Corporate Functions Go Chic With Blackline Tattoos

How would you like to have your next corporate event in a tattoo parlor? Now hear me out...

Okay, unless you are hosting something that is worthy of a little flair (i.e., not a corporate training session on the company’s new information sharing policies) this venue might seem a little over the top. Does part of you not feel a little intrigued, though? Blackline Studio will help you appease the curiosity you are feeling. It is a high end tattoo/clothing boutique/art gallery that hosts events (even corporate events, if you are so inclined).

Blackline Studio has already hosted more than a few high profile functions, including the kick off to L’Oreal Fashion Week in Toronto, and this venue seems to be the talk of the town. So if you are looking to spice up your next corporate (or non-corporate) meeting, why not take a tour? And then organize your materials, practice your presentation, book your laptop rentals, and surprise your team with your effortless coolness. Sure it may be considered by some to be a gamble. Really, though, what could be a more bonding team building exercise than a round of tattoos for everyone? I’m game...well, for the meeting anyway.

Las Vegas Conventions and Trade Shows

I am going to take an educated guess and say that Las Vegas in one of the most popular convention location places in North America, if not the world. It is one of my favourite spots; who wouldn’t want to attend a convention in Vegas?

There are likely thousands of conventions taking place in Las Vegas in 2008 alone.

If I were to plan one and only one convention or trade show this year, it would be in Vegas. I would pack up (or at least reserve) my corporate computer rentals and take the next flight to Nevada. Think about all the trade show entertainment available at your disposal. And all of the exciting meeting venues you would have to choose from.

I have provided above a couple of links to a great Las Vegas Convention and meeting resource that I found through tsnn.com. Is there anything you can’t find on the Internet these days?

Non Corporate Trade Shows for Spring

There are two fun and exciting expos/tradeshows coming to Toronto this spring. You will definitely want to leave your corporate clothing and corporate computer equipment at home when you attend these two shows. In fact, even if you are exhibiting at either of these shows, you will likely leave corporate computer rentals off your plans.

The first show is the All About Pets Show this weekend at the International Centre in Mississauga. If you are crazy about pets, this is the show to attend!

The second show is the One of a Kind Spring Craft Show and Sale, coming to the Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place. Psst. It is also coming to Vancouver, Chicago, and New York. Click on the graphic for more info.

Both of these shows will be a nice break for the average business person looking to attend something non-corporate. Plus, either of these shows will likely be the perfect venue for the corporate trade show exhibitor looking for some “out of the box” inspiration for his or her next trade show booth theme.

LifeFest Coming to T.O

The LifeFest Expo, being held in April at the Metro Toronto convention centre, is just around the corner.

If your target market is women, 25-50, and you have been looking for the perfect event to exhibit your product, this is probably the event for you. The MTCC is jam packed for the entire duration of this event. In other words, there are NO slow periods. Women (myself included) line up to visit each and every booth, be it hair products, make up, diapers, skin care, or health drinks.

I personally look forward to going to this event every year. There is not much that would make me miss it.

If you do plan to exhibit at this event, here are a few pointers:

1. Bring lots of staff. I am not exaggerating when I say women will be lined up to see your booth.
Bring LOTS of product samples.

2. Take advantage of notebook rentals. Collect attendees’ individual info and update it regularly. It will be too much to deal with if you wait until the end of the weekend.

3. Stay organized. With such big crowds, it can be easy to lose your cool. If you stay organized, you will be less likely to feel overwhelmed.

4. Keep in mind, the women at this show want to see your product! You have a great opportunity to sell so enjoy it!

Walk the Walk and Talk the Talk for Trade Show Success

The other day, Sue, the author of BestPromo blog, wrote an interesting entry about building brands at tradeshows. Sue’s article made a lot of sense and I particularly liked her suggestions to have your tradeshow booth representatives wear stain, sweat, and wrinkle resistant logo golf shirts.

I personally have always been put off by rumpled looking sales people at booths. I know, understand and always try to remember that I should show a little forgiveness. I know better than anyone that days at tradeshow days can be long, hectic, and break-free BUT first impressions are pretty much everything, especially in the tradeshow business.

I think that, even if the expected attendee base at a trade show is likely to dress casually or even a little sloppy, it is still important to have a clean and professional appearance. I am not saying that it is necessary to wear a three piece suit and spend thousands of dollars on a booth but a clean, wrinkle-free outfit and a spruced up booth is essential.

If you are not already, try wearing logo wear and taking advantage of projector or laptop rentals for your next tradeshow.

Trade Show Venues: Is it time to shake things up?

I have been thinking a lot lately about trade show venues. I have been attending a lot of the same shows year after year and some of them have become a bit stale for me. There are probably a million options that organizers have to help spruce up an old tradeshow or corporate event. I personally would love to attend a few tradeshows in unique venues.

I cannot possibly be the only person to think that it would be fun to attend a tradeshow or corporate event in a museum, on a cruise ship, or maybe even at a theme park. It might even make the creative aspect of the tradeshow easy on the exhibitors. After all, if you are exhibiting in a food court or a carnival then, well, your theme is pretty much layed out for you. All you need to do is take care of your computer equipment rentals and execute your booth well.

Auto Show Sparks Idea

Just before I went on vacation a couple weeks ago, I attended a huge car show. I keep going back and forth on whether or not I would like to buy a new car and I thought that this would be the perfect venue to help me make up my mind. It wasn’t of course. I still have not made up my mind, but this trade show did help to narrow my list of possible cars, should I choose to purchase.
Vehicle indecisions aside, the first thing I noticed when I went into this auto show (besides VW’s rabbit petting zoo) was how many LCD projectors were in use. Every where I looked, almost every manufacturer had an LCD projector rental featuring their car commercials. It was very exciting! In fact, for me, it helped set the mood and energy level for the entire show.

So if you are looking to create excitement and energy level at your next trade show booth, consider taking advantage of LCD projector rentals.

Healthy Foods International Expo and Conference Coming to Dallas

I was checking out tsnn.com’s blog again this morning and I came across an announcement for an upcoming tradeshow. A Healthy Foods International Exposition and Conference Is coming to the Dallas Convention Centre this June and, oh my gosh, wouldn’t I love to go to this one! As we all know, I am a totally addicted trade show junkie BUT I also happen to be a health food nut! I Anyway, registration is free for this event if you happen to be a retailer, distributer, or broker and there is even chances to win cool stuff at registration.

If you plan to visit this industry trade show, you might check out the BestPromotions.com blog; they just wrote an entry about environmentally friendly cotton totes. I am thinking that that promotional item would be a huge hit at this exposition / conference. Also, check out VernonComputerSource.com. They will be able to help you with all of your corporate computer rentals – A must if you want to stand out at this show!