Marshall Yard:

Fabtech International is coming November 11th - 14th to our back yard in Chicago. Being that Fabtech is going to be in Chicago, Kevin decided he was going to find out just what this welding industry was all about.  He visited McCormick place, but was more enthralled with the new Soldiers Field, news is he didn’t have a field pass, and was out there trying to kick a field goal. 

He went out on the streets, and the little fella forgot his googles, boy, you can lead a turtle to water, but you can’t make him swim! Anyhow, he went to interview some of the welders, and they did tell him safety first!  Being as loveable as a turtle can be though, they opted to talk with him. 

Fabtech has an attendance of over 25,000 and over 900 exhibitors already signed up.  The industry professionals look forward to the array of products that are displayed in varies size exhibit booths.   Kevin thought the most interesting sounding event of the entire trade show would be the Job Fair, he is currently not real sure he likes just hanging out in the sales department, because its to quiet, since Nancy has been on the trade show circuit for some time now,  Deb has behaved herself. 

Therefore he opted to go downtown, the train ride was a bit rough, but he parked his ride at the Barrington Train Station where there was a kind public works gentleman waiting to help him with the fairboxes.  He couldn’t stretch his legs far enough to insert the dollar bill.

He found himself talking with some of the professionals in the industry, metal forming, fabricating, and welders.  He most liked the metal forming, he was interested in the possiblilities of bending and shaping such material in almost any way you can think.  If he could walk on metal with more ease, he would be heading home to design a new structure for his tank for when he grows, FROM THE MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF FOOD he is consuming.  Which brings him to his lunch, he suggests if you get a chance to check out some of the local restaurants downtown, one in particular, he loved was Ron of Japan’s, he sat around a large table and ate ton’s and ton’s of egg sauce. 

Kevin suggested if you can afford it to stay at the Loews Blue’s Hotel, its an electic place, and spins I Dream of Jeannie with the Morrocan theme. If you don’t have the money at least stop in the bar and visit the little room that truly reminded him of I Dream of Jeannie.

 Smiley World attends the International Licensing Show at Javits Center - New York City, this intersting booth design was a collaboration of several individuals with in the halls of Catalyst Exhibits.

 The Licensing Show is an annual trade show with over 23,000 industry professionals in attendance.  It is very impressive to see the size and extensive licensing businesses in the confines of the Javits Convention Center.

Javits Convention center is located at 655 West 34th Street, New York, NY.  10001 and houses many trade show’s throughout the year.

Kevin is growing, and growing, it’s a wonder why, the little mascot eats all day.  Recently we switched over his food, we purchased one with more protien.   If you are interested in Turtle Food you can find a variety.

Kevin has also been scurrying around the front of the tank since we purchased a new rock, unlike our exhibits, this is a more simple design for his ease of use. Which for the first 5 days, he was adamently not wanting to use, but the previous rock, GOT to small since he has become so large.

Its fun to see everyone stop by and talk with Kevin, as if he was human. His closest cube mate Lauren, often blows him kisses, and disgusts our Account Manager for Siemens, Nancy Galford. At one point, the cleaning of the tank almost made Nancy crawl under her desk. After she found out they used her garbage can to facilitate Kevin for a short spell, she ordered a new can. Come on Nancy, get with the program!

The halls of Catalyst are often times beaming with screams and at the root of most of those screams is one of our Account Managers - Deb.  When I first came to Catalyst I was fore warned and have only gotten traumatized by the prankster one time.  Hiding behind a door, pretty mild. 

I share with you a story of Deb & her family - it is my understanding it is a family of pranksters and goofs, imagine yourself in Deb’s shoes, she has traveled to San Clemente for a very anticipated family reunion, her flight was one of the last to arrive, she was very excited to see her other siblings, she is one of four.

She had not seen her brothers new domicile and had no clue to where he actually lived.  They approached the home and Deb was beaming with excitement and anticipation of a weekend filled with laughter, food, throw in some booze and most of all spending time with family.  Her brother approached the house and told Deb he was going to pull around back, but to take her bags, and go on in, the kids where waiting, so, being Deb, beaming with enthusiasm for life and laughter she ran up the steps, bag in tow and burst through the door. 

Imagine the horror - when she realized her brother dropped her off at a complete strangers!

Stay tuned for What lies in wait as Deb opens a secret santa gift……

Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate!  I have recently been reading about trade show give-aways, and just wanted to mouth off, since my back is killing me and I can’t do much more than sit straight up.  I thought I would get on a soap box about my most favorite chachkie,  chocolate. 

I went to the ISSA Trade Show for Janitorial Supplies down at McCormick Place in Chicago, and forgot, I am not 18 anymore and wore heels. BIG mistake on my part, yet, soothing chocolate seemed to get me through the day or was it the envy of the 18 year olds in the really high heels, I dont know, so give me more chocolate.   After trudging through the aisles of toilet paper, vacuums, floor machines, I had to focus - sending my husband back down the aisles of air freshener and window squeegees, he brought me more chocolate coins.

So, my point,  is when you are in doubt, remember people do love to snack, and sometimes, these trade shows can be a bit on the dull side, bring in the chocolate.  Its a winner and its got sugar!

A great blog to read about Chocolate! Some entertaining facts!

Update: By the way, after I moved on from a previous employer, who brought me to the ISSA Trade show, I couldn’t believe the cost of toilet paper, those were some good samples to have around.

There are actually several companies that offer excellent ideas for trade show giveaways and promotional items!

My company has instituted a new plan, providing care packages to our clients to use while their booth is being set up. Do you really think this is an added service?

Signed: Personal Touch

Dear Touchy,

I applaud your company in recognizing that GREAT customer service. Satisfaction is an indispensable part of your daily operation and is more than just a financial transaction. In this age of “e” business, most companies and clients have become accustomed to fulfilling orders and requests that are being closed via electronic means, which eliminates all aspects of the human touch. The “art” of personal touch” is a concept that has gone by the wayside.

After talking with you at length, I am very impressed with Catalyst Exhibits’  implementation of this care package. These kits include all the tools that might be needed by your client in case anything comes up on the show floor. This also shows how you are listening to your clients’ small talk and remembering to include some specialty items and treats that he/she may favor, and may have mentioned in casual conversation. I would encourage you to welcome input from others in your company that may have personal contact with the client as well.

Personalization is all about providing information that reflects what you know about a certain customer, and what you know is changing all the time. Recognizing that the set up of a trade show booth can be a long laborious task, this care package sends a positive message of “we know and we care” and provides a distinct message of exceptional customer service. I don’t think that any client can deny that being thought of, or having their needs responded to, is a welcoming feeling in today’s market. In this environment, personalization is critical to helping customers, keep them, and give them the best service in the trade show exhibit industry.