an accessible addition to your Marketing mix. Potential and existing customers can easily access information that interests them and connect directly with your team. It’s that easy!
Connecting with your Customers in a Virtual World
Our world has changed a lot in the past year. For businesses, keeping customers interested and invested is crucial. Although this may not pose a problem for companies established and operating online before the pandemic, it presents a challenge for companies that rely on face-to-face interaction with their clients and business partners, primarily at tradeshows and conferences.
With the right tools, some creative thinking, and a dynamic team to guide you through the process, your business can successfully create an online presence to maintain close connections with your customers, virtually.
Helping Build Connections
At Exhibit Solutions, our job is to facilitate connections on and off the event floor. Whether your goals include training, building relationships, or social media engagement, we offer you something we have produced successfully over the past 30 years – a high quality, customizable, and innovative space for your events. And now it comes in a virtual format!
How ARAUCO stayed connected with their clients during the pandemic.
Arauco wanted to stay connected, engaged, and relevant during this time of social distancing.
To help them achieve this goal, we produced a virtual booth for them as part of a 2020/2021 Design Launch campaign. Their virtual experience was based on the exhibit we designed and fabricated for their in-person trade shows.
The virtual experience enabled visitors to explore the booth anytime, and from anywhere. They could learn about Arauco’s programs, access product information and discover new designs.
Here is the promotional reel they used to invite clients and prospective customers to their virtual booth.
If you would like to know how you can engage with your customers using a virtual experience
please contact us - We’d love to hear from you.
Our Founding Story
Remembering John Bratton
It is with a heavy heart that we share the sad news of our President, and founder, John Bratton's passing six weeks ago. We had taken a pause online but wanted to take a moment to remember an amazing man; husband, father, brother, son, uncle and grandfather.
Those of you who knew him well, know that for over 30 years, he loved building Exhibit Solutions with his sister Cathy, his sons Jeffrey and Jason, and with the entire Exhibit Solutions team. He valued all his relationships with friends, employees, partners and suppliers, and we are sure you felt that as well. He cared about our clients, made sure that we always did the right thing, and produced work that we could be proud of. John was the kindest & most patient teacher, mentor, and boss. His work ethic, attention to detail, and humility was something we all admired. Beyond work, however, he loved his family and lived life to the fullest. He took the time to enjoy golf, spend time with friends, and went on many family trips.
We will miss his sense of humour and his barbequing skills at the office during the Summer months. We will miss that wonderful smile and his perfect hair. We have lost a great man, and we will continue to honour his legacy in all that we do.
Virtual Exhibit Experience - COMING SOON
We are excited to announce that Virtual Exhibit Experiences are COMING SOON to Exhibit Solutions.
To receive an update when we go live please sign-up here.
Our team has been working hard on a service that will once again connect you with your customers. It will allow them to experience your products in an engaging and interactive way.
Over the last few years, exhibit companies had started offering hybrid exhibits, or hybrid solutions (a combination of a physical exhibit structure for trade shows combined with a digital version). While it has been a great addition to create sales and marketing opportunities, it has become even more relevant over the past six months. With the Covid-19 pandemic forcing in-person events and tradeshows to come to a stop, events have pivoted to virtual fairs or virtual tradeshows.
There are many virtual event platforms like VFairs and CVENT that have the capabilities to host virtual job fairs and trade shows successfully. We are not competing with existing platforms. What Exhibit Solutions offers is something we've produced successfully over the last 30 years; a high-quality, customisable, innovative, and engaging solution for client’s trade show booths. It will now simply include a solution for the digital realm.
Our virtual exhibit experience will be available as a link that can be embedded in an existing platform, or accessed as a click-able link (like any other webpage). It will be accessible from most mobile and web browsers so you or your clients will not have to download any additional software.
Our Virtual Exhibit page will be up and running in the next ten days. If you would like to review the capabilities, the costs, and even explore a virtual tour for yourself, we can keep you posted.
Sign-up at www.exhibit-solutions/virtual .
The Benefits of a Virtual Exhibit
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted live events across the world, and we wondered if this meant the end of in-person events and trade shows. Are Event Managers moving strictly to a virtual event scenario with Zoom or Teams meetings leading the way? How will companies market their products, now and post Coronavirus? We asked our Sales and Marketing Manager, Alexandra Kral, for her thoughts on the rise of virtual events and virtual exhibits.
Alex felt there were many benefits for companies to host a virtual exhibit experience while in-person events are in a holding pattern (and as a complementary solution when people are back on the trade show floor). She says that "...our world is changing; the way customers want to interact with products and how they consume information is evolving. We need to look at ways to meet those demands and provide experiences that cater to those needs; in-person or virtually."
