Technology Spotlight – Microsoft Tag

The trade show industry is constantly evolving with the emergence of new technology. Here at 3D Exhibits, we are always searching for new and innovative ways to incorporate new technologies into our trade show environments.

One of the newer technology applications that caught my attention is Microsoft Tag. Tags allow anyone to connect digital content into an informative, entertaining or interactive experience right on your mobile handset. This initiative is becoming more and more popular as it is transitioning our world into connecting digital media with physical objects, something that will be a large part of our future.

The unique concept of Tags is they allow brands to attach digital media directly onto the code, for viewers to be directed to each time they scan the Tag. When the Tags are scanned, it automatically opens the content attached, such as a YouTube video, article on a blog, photo or any Website URL that is attached.

The possibilities are endless! Each Tag is unique and it allows brands to strategize how they want the consumer to receive their message and interact with their brand.

Some examples of how you can utilize Tags for your trade shows are attaching a unique Tag to pre-show mailers, within your environment, attached to staff clothing or directly on your business cards.

Tags can be created by anyone directly on the Microsoft Tag website. One key advantage of using Tags for your business are they are fully customizable. You can personally design your Tag to fit the look and feel of your company brand and/or trade show environment.

Connect with 3D Exhibits to be a part of the evolution in 2010 by scanning the attached Tag.

On top of having the opportunity to attach unique content to specific Tags, you’re also able to track exactly how many people are scanning your information. Microsoft Tag gives you a platform that allows you to track how many individuals scanned your Tag each day, providing real time data to use for your trade show’s analytics.

The best part about Microsoft Tag it is a free application and is usable across all major phone platforms, ensuring your information will not be limited to certain smartphone users. All you need is a camera-enabled mobile device to read your company’s Tags.

Has your company jumped onto the Tag Reader concept? How are you currently using it? What ways would you like to start using Microsoft Tag for your business?

The Formula For Trade Show Success

The basic trade show formula for success is relatively the same, regardless of whether you are an experienced exhibitor or new to the industry.

The environments may change, but going in with a strategic plan and goals will provide you with a road map for show success.

Here are my top tips for a successful client trade show.

• Clearly understand your overall goals: Your approach to launch a new product or service will have a different feel than an informational show. This will help establish overall show goals and objectives, as well as the theme while providing a benchmark for success. Additionally, this will help you plan how to plan your staff appropriately for the show.
• Who are you talking to: The audience for a consumer trade show is very different than a Business-to-Business show; you must educate your staff accordingly. It is key to prepare your staff on how to engage the audience. Your conversation with a CMO is going to be different from a discussion with a dealer or a customer.
• Attract the right people: It seems so obvious, but this can be a bit tricky. The key to attracting the right audience to your booth starts with a strategic pre-show dialogue. Knowing who is attending your events will help determine whether you should use traditional means or incorporate newer technologies. The attraction can be carried over to the event by having a unique experience in your trade show environment. We have found great success using different A/V technology and we have leveraged social media to offer new ways to interact with the show environment.
• What is the post-show plan: You have done all the work and have had a successful show. Now what? There are too many good leads generated at shows that are not followed up. It is important to establish an information system that assigns roles for your team. This way everyone is aware of what they need to accomplish post-show, and within a specific timeline.

Trade show success requires a cohesive plan throughout the event. Utilizing these tips can help increase your trade show success.

What are some of your tips for success? What would you add to this formula?

Going The Extra 5,280 Feet

If you do the math, 5,280 feet equals a mile. In customer service, going the extra mile can take shape in a variety of different ways. It could be as simple as sending a “Happy Birthday” message to a key client or putting in extra hours to make sure customer projects meet deadlines.

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Supplying the Demand

To continue to evolve our client product offerings, we have invested resources in technology development. [ ... continue reading » ]

No More Cookie Cutters

Meeting the needs of clients is a key success to any business. At 3D Exhibits, it is now more important than ever. Our industry is rapidly evolving and the traditional cookie cutter trade show approach simply won’t cut it.   [ ... continue reading » ]