Imagine unpacking your display the morning of your next big event and finding that one or more pieces are broken or missing. Therefore, you must keep on top of the condition of your exhibit. Preventative or regular maintenance will ensure that your exhibit is always ready to set up as soon as you arrive at your destination.
 

With proper care, your portable display will last for years, saving you money in the long run! A clean and tidy exhibit in full working order will help you and your business be successful in the upcoming busy trade show season!
 

Until January 31^st, 2012, Ballance Display is offering a Free Winter Tune Up for your existing display! Take advantage of this great offer now to prepare for your next big gig! Click the image below to receive your free printable coupon:
 

Printed Materials

Flags

Stylish flags will catch the eye of passersby. Like printed materials, they work to extend your display beyond the limits of the space you occupy. Many styles of flags are available to suit your business and your product!
 

Inflatables
 

Imagine the impact a larger-than-life version of your product will have on your display! Inflatables draw attention to your trade show booth and also provide a unique photo opportunity for your visitors, meaning that they will remember your brand and product later!
 

Tents

Essential for any outdoor display, a tent provides you with an opportunity to integrate your brand into the structure of your exhibit. A colourful printed tent protects you and your visitors from the elements while creating a space that features your product or service.
 

Lighting

Custom lighting and lightboxes help to put a spotlight on your product. They make what you’re offering more visible, and this is essential for showing off your product to potential customers. Adding integrated lighting into your display will emphasize what you are selling.
 

Shelving

Shelving solutions are a key part of your booth. Showcasing your products and making them easy for your visitors to see and handle will help you make a connection with them. Shelves of different heights can also add visual interest to your display.
  

If you have a limited amount of space available to you at your next trade show or event, don’t panic! You may have to adjust the display and presentations you usually turn to in order to suit the smaller space you will occupy. However, scaling down your trade show booth does not mean it will lose its impact! Follow these tips to make sure your small display is effective.

The most important thing to remember is to avoid overcrowding your display with too much textual information or visual elements. Keep it simple and make sure that only the main features and benefits of your product or service are clearly communicated to your potential customers. If there is further information that you did not have room for on your display, give visitors a pamphlet or brochure that they can take away with them to learn more. As well, you can point visitors to your website to find out more at home, or have them sign up for your e-mail newsletter.

Try to use the smaller space to your advantage – if you’ve got a small booth, immerse your potential customers in a space where they might actually use the product. For example, you could set up your booth as a laundry room if you are selling washers and dryers.

Another point to consider when designing a small display is how your visitors will be learning about your product or service. Will you be giving a demonstration? Talking to each person one-on-one? Or showing a video? A kiosk with a video screen might work well for a smaller display, but remember that your smaller space means less people can be looking at it at once. Make sure that you consider this and make it visible for those standing further away. Your goal should be to get your message out to as many people as possible, so the ways in which you communicate your information becomes even more important when your display is smaller, and not as prominent.

Ballance Display hopes that your next event – and your small display – is a great success! Good luck! 

At some point, your company may want to participate in an outdoor event that allows you to showcase your products or services in a new type of venue. You may be able to adapt your existing indoor display for use at an outdoor trade show event. However, there are several challenges of an outdoor display that you will need to consider first before you get out there.
 

A portable display is essential for any outdoor event you might attend. Setting up quickly and efficiently is essential, especially when outdoors. You don’t want to be stuck dismantling your booth for hours in the dark at the end of the day! A portable display will save you time and energy, both of which are better spent on meeting customers and making connections during the event.
 

First of all, unlike an indoor event which happens rain or shine, you must consider the weather during an outdoor event. You might want to set your display up under a tent, which will protect you and your team from both the rain and the sun. Why not integrate this tent seamlessly into your display? – A colourful tent featuring your brand’s logo and colours is a great way to protect you from the elements and attract potential customers to your display.
 