She talked about three benefits of a virtual experience:
Show locations or travel restrictions no longer limit attendees
An online platform increases sales opportunities (the virtual exhibit can be accessed online long before or beyond the official event dates)
A virtual experience gives clients a new way to interact and engage with products or services
"We've already started seeing our industry offer more interactive events and virtual experiences. At Exhibit Solutions, we leverage the exhibit designs and renderings created for our clients to develop a virtual booth experience. We design and create 3D environments where visitors can watch avatars give demos, play video messages from the CEO, and actively explore services or new products.
Whatever the reason a prospective client is not able to attend a live event, you can always invite them to visit your booth virtually. These customers will be able to access information in a new way and explore solutions that may otherwise be overlooked on a traditional website.
Companies can improve their sales process and extend their marketing channels beyond the confines of a physical space or time-constrained event. Businesses should consider the opportunity for conversion in a virtual space.
Also, not every introvert wants to attend a busy tradeshow and compete for face-to-face time with a salesperson. They want to request information and ask questions on their terms. A virtual experience with access to spec sheets, videos, and online demos gives them just that.
Ultimately, my feeling is that you can not replace the in-person experience. What I am saying is that the way customers want to interact with products and how they consume information is evolving. We need to look at ways to meet those needs and provide experiences that cater to those demands; face-to-face or virtually."
It sounds like the virtual event experience may be here to stay. Marketing efforts are focused on earning a customer's time and attention. Virtual meetings, webinars, virtual exhibits, and virtual experiential initiatives, are all part of the (not so) new tools available to successfully market your company and products in a post-COVID world.
Home Office Design and Renovation
With many people working from home now, finding a space to work uninterrupted, efficiently, and in some level of comfort, is more critical than ever. It feels timely, and relevant, that we share the story and photos of one of our home office projects.
John, our founder, often works from home - either in the early morning before he heads into the office, or on weekends during the busy trade show seasons. His Mississauga, Ontario home was built in the early 80s and always had a space for an office. With renovations completed in 2010 on all the bedrooms, kitchen, and basement, the office remained untouched. A few years later, he was looking at home office design ideas and considering his options. He decided to leverage the design expertise and fabrication capabilities of the Exhibit Solutions team to renovate his home office.
We do not traditionally work in the residential space. Still, we treated this project with the same level of consideration and attention to detail that goes into all our work. The objective was to create a home office that:
Provided a space for two workstations
Considered the ergonomics of working at a computer for hours at a time
Ensured all the technology was hidden but easily accessible (printers/routers/cables)
Creatively, was inspired by one of their favorite vacation spots - Palm Springs, California
Stayed within their budget
BEFORE
AFTER
Team members worked closely to ensure that the final product reflected the original objectives, and John and his wife were delighted. Over the last 30 years, he has worked very hard to establish Exhibit Solutions as a company that produces beautiful designs and quality work. It was both fitting and rewarding to finally be able to work on something for him that was as personal as his home office.
Our Design Manager developed the home office concept and CAD drawings for fabrication. Project Managers sourced laminates, new flooring, paint, furniture and presented to John for approvals. Our team of carpenters crafted the custom millwork (cabinets, drawers, counters) in house.
Furniture
These chairs (that swivel!) were sourced from West Elm.
Accessories
A combination of framed personal photographs, treasures discovered at HomeSense, and a wood sculpture purchased from an online retailer.
Artwork
For artwork, we sought out a California based photographer and purchased two of her prints of Joshua Tree.
Coronavirus. What will trade shows and events look like amidst the COVID-19 pandemic?
What restrictions will we see on the trade show floor? How many people will be allowed in a booth at one time? Do we need to hire special cleaning services? Will this be at a premium?
When it comes to trade shows and events in Canada and the U.S. there appears to be more questions than answers at the moment. With Canadian provinces still in different stages of re-opening, we are looking at other countries for some insight. What will the trade show experience look like as we continue to battle this pandemic?
LAS VEGAS
Las Vegas is one of the most popular trade show destinations in North America. However, as of July 27 gatherings are still restricted to no more than 50 people (https://www.vegasmeansbusiness.com/coronavirus-update/). Seeing this update and understanding that the gradual re-opening will take time, it did not come as a surprise that CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in January, one of the most influential tech events globally, was cancelled. Disappointing? Yes - The right thing to do? Probably.
