Friday, December 23, 2011

It's Not Too Late...To Increase Your Company Exposure

We still have several great sponsorship opportunities available for the 2012 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show to help you increase your brand and company exposure at this year's event.

- Aisle Sign Sponorships
- Rotating Kiosk Sponsorships
- Biscuits & Bluegrass Break

Please contact Kristin Torres ktorres@beef.org or Sara Konkel skonkel@beef.org today to see how we can help you increase company/brand exposure and help you have the most successful convention yet!

Thursday, December 22, 2011

What's Your Pre-Show Marketing Plan?

Do you currently have a pre-show marketing plan in place?  If so, does it include purchasing the pre-registration list?

One of the many great benefits of being an NCBA Trade Show Exhibitor is that you have the exculsive right to purchase our pre-registered attendee list for a one time pre-show solicitation. 

Let attendees know where your booth is located on the show floor and what great items/products are going to be featured at this year's show.

Please contact Sara Konkel at skonkel@beef.org for to learn about how you can purchase this list today!

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Closed For The Holidays...

Happy Holidays!

This a friendly reminder to let you know that NCBA Offices will be closed starting at noon on December 23rd through January 3rd for the Holiday.

Hope you all have a wonderful and safe season, we look forward to a great show in 2012!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Exhibitor Tip: What to Consider When Determining the Best Staff for your Trade Show Booth

It may not always be the best idea to have your top salespeople staff your tradeshow display. There are several reasons to consider others to staff your booth.
  1. Most salespeople are born and bred to “close sales” and very few sales can actually be closed at a trade show.
  2. Salespeople will most likely have a number of current customers at the show. Tradeshow marketing objectives are, for the most part, based on gathering leads. It may be better to allow your sales staff the freedom to spend time with their customers and use others to staff your booth.
  3. Salespeople are typically very hard to manage. A well trained, disciplined approach to booth staffing may produce better results. 
So if not salespeople, then who does make the best booth staff? There is no one correct answer to this question. I believe that each company needs to look at the goals and objectives that they have established for each show and staff accordingly. Each tradeshow exhibit, large or small, should have a preplanned basic procedure for handling visitors that is designed to properly communicate your chosen message, answer any questions and record lead information for follow-up.

There should be people assigned to greeting and qualifying visitors to the booth. This role should be filled by a person who is approachable, pleasant, smiling, energetic and a good communicator. Choose people to fill this role very carefully, as they will make that first and lasting impression on your prospects. Once a prospect has been qualified, this person should also be capable of delivering a brief presentation on your company.
As conversation with the prospect continues into more depth, there must also be someone in the booth that is very product or service knowledgeable. This could be a technical person, manager, or inside sales representative. Ideally, with the help of your staff, the prospect gets the information they need and leaves your booth with a positive impression of your company.
Think about your goals for the show and make sure to select and send the staff that gives you the best shot at not only meeting your goals, but exceeding them.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Have You Registered Your Booth Personnel?

Don't forget to register your booth personnel for the 2012 NCBA Trade Show...the pre-registration deadline is Wednesday, January 4th.

Friday, December 16, 2011

Don't Miss Out On These Great Savings...

Did you know that if you order your booth carpeting and furnishings online through Freeman you will receive a 30% discount? You will also receive advanced order pricing if you order before the January 16th deadline.


Make sure to take advantage of these great savings today!
Be sure to visit Freeman Online Today...
http://www.freemanco.com/store/show/showInformation.jsp?nav=02&showID=239573&referer=s

Monday, December 5, 2011

Exhibitor Tip: 5 Must Haves For Your Pre-Show Marketing Strategy

1. Know your audience
2. Focurs your message
3. Be specific with your objectives
4. Extend marketing resources
5. Create an experience

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Last Chance...One Day Left To Reserve Your Ad Space In The Beef Resource Guide

Have you reserved your ad space in the Beef Resource Guide yet? 

If not, do so today as we have limited space available and there is only one day left to secure your space.  You do not want to miss out on getting exposure to over 6,000 attendees at this year’s event by advertising in the Beef Resource Guide, the official onsite publication & exhibitor guide for the Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show.   