Another issue to consider is whether you will have access to electricity while you are outside. This is especially important if your display and presentation involves any sort of multimedia. Make sure that you bring extra power bars, extension cords and lighting, because you may not have easy access to a power source as you would at an indoor show. If you come prepared with these extra items, you can get your booth up and running as soon as possible!
 

Check out our portable displays and tents to put together an outdoor display that is functional and looks great. Ballance Display wishes you the best of luck at your next outdoor event!
 

There are many factors you will have to consider before creating your next trade show display. Use our handy list of Do’s and Don’ts to make sure your booth is a success:
 

Do:
• Consider how many times you will be using the display. Is it a permanent fixture? Or do you need a portable, light display or a heavy-duty one? Knowing how your display will be used is the key to making further decisions about the booth.
• Be honest in your graphics and written materials about your product or service. Visitors will be able to see through any false claims and will be put off.
• Tailor your display for the industry/type of trade show you are attending. This is very important if you are participating in a show that is outside of your usual industry. Make sure that both your booth and demonstration show how your product can apply to whatever niche group you are looking to sell to.
• Be consistent with your branding, colour scheme and style. You want potential customers to easily identify your company’s logo, especially after they leave the trade show.
• Set a realistic objective or vision for your display. You want to put together a design for your booth that you are able to accomplish within budget and make it look great.

Don’t:
• Go overboard on visuals. You can’t disguise a bad product with flashy graphics. Also, you do not want your booth to distract from your message and product.
• Try a new demonstration or sales pitch without having practiced and tested it first. If you are well rehearsed, visitors will have a more favourable impression of your company.
• Give away boring promotional items such as pens, key chains and lanyards. Come up with a different type of giveaway that suits your product or service and makes you stand out from the crowd.
• Forget materials. Before you head out to the trade show, make sure you have everything you need. Try making a checklist well beforehand to ensure that you are completely prepared on the day of.
• Under staff or overstaff your booth. You want to make sure that potential customers have someone to talk to, but at the same time, you do not want your booth to be crowded. Take into consideration the number of people attending the trade show and try to figure out exactly how many employees you will need.

Ballance Display hopes that these tips help you plan a great trade show display for your next event!
 

Over the years, our president Peter Ballance has been on the cutting edge of product design and development. Trade show displays have changed greatly over the past 30 years to become more functional and portable – and we have progressed along with them. Our displays use the latest materials available to create great looking exhibits. Ballance Display is now an industry leader in tradeshow exhibit manufacturing. But how have our trade show displays evolved to become what they are today?
In 1985, our original displays had a tubular frame made of chrome or brass, and were comprised of panels made of Plexiglas, pegboard or oak. Graphics or murals could be attached to the panels using Velcro.
 

By 1989, Ballance Display began to manufacture foldable displays with lighter aluminum frames that could be stacked. These displays could also be folded into a hardshell shipping case on wheels for easy transport, making them extremely portable.
 

1993 brought about the Slimline/Wizard displays, which featured interchangeable fabric and digital image panel inserts and attachable clamp lights.
 

Our current model was developed in 2003 – the Geotech Gold. These trade show displays are sturdy, lightweight, collapsible frames made of aluminum. The frames are also convertible, allowing you to change the size and configuration of the frame to your liking. Digital or Velcro attaching fabric panels attach magnetically to the display for a seamless look. Best of all, these displays fit into sturdy polyethylene transport ‘supercases’ on wheels for car, airline, or UPS travel.
 

Ballance Display’s goal is to make your exhibiting experience simple and affordable. From our inception, we have created functional and attractive displays that simply work. When you’re on the move and need a booth, come see us!
 

After you’ve put in the time and effort to get your trade show booth to the right level and ensure your team is ready to meet with potential clients, you can’t forget the importance of following-up with all of the people you networked with. The real measure of success for your latest trade show exhibit will come from turning the leads you’ve generated on the trade show floor into actual long-term sales.
 

