Wednesday, October 16, 2013

What You Can Learn From Innovative Trade Show Displays


Every year, thousands of exhibitions and corporate events are held across Canada and the United States. From fairs and exhibitions that showcase business opportunities, both major and smaller cities are hosting events with trade show displays that increase the visibility of local businesses. From smaller exhibits to those with much larger budgets, there is something to learn from each and every expo in your community. Here are a few of Canada's interesting and innovative annual events, each with something to offer businesses looking to set themselves apart.

Calgary Wedding Fair Features Innovative Trade Show Booth Ideas

At a recent wedding fair in Calgary, creativity and innovation marked the city's modern take on weddings, and an interesting approach to trade show displays. One company created a large chiffon tent of drapery with a table top display that mimicked a place setting for guests at a wedding reception -- drawing people into a contained atmosphere with soft lighting that created a memorable experience for anyone who entered. A tall, elegant stand held a shelf of colorful flowers, and the entire display served the company's purpose perfectly; the quality of their elegant design, exquisite taste, and professionalism were demonstrated in the details. Few exhibitors would so cleverly appropriate a prop normally set up for brochures, business cards, and a business card draw -- a simple table -- to integrate with their display or bannerstand.

Montreal Board Of Trade Events Showcase Arts And Culture

Known as a city with a deep appreciation of arts and culture, it is no surprise that the 7,000 strong Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal encourages the marriage of business and culture in its mission and its events. The organization has paired up with Conseil des arts de Montr矇al to create the Prix Arts-Affaires de Montr矇al awards, which recognize the efforts of local businesspeople to support the city's arts and culture. Attend an event and the commitment to the arts is very evident in the business community; events often integrate business and the arts, featuring the work of artists and culture makers, whose efforts to maintain Montreal's reputation as a cultural hotspot are well recognized. Events often incorporate the work of artists, and even live performance at many events.

One Of Toronto's Longest Running Shows Foregoes The Banner And Bannerstand

Toronto's No Frills Trade Show is simple in its mission: to offer a one-day show to companies in the construction industry with an emphasis on "knowledge and networking." Successfully running for nearly 35 years, the popular show has grown in size over the years and now takes place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. But don't expect the convention centre to be cluttered with large displays, or competitions over the best trade show booth ideas; exhibitors are welcome to set up a table but the emphasis is on people and learning. Industry professionals attend the show for the professional development and networking opportunities; a lecture series is a key part of the event, as well as the chance to meet people in the same industry from across Canada.

If you are planning to participate in a show, these very different events and the approaches of the organizers may have something to offer other business owners. Whether innovative trade booth ideas are your goal, or you're keeping it simple with a focus on people, these and other trade show displays are learning opportunities. At the next event, take time to walk around and see the various approaches businesses and organizations take; perhaps you will find an idea or two that you can use for your next event.

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