The Cytower - THE blog for corporate events professionals!

Thanks for being our readers!

2010-01-19T15:41:00.000-08:00

Concept Design Productions is committed to reaching out to it's customers in every way possible. Over the last 12 months we have published a company blog called "The Cytower" and we have measured the statistics reflecting the interaction of our marketplace. We discovered, to our surprise, that although it was an active forum for sharing industry information, it did not attract a reasonable population of our customers or referrers. As a group, they are busy producing shows and events, not reading blog posts. We learn and evolve. This is the last posting for the "Cytower." If you wish to stay current to Concept Design Productions please subscribe (on our website) to our monthly newsletter and regularly visit (www.conceptdesigninc.com) for new product and service information. Thanks for your past participation and we wish you good results in 2010.

Top Designs of 2009

2009-12-21T13:50:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays from all of us at Concept Design Productions! As we wind down the year, enjoy a slide show of some of our best stage show designs of 2009.

Friday Roundup: Issue 35

2009-12-17T15:52:00.000-08:00

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:

Elizabeth Weaver shares how she gets the most out of her conferences using Twitter. (Thanks for Playing)

This new online social media tool will help you attract more attendees to your events. (Event Coup)

Marketing executives look to branding alternatives as exhibit spending declines. ( Association Meetings)

Industry leaders call on their experiences to give us 10 effective tools to ride out the recession. (Special Events)

Best of the Blog 2009

2009-12-14T09:56:00.000-08:00

It's our one-year anniversary of The Cytower Blog and we're dishing up the best posts from 2009. So grab a hot chocolate and kick your feet up, here are the highlights from this past year...

Friday Roundup: Issue 34

2009-12-04T06:11:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-23T07:12:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-18T06:30:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-16T06:47:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-02T06:37:00.000-08:00

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

2009-10-30T07:27:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-16T06:35:00.000-07:00

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)

Web Marketing for Event Professionals

2009-10-14T06:36:00.000-07:00

Brian McGovern has a killer new web video series on marketing your events business online. Topics range from Google rankings, to attracting more traffic, to not looking like a doof with your site copy. Did I mention it's free? Boo-yah! Check out his introduction video below and see what it's all about:

To watch the full series, click here and check out the vids!

5 MORE Industries That Are Doing Work

2009-10-12T08:42:00.000-07:00

Six months ago we gave you five industries that are still doing events, despite the economy. Now we're dishing on five more marketplaces that are healthy and waiting for your next bid!

Friday Roundup: Issue 31

2009-10-09T06:57:00.000-07:00

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:

Star Alliance rolls out new discounted fares for meeting travel. (MeetingsNet)

HSMAI released a new survey showing the value of face-to-face meetings, despite new technology. Plus, does virtual teambuilding work, or is it just bells and whistles? (Successful Meetings) (Event Manager Blog)

Sue Pelletier riffs on how courting conference attendees is like going on a first date. (face2face)

What grandma can teach you about staying connected in your business. (Trade Show Tales)

Free Webinar: Twitter 101

2009-10-07T08:04:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder what exactly Twitter is and why you should care? Here's your chance to get the inside scoop. Event Marketer Magazine is hosting a free webinar where tech wiz Ken Briodagh and tech n00b Rory Thompson share their experience with Twitter and how it can impact your business FTW!

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP!

Twitter 101
hosted by Event Marketer Magazine
by Ken Briodagh & Rory Thompson

Friday, Oct 9 @ 12 noon (EST)

Take The Stress Out Of Paying The Bill

2009-10-05T08:59:00.000-07:00

Paying the bill is never fun, but it doesn't have to stress you out! This month we're bringing you five ways you can take the stress out of the "money stuff" so you can focus on what you do best — running your business! Read on, fellow producers...

Negotiate Up Front
The easiest way to keep your wallet full of cash is to work with your vendor up front to keep costs manageable. Paying the bill is already a chore... why be stressed the whole time about the price tag? Save costs by renting, choosing the right labor, and anticipating shipping needs. And don't forget to ask your vendor for advice — they spend all day with their stuff and they'll know the tricks you can use to do it right the first time.

Read the Fine Print

Always always always read the terms and conditions. In today's internet age, we're used to skipping past all the boring legalese and getting to the good stuff. Problem is, many companies bury their most important terms in the fine print. Avoid "gotcha" moments and read the boring stuff too!

Earn Some Flexibility

With the economy as bummer-tastic as it is, many of your vendor's clients are defaulting on their payments. As a result, vendors are increasingly asking for payment upfront. This can be stressful! But before you get upset, take it as an opportunity to earn your vendor's trust. When you act in good faith with your vendor (like paying even sooner than their deadline... whaa??) you earn respect that can be cashed in for more favorable terms the next time 'round.

Plan For the Unplanned

The number one snag for a vendor/client relationship is billing. Even when the entire service experience was great, an accounting miscommunication can sour a relationship for a long time. The good news? It's easy to avoid! When you anticipate the issues that might come up, you can save frustration on both ends. Consider issues such as security deposit, payment terms, certificate of insurance, sales & use tax, etc... Every company (and every location) has its own requirements. When you're prepared, you can keep your cool and make friends instead of enemies.

Overcommunicate

Know everything about everything when it comes to your vendor. Learn their terms, service hours, policies, and avenues of contact. Once you've got the goods, share freely with decision makers in your own organization. Your boss probably hates surprises as much as you do and would appreciate being able to help you catch potential problems before they become mega-problems. You know, the kind that breathe fire and stomp on unsuspecting villagers.

Friday Roundup: Issue 30

2009-10-02T06:10:00.000-07:00

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:

Learn how to get more event bookings by brushing up on your phone skills. (Brian McGovern)

Meeting planners discuss their preparations for the coming swine flu season. (Successful Meetings)

Small Business Trends shares a great article on why you don't need a big project to get big results. (Small Business Trends)

Trade show etiquette and what you need to know to make the right impression. (Trade Show Tales)

Chris Brogan shares how to 'grow bigger ears' and hear your marketplace better than ever. (Chris Brogan)

Make Your Sets Glow Green

2009-09-28T11:03:00.000-07:00

At Concept Design Productions we take special pride in our "green" credentials. Since 1980, we have striven to develop products that make a big impact on the stage, not the environment. In a time when doing business in an eco-friendly way is easier than ever, we provide five great tips on how you too can go green!

Use Eco—Friendly Materials

Sets are often built using wood and chemical—based paints. These elements are heavy, hard to maintain, and are often thrown away after one or two uses. Consider using materials like extruded aluminum, recycled plastics, and water—based paints. Choose materials that can be recycled and you'll be doing your part to keep waste down.

Build To Last

Wood—constructed designs are cumbersome and difficult to keep in good shape. Consider building with sturdier materials like metal, plastic, and fabrics. These components can be used again and again, saving you big bucks on construction costs.

Lighten The Load

In today's economy, we're lucky if we have enough to fill up the gas tank! Shipping is a major contributor to traffic and emissions on our nation's highways, and with fuel costs at an all—time high, it's expensive too. Try using designs that are lightweight and take less energy to transport such as stretched fabrics and tubular metal designs.

Mix and Match

One of the founding principles at CDP has been to use modular rental stock that can be mixed and matched to create a wide variety of creative designs. When you use well—designed modular pieces, you can make a splash every time — without the wastefulness of custom building.

Go Paperless

Going green isn't just for the shop! In your office, you can go the extra mile to reduce your impact on the environment. Consider creating a virtual "file cabinet" by saving your files as PDF's and putting them on a shared server. Also, try using the blank side of scratch paper for internal memos and communication. Each little step goes a long way in reducing your environmental impact!

Free Webinar: Maximizing Audience Engagement

2009-09-21T09:31:00.000-07:00

With travel costs rising and people increasingly moving online to get information, there’s more and more pressure on companies to ensure their face-to-face events provide connectivity, interaction, and information sharing. This webinar from Best Events (sponsored by IML) will cover the broad strategic issue of audience engagement, with examples of some state-of-the-art technology in the marketplace today, including audience response systems, interactivity and program development. Here's the scoop:

Best Events & IML present...
TIPS TO MAXIMIZE AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT
Wednesday, Sep 23 @ 2:00pm EST

Click here to register!

Quick Tips: Save Bucks On Scenic

2009-09-16T06:21:00.000-07:00

BUILD VS. BORROW
The current economy creates a need for careful and clever budget decisions. Producing show environments or stage settings always comes down to two choices: custom builds or rentals. The rental option saves over 50% and good vendor relationships can help you realize even deeper discounts. Pick a company with diversity in rental stock and a good aesthetic and you'll get all the glamour for a fraction of the cost.