GERMANY
Eager to find out more on the trade show situation elsewhere, I looked to Europe. Most European countries are further ahead of North America in their re-opening phases and I hoped to learn what they are doing as they kick-off their trade shows. In Cologne, Germany for example, the convention centre had postponed all events until at least the end of June. As of July 6, they had launched their new ‘B-Safe4Business’ initiatives. This includes new booth rules and design regulations specific to Covid-19 safety measures. For example, social distancing must be maintained, masks must be worn, and visitor lists kept for at least four weeks after the event to facilitate contact tracing. Below are some of the #B-SAFE exhibit construction guidelines and more can be found here.
While the re-opening in Germany is promising, the short of it is that we do not know when our regularly scheduled trade show programming will resume. A lot depends on the number of cases locally, nationally, and globally. It may hinge on the successful deployment of a vaccine. It will definitely depend on people’s comfort level with travel and conducting business on a trade show floor where there may be a higher potential of contracting COVID-19.
WHAT ABOUT IN CANADA?
I believe that we will see some Canadian shows proceed in the coming months, but with modified schedules, restricted attendance, and booth guidelines similar to those at the Cologne convention centre. Local expos in the G.T.A. have gone ahead with line-ups outside the building, staggered booth visits, and a maximum of 50 attendees inside the venue at any one time.
WHAT IS EXHIBIT SOLUTIONS DOING?
While this looks very different from what we have been used to, it is the reality of our current situation to keep everyone safe. For over 30 years we have been connecting our clients with their customers at live events and trade shows. This year, the venues and platforms will change. Exhibit Solutions delivering innovative experiences, attention to detail, and quality service will not. In addition to our regular offering, our team can now support our client’s digital events with virtual showrooms, virtual booths, or any virtual experience that keeps them connected with their customers.
*In my next post, I will be sharing some more information and videos of Exhibit Solutions’ new VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE service.*
Happy New Year!
Kicking off our 30th Anniversary in business with a vintage photo of our owner inspecting a 3M booth. We continue to carry on his vision of innovative design, dedicated customer service and quality fabrication.
Summer Projects: New Custom Exhibit Build In Progress
Axonify's Exhibition Display wins 'Best Island Booth' at ATD
We could not be happier for our client Axonify who just won 'Best Island Booth' at the A.T.D. Conference and Exposition in Denver, Colorado. They chose to go with a custom designed 20'x20' rental exhibit with simple messaging, vibrant colours, and lightbox arches for additional impact. Congratulations!
2015 Octanorm Design Award Winners
A big congratulations to our design and production teams for winning all categories in the 2015 Octanorm Design Contest on December 7th. The contest is held every two years and looks at how Canadian exhibit houses integrate the exhibit system Octanorm in the design and construction of their booths. The different categories vary by booth square footage and also includes categories such as non-trade show and exhibit concepts. We are very honored that our designs were chosen - thank you Octanorm Canada!
Here are our entries & booths that won:
Custom Displays for the National Geographic Society
We had the pleasure of working with the National Geographic Society on two custom displays this year. Collaborating with the Director of Museum Operations and their design team, we engineered and fabricated a custom 10' high and 7' wide light box for a launch event in Toronto's Distillery District, as well as, a frame for their Speaker Series at Roy Thomson Hall.
OCE Discovery Event in Toronto
The Office of the Vice President Research & Innovation at the University of Toronto is the lead for a multi partnered program called SOSCIP (Southern Ontario Smart Computing Innovation Platform). They had asked us to design a turn-key booth to showcase their program at the OCE Discovery Event hosted at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre this year. Based on their booth criteria and show objectives, we designed a rental exhibit with a feature 8' (h) x 20' (w) fabric lightbox wall, seating for prospective partners or clients, as well as, different areas for graphic and digital messaging.
The International Woodworking Fair: Arauco - Flakeboard
The 2014 International Woodworking Fair was an exciting show for us. We have worked with Flakeboard for over 15 years but this project was a little different: Arauco recently purchased Flakeboard and this was their first joint show in North America. Working closely with their Marketing teams during both the design and construction phases, we incorporated their own wood products into the booth. Here are some photos of the build in our shop & warehouse in Brampton, Ontario:
Featured
In our CASE STUDY view show photos and read more about our collaboration with Flakeboard & Arauco.
Bring IT Together 2014
Hosted by OASBO (Ontario Association of School Business Officials) along with the ECOO (Educational Computing Organization of Ontario), Bring IT Together 2014 is taking place in Niagara Falls, ON this week. Microsoft took a unique approach to engage their visitors by using their exhibit properties to create a theatre - complete with free movies, popcorn and education solutions!