To secure your space today, please contact Lorie Liddicoat at lliddicoat@beef.org.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Chane To Meeting Room Request Deadline

Please note that we have moved up the Meeting Room request deadline up to December 9th.  Therefore, if you are interested in having a meeting in conjunction with this year's Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show you will need to submit your forms to Debbie Kaylor before the December 9th deadline.

CLICK HERE to access the form.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Donate To The PAC Silent Auction

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s Political Action Committee (NCBA-PAC) and Political Education Fund (NCBA-PEF) will once again be holding our annual Silent Auction in conjunction with NCBA’s 2012 Trade Show in Nashville, TN on February 1-3.  
The NCBA-PAC Silent Auction has always been a very popular attraction, it offers you the      opportunity to showcase your organization,  increase your marketing power, and magnify your exposure, while helping to strengthen the political voice of the cattle industry with the policymakers in Washington D.C. 
CLICK HERE to download the donation form.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

All Star Line Up For The 2012 Cattle Industry Convention

You won’t to miss out on these great events for the 2012 Annual Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show

Opening General Session: Lone Survivor”
Kick off this year’s Convention with Marcus Lutrell, the author of the 2007 #1 New York Times best-selling book, Lone Survivor, tells the harrowing story of four Navy SEALs who journeyed into the mountainous border of Afghanistan and Pakistan on Operation Redwing.  An unparalleled motivational story of survival.

General Session II: "How to stop the Partisan War that is Destroying America" Based on their successful USA Today column Common Ground, political speaks Bob Beckel, a liberal Democratic strategist, and Cal Thomas, a conservative columnist, take on the most controversial issues of the day.

Best of Beef Breakfast: Tip your off hats to fellow cattle industry members as we honor the “Best of Beef” at this Celebration Awards Ceremony with special host Kyle Bauer, representing NAFB and KRFM Radio.  With special music performances by Mike Snider and the Mike Sinder String Band. You won't want to miss this celebration of the industry.

Honky Tonky Party: Join us for the largest honky tonk party Nashville has ever seen, held in the middle of the Gaylord Opryland Hotel on the Delta Island.  Sip and sample your way through the 4 1/2 acre indoor garden as your socialize with producers from all over the country.  Enjoy local food flavors and music from the heart of honky tonk!

Cowboys Night at the Opy & Barn Dance: Join your fellow cattlemen for a night of great music and entertainment at the Grand Ole Opry.  It's where country music became famous! Enjoy an EXCLUSIVE Grand Ole Opry performance featuring country music artisits Charley Pride, Little Jimmy Dickens.  Also taking the state will be the Del McCoury Band, Edens Edge and comedian Henry Cho!

Following the Cowboy's Night at the Opry, you will have the chance to dance the night away at the Barn Dance back at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel.

To view the full registration brochure with all event details for the 2012 Annual Cattle
Industry Convention, CLICK HERE.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Exhibitor Tip: Creating A Stand-Out Small Exhibit

A Stand-out Small Exhibit

You don't need a mammoth-sized exhibit or piles of money to make a big (and memorable) statement at your next show. Use these five tactics for getting the biggest bang out of your small booth.
  1. Use lighting.
  2. Keep it simple.
  3. Employ bold colors.
  4. Invest in graphics.
  5. Be proportionate.
To view the full articile, please visit Exhibitor Online at http://www.exhibitoronline.com/tips/tip-display.asp?counter=664

Friday, November 4, 2011

Purchase The Pre-Registration Attendee List

The Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show Pre-Show Attedee list is available for purchase exclusively for NCBA Trade Show Exhibitors. 

Let your current and potential customers know that you will be at our show and invite them to stop by your booth space with a direct mail peice or electronic post card.  You do not want to miss this great opportunity to promote your brands and company at the largest show in the industry!

CLICK HERE to download the order form.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

What Is Your Pre-Show Marketing Strategy?

