There are so many new ways to change how we do business with social networking technologies. Traditional revenue streams may dry up, but opportunities for building new business relationships have never been better.

That is why we started a new LinkedIn group called "Greener Tradeshows" for entrepreneurs and marketing professionals who are looking for eco-friendly display options.

Greener Tradeshows is a leading resource for event professionals who want to provide cleaner and greener trade shows, conferences and expos. Many green entrepreneurs and marketers need sources for greener products.

This networking group provides a venue where people can sort through the greenwashing to find the best options for sustainable exhibiting practices.

Topics include: greener display products, greener sign and graphic materials, green business networking, re-using with rentals, and green trade show tips.

I think that trade shows are an essential part of relationship networking, and always have been. There is nothing like in-person contact. But, getting to know people before the show via LinkedIn, Facebook and industry specific associations will help to make each contact more valuable.

We are saturated with so many marketing messages that we can often be running on information overload. That is why building relationships is still so important in business. Use trade shows for meet-ups and in-person networking.

Good News!
I also think that sustainable business practices - think reduce, reuse, recycle - will help people to make decisions based on needs... We will still be spending money, but each choice will be carefully thought out.

On November 4, 2008 Duo Display signed a 1 million euros contract with "Direct Energie Renouvelable" to equip the entire roof of Duo in Lansargues, France with Solar Panels. Duo will produce energy in excess of its consumption.

ExPrT is a distributor of Duo Display trade show products. We are proud to be connected with a company who offers cutting edge green display products!

It’s easy being green!

Earn a $100.00 ExPrT gift certificate toward the purchase of a new portable display when you send us your old portable display to recycle.

Plus, we will include free ground shipping for your new portable display.
We will recycle your old portable display regardless of manufacturer.

ExPrT’s commitment to Earth friendly exhibit design includes working to ensure that display equipment is properly disposed of at the end of its useful life.

ExPrT’s free recycling program for portable displays makes it easy for you to play a role in helping to protect the environment.

1 - Opt in

Fill out ExPrT’s Recycling form and send it along with your old portable display. Fax a copy of the form to 262-252-8669 with expected package delivery date.

ExPrT will send you a $100.00 Gift Certificate within 2 weeks of receiving your old display.

The ExPrT Gift Certificate is good for $100.00 off of any portable display. Certificate is valid only at ExPrT – Exhibits, Graphics & Signs. Certificate is valid for 90 days.

2 - Package

Package your old display in a box or carton appropriate for ground transportation. Must be packed to ensure product will not shift or break. Securely seal each box. Weight limit per package is less than 70 lbs.

Send to:
ExPrT – Exhibits, Graphics & Signs
N60 W14592 Kaul Avenue
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051

3 - Order

Place an order for your new portable display at ExPrT – Exhibits, Graphics & Signs within 90 days and we will include free ground shipping of your portable display to anywhere in the contiguous United States.

Download the ExPrT Recycling Program Form for more information!

Signs make a statement about your company and how you relate with your community. Signs do more than identify your location, they help to brand your company and attract customers.

Take time to plan the design elements of your sign with a sign professional at ExPrT, we will help you achieve a balance of these sign essentials throughout the planning process.

Visible Signs

Have you ever looked for a business and couldn’t find their sign? It is frustrating to be in an unfamiliar location searching for clues of how to find your destination. Customer service begins with your sign, find the best location for easy viewing, and consider multiple signs if people will be coming to you from various directions.

• Sign Size— make sure your sign is large enough to be seen, make it easy for people to find you.

• Letter Height—Rule of thumb, 1” of letter height for every 10 feet of viewing distance.

• Maximum Exposure—Place your sign in a location that gives you the most exposure to your intended customers.

Readable Signs

Sometimes simplicity is best. Make the best use of your space and emphasize key words and phrases with larger letters, bold fonts, and color. Pictures, illustrations, and borders give visual cues to help clarify your message. Use a font that is attractive, yet easy to read.

Noticeable Signs

Use design elements to stand out from your surroundings. Color contrast, use of light, and creative design can all help to get your sign noticed.

Sustainable Signs

Signs that are visually attractive add character to your community. The planning stage is the best time to consider materials for longevity and energy saving alternatives for lighting your sign.

The internet is a great place to start when planning to exhibit or attend a trade show event. Most trade show events offer websites prior to the show dates. Take a few minutes to virtually explore the trade show on the internet before you head out the door. This will save you time on the exhibit hall floor.

Exhibiting -The Latest and Greatest

Exhibitors will find professional exhibit companies online who can provide helpful advice. Most professional exhibit companies offer tips on the latest exhibiting trends and products.

Remember, there are many exhibit companies competing for your marketing dollars. Credibility is important in the trade show industry. Look for experience, great customer service and guarantees. Check out a few websites to get a sense of the “look and feel” of the exhibit companies to find a good match.

Connect and Save

If you know of other companies in your area who are exhibiting at the same event, check into sharing shipping costs. Exhibit companies appreciate referrals and will often give you great discounts for multiple exhibitors going to the same trade show.

Attending a show?

Like planning for a great vacation, you can highlight the most important things you want to see ahead of time. Event websites often offer exposition hall maps, schedules, pre-show entertainment venues, meals, trade show specials, and workshop information. Navigating through the material ahead of time will help you feel familiar with the event.

