Wednesday, October 26, 2011

happy Halloween folks! http://ping.fm/Q4shX

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Location Independence and the Wandering Blogger...http://bit.ly/nQOsrF

Monday, October 10, 2011

http://bit.ly/ndviwm- New Blog posted on the dangers of taking the easy way out with Drop Shipping...clickity click?
Fresh new pics of Daimler at AUSA 2011. Willya' lookit that? Just Look at it! http://on.fb.me/na7RyI

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Monday, October 3, 2011

http://bit.ly/q0V02s 3 ways to monetize your site...

Friday, September 30, 2011

an interesting article on the legal fallout of the new Facebook changes:

Timelines.com Sues Facebook, Says Its New Timeline Feature Could “Eliminate” Them - http://ping.fm/WemRW

Shared from TechCrunch, an Android app.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Just finishing "Crush It!", my 75th book in a year. Good things!
http://bit.ly/mWIWQJ The latest blog- New Layout, new brand...but did I bite off more than I can chew?

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

The Times, They Are a’ Changin’...

It’s not exactly Indy trying to make it out unscathed from the dark and ominous temple, but getting out of some Convention Centers in one piece isn’t all that far off.

Ever had to bribe a surly dock worker to unload your freight?

Have you ever been shocked to discover that the general contractor put your freight on their truck even after you expressly told them that you already had a pre-paid freight company coming to pick it up?

Perhaps you’ve felt your ears getting a little hot after some burly ‘gent on a golf cart screams at you for plugging in your own product to the electric socket you just paid $200 to “rent” for the next 48 hours.

I know I’ve certainly been there a time or two, and I’m willing to bet, you unconsciously nodded at a couple of those examples as well. Those are just a small sampling of some of the MANY complaints I have heard (and often experienced) over the years, and those complaints factor heavily into why so many cities have lost the trade shows that they have taken for granted for decades.

Have faith true believers, because believe it or not, the times- they are a’changin’!

Cities like Chicago have enacted new rules to protect exhibitors from overly hostile and expensive show “service” providers, while the so-called “Secondary Cities” across the country are picking up the shows that the big-boys chased away.

As such, I’d like to list my five favorite cities to exhibit in. These are the cities that have made a conscious decision not to kill the golden goose. The cities I've chosen were picked based on :

a.) Ease of working in the show halls

b.) Ability to draw large crowds

c.) Value per dollar spent

d.) Business friendly environment

e.) Things-to-do-after-the-show

Some of these cities are long time favorites that have always stood apart from their peers, and some of them have undergone big changes in recent years.

5.) Nashville, TNNashville is an interesting city. They have a downtown convention center, an even more popular privately held secondary hall (Gaylord Opryland), and a soon-to-open Medical Mart of their own, not to mention a thriving tourism industry built (in no small part) around being the country music capital of the world, and yet they still maintain the small town charm that they are famous for. Labor rates are lower than most of their big city counter-parts, the vast majority of the people you will work with are extremely friendly and accommodating, and there’s plenty to keep your spouse and children entertained whether they like country music or not.

Quick Tip: Opryland and the Grand Ole Opry are two different destinations, and separated by nearly a half hour drive. If you are meeting clients, friends, or family at one of these hot spots, make sure everyone is on the same page!

4.) Denver, CO – While Nashville is sort of a small city (comparably) with a big city story to tell, Denver is the exact opposite- It’s a big city (and growing!) with a small city experience. One of the undisputed success stories of the shift away from the “major halls” to “Secondary Cities”, Denver features a beautiful midsize facility conveniently located in the heart of the downtown bustle. Decked out with most every modern amenity you could ask for, this growing hub of the new event world has prices that haven’t quite caught up with their new popularity yet, and a “Thanks for being here” attitude to go with it. Possibly best, there are several great hotels, restaurants, and local hotpots within walking distance which keeps attendees near by before, during, and after the show, therefore increasing your time in front of your potential customers!

Quick Tip: The city is easily 40 minutes from the airport, so make sure you factor that into your schedule…and your budget!