Always finish off the sales process with immediate and continual follow-up to solidify the potential for a new sale. Depending on your preference or the preference of the individual you’ve met with, get in touch with them through mail, email, phone calls or a personal visit to maximize the chances that they will become a long-time customer. Your goal should be to make a sale that satisfies you and your company, but most importantly the customer. In doing so, you will hopefully create a mutually beneficial long-term relationship.
 

Closing the sale means that a potential customer has agreed to buy your product or services. To get to this point, you will have had to convince them that your company and product is a perfect fit for their needs. Give them case examples of other similar clients you’ve been able to assist with your products and let them speak with other satisfied clients for recommendations if necessary.
 

With intense global competition and an economic environment like we have today, remember that closing a sale may not happen immediately after your initial meeting. You’ll need to invest more time to communicate with the potential client and find the right way to meet their expectations. Keep your product on their mind by keeping in touch every so often and letting them know about new items or services at your company. Show them you’ve done your homework and educate yourself on their company and any new initiatives going on there that would benefit from your help. Getting to know your potential client will make them more receptive to sales calls and the other types of contact you have with them.
 

Whether you end up closing the sale or not, always follow up with customers to find out what you can learn from them for your future pitches. The most successful sales people will learn from their mistakes or past client interactions use them when working with future clients.
 

In almost every retail store, product specialists will be demonstrating and attempting to sell all sorts of products from fitness equipment, electronics, appliances, food and beauty products. Manufacturers know consumers like the opportunity to see and test out products before making a purchase. That’s why retail product demonstrations can be a great way to improve sales, enhance brand awareness and increase consumer satisfaction with your product or service. Here are some fool-proof ways to boost the effectiveness of your in-store demonstration and increase customer engagement.
 

1: Train the Demonstrator
The demonstrator representing your company to the consumer needs to be prepared to do the job right. An experienced demonstrator will be an expert on your brand and be an ambassador who is able to answer any questions or concerns the public may have. They will know how to sell the benefits of your brand and products and be confident in your selling points. Product and brand training can go a long way, as many consumers will make their purchase decisions on the spot. Make sure your staff is prepared with a day (or more!) of training as well as an informational brochure they can refer back to. Choose motivated, intelligent and friendly staff that will hold the consumers’ attention and represent your company well.
 

2: Listen to the Customer
Product demonstrators often may not have the best listening skills. Showing the consumer how the product works is not good enough. You must also listen to their queries and needs and mould your knowledge in a way that will show them how the product is right for them. If you don’t immediately answer a customer question, at least acknowledge that you heard and understood the question and promise to get back to it. If you cannot answer their question in-store, organize a way that you will get back to them with the answer.
 

3: Involve the Customer
For the best results, have the customer test out the product instead of having them just be a spectator. Let them hold the item, press the buttons, touch, taste and smell, and try it for themselves. This will give them a better idea of how the features could meet their needs and have them leave with a better understanding of the product. Hopefully they will decide to make a purchase!
 

4: Be Honest
Customer questions and objects can be easily dealt with if you are prepared. Insulting your competition is not the best way to gain their support, so be confident with your answers about the product and show them the benefits of the brand without having to resort to fabrications and over exaggerating points. The product will do the work for itself if it is a quality item.
 

5: Enhance with Sales Coupons
Your product will stand out more in the minds of shoppers if you offer special discounts or coupons for them to use in-store or on the spot. This can persuade consumers to buy the item right away if they know they can get a great deal on the product.
 

6: Cut Out the Jargon
Not everyone passing through the display or store will be a sophisticated tech genius, so make sure your demonstrator can appeal to the masses and interest all groups of potential clients. Jargon seldom impresses people, so instead impress them by speaking to them on their level. If the customer can’t understand your demonstration, they won’t be inclined to consider purchasing the item.
 

7: Be Ready for Questions
You customers most likely have been doing their research being coming to the store, especially if they are in the process of buying a big-ticket item, so be prepared. They will expect a demonstrator to have the answers to their burning questions and give them enough information to make their decision.
 