Some things to consider are…
• Who are the exhibitors you are most interested in visiting at this show?
• How will you find the vendors you want to see? Print out the exhibit hall map and highlight the trade show booths you want to see – take note of any landmarks to help orient yourself when you are in the convention center hall.
• What are the show specials? Vendors often offer great discounts that are available during the show only.

Make Your Own Networking Opportunities

Trade show events are great networking opportunities. If you want to get some quality time with someone at the conference or trade show, try e-mailing your contact person 1 or 2 weeks ahead of the event.

Check out the event schedule and offer to meet-up at one of the meals or workshops. Connecting ahead of time will help you and your company to stand out in the crowd.

After the Expo

Once the aisles clear and everyone packs up and goes home, it is easy to forget the new contacts you have met. Take a few minutes on your first day back to connect with your new VIP’s via e-mail or phone. This will help to build a business relationship that goes beyond the trade show event.

The internet may seem like a “virtual” world. But, the business connections we make today over the internet are sure to turn into money-making opportunities in the real world.

For years we have been pleased to have an on-site graphics department to compliment our exhibits. ExPrT is a premier provider of Milwaukee signs.

ExPrT is pleased to announce the newest addition to our graphics department with the arrival of our new HP 9000s Designjet Mild Solvent Large Format Printer.

This printer allows us to print vivid colors with excellent durability for indoor and outdoor signs & banners.

This new technology gives us the ability to print higher quality prints at a reduced cost - which means a savings for our clients.

We also have a new artwork upload feature on our website. This helps to make the printing process more efficient than ever!

At ExPrT we have all of the capabilities of smaller sign shops in our area. We also have the detailed knowledge of how signs and graphics work with exhibits and sales centers.

Our Graphic Arts Department assists artists and photographers with an outstanding selection of fine art papers for giclee prints.

Please call us to discuss your project, 1-800-566-4492.

ExPrT offers a creative but structured work environment. If you have a lot of drive and enjoy a challenge, ExPrT may be the place for you.

We are always on the look-out for talented graphic designers, dedicated customer service representatives, shop workers, and sales people.

If you have an interest in exploring career opportunities at ExPrT,
we'd love to hear from you.

Invite your audience into an interactive experience with your exhibit.

Brainstorm about each of these areas to increase interest.
• words
• pictures
• activity
• numbers or logic
• music/sound
• self-reflection
• social experience

The more you think about your goals for the show ahead of time, the more measurable your results will be after the show.

Intelligent design takes time and preparation. Make sure you meet with our staff 2-3 months prior to your event to begin to consider the details for your show.

Consider Your Market

Who do you want to see at your show?
What benefits do you offer that will attract your target market?

Utilize Experts

• Profit from the experience of experts and avoid costly mistakes.

• Trade show professionals will keep you up to date with the latest trends and tools for today’s dynamic face-to-face marketing.

The Exhibit Face Lift

Everyone knows the 3 R’s of Recycling: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.

Greening the trade show industry is a big trend in 2008, and we expect it to continue for the next few years. “This is the perfect time to remember that a great “green” option is to reuse your existing booth.” says Russ DuQuaine from ExPrT.com. “An exhibit face lift saves money and resources. Plus, it shows your company’s commitment to “going green”.

Tracy Estock from ExPrT – Exhibits, Graphics and Signs offers tips to renew your trade show display:

• Update the “look and feel” of your booth with bright new colors.

o Check out this year’s color trends on the internet: See The Color Marketing Group and Pantone.

• Refresh your image with new trade show signage –

o Remember … Fewer graphics on a grand scale will attract more attention.

• Convert to energy-saving LED lights.

• Change Direction - Add modular components to your existing booth and move from a backwall (inline display) to an island or peninsula display.

• Ask about new Earth-Friendly products.

o From fabric to aluminum, using recycled and recyclable products makes a big difference.

People are clamoring to get onto the “green bandwagon.” Refurbishing an existing trade show exhibit is a genuine way to engage in sustainable business practices. Companies get great press for using creative ingenuity when remodeling their old trade show booths. Plus, it adds an interesting news item to show before and after pictures of the exhibit in your company newsletter.

ExPrT has outlined a “Green Commitment” to sustainability. DuQuaine remarks, “We think it is important to be leaders in making Eco-Friendly trade show products available to our clients. We have a research and development team looking into new products that will help to protect our environment.”

Rent, Recondition & Recycle

Looking for more options? Most exhibit houses offer trade show rentals for portable exhibits, truss displays, carpet and trade show accessories. You can also purchase used displays and have them reconditioned to your specifications.

If your exhibit has truly seen better days and you need something new, consider the benefits of recycling your old exhibit. ExPrT – Exhibits, Graphics and Signs recently launched an Exhibit Recycling Program which offers incentives for recycling existing displays.

One way to make the most of your exhibiting venue is to get involved with the presentations.

Become an expert at something relevant to the show and “brand” yourself around this topic for the trade show.

Offer a workshop on your topic for the event and attract interested people to your booth.

When people recognize your face in the crowd they will be more likely to stop and chat, and learn more about your company in the process!