10 Tips for a Successful Trade Show

Hosting a booth at an expo or trade show is a terrific way to reach out to prospective clients, but it takes a lot of hard work to execute an effective plan. Make sure you're prepared with the right materials and displays to create a lasting impression on your future customers. Here are ten tips to help you have a successful show. Share your experience and ideas with us in the comments.

1. Use high quality, meaningful images and professional products.

If your display is professional, people will assume that you run your company in a professional manner. The opposite is also true, so make sure you give the right impression. It helps to have graphics designed by an experienced designer, promotional materials printed professionally, and your booth constructed by a highly qualified team.

2. Keep your display simple.

You only have a few seconds to capture the attention of trade show guests. Make sure you don’t rely on too much text or information on your displays. The best displays grab the attention of potential customers and give your representative the opportunity to convey specific information about your company.

3. Be memorable.

Often times literature or business cards simply end up thrown in the trash because people fail to remember what that company had to offer them. Consider using QR codes in your booth so that people can bookmark your website for later. Make sure that any promotional materials you hand out are visually interesting and include a way for customers to find additional information at a later time. It’s a good idea to gather contact information and send promotional and informational material at a later time if possible.

4. Promote the show.

Make sure your current and potential clients know that you will be present at the trade show. Post reminders on social media platforms and include details on your website. Give out complementary tickets and send out an email before the show to let everyone know your booth location. Don’t forget to include past clients who you might not have connected with recently.

5. Be friendly and inviting.

Make sure your staff is engaged with the trade show guests. It helps to smile and make eye contact rather than hiding behind a cell phone or computer. Standing and greeting people as they pass by is important and conveys the idea that you care about your clients. Even polished sales people can be intimidated by large crowds, so make sure you select team members who will thrive in this particular atmosphere.

6. Be aware of body language.

Make sure your sales team is educated on how to read basic body language cues. For example, does the prospect look exhausted? Offer them a place to sit for a moment. If you can accurately assess interest and understand the needs of your prospects, you will be more successful in face-to-face interactions.

7. Offer meaningful incentives for people to stop at your booth.

If you offer something meaningful to your prospect’s business, they’re more likely to stop and hand over that business card or fill out the information card. Everybody enjoys selecting their favorite candy from a bowl or bringing home a little swag, but try to think about something that is not only valuable to your potential clients, but something that also informs people about your company or services. And remember, you don’t necessarily have to give anything away if your booth clearly conveys the fact that you offer valuable services.

8. Communicate with exhibit coordinators and service partners.

Make sure that your crew knows the logistics of handling and setting up your booth. If you have specific needs for your display, talk to your event coordinator as early as possible rather than on set up day. If you will be shipping materials, make arrangements in advance to prevent last minute scrambling. Know the limitations and specs if your booth and plan accordingly. Also, prevent an embarrassing and stressful situation by making sure that your booth doesn’t violate the trade show regulations.

9. Plan to succeed.

Planning ahead will alleviate much of the stress involved in preparing for a trade show. Order your print materials and display graphics early (several weeks before the show if possible) so that they are done before everybody else is putting in their rush orders. It will also save you money! Allow time in your planning for the unexpected and you will be able to handle any surprises without anxiety.

10. Follow up on leads.

This may seem like a given, but often this falls through the cracks in the post-show craziness. Your prospects are as busy as you are getting caught up when they return from a trade show or expo so it may be best to give them a week or two before you reach out, but make sure that you pursue every lead. Doing this shows your prospects that you deliver on your promises. Send a quick email, schedule a time in the future to chat on the phone, or send literature through the mail. People appreciate it when you follow through on your word and it’s a great way to build strong working relationships.

How Professional Printing Ink is Made

A Glimpse Into the Art of Professional Printing

This fascinating video gives an interesting glimpse into the world of professional commercial printing. Graphic designers, printers, and marketing experts will appreciate learning about the craftsmanship involved in high quality printing. At McNeil Printing we use the finest materials and equipment and our printing and finishing teams have the training and expertise to create a finished product that will make your designs look amazing.



Or view the video on YouTube.

Chicago Trip - Graph Expo and Accura User Forum

Tyler and Cheryl of McNeil Printing recently attended the latest Graph Expo in Chicago on Sept 13-16th to see what is new and up and coming in the printing industry.



There was so much to see and learn. The latest materials, equipment, software, etc.  We loved looking at things for future investments to help improve our business and capabilities.

At the end of 2014, we made an investment with a new MIS System from Accura.  This has improved our company and has made us a better company all around.  Acura is a UK company and they held their first annual User Forum in Chicago prior to Graph Expo.

This was a great chance to meet with fellow printers in the industry using Accura and learn how to make our system better and gather tips and tricks for our system.  We are learning something every day with Accura.  This is a great company to work with and we appreciate their support.

It's always fun to take a little time to see local the Chicago sites in between the working.  It's a beautiful city and it was beautiful weather.

We have a NEW LOOK!

Over the past 25 years of McNeil Printing, we have seen an evolution of our Logo.

Our last Refresh was done about 10 years ago and we decided that it was time for an updated look.
This week, we unveiled our newest logo in the McNeil Printing logo line up. And this is our favorite by far.

We brought in the expertise our employee, Jeff Thorne, who is also a Graphic Designer to help us update our logo. We wanted to keep the same feel of our logo since we are recognized by our name and mark. We kept it similar but changed to brighter, richer colors and a more modern look.  We are excited how it turned out.