8: Demonstrate Greatness
Show your customers the benefits of your products by using it in front of them, not just talking about it and point to it. Your job after all is to demonstrate the item, not train the purchaser on how it operates. Doing this will show them how it works, how it feels, how it sounds, etcetera.
 

9: Don’t Overwhelm
You want to attract customers’ attention, but once you have it don’t make them feel like they’re in a lecture. Draw on personal experiences, ask them questions about their lifestyle needs and interests, and give them a chance to look around and think on their own before jumping to the next part of your sales pitch.
 

10: Be Organized
Make sure the product demonstration area is fully-stocked with brochures, samples, coupons and products to test out. The booth area should be inviting, clean and interactive to attract curious consumers to come visit you in a large retail atmosphere.
 

By following these 10 tips, your next demonstration will be a great success!
 

In today’s world, we’re always looking for items that are lightweight, portable and equally as efficient as their bigger counterparts. Exhibits are no different. In this post, we’ll examine a few of the many benefits that a portable exhibit can provide to you.
 

1. Easy to Assemble and Dismantle
One of the most obvious benefits of a portable exhibit is that it can be quickly put together and dismantled again at the end of a show. After a few times of putting the display together and taking it down, the process becomes quite quick and easy! A portable display saves time because of its ease of use.
 

2. Easy to Transport
Portable exhibits are built to be transported easily – otherwise they wouldn’t be very portable! Taking advantage of this easy transportability, you can take your exhibits anywhere in the world, and reach more potential customers.
 

3. Looks Great
Just like all technology that has gotten more efficient and portable over the years, exhibits still pack the punch when it comes to attractiveness. Portable exhibits can hold their own against even some of the more elaborate permanent exhibits.
 

4. Saves Transportation Costs
Made to travel easily, portable exhibits are made with the intent of being able to fit easily into smaller moving vehicles. Naturally, with less to move and subsequently less trips to your destination, portable exhibits can save you a lot of money.
 

5. Durable
The manufacturers of portable exhibits know that they will spend a lot of time in the backs of people’s cars and trucks, and thus they are made to be extremely durable. Your portable display will last through all of the shows you take it to!
 

If you’re looking to make a big impact with minimal hassle, a portable exhibit can be just the thing for you. See how we can help you create a great portable display on our website.
  

1. It Will Help You Stand Out From The Competition
The way that your display appears to trade show attendees can tell them a lot about your company. Therefore, it is extremely important to make a good first impression with the look of your display. A custom display is an opportunity to show off branding, style, and creativity, so make sure you create something unique that makes you stand out among the competition! This will hopefully lead potential customers to associate these characteristics with your company and your product. Attracting visitors to your booth is the first step to making sales and business connections, so it is worth putting a substantial amount of time and effort into designing a booth that not only meets your needs, but looks great too.
 

2. It Better Reflects Your Product or Service
If you use a typical display – square-shaped booth, rectangular banners and signs – you are not necessarily displaying your product in the best way possible. A custom display allows you to better show off what you’re offering in a way that is conducive to that particular product. For example, a custom display could incorporate elements of the design, logo, and colours of your product or brand. You can also take advantage of varying heights, sizes and shapes. Blending your booth’s design seamlessly with the branding of your product creates a sense of cohesiveness. A custom display is all about conveying your company’s message in the most effective manner possible.
 

3. It Engages Potential Customers More Fully
With a custom display that completely integrates your product, you are well on your way to fully engaging the visitors in your booth. A custom booth can allow you to add more interactive elements to your display or presentation, such as TV screens, computers, or even areas where the visitor can try out the product for themselves. The key is to get your potential customers fully involved and immersed in a world that is custom and unique to your product. Your goal should be to take visitors out of the setting of the trade show, and into a place where the only thing they are concerned with is your product. If you create a display that is unlike anything they’ve ever seen before, they will be more likely to remember you when they leave.