3.) San Antonio, TX- San Antonio is arguably the most beautiful city in Texas, and considering the size of the Lone Star State, that says something. A whimsical blend of Colonial Mexican and Modern America, the city has somehow gone underutilized by show planners, much to their detriment. The Henry B Gonzalez Convention Center is located directly OVER their famed River Walk, and only 2 blocks from the Alamo, and it’s easily one of the most picturesque event locations you will ever come across. Because so few major conventions have found their way to this somewhat hidden gem, the handful that have find a fantastic staff and business friendly atmosphere waiting for them at a much lower cost than they would ever expect. I don’t know if it’s the hot Texas sun or the beautiful views overlooking the romantic River Walk, but crowds come early and stay late during trade shows, and I haven’t seen many unhappy exhibitors during tear down.

Quick Tip: The San Antonio sun can be unforgiving in the summer, and convention centers can be notoriously under-cooled during set up days. Don’t even think about setting up unless you bring something cool to drink…and to wear!

2.) San Diego, CA – From the moment you land at the San Diego International Airport (a mere 5 minute drive from the San Diego Convention Center), you can feel there is something special about this city. Ranking in at the nation’s 8th largest city (by population), San Diego is a lot like San Antonio, but with a California flair. The convention center, opened for it’s first event in 1989, but doubled in size in 2001 (and is contemplating a third phase expansion, adding nearly 33%!) making it a beautiful, large, and thoroughly modern facility, and a big favorite for some of the nation’s most cutting edge industry events. Located on the shore of picturesque San Diego Bay, and surrounded by several big name hotels, a bustling tourist marina, Petco Park (home of the Padre’s), the famous Gas Lamp District, and more than a few world famous restaurants, there’s quite a bit to draw people to this city for nearly any and every show. Yes, you DO pay California prices to exhibit here, but it’s really not hard to get your money’s worth. Quick tip- Make sure to visit Old Town before you leave if you a fan of authentic Mexican food, or are just a big history buff!

1.) Orlando, Fl: Whether you love “The Mouse” or hate him, there is no denying the effect that Walt Disney World (and later Sea World and Universal Orlando) have had on this formerly sleepy winter escape/cow pasture. The Orange County Convention Center is a sprawling complex covering both sides of the oft’ traveled International Drive, and the second largest convention hall in the country. At 2.05 million square feet (that’s just the exhibiting space!), only Chicago’s McCormick Place is larger. The funny thing about Orlando though is that it never did pick up the Big City attitude that most other mega convention towns did. The result? A business friendly environment with one of the worlds most experienced event crews, and a city who knows that keeping everyone happy is the key to their continued success. At the end of the day, Orlando (or, more truthfully, the Lake Buena Vista area) keeps the streets clean, the prices reasonable, and the attendees plentiful, to say nothing of the cotton candy, mouse-ears, and magic wands.

Quick tip- Though the Orange County Convention Center is certainly the king of the halls in Orlando, secondary halls like Rosen Shingle Creek, The Marriott World Center, The Walt Disney Coronado, and the Walt Disney World Swan/Dolphin are all world class facilities- don’t shy away from these great locations!


What are your favorite cities to either exhibit or attend shows in ? Let me know!

ryan@ohiodisplays.com

www.ohiodisplays.com / www.odiworks.com

Monday, March 14, 2011

Apps: The New Four Letter Word.

Not all that long ago, I saw my first Blue Tooth while waiting to board a plane. I can't remember if it was in Philly, or Denver, or Memphis. What I DO remember though, was the effect that it had on me. One part awe, two parts confusion, and on part revulsion.

Just what the world needed- one more way for uppity morons to identify themselves to the rest of the world! I mean, just look at this guy...sitting in a hot airport...fancy Italian suit, comically over-sized energy drink in one hand, the latest copy of GQ in the other, and all the while he's loudly holding up one side of what appeared to be a very one sided conversation. The only clue available that he wasn't speaking to dead relatives, invisible gremlins, or some sort of deity, was the black eraser shaped piece of plastic dangling off of his ear like a business world version of "Something About Mary".

