Well, it appears that the world’s lack of money management is bearing down on the U.S. economy. Or, we are the leader of primary cause of the downfall. Who knows? At times it appears that is the case but then I blame it completely on the people out there who use those credit cards and do not know how to pay it back. Then they go and try to find debt consolidators that tell them “You DO NOT have to pay the credit card company what you borrowed”. I have news for you “YES YOU DO“. It’s called borrowing and not paying back, oh wait that’s called “Stealing". No matter, It’s just one of my rants saved for another blog elsewhere. So what do people do when they feel pressure and forces pushing down form them on all sides? They regress. They regress and hide. And that’s exactly what is happening right now.
Guess who is feeling it really bad right now? The trade show industry. That’s who. Hotels are feeling the crunch, airlines are feeling the crunch, rental car agencies are feeling the crunch and thanks to all those – so is the trade show industry. Some are downsizing while others are just nesting and are waiting to stop regressing.
So I ask myself “What to do? What are we going to do as a design community as a whole?” Truthfully there’s not much we can do except try to prepare for the sudden on-rush of trade show event and graphics business that is going to flood every state, when companies realize that the only way back on the face of the map after the recession is to exhibit. So I know I will be waiting. In the mean time, if you read this remember to start your planning now so you can get ahead of the pack.
Analyze your ROI from last years trade show season and put it into next years budget. Review your marketing plan and get those images in order for your new graphics. Just remember, your competition is already doing it.
THINGS TO CONCENTRATE ON WHILE YOUR REGRESSING
Your next years marketing campaign
Try to focus on the components that are completely within your control. Copyrighting, brainstorming about your branding. Now is the time to focus on your branding.
Your next years graphics for your marketing or trade show season
Are you going ot use last years graphics? Do they say exactly who you are and most importantly where your going?
Your ASI "at show" giveaways
What are you going ot give away next year? Plan for it and get the pricing behind you. Get the logo ready to go to the presses so your not scurrying around when you need it.
And Most importantly
Book your hotel while the prices are still low.
Look ahead and find your shows. Even though things are tough does not mean you can not be PROACTIVE and try to get a jump start on your competition. Book ahead and strike while the iron is hot.
Posted by 2exhibitguys 