ONE SOLUTION, MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS
Pick scenic solutions that allow reconfiguration of elements for multiple show applications. One set of elements, used cleverly, can accommodate a general session, breakouts, an awards event and even a party environment. Modular pieces and a good lighting designer can make your design work throughout the entire event - saving you cash.

RELATIONSHIPS ARE KEY
Invest in your relationship with your scenic provider. The more trust you share, the more you can benefit from lower costs, deeper commitments and "extra mile" support. Be easy to work with and your vendors will usually bend over backwards to make your show work.

-Jim

Slideshow: 10 Designs On The Cheap

2009-09-14T08:14:00.000-07:00

Back by popular demand! We give you ten CDP products that make stage designs affordable without losing any of of the glitz and glamour. Check it out, Cowboy.

Friday Roundup: Issue 29

2009-09-11T05:00:00.000-07:00

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:

Mel White on what you need to know to market with a killer exhibit. (Trade Show Tales)

Going green is still doable, even in tough times. (Special Events)

What today's top marketers can teach you about successful event partnerships. (BizBash)

Southwest Airlines gears up to offer wi-fi internet service fleetwide. (Successful Meetings)

Cindy Butts dishes on what it's like to be a virtual conference attendee. (AE on the Verge)

The Stage Set Stimulus Package

2009-09-09T14:27:00.000-07:00

Free stuff? Whaaa?

CDP announces the launch of The Stage Set Stimulus Package, a 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.

There’s no limit! Spend $1,000 on rental gear and get $1,000 in free rentals next time. Spend $100,000? Well it’s your lucky day, Tiger. You get an equal amount free to use on your next bid, no matter how high the price tag.

What does this do for you? It’s simple:

1.) Underbid any of your competitors. Win the RFP and secure your business.

2.) Pocket the difference and go home whistling a happy tune.

Want to get started? There’s nothing to it. Click here learn more about The Stage Set Stimulus Package and start earning free stuff. It’s as easy as pie!

5 Tips: Avoid Installation Nightmares

2009-08-31T05:59:00.000-07:00

Installation is often the most stressful part of a show. When you’re down to the wire, the last thing you want is an emergency that threatens your event’s success. Beat the load-in blues with these handy tips:

Pick The Right Place
First thing’s first: you gotta pick the right venue for your project. Budgets are tight and sometimes you might be tempted to select a space on cost alone. Don’t let price, however, keep you from meeting your project needs. Consider the number of attendees, stage size, projection and lighting needs, and your planned uses of the room. Choosing the right venue should be a balance between cost and function.

Know Your Dimensions
There’s no letdown like loading into a ballroom only to find that the ceiling is just a little too low for your set. Or that your crate can’t fit through the loading door. And what’s the deal with that ugly 1980’s chandelier blocking half of your projection screen?? There are always surprises on show site but venue dimensions shouldn’t be one of them. Take the time to explore your space and check out the dimensions beforehand. Technical drawings are helpful but can sometimes be inaccurate. Supplement blueprints with a chat with venue staff or tour of the site to get the scoop before that chandelier attacks.

Know The Schedule
Venues love bookings and will try to get as much use out of their rooms as humanly possible. Unfortunately for you, there may be events on either side of yours that can interfere with your installation. Unexpected delays can cause you to get off schedule – setting back your load-in time. Learn who is booked during your week and what their schedule looks like. Build in a buffer and bring sufficient labor so you can adjust if timelines get wonky. Also, don’t forget to check with the venue about dock availability and load-in policy. Venues will sometimes charge extra fees for failing to meet their guidelines. A little groundwork helps you keep your money in your pocket.

Use A Project Manager
Load-in times are shorter than ever. The last thing you want is to find the gear you’ve rented takes Wernher von Braun just to put it together. An easy way to save the headache of complicated equipment is to bring on a project manager from your rental company. Their guys (or gals) will know the gear inside and out and can get it working in no time. Plus, a good PM will be able to adjust designs on the fly if your room isn’t able to accommodate your original plans. The extra cost almost always pays for itself in saved money and time from a smooth assembly.

Communicate with Hotel Staff
If you take one thing away from this article, it should be this: communicate! Deliberate and constant communication with venue staff can pinpoint problems before they become huge. Find out who your point person is on location and keep them in the know as your event approaches. A good tip is to keep a notepad handy and write down issues or concerns as they come up – then run it against your “inside man” on a regular basis. It may feel like overkill sometimes, but rest assured the peace of mind you’ll have on-site is worth the effort.

Friday Roundup: Issue 28

2009-08-28T06:19:00.000-07:00

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:

Sarah Larkins on how a "business reputation" makes all the difference when it comes to your meeting location. (Cvent)

Gaming properties nationwide hang on to meetings business despite the Las Vegas downturn. Also, hotel rates continue to drop - making bookings more affordable for event producers. (Successful Meetings)

What's your emergency plan? Meet Prepared shares tips on contingency planning for your next event. (Meet Prepared)

The CEIR Index has some evidence that the exhibition market may have reached the bottom. Is recovery on the way? (MeetingsNet)

Sue Pelletier shares the humorous and sometimes oddball responses to cell phones going off during presentations. (face2face)

The Little Things

2009-08-26T16:04:00.000-07:00

Cindy from AE on the Verge reminds us that it's the little things that make a difference. Here are some tips she picked up from Twitter during her virtual attendance at this year's ASAE Conference that might help you add that special touch for your clients:

1. When permanent marker accidentally gets on whiteboard, write over it with fresh whiteboard marker and wipe off (@cindyhugg)

2. 10-20-30 rule for effective presentations: 10 slides, speak 20 minutes max, allow 30 minutes for questions (@PBBsRealm)

3. How are you recognizing the virtual volunteer? Special web badge, or signature on their web page to recognize time (in months, not years) (@christyj)

4. Do you track member twitter accounts, blogs, etc. in your AMS? Should you? (@cardcat)

5. Do you know about http://www.namechk.com/? Check it out. You register your name across many social media platforms. (@carolvangorp)

6. Need job description for staff with social media roles - and volunteers; plus code of conduct for how members interact with each other. (@christyj)

7. When calling lapsed members, don't say "we haven't seen you lately" - Just reminds them! Ask to participate in survey, etc. [I think alternate approach like this needed for conference attendees who have not registered yet too] (@christyj)

8. Mobile marketing has potential for dues reminders, voting, special offers, news, more [Need to come up with "special offers"] (@MemberClicks)

9. Email annoyances: reply all, distribution lists, "thank you," forwards, subject lines, buried action, logo attachments, etc. [Sometimes I will send 1 or 2 in a group their own individual email instead of group email if they are serial reply to all peeps] (@aaronwoloweic)

Want to read more? Check out the whole article at AE on the Verge.

(Hat Tip: Cindy Butts)

Friday Roundup: Issue 27

2009-08-21T06:25:00.000-07:00

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:

Anne Thornley-Brown shares the five mistakes that could derail your event. (Event Manager Blog)

What's a hybrid trade show? Find out more and how you can use it to take your event to the next level. (Successful Meetings)

Industry leaders dish on the coming trends and future outlook for event marketing. (Event Marketer)

How watching your audience more closely could give you clues on how to craft the most popular event in town. (Corporate Event Magazine)

Timely tips on how to go green and save green at the same time. (Exhibitor Online)

Lisa Hurley on why breaking into new markets may take more time and money than you think. (Special Events)

5 Tips: Transform Your Show WIth Fabrics

2009-08-17T11:35:00.000-07:00

Design possibilities abound these days, from expensive hard-wall sets to simple pipe and drape packages. But only one innovation is changing the the world of design as we know it: fabrics. Designing a scenic environment is now easier (and cheaper!) than ever using the latest in fabric technology. How can you make an impression AND save some bucks? Read on and learn how to transform your show with fabrics!

Spice Up Your Presentation
Don't settle for boring pipe and drape! Take your presentation to the next level with a specialty fabric option including laser cut designs, sheer fabrics, beads, or chain curtains. Many colors and sizes are available to rent. Convert raw rental stage and rigging with truss covers and stage skirts, as well as custom removable fabric-covered flats. These simple designs can be used strategically to take your standard set-up to a whole new level.