"I'd rather die..." I muttered to myself self righteously as I went back to browsing the free copy of USA Today that the good folks at the SpringHill Suites had laid outside my door that morning.

That was, of course, then. This? This is now, just a few crow-eating years later.

The Blue Tooth? Oh yeah...I have one...somewhere. I went through that stage (I didn't choose to die instead, by the way), and have since moved on to the newest tech toys. You'll know me when you see me...I'm the guy at the airport gate with his little white I-Pod headphones hanging from his head, laptop on his lap, Smart phone in one hand, and Droid tablet in the other. Oh, and the over-sized energy drink? Yeah, that's mine to. Just one more way for this uppity moron to identify himself to the rest of the world.

That's sort of the world we live in now though isn't it? I can't remember the last time I was able to travel without dragging along 35 adapters and plugs to keep all of the little gadgets powered up. Well...I'm happy to say, it's all changing again. I'm finally able to simplify, and yet maintain (heck, even improve) my productivity... and I have 4 little letters to thank for it: "APPS".

I recently purchased a Samsung Galaxy tablet. For those of you who aren't familiar with the huge tablet craze, the Reader's Digest version is this: Tablets fill the world between the "smart phone" and the "laptop". A rapidly expanding industry originally set into motion by the launch of the I-Pad, tablet computers are quickly becoming the must-have productivity tool for every self respecting business person, techie, or coffee shop hipster. I tend to fall -in some part- into all three categories, so of course I had to have one, and I can truly say it's changed the way I do things. If you do trade shows and/or live events, you should have a tablet computer too.

With one small devise, usually about the size of a steno pad, you can harness the power of a laptop, a cell phone, a media player, a camera, a video recorder, an audio recorder, and a pad-n'-pen. What's more, by using the right apps (small downloadable pieces of software readily available , and often for free), you can make your tablet do things you always wished you could but never had the tech to. Bump into a potential new client but don't have your business card, literature, or a pen on you? No problem! Push a button to scan his/her card into your address book using your camera. Push another button to beam (send through the air) your newest literature to their tablet/phone/email. Push another button and dictate your follow up to your tablet like a digital recorder.

Like I said, having a tablet computer has changed the way that business is being done, so for those of you who already have one, and all the rest of you that are GOING to get one (that should be the rest of you by the way), here are my top 5 pics for apps (Apple and Android compatible) you MUST have before attending or exhibiting at your next event:

1. Square - If you plan on taking orders at your show, this is a great way to save some money. Square allows you to accept and process credit cards directly on your tablet or smart phone. They will even send you (for free) a small square device (about 2" squared) that you can use to swipe cards. There is a small fee per transaction, but it's inline with what most processors are charging, and better yet, you don't have to pay for a secure line and terminal to be run to your booth!

2. DropBox- Drop box is a program that you install on your tab/smart phone as well as on your computers. It then allows you to drag-n-drop files into your "Drop Box". Once there, you can access that file or document from any of your other computers/smartphones/tabs. Before I go to any event, I make sure that my most updated literature is in my drop box, as are any order forms or spec sheets that I might end up needing. It's saved me quite a few last minute trips to the office!

3. FourSquare- People are pretty divided over FourSquare. This is an app that lets you "check in" at various places. When you "Check in", the app updates your Facebook/Twitter accounts to show that you are wherever you checked in at. A lot of people don't use the app because they say it invites burglars to rob you while you aren't home ( which would require burglars to stalk you online to find this info, but regardless...). Now, I've never been robbed because of an APP, but I have picked up new business because of one. To best use FourSquare at a show/event, go to your booth space and launch the app. From the "Places" menu, simply choose "Add A Place". FourSquare will ask you to name the place. Then you just pop in your company name, show name and booth number, and hit save. This will allow other FourSquare users to find you and your booth. Even better, "check in" to the show venue itself. This will allow you to see what other FourSquare users are already in the venue with you, and give you a great opening to start a conversation...and invite them to you booth!

