As a company, we often visit a variety of different shows – whether or not we have a client exhibiting at that show. It gets the creative juices going when we see a new technique or style that others have designed in to their exhibit.
We’ve also witnessed booths that have been train wrecked; graphics, lighting, color coordination – all gone wrong. On top of that, booth personnel are joking amongst themselves, stuffing themselves with huge submarine sandwiches… or worse, no one’s home.
Gimmicks are also a favorite of mine. You have the proverbial spinning wheel routine, a free photo of yourself behind a Harley®, or something different like a game of skill. People engage in these things hoping to win something…….
A few months ago, another Account Exec and I attended a show in Anaheim, and came upon a booth that had an enormous tree trunk. And here’s the gimmick…It was a race against you and the booth guys to see how fast you could pound in a nail…….well, it struck our curiosity so we decided to try. (Hey, I’m somewhat of a handy man around the house so this should be easy…….)
Mike went first and failed miserably. It was a little embarrassing for him. My turn came up. It was a race between them and me …….1, 2, 3…….pound! Well, I was REALLY embarrassed as I missed hitting the nail on the head a couple of times and, of course, I lost. Then they moved us along so the next fool could try their luck.
“So Mike, where’s the booby-prize?”
“I don’t know ….do they give us a pen or something?”
“Come on, let’s get out of here”
What was the point of this game? Did they engage us in a conversation about their prodct after making a fool of ourselves in front of the crowd? Where’s the consolation prize (as in “consol”)?
We actually went back and to observe this joke. Others had the same experience….wipe-out. No thank you. Move along.
Here’s the deal…..EVERY ONE MUST WIN! I don’t care if it’s a dumb pen or a lottery ticket. Don’t impress the crowd with how fast you can beat me!
This is a trade show exhibit NO-NO. Please make note of IT!…….