Ship for Less
Get your entire show in a box! Stretched fabric shapes are lightweight and can often be shipped in a small box overnight. Scenic companies have developed stretched fabric shapes with bendable rods that can be shipped inexpensively and assembled into dimensional design elements with no hardware required. Impressing your guests on the cheap is as simple as pie!

Make it 3D
Forget flat. Make your designs 3D! Layer two-dimensional fabric shapes with backlighting for a 3D look. Projection screens and fabric shapes made from Flame Resistant Poly Lycra can be suspended from multiple points to make a flat panel into a three dimensional sculptural element. Experiment with using inexpensive stretched shapes to create walls, ceiling treatments, and elegant scenic environments that transform your space!

Bold Lighting
Nothing lights up like fabric! Front-light your elements for a smooth, solid look. Backlighting reveals the fabric's translucent quality and adds dimension. You can even combine the two by layering gobo patterns onto a backlit fabric shape for maximum impact. Plus, white fabric shapes and sails are perfect for projection effects — taking your design to the height of contemporary style!

Save Money
Here's the best part — using fabric is cheap! Lightweight and versatile, designing with fabric can save you quite a bit of cash while still producing a spectacular look. Hard wall sets are heavy, labor-intensive, and require a lot of energy to fabricate and ship. But with fabric structures, you can go green while saving some "green" for yourself!

Friday Roundup: Issue 26

2009-08-14T05:37:00.000-07:00

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:

Joan Eisenstodt reminds us why the events industry needs to maintain ethical standards in a down economy. (Successful Meetings)

Avoiding these social media mistakes could be the key to thriving on the web. (Small Business Trends)

Exhibitor Magazine dishes the latest fabric trends and labor rates in this handy Q&A. (Exhibitor Online)

Learn how helping hotels cut their labor costs can put money in your pocket. (Meetings & Conventions)

Religious meetings turn to new media in a big way. Take a look! (MeetingsNet)

Mel White shares some sage advice about exhibit budgeting and how you can save. (Trade Show Tales)

Slideshow: 5 Steps To Flawless Graphics

2009-08-10T09:24:00.000-07:00

These days, graphics are king. No matter what type of event you're producing, audiences have come to expect only the best in high-quality graphics and branding. How can you be sure that your brand is represented the best way possible? Follow these five simple steps from the experts on the CDP Graphics Team to save time and money on your next job!

CLICK FOR MORE...

Friday Roundup: Issue 25

2009-08-07T06:32:00.000-07:00

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:

A case for why face-to-face meetings are the only way to truly engage your participants. (Successful Meetings)

The Forum Effect shares some great ways to promote your meeting. (The Forum Effect, hat tip Sue Pelletier)

Are you using LinkedIn to its full potential? Try these tricks for getting the most out of your social efforts. (Duct Tape Marketing)

Take your meeting reputation up a notch by perfecting your brand. (MeetingsNet)

RFP best practices and how you can use them to beat out the competition. (Special Events)

Talia Salem shares an enlightened post about ways to beat the Convention 15. (SmartMeetings)

What Really Generates Referrals

2009-08-03T16:16:00.000-07:00

Word of mouth is the lifeblood of small business. We all know we should capitalize on happy customers by asking for referrals. But how can we stand out from the pack and get clients to talk about us incessantly without straining our relationships?

John Jansctch from Duct Tape Marketing shares the motivations behind enthusiastic referrals and shows how your company can become the buzziest shop in town:

"...I’ve studied a lot of businesses that easily generate referrals and they share some common internal tendencies as part of their brand and culture.

Make people look good

Looking at all business relationships with an eye on making prospects, customers, vendors, mentors, and staff look and feel good is a tremendously attractive internal quality. I read this quote recently and I think it works well here - “To a large degree, our success and happiness in life depends on how much people like themselves when they’re with us.” Joe Caruso

Ready to refer

We all know that giving referrals is one of the best ways to get referrals, but the difference lies in the systematic preparation. There is a big difference between understanding this philosophically and practicing proactively. Building your back pocket with a group of “best of class” providers takes work. You’ve got to discover, recruit, train and build the trust necessary to develop a proven network of providers who can help you add value to your client relationships, but once you do, the rest is pretty easy..."
READ ON
(Hat Tip: John Jantsch)

Friday Roundup: Issue 24

2009-07-31T05:39:00.000-07:00

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:

Trade Show Tales has some quick tips for the trade show novice. (Trade Show Tales)

Looking for green meeting suppliers? Here are some tools that will help you find the right vendor. (MeetingsNet)

Richelle Taylor gives timely advice on ways to save your meeting from budget cuts. (Successful Meetings)

How to sell people on corporate events services in our "post-AIG" world. (Exhibitor Online)

Hot tips on some meeting destinations that won't cause a public relations ruckus. (Meetings&Conventions)

Rob May shares how you can become an expert decision maker at your company. (Business Pundit)

Featured Product: 3D Shapes

2009-07-29T11:05:00.000-07:00

Put on your 3D glasses and check out some rad new products from our warehouse!

3D Shapes

Our 3D Shapes fit right onto easy-to-set-up steel frames, giving you the pop you're looking for at a reasonable price. Great for stage sets, corporate events, and even Mrs. Pennydollar's annual fundraising gala. Add it to your design and turn a head or two. Or three. Check out the stats:

7-Day Rental Pricing

3D Leaf: $700 (6' Leaf)
3D Bradfords: $500 (4'x8' section)
3D Curls: $800 (8' Curl)

For more 3D awesomeness, check out our website and get the goods.

5 Tips: Event Safety

2009-07-27T08:55:00.000-07:00

Event safety is usually the last thing on a stressed producer's mind when there are so many things to be done. The lights, audio, staging, and talent all have to mesh just the right way for the production to be a success — it can be a real challenge! Though accidents don't occur often, they can be devastating for your guests and your reputation when they do. Why take the chance? Here's a refresher on some great safety tips that you can use to make sure your event goes off without a hitch:

A Sticky Situation
Slick and uneven surfaces can be a challenge when it comes to keeping your guests and talent safe. Use cable ramps to cover all exposed cable and mark clearly with glow tape. Remember that tape alone does not adequately cover cables in high-traffic areas. Slick stage decks can also pose a hazard to your participants. Try using water, a little leftover cola, and a mop to make your stage just sticky enough so that it has some grip.

Hanging In The Balance
Be sure to safety-tie any elements that could topple over on the public, for both seismic and wind concerns. Even an HVAC system or an open door can cause a collapse if your elements aren't secure. If you are using overhead, suspended (rigged) equipment, use certified gear as designed with professionally trained riggers. Remember: if there is ever a doubt, ask before you hang.

Watch Your Head
Your crew is important to you and the last thing you want is a member of your team getting hurt! The two most common injuries during productions are pinched fingers and back strains. Make a habit of equipping your crew with fitted gloves and back braces when moving heavy equipment. In the event on an injury, be prepared with a fully-stocked First Aid Kit and keep a list of all local emergency care on hand, including the venue EMT and the nearest urgent care center.

A Whole Lot of Power
It takes a lot of juice to power the incredible designs that are a hallmark of today's events. Stay safe by using a professional electrician for all tie-in and lighting needs. Make sure to professionally meter and balance all electrical loads. Know where the venue's breakers are and how to access them. It's also a good idea to pick up some extra fuses — just in case the lights go out at an inconvenient time!

Have An Exit Strategy
Don't get stuck without a way out! Keep all doorways and walkways clear. Laws can vary from state to state, but minimum aisle-ways are usually 32" wide. Know how many exists are required to be maintained for your patrons in attendance. Finally, get to know the Fire Marshal when planning your event. If you bring him or her into the fold early enough, you'll catch any bugs before they can ruin your event.

Friday Roundup: Issue 23

2009-07-24T06:30:00.000-07:00

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:

Richard Morris on how you can boost event attendance using streaming video. (Successful Meetings)

Learn the secret to booking more events... it's not as exotic as you think. (BrianMcGovern.com)

Got an event? Got a Mac? Try these 10 free apps that will help you run your event like a champ. (Event Manager Blog)

Mel White gives you the goods on how to build a better trade show booth. Take a look! (Trade Show Tales)

Are your clients loyal? Check out this article on why customer loyalty may be a myth and what you can do about it. (Exhibitor Online)

Find out how you can keep expenses down for your exhibitors and create happy customers in the process. (conventions.net)

5 Tips: Lighting Your Show

2009-07-20T09:34:00.000-07:00

Everyone knows that lighting can make or break a show. Well-lit presenters, colorful backgrounds, and clean sight-lines all contribute to make the perfect presentation for your audiences. With so many stunning scenic choices on the market today, it's important to match the right lighting with the right elements to make visual magic. How can you guarantee a sharp look every time? Check out these five tips on making an impact with your lighting today:

Control Your Space

Control ambient light in the space before you start. There is nothing worse than planning an entire lighting and set design for big bucks when you're competing with high-pressure sodium lamps, mercury vapor lights, or even worse, the sun! Always scope out the possible show-killers in advance and work with venue staff to disable or baffle unwanted light.