4. News and Weather- This is one of those apps that people completely over look.. to their own detriment. On the surface, it's simply what it sounds like- a news and weather forecast delivery app. Upon closer view however, you'll notice that be playing with the settings, you can choose what KIND of news it delivers. For instance- going to the upcoming ConExpo in Las Vegas? Add "ConExpo" to your custom topics list. Do you sell widgets? Add "Widgets" to your custom topics list. Want to see what the world really thinks about YOU? Type your company name in as a custom topic. Every time you hit "refresh" , the the News and Weather app will send you the most recent news articles, collected from every corner of the web!

5. EverNote- This is one of those Apps that is going to be huge. I'm going on record now- I was there first. EverNote is an app that is meant to help you keep track of all the information that you come across on a typical busy day. Whether that means typing in an idea when it hits you, adding a photo of something that inspires you, or clipping an article to read later, EverNote is a great way to collect all the pertinent information that you don't have time to process right this moment. Even better, you can sort all of these items by custom tags you add to them, and organize them by notebooks. It's great for being on the road as you can build a notebook for each trip, and then add receipts, itineraries, notes, photos, videos, lists...really, anything!

There are, of course, dozens of other apps that are available which can help you make the most out of your time on the show floor, but these 5 are the ones that have the quickest learning curve-to-benefit ratio, and all are (to a degree) free programs.

If you don't have a tablet yet, look into getting one. Get a GOOD one. Do your homework, and make sure that you know what it is you want from your purchase. We might not always like how fast technology is moving, but our only two options are to keep up, or fall behind.


Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Diane Helbig speaking @ CC west...then pow wow @ the Bat-Bunker.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

http://ping.fm/vS24v
www.cbcmagazine.com Last time I will post this, promise! Please vote for Ohio Displays. You know Abe Lincoln would (cough cough)...

Thursday, January 20, 2011

ODI nominated for CBC "Best Trade Show Company" award again! Can you please vote to help us win? http://ping.fm/xIwGz
Thanks guys!

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Gonna be a paperwork kinda' evening me thinks...

Thursday, January 13, 2011

alright, 3 days of eating better than I have in YEARS is working...feelin' damn fine right now!

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Cranky baby + sleepless night + Snowzilla = work from home.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Turn off the TV, It's Time For Class...

We've all said it at some point or another, haven't we?

"I'd like to read more, but I just don't have the time!".

I know that I spent a few years under that unfortunate misconception. Hey, there are only so many hours in the day- and I already have a hard enough time getting things done as it is...how much more of my day am I supposed to give up? And WHICH part?

Revelation has a funny way of hitting you when you least expect it...and all too often with the force of a speeding freight train, or at least that's how my experience with it has been. In this case revelation came in the form of a simple quote that left me at once inspired, and embarrassed : "Everyone has the same 24 hours in a day".

Wow...what a blow! Was I saying that I had less time available to me than the President? Than Donald Trump? Than whoever the madman is that redesigns Facebook -seemingly - every two weeks? Was I saying that I was busier than them?

So, the next day, I shut off the ol' idiot box, and made a commitment that would change my entire life. I vowed to be as voracious with reading as I had been with salty snack foods during all of those "too busy" years that I had wasted on television.

Do you know what happened? I found that I didn't really know half of what I thought I knew about the world around me...and worse...the industry that I had tricked myself into believing I was an expert on. I've spent the time since then learning everything I can about how to become the professional that I had always imagined myself to be, and I did it the easiest, quickest, and most pain free way possible...I did it by reading.

So, let me pass on some of the books that have made a difference to me in the way that I approach all things trade show related. Some of them have obvious connections, and others are a bit more round about in how they will come to your aid as you prepare for or attend your next event, but all of them will provide you with invaluable tools to help you and your team succeed.

1.Buy*Ology (Martin Lindstrom) - Martin Lindstrom is one of the (if not THE) foremost experts on the art and science behind successful marketing and advertising. In Buy*Ology he uses neuroscience to show us the how's and why's behind why people buy...and sometimes, the answers will shock you!