Have you implemented a pre-show marketing plan for the 2012 NCBA Trade Show?  If not we highly recommend that you do to get the most out of your presence at the show.  Here are few ideas that you can incorporate into your marketing strategy:

- Become a convention sponsors to increase your exposure on site

- Purchase the pre-registration list (available exculsively to NCBA Exhibitors)

- Send a direct mail peice to all pre-registered attendees

- Send an e-postcard promoting your prescense and booth draws during the show to pre-registered attendees

- Send a press release to all publications promoting your company and booth location

- Let your current customers know where your booth is at on the NCBA Trade Show floor and add your booth # with a convention location to your email signatures

- Utilize the resources show management has provided in the Marketing Kit & materials

For more pre-show marketing tips and advice on how to implement your pre-show marketing strategy please visit http://www.beefusa.org/marketingkit.aspx to view the Full Marketing Kit.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Carpeting & Booth Furnishings

A friendly reminder that carpeting in your booth space is a show requirement, however, carpeting will not be provided with your booth space purchase.  You can provide your own or purchase rental carpet directly through Freeman along with other booth space furnishings.

Make sure to order online so you receive the 30% discount in addition to your advanced order rate today, please visit http://www.freemanco.com/store/show/showInformation.jsp?nav=02&showID=239573&referer=s to place your orders.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Don't Forget To Get Your Housing Reservations & Booth Personell Registered

Exhibitor Housing & Registration For The 2012 NCBA Trade Show Opened On September 26th

If you have not yet made your housing arrangements, please do so through our official housing block at the Gaylord Opryland and CLICK HERE to secure your rooms today.

Each exhibiting company received their personal registration link from Show Management, to get your booth personnel registered.  If you would like us to resend that link to you, please contact Sara Konkel at skonkel@beef.org  or at 303-850-3345.

Please note that Exhibitor Housing & Registration will close on Wednesday, January 4th

Monday, October 31, 2011

Exhibitor Tip: Seven Ways To Slash Pre-Show Mailer Costs

Seven Ways To Slash Pre-Show Mailer Costs
Pre-show mailers can be a good way to draw attention to your exhibit. But they can also be a budget buster to produce. Here are seven ways to keep mailer production costs down


1. Mind the size limits
2. Go two-color
3. Go four-color on the cheap
4. Use existing artwork
5. Purchase "photo disks"
6. Create one mailer for mulitple shows
7. Choose only one paper stock

To view the full article on Exhibitor Online, please CLICK HERE

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Beef Resource Guide Listings Deadline Fast Approaching...

Don't forget to submit your company 50-word description and logo to Sara Konkel at skonkel@beef.org by the November 1st deadline to be included in this year's Exhibitor Listing.

Please contact Sara Konkel at skonkel@beef.org or 303-850-3345 to make sure you have submitted your description or to receive a copy of what was printed last year.

Friday, October 21, 2011

Exhibitor Tip: Helpful Hints On Exhibiting

Decide what you want to do with your booth and establish exhibit objectives: increase sales, introduce a new product, improve a public image, differentiate your product line, etc.

WHAT MAKES VISITORS REMEMBER YOUR EXHIBIT
There are many reasons an exhibitor decides to participate in a particular exhibition. The key measure to success is how effectively the exhibitor achieves their objectives for that show. Since objectives vary widely, it is difficult to compare one booth against another, even if booths have similar products. An underlying component of success, however, is the degree to which booth visitors remember what they saw and the name of the exhibiting company. The following facts are from a research report, which was designed to study the identifying factors that make an exhibit better remembered.

HOW VISITOR MEMORY IS INCREASED BOOTH PERSONNEL - This is a key factor when measured by the percentage of prospects actually contacted by booth personnel. Effective booth performance has a positive influence on visitor memory.

EXHIBIT APPROACH - This factor is as important as booth personnel to increase visitor memory. Having an attractive, well-arranged booth is most important, while attention getting techniques (such as games, entertainment, etc.) score low because they tend to overshadow the product, attract non-qualified visitors, and perhaps keep sales personnel from making contacts.

OTHER FACTORS - Elements of booth design (fits a western theme), company identification and speedy follow-up inquiries play important roles.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Show Shipping Information

WAREHOUSE SHIPPING ADDRESS:
Exhibiting Company Name / Booth #__________
NCBA TRADESHOW 2012
C/O FREEMAN
1701 Lebanon Pike Circle
Nashville, TN 37210

Freeman will accept crated, boxed or skidded materials beginning Tuesday, January 3, 2012, at the above address.  Materials arriving after January 23, 2012 will be received at the warehouse with additional after deadline charge.  Warehouse materials are accepted at the warehouse Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM.