Watch for Spills

Don't forget that what you don't light is as important as what you light. A good production takes the extra care to block out all unsightly back of house elements including technical staff, truss and supports, and road boxes. Watch out for light that spills into areas you don't want your audience to see. On the same token, be aware of light that can shine directly into eyes and ruin the show for a few unlucky attendees. You want your message to be the focus from start to finish, not an errant lamp.

Double Your Efforts

Always plan on separate lighting systems for the set and for the participants. While sets look great with sharp angles and bold colors and patterns, people require soft, multi-directional lighting that brings out their skin tone and makes them visually stand out. Skillful use of both types of lighting systems allows you to get the right balance. You can't make them both look great with the same lights.

Mind Your Visuals

When lighting a set that contains video elements, make sure to baffle the screen to prevent unwanted light from washing out your visuals. Simple pieces of black foam core can be attached to the back of your screen to prevent backlighting spills. Make good use of shutters, barn doors, and focusable intelligent lights to direct your colors where you need them. Nothing can ruin a video presentation faster than too much ambient light. Fortunately, some easy fixes can get your show looking sharp in no time!

Back To Basics

Remember to keep it simple. Get the most versatile and reliable fixtures you can afford and do more with less. Shipping and labor costs can spin out of control very quickly. Fewer fixtures means less time for setup and strike, less to plug in, and less weight to haul. With some extra planning, a good design can produce the same spectacle with fewer fixtures and still make your audiences happy.

Friday Roundup: Issue 22

2009-07-17T05:19:00.000-07:00

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:

Digital media is becoming a major component of modern events and exhibitions. (MeetingsNet)(reg. required)

Ten tips for managing a successful install on your next exhibit. (Trade Show Tales)

Great advice from Ben Casnocha on how to *really* break the ice at your next conference. (Ben Cashnocha)

Check out these hot SEO tips for small businesses and how you can look like pro online. (Small Business Trends)

Julius Solaris shares 10 alternatives to traditional event production. How can you stand out from the pack? (Event Manager Blog)

Registration is up at conventions despite the gloom and doom of 2009. (Successful Meetings)

Linda Musgrove dishes on the latest tradeshow technology for 2009. (Conventions.net)

Five Budget Busters (and how you can avoid them)

2009-07-13T09:22:00.000-07:00

In these days of last minute shows, money leaks and your profit suffers. You can't afford to lose another dime! Check out these five tips and learn how you can avoid the budget busters that break your bank.

...OR CLICK HERE

Set Contest Winner: Cheryl Cecchetto

2009-07-08T05:25:00.000-07:00

We're giving away free sets like it's Christmas - all part of our "Holy Cow, It's A Free Set" Contest where one of our awesome clients gets a ton of free rentals every month. Our lucky winner this month is Cheryl Cecchetto from Sequoia Productions in Los Angeles, CA.

Launched this year, the contest is our way of helping America keep meeting during difficult times. We're tickled pink at the reception we've received so far from our customers and fans. Check out this article in Exhibitor Magazine about the promotion (thanks for the press, guys!)

Would you like to win up to $10,000 in rentals? If you're a client, you're already entered to win. And if you're not, any order from a podium to a super-sized set will enter you to win. So what are you waiting for? Help us make 2009 just a little bit brighter for all our friends in the industry. Click here to learn more...

Super Steps to Better Business Cards

2009-07-06T11:07:00.000-07:00

Your business card makes a very important statement! I mean, who can forget the scene in American Psycho when the main character, Patrick Bateman, literally has a mental breakdown when a co-worker had the nerve to have a better business card than he did.

And that was just because of the font!

Your card is often times the only link that a future client has to you and your business. It should be memorable and creative – it is a representation of YOU and your brand. In this post, I’m going to give you some tips on how to design a business card that is unforgettable! You can thank me later…

The key to having a memorable card (and to hopefully saving it from being thrown straight into the trash bin) is to make sure that it stands out. Scott Ginsberg (author of The Power of Approachability) recounted an experiment that he did with a slew of business cards that he has collected over the years. He spread them all out on a table, closed his eyes for 30 seconds and made note of the cards that stood out the most.

What he found was that cards with:

pictures
the color red in them
cards with black backgrounds
cards that were formatted vertically rather than horizontally
cards with some sort of colorful image on them... all captured his interest.

You can further increase your card’s WOW factor by enhancing it in a creative or unique way. For instance, who says that your card has to be rectangular? Why not go for squares, ovals or triangles? Or try using different materials such as chocolate (yum!), clear plastic, leather, stickers or Braille. You can even get cards that blink! You can try die cutting bite marks or burn marks or even an intricate border into your card. Other ideas include making a pop-up card (like the books), making a card that “doubles” as something else (i.e. – a magnet, a nametag, etc.), or making the business cards look like trading cards. You can encourage your prospects to “collect them all!”

But remember, all of this hard work will be for naught if your card is unreadable so choose your font wisely. Now go to it! Design the ultimate, eye catching business card. The extra time and money will definitely be worth it!

-Tasha

5 Tips: Professionalism on Show Site

2009-06-29T06:13:00.000-07:00

The few days leading up to a big show can be hectic. There's so much to worry about — vendors arriving on time, budgets being met, not to mention having an event that clients will enjoy and remember long after the nametags come off. It's enough to make you crazy! That's why CDP is here to help with five great tips you can pass along to your team. We make it easier than ever to keep on top of it like a pro, while staying cool as a cucumber in the process!

Have A Plan

Planning is key. Know where you are going, who you are working with, and what 'Plan B' is should something go wrong. Do not assume anything. Get to know who's in charge and who's name is on your check. These folks are the people you work for. Do not modify your part of the project without their direction. (i.e., the lighting guy told me to move this here...) With a solid plan and clear lines of authority, you can be sure to deliver the right product every time.

Hurry Up And Wait

Arrive early. In this business more than most, time is money — a lot of money. Get there with time to spare and be ready to work at the first possible moment. Your enthusiasm goes a long way. For the occasional downtime, bring a book, a computer, or a silent solo entertainment medium. Our industry is notorious for demanding that you 'hurry up and wait.' Be prepared to go with the flow.

Walk the Walk

Your level of readiness on show site makes a big impression. Always dress the part. If you are a stagehand, dress safely and appropriately — show blacks are typically the norm. Bring your own tools. Even if you think you won't need them, you look like a pro when you take the extra effort. A final tip: remember that our work is highly laborious under hot lights and/or un-airconditioned ballrooms. Please take appropriate counter measures to avoid odoriferous emanations.

Stay Humble

You do not need to go around telling everyone how much you know, or how many shows you've done... a sure sign you don't know what you are doing. The truly experienced folks just get the job done. If you make a mistake, admit to it quickly, learn from it, and work to find solutions with your supervisors and/or clients. Finally, never belittle the newest or 'lowest guy on the ladder.' You were there once too, Cowboy.

Keep It Light

Keep your sense of humor even in times of stress. We all got into this industry because we like doing shows. Yes, there are issues with every project, but solving them is part of the fun. The old saying 'you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar' still applies. Positive team players are more productive, better regarded, and more likely to book that next job.

Friday Roundup: Issue 21

2009-06-26T06:23:00.000-07:00

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:

Former White House event director Laura Schwartz shares her 7 power tips to effective networking. (Event Solutions)

Travelers are going green to save money... not just the environment. (Successful Meetings)

Constellation Communications announces a new online trade show planning tool that helps you hit the right metrics for your show. (eventplanningtool.com)

What can you do to generate new business when things are slow? Trade Show Tales has some advice. (Trade Show Tales)

Don't make a tweeting faux pas. Cindy from AE on the Verge shares the biggest Twitter mistakes and how you can avoid looking like a doof. (AE on the Verge)

The meetings industry gets a reprieve as new TARP rules are announced. (MeetingsNet)

Ben Stein makes a compelling case for the importance of meetings and business travel. Take a look! (CBS News, via Face2Face Blog)

Product Tutorial: Triosk Panels

2009-06-24T05:49:00.000-07:00

Fresh off the editing bay, here's a brand new edition of Amilcar's Amazing Product Tutorials. Featuring our resident show-site expert, Amilcar Torres, these videos help our clients understand how to assemble CDP products in a fun way. Today's episode: assembling Triosk Panels. It's video-tastic!

