Northwest Creative Imaging Blog

Northwest Creative Imaging offers a full line of hard molded shipping cases that work great for trade show booths, but can also work for many other products. The advantage to a shipping case is that it will help protect any item being shipped UPS, Fed Ex, Freight, or on an airplane. All of our shipping cases are in stock and available to ship the same day an order is placed. Almost all of the cases we offer include heavy duty latches, built in wheels, and an additional nylon strap to secure the lid in the event of a damaged latch.

The OCS shipping case is one of the most popular cases we offer due to the low price point and practical design. With inside dimensions of 39.5″x13.5″x13.5″ it works great for banner stands, table top displays, large graphic panels, and accessories. There are built in wheels and a handle making it very easy to wheel into a convention center, and the size is small enough that most airlines will take is as checked luggage!

OCS Case

We recommend this case to go with our banner stand walls, 22 mil PVC truss panels, 6 foot table top displays, and all types of large format graphics.

The OCB banner stand case is a new addition to our line up and is one of the most versatile banner stand cases available. The height is adjustable for the case so it works great for large banners and can be sized down to reduce shipping cost for smaller banners. The OCB case is in stock and can ship out the same day an order is placed.

OCB Case

Out of all the cases we offer, the OCP works for the widest range of products. This is the standard case used for many of our 10 foot pop up displays. The OCP case is capable of converting to a podium which solves two major problems at a trade show: storing the shipping case and purchasing and shipping an additional counter! The OCP will allow any exhibitor to safely transport items to and from shows.

OCP Shipping Case

We offer a low cost fabric case to counter conversion kit that is available in multiple colors. We also offer a graphic roll wrap that is printed on 22 mil PVC with full color digital printing. There are more case to counter conversion options including a graphic stretch wrap and Lambda case wrap for more flexibility.

Most of the shipping cases we offer are Made in the USA and come with a 1 year warranty against defects. We are always adding new quality shipping cases to our website so be sure to check in regularly to see our always expanding line of trade show accessories!

Starting today Northwest Creative Imaging is offering our lowest price ever on the Imagine, Advance, Barracuda, and Excalibur banner stands. All of these banner stands carry lifetime warranties and include anti-curl vinyl graphics. The sale will only last while stock is high so take advantage of this sale as quickly as possible!

The Barracuda banner stand is known for its high quality construction and reliable operation. There is a telescoping pole included making it easy to adjust the height of the graphic. The reinforced carrying bag that’s included will protect the banner more than a standard nylon carrying bag. Barracuda banner stands can be produced in 3 business days and can ship from either Chicago or Las Vegas. The Excalibur banner stand is the double sided version of the Barracuda. The quality of the stand is exactly the same and it also includes a lifetime warranty. The Barracuda and Excalibur are great options for any company that needs a banner stand that looks great, but will also last for years of heavy duty use. We also offer additional options for the Barracuda including lighting, hard shipping cases, and fabric graphics!

The Imagine banner stand offers many of the same features as the Barracuda, but with one major difference, an interchangeable graphic cartridge. The Imagine is designed to quickly and easily remove the retractable cassette holding the graphic allowing it to be swapped with another in a matter of minutes. This feature is ideal for any company that does multiple conferences in a short period of time. The interchangable cartridge makes graphic replacement faster and easier than ever before. The Advance banner stand is the double sided version of the Imagine. It has two interchangable graphic cassettes making it even more versatile than the Imagine. There is a lifetime warranty on the Imagine and Advance banner stands and all vinyl graphics are printed on a no-curl substrate.

One of our most popular banner stand lines, the Orient, now comes with a lifetime warranty on the hardware! The Orient offers many great features including multiple sizes and material options, anti-curl vinyl, double sided graphics, and black or silver hardware finish. The reliability of the Orient is unmatched by any other banner in its class making it ideal for clients requiring a banner that will hold up for years of heavy use. The reliability of the Orient is due to great engineering and quality control, and the high quality graphics will last just as long as the hardware!

Durability, reliability, and price point make the Orient a popular choice!

The Orient hardware that is constructed from high quality aluminum is available in a silver or black finish. It uses a premium spring mechanism that contributes to its reliability. The footprint of the banner is about 8″ wide making it very stable without using a twist out leg. While the Orient is a high quality, durable stand its still very lightweight and easy to transport. A carrying bag is included with every banner to make transportation simple. Graphics can be changed at any time to refresh the look and style of your booth space!

