Friday Roundup: Issue 34

Every Friday we corral the latest industry news and happenings from around the web and dish it up with a side of baked beans and cornbread. Mmmm... cornbread. Here's the juice:

Judith Lindenau shares a great slide presentation about making the most out of your next meeting. (Judith Lindenau)

Think you need social media at every event? Event Manager Blog shares some reasons why this may not always be true. (Event Manager Blog)

Face-to-face meetings and the digital world collide as the social media takes center stage. (Interactive Meeting Technology)

New technology from Microsoft enables exhibitors to snap your picture at trade shows. (Meeting Support Institute)

US Travel Industry confident about adding 90,000 jobs in 2010. (Successful Meetings.com)

Industry All-Stars: Atomic Design

Here at CDP, we're proud of our products and always strive to give the industry the best in scenic designs. However we're not the only ones who make good events great. Industry All-Stars is a brand new feature where we showcase design excellence from other companies across the nation in an effort to recognize innovation and encourage scenic production during these difficult times. This month's Industry All-Star is Atomic Design from Lititz, PA. We recognize them for their game-changing product: Wafer Wall.

The Wafer Wall is one of Atomic Rental's most popular products. Its modular design allows the product to adapt to even the most unusual space constraint and instantly add dimension and depth to any event. Perfect for backdrops, screen surrounds, and space delineation, these dimensional shapes take light and projection with stunning results. Here's the scoop:

Installation Guidelines
Tie on to pipe or truss. Wafers easily connect together with snaps.

Specifications
Size : 24" H x 24" W
Fire Rating : FR
Weekly Pricing : $15 per wafer

Want to rent Wafer Wall? Click here to learn more about Atomic Design and how you can support this Industry All-Star!

Slideshow: 6 Rentals That Set Up In A Snap

Great scenic setups shouldn't require a degree in physics to install. At CDP, we keep it simple so you can focus on creating a great event. Here are six products that set up in a snap!

How To Win & Keep Clients

Every client counts. In a time when the industry is rapidly changing, it's more important than ever to generate new business and nurture long-term loyalty in your customers. So how can you have that edge that will help you rise above the rest? Read on and learn how you can be sure to win and keep quality clients:

Quick Turnaround

Don't be late to the party! Chances are, your prospect is getting RFP's from several companies when they have an upcoming event. Give them a preview of your professionalism by getting your proposal out quickly — before everyone else. It's an easy way to stand out from the crowd and win that next project.

Superior Service

These days, "service with a smile" seems like a relic of the 50's — it's been replaced by answering services, scripts, and endless policies. Get back to basics! People buy from people, not from institutions. Give your clients positive, genuine customer service and they will come back again and again. That's something to smile about!

Really Listen

Listen to what your clients are saying. Take the time to ask thoughtful questions and get him or her talking. Plenty of useful information will come your way if you can find ways to help your prospect open up. Try to look for the story behind the story. Your clients will call with what they "need"... try to give them what they "want."

Relationship Build

Your clients are more than just an email address and a phone number. Take the time to build a relationship that goes past the individual project. Help clients out even if you don't get the job — they will always remember your willingness to go the extra mile for them. Relationships are everything in this business and your dedicated efforts will keep your customers fiercely loyal.

Radiate Integrity

The buck stops with you. Always accept responsibility for mistakes and be transparent with your process. Honesty and integrity are key. When you make decisions, try to think: would I be proud if this was printed on the front page of my hometown newspaper? Projects come and go but your reputation lasts forever.

Customers Rave About Our 2-for-1 Sets

Customers are raving about the Stage Set Stimulus Package—where clients can earn dollar-for-dollar credit on their set rentals—and we want to share their stories with you! Brent Frost from Corporate Media Communications in Clemmons, NC had this to say:

“I’ve worked with Concept Design Productions for many years and have always been happy with their service and stage designs. I love working with them because their rental options are endless and their staff are willing to do whatever it takes to take care of me – they do what they say they’re going to do, which is critical in my business. The Stage Set Stimulus Package isn’t why I use CDP, but it’s definitely the icing on the cake. Their promotion has really helped me from a margin standpoint and has allowed me to grow my business. It’s an offer too good to pass by.

I don’t know what I’d do if CDP wasn’t around. Other scenic companies just don’t have the breadth and depth of product or the experience. One call does it all.”

Brent Frost
Executive Producer
Corporate Media Communications

The Stage Set Stimulus Package is our brand new program where you earn credit for every dollar you spend on our set & exhibit rentals. This credit can be applied to a second show – anytime – for a whole year. Want to get started? Click here learn more about The Stage Set Stimulus Package and start earning free stuff!

Friday Roundup: Issue 33

Every Friday we corral the latest industry news and happenings from around the web and dish it up with a side of baked beans and cornbread. Mmmm... cornbread. Here's the juice:

Don't fall victim to committee gridlock! Here are a few pointers from Anne Thornley-Brown. (Event Manager Blog)

Optimism is growing as travel demand rises this quarter. (Successful Meetings)

Brian McGovern offers tips on how to turn dead leads into customer evangelists. (Brian McGovern)

Learn how to save money on your event without cheapening the audience experience. (MeetingsNet)

Cindy from AE on the Verge shares 8 great tips on preparing for H1N1 this fall. (AE on the Verge)

Friday Roundup: Issue 32

Every Friday we corral the latest industry news and happenings from around the web and dish it up with a side of baked beans and cornbread. Mmmm... cornbread. Here's the juice:

Scammers take advantage of events companies desperate for new business. Learn how a smart planner avoided disaster... (Special Events)

Elite Meetings launched a new electronic RFP product at The Motivation Show in Chicago that promises to simplify hotel-buyer communication. (MeetingsNet)

Harvard study reveals that face-to-face meetings are still essential to doing business in the 21st century. (Successful Meetings)

David Patt shares tips on planning meetings for older attendees to maximize their experience. (AEM Blog, hat tip Sue Pelletier)

America's Hispanic population is growing and ready to buy -- how you can make authentic connections through event marketing. (Event Marketer)