What We're Reading - 6/22

2009-06-22T05:53:00.000-07:00

Publication: Event Solutions

Delivery: Monthly

In A Nutshell: Event Solutions magazine is the global news leader for the events industry. Event professionals within some of the top corporations in the U.S., independent event planners and producers, non-profit planners, associations, government, universities, convention centers and hotels rely on Event Solutions as a trusted authority in the event planning community.

Why We Like It: Always a fun read for learning what everyone else in the industry is doing. The mag is great for checking out vendors and staying on top of the movers and shakers. We enjoy keeping abreast of design trends and event fads, which are featured copiously in each issue. Event Solutions is also packed with great articles for event managers and producers: from good info on running a business to detailed "how-to's" on event execution. In the last year, the magazine has been the number one source for updates on what is happening politically within the industry. ES is definitely at the top of our must-read list.

Want to learn more? Click here to browse their site and get the scoop on the latest and greatest.

Friday Roundup: Issue 20

2009-06-19T06:01:00.000-07:00

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:

Event professionals share their tips for weathering the economy and coming out strong on the other end. (Special Events)(reg. required)

With all the hype about going green, how do you know what's fact or fiction? Tom Bowman has the answer. (Exhibitor Online)

Enjoy these quick tips on how to promote your meetings in 8 easy steps. (The FORUM Effect)

Have to move your meeting at the last minute? Learn how you can soften the blow and still host a solid event. Also, hotels are pulling out all the stops to attract new business. Check out how this could mean big savings for you. (Meetings & Conventions)

Famed event producer Brent Bolthouse dishes on the future of events in L.A. (BizBash)

Getting noticed at your tradeshow? Conventions.net has some tips on how to maximize your media coverage at the big event. (conventions.net)

13 Steps to Professional Success

2009-06-17T05:24:00.000-07:00

Over the course of my career, I've learned many lessons. Some have been handed down to me from mentors, some I've learned by watching others, and many I've learned the hard way. Now I'd like to share with you these life lessons, distilled into 13 steps, that can help you find your way to great professional success:

Find and hold on to your mentors. watch, observe, emulate.
Keep that positive attitude always, even when it hurts.
Know your audience. The old saying that perception is everything is very true. It will never matter what you actually said; it wholly matters what people heard.
Network. make sure everyone you know and worked with before knows what you’re up to now. Never burn a bridge- you may need to cross there later in life.
Always bring you passion for the work. Passion is infectious. It's something you cannot fake and people are drawn to it like bees to honey.
Be a generalist. So few people in the world can be an expert at something. If you know quite a bit about a lot of things you are far more valuable than if you know everything about one thing.
Learn something new everyday. A day without learning is a day without living.
Be proactive. Asking “what’s next?” should be your favorite phrase.
Study and understand non-verbal communication & subtext. What people are saying and thinking is right there on their face and in their body language.
Look professional. Yes, this is superficial, but how you look matters. Whatever you’re doing, dress the part and your value will increase.
Be early. Yes it’s that important. Five minutes early: it’s the littlest of things but it communicates your work ethic and commitment like nothing else.
Learn from a mistake. The error happened, everyone paid for it. Make it worthwhile and learn from it.
Never lose your sense of humor. Happiness, smiles, and laughter are so important to a great life and a good career.

-Spencer

Five Design Trends for 2009

2009-06-15T06:16:00.000-07:00

Straight from our newsletter "The Current" comes a slideshow on five design trends that are making waves in 2009. Click below and get the scoop!

OR CLICK HERE...

Friday Roundup: Issue 19

2009-06-12T05:03:00.000-07:00

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:

Andy Nulman shares the secret to making your meetings memorable. (Successful Meetings)

What's keeping your customers from buying online? Learn how to beat the troll that lurks on your site. (Copyblogger)

Why incentive travel is more important than ever, even in a down economy. (Meetings and Conventions)

Successful entrepreneurs sound off and share their most valuable lessons. (Small Business Trends)

Exhibitor Online offers a great resource for trade show planning information. Check it out! (Exhibitor Online)

Sage advice from Amanda Marmer on how to increase your value without lowering your prices. (Event Solutions)

Can you handle the truth? AE on the Verge dishes up a great post on having the right motivations when asking for customer feedback. (AE on the Verge)

Five Ways To Win New Business Online

2009-06-10T16:40:00.000-07:00

You have a website and you're serious about building your brand online. The web is indeed a great place to find new customers who are interested in what you have to offer. But what do you do if sales just aren't coming in like you expected? What steps can you take to win new business online? Check out these five tips on how you can get rockin' and rollin':

Be Professional

Your reputation rests on your creativity and attention to detail. So why would you ever allow an ugly, disorganized website to represent your brand? The first step to winning new clients is to go through your site as if you were a customer. Is it easy to use? Well designed? If someone saw your site for the first time, would they think you were a hugely successful firm or would they think you were a 14 year old kid making a Twighlight fansite in mom's basement? Good web design is cheap these days. Hire the right person to design and maintain your site so your first impression is a home run.

Be Concise

However many words you use in your copy, take out half. Get to the point. Clarity = clients.

Be Unique

"We provide integrated solutions for your business based on collaborative excellence and award-winning service, leading the industry in synergistic paradigm-shifting excellent excellence." Barf. Nobody cares about your boring mission statement. Could you imagine talking like that at a dinner party? Find your voice. Be unique. Tell your own story in words that everybody can understand. The more you stand out from the pack, the more your customers will get behind your mission and propel you to greatness.

Be Searchable

So you have a great website that's professional, concise, and unique. Now what? Make sure people can find you! Get higher rankings in Google and other search engines by seeing what keywords people are using to search you and including those words in your copy. Also, consider using pay-per-click services such as Google AdWords to highlight certain products or services to generate targeted sales. Finally, get the word out there. Make sure that you list your site with as many directories and forums as possible (being careful not to spam, of course) so that people can find you when they're ready to buy.

Be Active

If you truly want to be the zen master of online sales, get active online. Yes, that means you! Start a blog. Join online communities and contribute to the discussion. Offer to write guest posts and articles to related media outlets. Twitter. There's no need to be blatantly self-promotional... when you become an active member of the web community, people will come to respect you and value what you have to say. As long as your site is accessible, your new friends will soon know all about your business and how it'll be a perfect fit for their needs!

Display Tweets At Your Next Event

2009-06-03T17:38:00.000-07:00

Twitter is fast becoming an integral part of the live event experience. The real-time conversation stream can reflect, critique, or even guide modern day meetings. In fact, many events now feature live tweets on display so that meetings can nimbly adapt to audience interest. So how can you integrate Twitter into your next event? Julius Solaris at Events Manager Blog has some tips:

5. Twitter Search + Firefox + ReloadEvery

Twitter Search is the visualization tool for the nostalgic twitter user and/or retro tweep. In order to make the page refresh automatically, Install Firefox add on ReloadEvery. If you don’t have Firefox probably you won’t read this because your browser has crashed in the meanwhile

Goods:
- Suits large screens
- Neat and detailed

Bads:
- Hard to read
- A bit dull, not fun.

4. TwitterCamp

We talked about TwitterCamp in the past. It’s a damn cool project and the fact it was implemented for a BarCamp and on an opensource basis makes it even cooler.

Goods:
- Highly Customizable
- Fun Interface

Bads:
- Could be slow in updates from time to time
- Looks like the project is not moving on

READ ON...
(Hat Tip: Julius Solaris)

What We're Reading - 6/1

2009-06-01T06:02:00.000-07:00

Publication: PLSN

Delivery: Monthly

In A Nutshell: PLSN is a trade mag whose title says it all: Projection, Lights, and Staging News.

Why We Like It: PLSN is one of the big trade magazines out there; yes it is very widely read in the industry, but it is also physically big which means a ton of info makes it into every issue. Packed with the latest news in event, concert, and theatrical lighting technology, it's easy to stay on top of industry trends. The magazine is full of show project write ups and offers detailed glimpses into actual projects and how they came together. The Tips & Tricks section is always neat and the detailed show spotlight pages list exact show credits and what gear was used. A must read for anyone who wants to stay in the know!

