POLL: Why did you choose your trade show partner?

As your company chooses a trade show partner, it’s very important to keep some key items in mind to ensure they fit together with your company’s goals.

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The True Definition of Team at the 2010 Chicago Triathlon

As our team has stated before, EVOLVE isn’t just a slogan. We are dedicated to evolving as a team and pushing ourselves to the limit.

Well, this weekend we are truly pushing ourselves as a number of our team members are participating in this weekend’s Lifetime Chicago Triathlon, one of the largest Triathlons in the world. Over 7,000 indisviduals will race for a cause, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Our team couldn’t be more excited and pumped to participate in this big event. Each team member has been dedicated to working hard and making sure they are prepared to do one of the most rewarding and challenging task of their lives. As a company, we couldn’t be more proud of what these team members have accomplished already as they lead into this weekend.

The Triathlon events kick off early Saturday morning and a few members of the team have some thoughts on how they feel leading into the race:

“I am proud of the commitment team 3D has shown in preparing for the event.  The hard work is done, now it is time to relax and enjoy the race experience. The team is excited and ready for their first Triathlon.” – Gene Faut, President

“Oh my gosh, I can’t believe it is almost here. The nerves have past and I am on to excitement. I have been training since April, so this week will be tapering down and concetrating on not getting hurt. I can see the finish line…” – Jolene Nork

“As a Mom, I feel like I do everything for my kids and family and don’t get to do things for me. The Triathlon this weekend is something I am doing for myself and I am really excited that I put the time in and focused on doing this for me. I am proud that I have stuck this through because believe me, there were times when I couldn’t train for a week because of a sick kid and I thought I wouldn’t be able to do this. I know that I have to do this for myself!” – Jaime Jachim

“We’re down to the wire now. All the training, sweat and getting ready will be put to the test this weekend. It is going to be a gas. Good luck to all the 3D Tri-athletes. The finish line is in sight.” – Jim Mischke

“I never thought I would be participating in a Triathlon, but after months of training, I think I am ready. I am both nervous and excited but most of all really proud of myself! Just crossing the finish line will be a huge accomplishment!” – Shauna Hogan

The entire 3D Exhibits team couldn’t be more supportive and excited about our team members crossing the finish line. Best of luck to everyone participating and we look forward to sharing the experience with all of you!

Here are just some of the team members participating in this weekend’s Triathalon. We can’t wait to post a group picture at the finish line!

Industry Veteran Joins 3D Exhibits

POLL: Which technology tool do you use most often?

Each person has their own technology tool of choice to stay connected, communicate through social media and engage with new applications. Which tool do you use most often? Comment and let us know what you like most about it.

Which technology tools do you use most often?

• iPad
• Blackberry
• iPhone
• Windows Mobile
• Android

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How to Successfully Coordinate Shipping Your Trade Show Environment

You can’t have a successful show without your trade show environment. So why do many professionals take shipping for granted? Successful coordination or shipping logistics starts as early as the planning phase. One must be extremely detailed in the coordination of all environment pieces to ensure on time delivery.

There are many shipping options an exhibit professional can utilize including in house or contracting shipping.

Many time companies will hire contracted experts to assist with in-house freight logistics. This helps many account teams save time and put their focus on other aspects of the show. Exhibit companies that have the capacity to handle their own logistics have the ability to facilitate, pack, and ship within the confines of their own warehouse. This means allot less work for you as your team has it under control.

No matter which option you choose here are some shipping tips to help you be more efficient.

• Budget for shipping costs: As I stated earlier, this is often overlooked when developing a program. Shipping prices are determined by a number of factors including (location, time, weight, dimension size, etc.) But there are other factors to include like current gas prices, number of vehicles, and third party vendors. Make sure to get any shipping quotes in writing and work with your team to manage deadlines.
• Avoid the Last Minute: This is what kills most budgets. Make sure you and your team have a firm understanding of deadlines. Also, make sure you consider factors that are out of your control, like weather.
• Consolidate: Remember it has been estimated that about 10% of show attendees will interact with your environment. For example, there is no need to have 100,000 giveaways at your show. Another way to be more efficient on shipping costs is to take what you can with you, but not everything. Take a look at necessary items that you  carry-on, then you will ensure you have these items when you arrive to the show. Items like computers, DVDs, tools, or jump drives are great items to travel with to ensure they arrive on time.
• Make a Plan for the Return: What costs you money to ship out will cost you money to ship back, so pay attention to the show’s shipping rules and regulations. Review the paperwork, evaluate what is necessary to ship back, and review the invoice after the show to make sure the invoice matches your estimate.

Remember this applies to your entire staff, both the people at the show and you support team at the office. It is extremely important that staff educates themselves on all documents from Bill of Ladings to final invoices. Developing a routine from pre-shipment to post-show inspection upon arrival, can help the team be more efficient and better manage your shipping budget.

What is your plan for shipping? What cost saving measures have you used when shipping to a show?