Anti-curl vinyl makes the Orient a great value

Out standard low priced vinyl option is premium Flatmaxx anti-curl vinyl. This material is guaranteed to lay flat without curling on the ends like many other vinyl materials. We include this material with our discounted pricing to insure every banner will last for years. The combination of a lifetime warranty on hardware and a vinyl graphic that is guaranteed not to curl makes the Orient a very smart choice for anyone looking for a reliable banner with a warranty to back it up!

Here are a few trade show trends that have proven to be noteworthy so far in 2011.

Hard to believe we are already halfway through 2011!  Looking back on the first few months of the year, the predictions many experts made about the most important trends we’d see at the trade shows seem to be coming true.  Here are a few things that have proven to be noteworthy so far this year.

Market Growth

Many of us are still feeling the pinch from the recent recession, but the economy does show signs of improving, which means that businesses are starting to loosen up on their travel budgets once again.  As a result, after a couple of slow years, trade shows are showing a bit of a turnaround.  Remember, businesses benefit from sending their employees to trade shows, keeping them up to date on their industry.  As the economy improves, therefore, trade shows are becoming popular business trip destinations once again.

Regional Focus

While trade show attendance is growing once again, the price of gas is driving the cost of travel up, so many businesses are focusing on more local trade shows and events.  As a result, attendance of trade shows is becoming much more localized than it used to be, which changes the focus somewhat.  Trade show exhibitors are taking advantage of this more local audience by utilizing regional identity in their marketing message.  People tend to associate strongly with their regional identity, and as a result marketing results.

Social Media Marketing

Another trend that trade shows are demonstrating is the switch to social media and related forms of marketing.  Although social media marketing used to be a little bit scary for many companies and entrepreneurs, the idea has now taken root.  For instance, just like many exhibitors used to have a sign-up sheet where you could enter your email address to receive electronic newsletters — quite the revolutionary idea there, for a while — now exhibitors promote their Twitter and Facebook pages, where attendees can sign up to get regular updates about company offers, industry news, and upcoming events.

Going Green

Environmentally friendly practices are becoming an expectation and an industry standard, not just a nice added touch at a trade show.  Going green at trade shows demonstrates that you are an environmentally responsible company.  For instance, if you hand out coffee or snacks, look for cups, plates, and plastic wear that are recycled or biodegradable.  You can also print signs, business cards, brochures, and other handouts on recycled materials.  Better yet, instead of handing out lots of paper, give attendees business cards with a website URL where they can go for info sheets or free downloadable booklets.  A promise of a free offering will make it more likely that they’ll go to the website later on!  Think about green initiatives when you purchase anything, even pop up displays for trade shows.

This year has been an exciting time for trade shows.  As the economy recovers and people begin to travel for business a little more, more people are attending trade shows than the past couple of years, and we are seeing some exciting trends take root.  While regional identities and social media change the face of marketing as we know it, the green movement is also encouraging greater corporate responsibility.  These exciting trends promise great things for the rest of 2011 and into 2012!

How has technology helped enhance YOUR trade show experience?  The answer might surprise you…

You may be going to a technology trade show, but have you ever stopped to think about how technology has made your trade show experience even better?  No matter who you are, technology has made an impact in how you experience trade shows, and it goes beyond fancy pop up displays.  Here are a few examples.

Trade Show Organizer

If you are organizing a trade show, then you probably already know several of the ways in which technology helps you out.  For starters, there are lots of software and online tools available to organizers, such as scheduling tools, registration tools, etc.  Computers do so much of the work with scheduling, accepting payments, and registering exhibitors that the organizer’s job is much easier now than it used to be.  Even communicating updates and sending out reminders to exhibitors can be done much easier now, using automated emails and social media.