Want to Learn More? To get your fix on motion lighting, LED wash units, video displays, and staged events - check them out here!

Friday Roundup: Issue 18

2009-05-29T05:11:00.000-07:00

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:

Here's an optimistic look at three companies that are still doing meetings -- to great success. (Successful Meetings)

Do you know what trade credit is? Anita Campbell shares why you should be in the loop and how it could save your business cash. (Small Business Trends)

A new pharma regulation in D.C. won't pose a threat to corporate meetings. Good news indeed! (MeetingsNet)

Working with show management is key for a successful event. Marshall Yard blog offers some tips on making the most of your show-site relationships... (Marshall Yard)

Marie Hunter shares advice on why timing is everything when it comes to producing that stunning show. (Planet Plan It)

Are you getting the press coverage you're looking for? Brandon Eley offers tips on crafting the perfect press release. (SitePoint)

Are You Easy To Talk To?

2009-05-27T16:39:00.000-07:00

Your approachability matters when it comes to your customers. The question is: how easy are you making it for customers to engage with your business? Duct Tape Marketing offers a great list of tools you can use to step it up a notch and connect with your clients:

"Job 1 is to make certain that you have your basic contact information, including maps and directions, right there on every page. Secure contact forms are a great way to make sure messages get through and I’ve also added EmailCenterPro email management software to make sure those emails get answered by the right person in the right way.

Instant Message - providing IM and chat room widgets allow visitors to get an answers and chat with other visitors
Meebo
Bold Chat

Click to Talk and Live Chat - These tools make it very easy for you to monitor a visitors activity and answer questions before they even get asked
LivePerson
Click2Talk
READ ON...

Friday Roundup: Issue 17

2009-05-22T06:27:00.000-07:00

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:

Some companies are taking their social media communities and meeting them in real life! Plus, a new report on why event marketing is crucial in a down economy. (Successful Meetings)

Top five ways you can blow it when it comes to using social media for business pursuits. (SitePoint)

Glue Conference shares this great article on how to build a sense of community at your next conference. (Glue Conference)

Good news! Event planners have a rosy outlook on the economic recovery. (Special Events)

Chris Brogan on why starting conversations with strangers just might give you the best ROI you'll ever find. (Chris Brogan)

Hiring a speaker for your next event? here are some good tips on saving money and making the most of the experience. (MeetingsNet)(reg required)

Keith from OnSite Events shares the lessons meeting professionals can learn from the Grateful Dead. (Onsite Blog)

Look Ma, We're On TV!

2009-05-21T09:26:00.000-07:00

Were you watching TV the other night? If so, you may have seen us! Concept Design Productions is excited to have a featured set on the new Fox show "Glee" which previewed Tuesday. Check out the clip below to see more (2:42). And feel free to sing and dance along... we promise not to laugh. Pinky-swear!

Learn more about the elements featured in this broadcast!

Don't Be "That Guy"

2009-05-20T10:22:00.000-07:00

In the age of social media, there are more ways than ever to reach your audience. The question is: are you using your tools to gain respect and trust, or are you pushing people away by being annoying and overly self-promotional? Here's Chris Brogan with a salient post on how to avoid being "that guy."

"Part of what makes social media great is the ability to reach out and connect with people simply. Tools like blogs, Facebook, Twitter, and the rest are free or cheap, can reach lots of people, and promote two way conversations. You might be interested in using social software to promote your products or service or company, and that’s great.
The thing is, this isn’t baseline advertising and marketing. You’re talking into a channel where people have gathered for different purposes. Some will be interested in your promotions. Others will reject them. Still others will rail against you for acting commercially in what they consider a sacred space.

There are ways to get your ideas across such that it’s palatable to your audience and/or to a community. Some of them work well for everyone. Others require a higher degree of trust first. Here’s some of what’s usually missing when people explain to you that social media is this great place for marketing and business communications. They forget to tell you that there’s work involved in establishing trust, but we can get there.

The trick is being able to promote without being “that guy” ...
READ ON...
(Hat Tip - Chris Brogan)

Sets That Scale to Your Budget

2009-05-18T05:43:00.000-07:00

When planning for an event, the size of your space can really impact your design. Now, more than ever, budgets are tight and venue space is even tighter. How can you make an impression without blowing all of your cash? Simple. Go modular. Check out this handy slideshow to learn how...

Friday Roundup: Issue 16

2009-05-15T06:01:00.000-07:00

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:

A recent study shows exhibiting to be a prime way to land new business in this economy. (Succesful Meetings)

Ben Casnocha on why procrastination makes tasks so much harder to complete. (Ben Casnocha)

Why the right seating could make all the difference in the world at your next event. (Planet Plan It)

Your emails getting ignored? Get the right message across with these tips on e-etiquette. (SitePoint)

Check out a map of HP CEO Mark Hurd's brain and learn how he spends his executive time. (Small Business Trends)

Are you a frugal show organizer? Check out this video and learn the tips that will help you save big. (IAEE - Youtube)

Chicago plays host to the first ever Travel and Tourism Rally; signifies start of a national ad campaign where "Meetings Mean Business." (BizBash)

Finally, Cindy from AE On The Verge shares why we all need to give ourselves permission to be happy. (AE On The Verge)

May Contest Winner: Liam Lynch

2009-05-13T06:02:00.000-07:00

We're giving away free sets like it's Christmas - all part of our "Holy Cow, It's A Free Set" Contest where one of our awesome clients gets a ton of free rentals every month. Our lucky winner this month is Liam Lynch from Authentic Agency in Hollywood, CA. Congratulations, Liam!

Launched in April, the contest is our way of helping America keep meeting during difficult times. We're tickled pink at the reception we've received so far from our customers and fans. Check out some of our press coverage:

Live Design

Exhibitor Online

What We're Reading - 5/11

2009-05-11T05:48:00.000-07:00

Publication: Pro AV Magazine

Delivery: Monthly

In A Nutshell: A technical production trade magazine focused on high-end video and projection, some pro audio, IT/AV convergences & digital signage.

Why We Like It: It is geared towards both the “system integrator” (the tech term for permanent installation guru) as well as the live event production technician. There are tons of pages on the newest gear and their applications, which we always dig. The publication focuses on emerging business trends, concepts, ideas... good big picture planning for the tech production small business. Plus, there are some solid feature stories about projects- a wonderful place to see what everyone else is doing and how they are doing it. We read it religiously to stay on the cusp of new technology and to get our daily dose of geek info.

Want to Learn More? Take a peek at their website and sign up -- subscription is free!

Friday Roundup: Issue 15

2009-05-08T05:16:00.000-07:00

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:

The 2010 Winter Olympics are gearing up to be the greenest ever. Plus, domestic and international hotel rates are falling - making travel all the more reasonable. (Successful Meetings)

Is your business a victim of negative reviews online? Here are some tips on how you can fight back. (Small Business Trends)

Matt from 37 Signals shares his views on what it means to truly stand for something. Worth checking out! (Signal vs. Noise)

Don't get stiffed by a customer! Check out these tips on how to keep debt-collection nightmares from getting out of hand. (SitePoint)

Events just got a little zanier with the new Photofetti... client pictures printed right onto confetti. Hmm. (Special Events)(Reg. Required)

Hollywood is still hosting events in 2009. They're just being a little more cautious about it. (BizBash)

Ben Stein muses about his childhood experiences as a salesman and how those lessons still hold true today. (NYT)

What A Thai Restaurant Taught Me About Presentation

2009-05-06T05:25:00.000-07:00

I like to go to this great Thai restaurant in Monrovia called Chang’s. It's my favorite. I enjoy Chang’s because they go above and beyond to make the dining experience great. Not just good. Great.

Of course their food is tasty and fresh... which is necessary for any restaurant to make the cut (Pad Kee Mao rocks my socks). But it’s their service that takes them from a one-time eatery to a spot in my regular rotation. Here's why:

They are friendly. Their waiters smile, make eye contact, and seem genuinely interested in serving you.

The brand is consistent. Their restaurant is themed with a sparse, modern look – but with warm colors. Their music fits the theme. Their dishware fits the theme. Their theme fits their food. All the pieces of their puzzle go together.

They use the little extras that make dining special. Your food is boxed for you. They calculate out your tip options on the receipt. A mint comes with the check.

Their waiters are on the ball. Service is lightning quick. The food is out practically the minute after you order and your water glass never goes empty. Someone is always there to make your dining experience positive.