SHOW SITE SHIPPING ADDRESS:
Exhibiting Company Name / Booth #__________
NCBA TRADESHOW 2012
C/O FREEMAN
GAYLORD OPRYLAND RESORT & CONV CTR
2815 Opryland Drive
Nashville, TN 37214

Freeman will receive shipments at the exhibit facility beginning Sunday, January 29, 2012.  Shipments arriving before this date may be refused by the facility.  Any charges incurred for early freight accepted by the facility are the responsibility of the Exhibitor.
Please note: All items and materials that must be brought into the facility may be subject to Material Handling Charges and are the responsibility of the Exhibitor. This also applies to items not ordered through the official show vendors.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

We Can Help You Book Meeting Space

One of the many benefits of being an NCBA Trade Show exhibitor is that you can book meeting space at the Gaylord Opryland at no additional charge.  So if you are having a small meeting or meal function, we can help you out.

To request meeting room space, please fill out the Meeting Room Request Form in your Exhibitor Kit and return to Debbie Kaylor at dkaylor@beef.org by November 4th.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Advertise In the Beef Resource Guide & Increase Your Company's Exposure

Increase Your Company Exposure At The 2012 Cattle Industry Convention…

Reach over 6,000 attendees at this year’s event by advertising in the Beef Resource Guide, the official onsite publication & exhibitor guide for the Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show.   

Please contact Lorie Liddicoat at lliddicoat@beef.org for ad rates and availability.

Reserve your ad space today, you don’t want to miss out on your opportunity to get your company and products in front of attendees!

Friday, October 14, 2011

Exhibitor Tip: The Key For Successful Exhibit Graphics

 THE KEY FOR SUCCESSFUL EXHIBIT GRAPHICS
Excerpt from The Exhibit User's Handbook: Fried Goose Eggs
By Don Woodard

For a sign or graphic to successfully communicate its message, its purpose needs to be determined. Most graphics and signs will accomplish one of three possible functions:
  1. Attract
  2. Inform
  3. Direct
 Signs or graphics designed to attract are generally placed high on an exhibit for maximum visibility. These signs are often a bit more "glitzy" on large exhibits to catch the viewer's attention. To inform, signs and graphics need to clarify what it is that you are offering, and each show may require a different message. Be specific to the needs of each show's audience.

Any sign or graphic used to direct needs to assist the viewer to move to the "next step" or location must be clear. If there is any confusion as to where to go next, the sign or graphic should be considered unsuccessful.



To view the full article, please CLICK HERE.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Beef Resource Guide Listings Due November 1st

Don't forget that your Beef Resource Guide listings must be submitted to skonkel@beef.org by Tuesday, November 1st.

If you would like to see what was published in 2011, please contact Sara Konkel.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Do You Need Meeting Space ???

If you would like to request meeting space for the 2012 Cattle Industry Convention, CLICK HERE for the meeting room request form.

All meeting request forms must be submitted to Debbie Kaylor at dkaylor@beef.org by Friday, November 4th.

If you have questions in regards to the meeting room forms, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Receive a 30% by ordering online with Freeman...

Freeman online is pleased to announce that you will receive a 30% discount in addition to your advanced order discount if you order online at http://www.freemanco.com/store/show/showInformation.jsp?nav=02&showID=239573&referer=s

Please note that the advanced order deadline is January 16th, so make sure to take advantage of this great offer.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Exhibitor Tip: How To Generate A Buzz For Your Booth

You want to make a positive impact on your organization by increasing its media attention and visibility in your industry, but how do you get people to start talking about your company without appearing like every other organization with a boring pitch? Here are a few tips to help you generate the booth buzz that you want at your new tradeshow...

To view the full article CLICK HERE!