Trade Show Exhibitors

Exhibitors may benefit the most from the technological advancements that have been made.  For instance, they can:

• Search for trade shows using the Internet
• Register for shows online
• Use social media such as Twitter, Facebook, and blogs to market upcoming shows and follow up on leads after a show
• Manage lead information

Social media marketing has especially taken off as a way to market trade shows and cultivate leads.  Facebook, Twitter, and blogs provide a great way to reach potential customers and let them know about upcoming shows and events, not to mention an excellent way to do something with the contacts you make at a show.  By collecting email addresses and/or social networking handles, you gain a way to reach potential customers that is much more effective than the traditional methods.  After all, social networking is something that people do a lot of: Most people spend several hours per week, if not per day, checking Twitter and Facebook and reading blogs.

Social media marketing isn’t the only technology that exhibitors have benefited from, though.  The scheduling and registration tools that organizers use also help by making it easier for you to find and sign up for shows.  In addition, you can get software that will help you manage and track the leads you gain at a show.

Trade Show Attendees

Last but not least, attendees enjoy many benefits from technological advancements in the trade show tools available.  Not only is it easier than ever to locate and register for trade shows using the Internet, for attendees as well as for exhibitors, but it’s also easier to find your way around with the event guides for cell phones and tablets that some organizers are providing.  Email and social media reminders and updates also apply to attendees as well as exhibitors.

The Future of Trade Shows

Believe it or not, someday trade shows may take place on the Internet, just like shopping, dating, and scores of other things that were once exclusively part of the physical world.  Some online trade shows are already taking place, which reduces the cost to everyone involved.  Organizers can run a less expensive show, while exhibitors and attendees can avoid travel costs, among other expenses associated with going to a trade show.  Since the economy has caused a decline in the number of people attending these shows, and with the rising cost of gas and other travel expenses, we can see online events becoming more popular someday.  For now, though, the physical experience of going to a trade show offers a lot more than an online event!

How has technology enhances your trade show experience?  What technology do you see emerging in years to come?

There are multiple types of outdoor banner stands that are designed for many different uses. One of the most common banners is the feather and tear drop banners. They are typically used for outdoor advertising on streets or in front of retail locations. These banners work so effectively because of their size and eye-catching “flapping” motion in the wind. There are multiple sizes available varying from 7 feet to 20 feet with either single or double sided prints.

Feather Style Outdoor Banner

There are multiple base options for use in soil or on hard surfaces. The spike base is very large and will hold the banner in very high winds. The X base is for use indoors or in low wind areas. The heavy duty water base works great for high wind areas where the spike base is not an option. The feather banner is one of the best options for advertising because of the versatile size and base options. They work great for churches, schools, retail locations, and sporting events.

Outdoor portable billboard displays are large outdoor banner stands that are used to market big events. They are much larger than standard outdoor banners because their purpose is to draw attention from a distance. Portable billboards are ideal for companies having sales, auctions, or one day events. They are very helpful to assist in drawing in more potential clients to a one day event.

Outdoor banner stands have many uses so its important to examine your needs before choosing a product. Shopping around and researching is the best way to determine the best banner for your company or organization.

Should you rent your trade show booth, or buy it?  Don’t make a decision without first reviewing the pros and cons of renting.

Doing a trade show is great advertising for your company, but like every marketing opportunity, there are expenses associated with it.  One decision you will need to make is whether to rent or buy pop up displays or a trade show booth.  There are obviously good reasons for both renting and buying, and which decision is right for you depends on factors such as how often you plan on doing trade shows, how easy it is for you to store your booth year round, and whether you have special needs for your display.

To help you make your decision, here is a quick rundown of the pros and cons of trade show booth rental.

PRO: Renting costs less up front. Purchasing your trade show booth means a hefty upfront cost, whereas renting allows you to spend a smaller amount every time you do a show.  Renting is therefore much better if you don’t plan on doing many shows, say, five or fewer.

CON: Renting can cost more in the long run. If you plan on doing a lot of shows, renting may actually cost you more over time.  Think of purchasing your booth as an investment; other than the cost of transporting it and storing it until your next show, you won’t have any further costs, as long as you keep it in good condition.  After a while, the cost of renting a booth for every single show will supersede the cost of the buying the booth.

PRO: Renting means you don’t have to store your display between shows. The cost of storage isn’t anything to sneeze at, especially if you don’t already have the space to store it — you’d have to rent a storage unit, which would quickly undermine the investment of owning your own booth.

CON: Either way, you still have to transport your display back and forth for every show. Renting doesn’t eliminate all the costs of owning a trade show display.  You’ll still have to pay to transport it back and forth to your shows.  People often think that the rental bill is the only expense you’ll have, but that’s not quite the truth.