This is what makes Chang's fantastic. But these elements apply to all businesses... especially ours. When customers choose whether to use our services or attend our events, how are we standing out from the rest? A good product is only half the equation.

Ask yourself this...
Is your experience consistent with your brand?
Are you showing people that you genuinely want to serve them?
Do you throw in those little extras that add sparkle to the experience?

Content has to be good, yes. But its the presentation that makes the difference between selling and sold out.

-Jeff

CFS Strikes Again!

2009-05-04T05:56:00.000-07:00

It's scary! It's frightening! It will ruin your day faster than trip to the box factory...

It's Computer Fatigue Syndrome! (DUN DUN DUN)

Yes, you read correctly – CFS is a real malady. If you sit at a desk and stare at a computer all day, chances are that you experience some kind of discomfort whether it be red, dry eyes, blurred vision, hand cramps or back pain. Don’t let these symptoms get you down, Tiger. Here are a few sure fire ways to combat (or even avoid) Computer Fatigue Syndrome:

Do hand exercises to avoid Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and use a padded wrist rest.
Take frequent breaks or just walk away from your computer every once in awhile. Give your eyes a rest.
Try to incorporate stretching into your daily routine. It will help keep your body limber and flexible.
Try not to slump in your chair. Proper posture while working will do wonders for your body.
There are also a number of exercises (for your body and your eyes) that you can do right at your desk. Check out this rad-tastic website to see what exercises you can start using today.

Remember – you’re not alone. Follow these few simple steps to make your work day more enjoyable and together we can send CFS back to the pit from whence it came!

-Tasha

Friday Roundup: Issue 14

2009-05-01T05:36:00.000-07:00

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:

Nicole Jensen shares some of the best Twitter apps for event management. Plus, CORT Event Furnishings offers a free tool to help with space planning. (Nicole Jensen)(Special Events, Reg. Required)

Corporations are avoiding trendy meeting sites because of their "reputation for decadence," even if the alternate locations actually costs more... (Successful Meetings)

Looking for a subcontractor to help you grow business? Check out Alyssa Gregory's tips on choosing the right one. (SitePoint)

Scott Ginsberg shares tips on how to make your telephone conversations so awesome, your clients will never want to hang up. (HELLO, My Name Is Blog)

Growing niche alert! TravelTrade reports on how expedition cruises are raking in the bucks, even in a recession. (TravelTrade)

Hilariously bad interview footage and how you can nail your next interview by avoiding these key mistakes. (HowToNailAnInterview.com)

Dealing With Unions, Part 1

2009-04-29T05:43:00.000-07:00

Bob Stockemer -- Dealing with Unions, part 1

Your first time dealing with unions on show site can be a challenge! If you never have had a show where unions were involved, the experience can be daunting. Here are a few insider tips I've developed from over 30 years of show-site madness on how to make it as painless as possible.

The biggest and most important tip I can give is summed up in one word: PATIENCE! The worst thing you can do is get upset that things are moving to slow or you aren’t getting what you want right away. I have seen people scream at a union worker only to find they are the last to get their crates because of their bad form. Patience, and some pre-planning on your part goes a long way.

But let's take it back a notch to the day before load-in. What can you do, before your crates even arrive at the venue, to get the ball rolling? I try to show up the day before the scheduled load-in to find out where everything is and to meet the heads/manager/and union stewards if they are available. Many times the union guys don’t arrive on site until the day of load-in, so it's always a gamble. But you can meet the various venue staff if you take the time to look around. If you do meet people on your walk through, get names and CELL PHONE numbers, as well as the number of the departments’ office.

People like the electricians, security, and event coordinators are very important folks to know. If they meet you face to face, they will usually remember you and help you faster. Always be pleasant and thank them for their time. Remember, you are one individual and they may be dealing with hundreds during an event. Meeting them they day before the event gets you recognized before they get swamped with requests and questions.

A touch of pre-planning and niceties go a long way to establishing good relationships. When you do some legwork, it makes the big day that much easier.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of Dealing With Unions!

Bob Stockemer is Director of Production for Concept Design Productions and has over 30 years in corporate event management and site logistics.

What We're Reading - 4/27

2009-04-27T06:37:00.000-07:00

Publication: Smart Meetings

Delivery: Monthly

In A Nutshell: Smart Meetings sets the standard for west coast meetings. Each month, the magazine examines the meetings industry with a sole focus on our region. Their pages feature the latest in meeting professionals industry trends, corporate event planning, emerging technology, personality profiles, and updates on the best venues and destinations throughout the Western U.S., Canada and Mexico. Smart Meetings is committed to providing meeting professionals useful information in an easy-to-access, attractive, and engaging format.

Why We Like It: While we are not a meeting planning organization or DMC - our clients are. This magazine helps us understand their challenges, their needs, and how we can serve them better, faster, cheaper, and easier. A cool feature is the Smart Meetings Action Kit -- providing meeting professionals with a unique and intuitive reference tool. The easy-to-use publication gives planners instant, up-to-the-minute information on venues and destinations. The Action Kit is an indispensable tool in the site selection process that no planner should be without.
We love that this mag is packed with info and tid-bits for the meeting planners about event technology, financial management, communication, politics, and of course venues.

Want to Learn More? Check out their site to find some great content, or subscribe to their blog and get up-to-date news about the industry.

Friday Roundup: Issue 13

2009-04-24T05:48:00.000-07:00

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:

Hotels are in a lull, but conference centers are picking up a nice slice of new business. (Successful Meetings)

Hanging up your own shingle? Try Alyssa Gregory's tips to being a successful freelancer. (SitePoint)

Mexico battles the negative publicity about local travel safety with a new website featuring updates, tips, and video testimonials. (TravelTrade)

The job market is rough going these days. That's why Scott Ginsberg has six tips to leveraging approachability into job security. (Hello, My Name Is Blog)

Cities are turning to festivals and special events in under-used spaces as the key for boosting tourism in 2009. (Special Events)(Registration Rqd.)

Indicators point to religious meetings being a critical part of reviving the events industry. (MeetingsNet)

Alli Gerkman on why presentation matters as much as content when it comes to getting people interested in your event. (Next Generation Event)

The Secret Weapon For Getting More Publicity

2009-04-22T06:02:00.000-07:00

Ever feel like your press releases fall on deaf ears? Wonder why you're not getting the attention you deserve? Margie Zable Fisher at Small Biz Trends has some great tips on why editorial calendars might just be the secret weapon to getting you some serious coverage.

"Savvy small business owners will find Editorial Calendars extremely useful when pitching story ideas, so you can tie your story ideas into those topics.

Here are some tips to make the most of your story pitching:

Research the publication. Understand the publication’s focus and how your product or service might fit in. If you can tie a pending editorial calendar opportunity together with a story idea, you will have a far greater chance of receiving coverage.
Make sure that the Editorial Calendar topics are still relevant. “More than 50% of publications with Editorial Calendars will change those calendars throughout the year,” notes Hill. So confirm topics by checking with the advertising department or using the free trial of the MyEdcals service.
Offer story ideas with enough lead time. The lead time for publications varies, and can be as much as six months or more. If you’re not sure of the lead time, assume three to six months..."
READ MORE
(Hat Tip - Margie Zable Fisher)

What We're Reading - 4/20

2009-04-20T06:14:00.000-07:00

Publication: Sound & Video Contractor

Delivery: Monthly

In A Nutshell: S&VC is the only magazine in the sound and video contracting industry that provides in-depth applications and business-related information covering the spectrum of the contracting industry: commercial sound, security, home theater, automation, control systems and video presentation.

Why We Like It: This is an uber-tech periodical which has some serious cross over info for the technical production corporate event industry. Gearheads will rejoice with the geeky detail on new products and their application. For the rest of us, it adds to our big-picture understanding of the technical production elements that make up today’s meetings and events.

Want to Learn More? Log on and learn all about the latest in corporate technology!

Friday Roundup: Issue 12

2009-04-17T05:56:00.000-07:00

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:

Do you have a meeting problem? Seth Godin thinks so... and he knows just how to fix it. (Seth Godin)

Customer service is the deciding factor on which venues get chosen and which get left behind in 2009. (Successful Meetings)

Alyssa dishes some tips on how to manage client relationships when they get personal. (SitePoint)

Hotel workers split to form a new union - Workers United. (MeetingsNet)

How are you treating your volunteer speakers? Cindy from AE on the Verge has some advice on getting the best talent to keep coming back. (AE on the Verge)

Why travel insurance may be a good investment for your clients. (TravelTrade)

Chris Brogan shares the characteristics of people that stand out at events and what you need to do to get noticed. (Chris Brogan)

Get A Free Education from YouTube

2009-04-15T16:41:00.000-07:00

Looking for some free edjimucation?