Monday, October 3, 2011

Exhibitor Kit Now Available Online

The 2012 NCBA Trade Show Exhibitor Kit is now available online. The exhibitor kit has general show information as well as order forms for booth furnishings, electical, computers, AV, Floral, etc.  Furnishings can now be ordered online by visiting Freeman's website 

http://www.freemanco.com/store/show/showInformation.jsp?nav=02&showID=239573&referer=s.

*If you have questions on the exhibitor kit or can’t find what you are looking for please direct questions to skonkel@beef.org or 303-694-0305.*

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Don't Forget To Submit Your Listing For The Beef Resource Guide

Your 50-word company descriptions and logos are due to skonkel@beef.org by November 1st. Email your company description and logo or fax back the completed forms to skonkel@beef.org or 720-259-1409 by the published deadline to be included in this year's listing.

If you would like to request a copy of what was printed in the 2011 publication, please contact Sara Konkel.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Exhibitor Registration 101...

As you all know, exhibitor registration for the 2012 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show is set to open on Monday. In planning for this year's event, please allot some time to register your booth personell prior to the January 4th deadline.

Housing & Registration is open exculsively to NCBA Trade Show exhibitors 2 weeks prior to attendee registration.  Just another great benefit you receive as an exhibitor. 

Our registration process is web-based and your personalize company link will be send directly to the primary company contact listed on all information on Monday morning.  Please know that you as the primary do not have to register yourself as the system has already done so.

Should you run into questions or issues during the registration process, please do not hesitate to contact us for assistance at 303-694-0305 or meetings@beef.org.  We are here to help you out and make the process as seemless as possible.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Exhibitor Housing & Registration Set To Open In 1 Week!

Exhibitor Housing & Registration is set to open exclusively to NCBA Trade Show exhibitors on Monday, September 26th

Exhibitor housing & registration is all processed online and both the links will be sent directly to the exhibiting company's primary contact person.  You will be able to make your housing arrangements and register your booth personnel at that time.  So make sure to keep an eye out for that information at that time.

Questions???? can be directed to meetings@beef.org or 303-694-0305

Monday, August 29, 2011

Booth Space Payment Deadline!

A friendly reminder, booth space payments for the 2012 NCBA Trade Show are due on Thursday, September 1st.  Please make sure to send your payment in if you have not already done so.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

2012 NCBA Exhibitor Housing & Registration Dates

Exhibitor Housing & Registration is schedule to open on Monday September 26th!

The NCBA Trade Show management team will send out the links to get your housing accomodations and registrations made for this year's event, so please stay tuned for more information!

Friday, August 19, 2011

Check Out The New BeefUSA.org

NCBA recently launched our new and improved website.  Check it out at www.beefusa.org to get up to date industry information and key details on the upcoming 2012 NCBA Trade Show!

Monday, August 15, 2011

Have You Registered For The Exhibitor Site Visit Yet?

REGISTER TODAY !
What: 2012 NCBA Trade Show Exhibitor Site Visit
When: September 8th & 9th
Where: Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
Nashville, Tennessee

Your company’s participation in the 2012 NCBA Trade Show is key to the success of the show!  We value your participation, commitment and opinion and invite you to the 2012 NCBA Trade Show Exhibitor Site Visit. 

Plan on joining your NCBA Trade Show Management Team along with other key planning staff from NCBA for a tour of the convention center, meetings with show vendors and fellow exhibitors on September 8th & 9th, 2011 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, TN. 

Attached you will find your invitation to this year’s Exhibitor Site Visit with detailed information in

CLICK HERE to register and make your housing arrangements today!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Welcome To The 2012 NCBA Trade Show Exhibitor Blog!

Greetings Exhibitors!

We are incorporating an exhibitor blog for the 2012 NCBA Trade Show to keep exhibitors up to date and in the know for our upcoming show.  Check out key information for this year's event, connect with fellow exhibitors and ask your show management team questions. 

The good news is, you will no longer be receiving the Exhibitor Newsletters as the blog will be replacing those monthly and sometimes weekly emails.  Please feel free to use this blog as a reference in preparing for the NCBA Trade Show for show hours, schedule of events, upcoming deadlines and all the information you need to need to know in preparing for a successful show, so follow us today!

You can always of course contact your show management team as we are here to help you have the best show yet!