PRO: You can change your display with every show. When you buy your own trade show display, you are making an investment, but you are also making it harder (or more expensive) to change your look with every show.  If you want to be able to change or expand your display as needed, especially if you’ll be going to a lot of shows and don’t want your booth looking the same at every show, renting becomes a much more viable option.

CON: Purchased displays are often easier and faster to set up, and can be customized for your needs. Don’t forget that when you purchase a display, it’s made for you, and will often be easier and faster to set up.  A rented display is often unwieldy and requires a lot more work for you to set up for your business, especially considering you probably aren’t familiar with the setup, which will make it take even longer.

PRO: You won’t have to buy a new display when yours wears out, or when you want to expand or upgrade. Although purchasing your own display is an investment in your business, it’s one you will have to make again and again.  For instance, if you are doing a lot of shows, you will need to replace your display regularly as it wears out.  In addition, if your trade show needs change, you will have to pay to expand your display, or replace it with one that better suits your needs.

CON: Your rental will have wear and tear from other companies using it. Don’t forget that when you rent a pop up display or trade show booth, you won’t be getting shiny new equipment every time.  Rentals are typically pretty well used, and may not be sufficient quality to stand up under the wear and tear as something that you might buy yourself.  A good rental company will replace their displays before they get too worn out, but this is still something to consider when deciding whether to rent or buy your trade show display.

When it comes right down to it, the biggest deciding factor in whether renting or buying is right for you is how many shows you intend to do.  If you are planning on doing a lot of shows every year, for instance, you will probably benefit from buying: You probably won’t need to expand often during a short amount of time, and you will get a lot of use out of your display.  However, if you only plan on doing a show here and there, you will be much better off renting.  Your display needs can change a lot from year to year, and if you are only doing one or two shows a year, buying may not be as good an investment as you might think.

There are lots of good reasons whether a trade show booth or pop up display rental or a purchased display might be right for you, so consider your options carefully before making a decision!

Social media marketing is a hot new trend in trade shows. Here are a few tips to help you make it work for you.

Social media marketing is hot, and trade show exhibitors are starting to catch on as well.  Since a lot of people admit to spending several hours a week (minimum!) on Facebook, Twitter, and other social networking sites, these sites make a perfect place where you can reach your target market with a minimum of fuss — and a maximum of results.  Social networking sites make it easy to follow or “like” a business’s page in order to see recent updates on friends’ and fan pages.  Even blog platforms such as Blogger have a “Follow” feature now, which allows users to see their favorite blogs’ most recent posts, making it easier than ever for you to reach your readers.

Use your Facebook or Twitter page to update friends or followers on upcoming events and shows. Existing fans will appreciate a heads up about upcoming shows, other events, and industry news. Use your Facebook or Twitter page to let potential attendees know when shows will be, where your booth is, and whether you are offering any giveaways throughout the day.  Make visiting your booth at the next show sound as tempting as possible!

Social media offers a lot of marketing opportunities for trade show exhibitors, before, during, and after the show.  How else have you utilized social media at or in connection with trade shows, in order to help promote your company?

Summer is fast approaching which means outdoor fairs and promotional events will begin in full force. Looking ahead its always a good idea to make sure your entire outdoor promotional material stock is ready and up to date. This may mean replacing a worn out tent or replacing the graphic on your outdoor banner stand. One thing to keep in mind is that outdoor promotional products are seasonal which means inventories fluctuate drastically. This results some products going out of stock during high demand periods.

When it comes to marking at outdoor events its critical to have a well designed space that can draw in buyers. Plan ahead and make sure all of your promotional products are up to date. Waiting until the last minute could put your company in a bind, especially if an item is temporarily out of stock.

Northwest Creative Imaging offers a full line of the most popular portable outdoor products at very affordable prices. One of our most popular products is the outdoor feather flag banner.

Tear Drop Shaped Flag

Effective promotional products are the key to successful outdoor events and will result in a much higher return on investment. We offer fast turnaround on every product and only sell quality products that are tested in house. Partnering with Northwest Creative Imaging for your next outdoor event will make it possible to stay within budget while receiving quality products that will last. Stay tuned to the site for new products that will be available shortly.