You will still see some of our old look as we transition all of our documents and items over to our new logo over the next few months.

One thing that hasn't changed over the years is our commitment to our customers. And our motto is still the same, Making It Happen.  We believe in the philosophy that our customers are our biggest assets.  We want to help everyone from the biggest companies, to the small start up, to even the next door neighbor.  We love what we do and we think we are one of the best.

Thanks to all of our Customers over the last 25 Years!  We know we couldn't have made it this long with out all of you!

Press Release - April 2015 - McNeil Printing Creates a New Sales Team

For Immediate Release

McNeil Printing creates a new sales team to serve its expanding market

Utah’s most innovative commercial print company has appointed three senior account executives to their newly-formed sales team.

Orem, Utah. April 9, 2015  

McNeil Printing has announced the appointment of Jared Combs, Jeff Conley and David Pollard as Senior Account Executives to their newly-formed sales team. We are delighted to have the expertise they bring to our company so we can provide excellent products and services for our clients. With over 20 years of experience McNeil remains a leader in both quality and service. With the addition of new digital equipment, offset and large format capability McNeil leads the way in ‘Making it Happen’ by meeting the growing demands for creative solutions and service.

The team brings over 50 years of print experience that our clients will come to rely on for direction and support for their projects and events. Jared Combs has been with McNeil Printing for more than 20 years. He has worked in all areas of print production including offset, digital and large-format graphic displays. Whether providing innovative solutions to meet unique customer requirements or just handling the basics of the modern quick-turn, Jared’s focus on service is the reason his customers depend on him.

Jeff Conley has 20 years of service in the print industry that includes sales and management along with expertise in digital and offset printing. Jeff’s clients are loyal and depend on him to help them respond to their fast paced business needs. “Working with clients gives me the opportunity to build enduring relationships” said, Mr. Conley, I also enjoy being involved in several community organizations.” He uses the consultative approach to better understand his client’s goals and offer solutions that deliver results.

David Pollard brings 11 years of print experience to the team. He spent 8 years in production so he knows what it takes to lead a client through the decision process. Meeting people and customer service is what David enjoys the most about the business. With his production and service background it gives him an edge when it comes to helping his client’s with their printing needs. You can depend on him to deliver what he promises.

 About McNeil Printing

The McNeil family believes in a simple concept instilled long ago through hard work and integrity…Making it Happen! Over the past 20+ years we've created a unique experience in the printing industry where customers trust us to always deliver the highest-quality work, on time, and at a fair price.  Our team is trained to act, not react, to special needs and requests.  We simply go to work-finding ways to deliver on our promises-pleasantly and professionally.  You have our word.  Give us a call and find out why our customers consider themselves "part of our family.

CONTACT US:

Cheryl McNeil, Marketing

1189 S 1480 W

Orem, UT 84058

Phone: 801-221-2555

Fax: 801-221-2500

www.mcneilprinting.com

We have a new toy in the shop

This has been an exciting week here at McNeil Printing.  We started the week off with a delivery we have been waiting months for. Our new Offset Press finally arrived on Tuesday! The excitement felt a lot like the anticipation of Christmas morning with weeks of planning and preparation to get ready for our new press.

The rigging company started unpacking the press.  The press was separated into 3 major pieces.  Each piece carefully packaged in moisture resistant packaging to prevent any rust during travel.

After each piece was unpacked it took a feet of engineering and precision to maneuver the press pieces into the right place.

It was a sight to see and it was hard for anyone to do other work.  Everyone's cell phone cameras were out documenting the day.  Lots of deep breaths as the equipment turned tight corners and was put in place.

It took all day, but at the end of the day, the Press was put together and looks like a beauty (new equipment is definitely beautiful).  The press technicians spent the rest of the week hooking everything up and getting us one step closer to start printing on our new press.  We are so excited!

Our Very Own in Print

30 Business Rockstars in Their 30s

We've had to keep it hush hush for the last month or so, but now we can finally share it. Our very own, Tyler McNeil was featured in the latest edition of the Utah Valley Business Q Magazine where they featured 30 Business Rockstars in their 30's!  Look at that handsome guy!

Here are a few more questions that didn't end up in print.

- If you could have one "do over" in your career, what would it be?
I'm sure there have been plenty, but I've definitely learned from every experience, good or bad, so I probably wouldn't change anything.

- Favorite restaurant in the city you live in?
It's not in the city I live in, but very close, it's in Payson. It's called Tadka and it's Best Indian Food around!

- Favorite landmark in the city you live in?
The Spanish Fork River Trail near my house.

- Which Utah Valley pro are you dying to work with?
I'm working hard to work with all of them. :)

- Fill in the blank: When it comes to work, youth is __________.
Still Learning

- On deadline … stay up late or wake up early?
Stay up Late

- When you're working ... background music or silence?
Silence

- Takeout or home cooking?
  I love to cook, but I also enjoy eating out.

- Candy Crush, Angry Birds or Solitaire?
Solitaire

- E-mail, phone or text?
E-mail or Text

- Facebook, Twitter or Instagram?
Finally got a Facebook account, it's a lot of fun!

- Front row or back row?
Back Row

- Movies or television?
Movies

- BYU or University of Utah?
BYU!

- Monday or Friday?
Friday, Does anyone like Monday's ;)

If you want to check out the online version of the Magazine, click here!