2.The One Minute Manager Meets the Monkey (Ken Blanchard, Bill Oncken, Hal Burrows) - Though the best known book of this series is "The One Minute Manager", I honestly found much more to be gained from this lesser known cousin. The "Monkey" in this book refers to the monkey that nearly every manager finds on their back at some point as they rush to do the work of an entire team. All too often, the entire task of properly planning and implementing an event falls on one person...the wrong person. This book show's how that can have disastrous consequences, and then provides clues on how to give all the "monkeys" back to their correct owners.

3.Blink ( Malcolm Gladwell)- A best seller from the author of "The Tipping Point", Blink is all about those first two seconds of being exposed to an idea or thing, and how that quick "bite" controls our relationship with that idea/thing going forward. So much of what we do when we exhibit at an event is based on this concept, that it should be a must read for anyone and everyone who is responsible for the creative aspects of a company's exhibit, literature, staffing, or media.

4.Creating Magic (Lee Cockrell)- Cockrell is best known as the Vice president of Operations at Walt Disney World, though his distinguished career spans a handful of other top notch organizations who's fortunes have been built on customer service. Cockrell shares the experience he has gained-often the hard way- while creating a top notch customer service team that is always "on stage"...much the way your crew is at your events.

5.The Complete Idiot's Guide To Meetings and Events (Robin E Craven, Lynn Johnson Golabowski)- This great reference piece is a fun and easy way to learn about what goes on behind the scenes at all sorts of events. Why do you or your staff need to understand what goes into the day of an event planner? Because knowledge is power when dealing with other people...people like, oh...let's say...event planners!

6.Get Motivated (Tamara Lowe)- Tamara and her husband Peter have spent decades on the motivational speaking circuit working alongside some of the biggest name you can think of, from presidents to movie stars. In her book "Get Motivated" she offers a quiz that will help show you your (or your staff members) "Motivational DNA", a formula which will help you properly understand who will best succeed at which tasks, as well as what will properly motivate them. Some people should NOT represent your company at events. It doesn't mean they are bad people- just ill suited for the task. This book can help you learn who those people on your staff are...and more!

7.Strengths Finder 2.0 (Tom Rath)- In this updated follow up to his original "Now, Discover Your Strengths", Rath delves deep into the 34 "Themes" that make up a person. Using an included test, readers can discover which of the 34 themes they score highest in, and how to best use them to improve their productivity and happiness. This book is an excellent tool to help you build your team, on and off the trade show/event floor. The moral of this book? Everyone has their strengths, and the first step to using them properly is to know what they are.

8.Selling: The Proud Profession (Zig Ziglar): Very few people reading right now will be unfamiliar with Zig Ziglar. He is quite possibly the most successful and well known motivational speaker and author of the last 50 years. In this short book, Zig shows -through the power of his charming story telling- the nobility and necessity of the sales profession. For manager preparing a sales team to staff a booth, or just to make more sales in their daily routines, this is an excellent confidence builder for any sales person who might be feeling too hesitant.

9.ThinkerToys (Michael Michalco): Thinkertoys is an thought provoking look at...well...provoking thoughts! Set up almost like a text book, this text is all about twisting your brain into a lean, mean, imagination machine. You'll turn ideas inside out, backwards, and upside down as you increase your creativity. Put the power of your imagination under the microscope with Thinkertoys, and find out just how much potential you didn't know your brain really has, and then use this power to create the best event you can.

10.The Little Red Book Of Sales Answers (Jeffrey Gitomer): This is the one that started it all for me. This book is made up of small one-two page "essays" covering a large range of tools that must be in every sales tool box, including (but not limited to) the topics of successful networking, follow up, preparation, engagement, and of course, asking for the sale.

Monday, January 10, 2011

Snowizona. There, now you don't have to watch the news tonight.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Feeling pretty good today, though the graffiti on the wall outside my office window is making my eyes roll a bit. Poor "Noodles"....

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Coffee down, news checked, baby sleeping...guess that just leaves the commute....sigh....