YouTube has just recently launched a new sub-site called YouTube EDU - giving people free access to thousands of recorded lectures, keynotes, and presentations at some of the nation's premier universities.

It's pretty cool. A quick search on "brand" reveals a ton of lectures from the best brand managers in America. Want to learn about networking? Search it! Even Twitter has entire presentations dedicated to its use in building up business.

Give it a try... and if you find anything good, post a comment and share it with the community. We can all get smart together!

What We're Reading

2009-04-13T06:01:00.000-07:00

Publication: BizBash

Delivery: Quarterly

In A Nutshell: A magazine that specializes in the latest info on special events, creative design, and the vendors that make it all happen.

Why We Like It: BizBash has a lot of things going for it. We love that it segments its issues based on geographical location; if you’re in LA, you’ll get the LA version – if you’re in Toronto… well you get the idea. The publication scores points for leading the way with creative design. Copious pictures of sharp events help get the creative juices flowing. We’re also keen on their stats boxes in every feature, giving you the lowdown on which companies are working on which projects.

Want to Learn More? Check out their website and choose your city!

Friday Roundup: Issue 11

2009-04-10T05:32:00.000-07:00

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:

Successful Meetings has some tips on how to engage your employees when it comes to their work. (Successful Meetings)

Rock n' roll attitude and 40,000 square feet of meeting space come together at the San Diego Hard Rock Hotel with awesome results. (Special Events)

Julius Solaris is at it again with expert ideas on how to listen and respond to feedback at your event like a pro. (Event Manager Blog)

Why relationships matter more than design when it comes to tradeshow partnerships. (Marshall Yard)

Chris Brogan dishes up the path to marketing success and why social media just may be the "hamburger helper" of customer engagement. (Chris Brogan)

Smartypants tips for getting and qualifying leads on Twitter. Check it out! (Duct Tape Marketing)

Princess Cruises launches a new online sales reporting tool for DMC's and agencies. Best part is, it's free. (TravelTrade)

Want to earn free word of mouth during tough times? Give away what isn't selling! (Damn I Wish)

Tasha's Photoshop Tutorials

2009-04-08T16:16:00.000-07:00

Hey guys, it's Tasha! If you’re a creative person like myself, then you probably enjoy staying on top of all the latest Photoshop trends. Online tutorials are the best way to stay ahead of the curve, and they can be fun and entertaining as well. One of my favorites is Dave Cross’ blog. I saw him teach a Photoshop seminar and was impressed that he was able to make it very informative AND entertaining at the same time. His blog runs much the same way. What I enjoy most about it is that Dave speaks to the readers in simple, layman’s terms that are easy to understand. Check out his blog here: http://davecross.blogspot.com

Dave also has a video blog that is just as entertaining. He inserts trivia questions into each episode which, if answered correctly, can win you a prize! Take a gander: http://www.photoshopusertv.com

Another awesome source for tutorials can be found here: http://www.rnel.net Not only can you find loads of tutorials for Photoshop, there are links for tips in Flash, Dreamweaver, HTML, Javascript, 3D Studio Max and more!

Planet Photoshop is a HUGE resource for designers. There are so many goodies on this site that I almost became overwhelmed! Where to begin? Lucky for us, this site is very well designed and a list of the most popular tutorials can be found at the top of the page. http://www.planetphotoshop.com

And last, but not least, Inside Graphics has an extensive directory of free online tutorials, tips, tricks, lessons, etc. You can find everything from learning tools, to effects, to using filters, frames, borders and textures! http://www.insidegraphics.com/photoshop/default.asp

There are so many websites out there with loads of tips and tricks for your brain to absorb. These are just a few of my favorites that I think you'll really dig. Happy designing!

-Tasha

Set Contest Winner Announced!

2009-04-06T12:48:00.000-07:00

We're giving away free sets like it's Christmas - all part of our "Holy Cow, It's A Free Set" Contest where one of our awesome clients gets a ton of free rentals every month. Our lucky winner this month is Jason Wanderer from Precision Event Group in Beverly Hills, CA. Jason had this to say:

“We are ecstatic to be the first winners of CDP’s contest and even more delighted to have won CDP’s version of economic stimulus as it allows us to make greater use of their stellar products for our clients.”

Launched just this month, the contest is our way of helping America keep meeting during difficult times. We're tickled pink at the reception we've received so far from our customers and fans. Check out this article in Exhibitor Magazine about the promotion (thanks for the press, guys!)

Friday Roundup: Issue 10

2009-04-03T05:58:00.000-07:00

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 ruin your reputation on linkedIn before it begins! Plus, Seth Godin asks: are you really listening to your customers? (Optimal Webworks)

The ASTA share their enthusiasm for Obama on his commitment SBA loans. (TravelTrade)

How good is your elevator pitch? Alyssa Gregory has some tips to help you make the right first impression. (SitePoint)

Planners are feeling very optimistic about their prospects for 2009 - good news indeed! (Successful Meetings)

Andy Sernovitz sings the praises of University of Chicago's Gleacher Center and how the little things can make speakers spread the word about your venue. (Damn I Wish)

What's the ROI on your events? Event Manager Blog has ten tools you can use to see if your events measure up. (Event Manager Blog)

What Is Networking Anyway?

2009-04-01T06:49:00.000-07:00

Networking. Everyone knows they need to do it. Building relationships and getting to know your industry are time-tested ways of earning new business. But are we truly making connections, or just picking up business cards? In the age of Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, has networking become nothing more than a race to see who has more "friends?"

Susan Wilson Solovic (Duct Tape Marketing) thinks that real networking is so much more than that. Here, she gives us the Three Rules on how to build relationships and grow your network in your quest to be the most connected expert in town.

"Rule One: You must be committed. You aren’t networking if you’re out for instant gratification. An effective network is built upon a solid foundation of relationships that are built over time. A number of years ago I taught a women’s entrepreneurial training course at a community college. As part of the course we discussed networking and their homework assignment was to attend one or two events. When we returned to the subject, a student reported she’d thought networking events were a waste of time. When I asked why she felt that way, she explained that she’d paid to go to several events in her community and she passed out tons of business cards, but she hadn’t gotten any business. Rule number one – don’t expect immediate gratification.
When you make a new business acquaintance, take time to learn as much about them as possible. Engage them in conversation and ask open-ended questions. Are there common interests you share? Do your children go to the same school? The magic words in my opinion: “Tell me about yourself.”
Rule Two: Develop a relationship. Stacking business cards on your desk or scanning them into your Outlook doesn’t..."

MORE

Our Newsletter Is Legit

2009-03-30T13:48:00.000-07:00

For all you CDP Bloggers out there, we have another great way for you to receive breaking industry news, tips, features, and coolness: The Current - our monthly newsletter! Each issue is packed with content that can help you be even more awesome at your job than you already are. (If that's even possible... pshaw!)

Plus we periodically deliver market-specific blasts as well... from corporate events to tradeshows to worship design. Whatever your flavor, we probably have something that could be a valuable resource for your business. It's like the blog, but with more pretty pictures.

Sample the Goods
Subscribe

Oooh, pretty...

Friday Roundup: Issue 9

2009-03-27T06:04:00.000-07:00

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:

Are you a Biznophrenic? This article tells you why that may be a good thing. Also, check out why layoffs are filling the marketplace with freelancers and what you should do to be prepared. (Trend Watch List)(SitePoint)

Here's a great primer on taxes and business gifts that could save you a hassle come April 15th. (Successful Meetings)

Not everyone is bumming about the coming years... home-based travel agencies are optimistic about the future of the industry. Plus, could 2010 be the year of the turnaround? (TravelTrade) (Special Events)

Sue Pelletier warns why "off the record" no longer applies to keynotes these days. (face2face Blog)

Are you a listenable person? Scott Ginsberg dishes up the six ways you can draw the attention you deserve. (Hello, My Name Is Blog)

Finally, check out this awesomely hilarious video about a company that desperately needs our bailout support. (FunnyOrDie)

Free Webinar: Build & Monetize Your Own iPhone App

2009-03-26T05:12:00.000-07:00

iPhone apps are fast becoming the sleekest and most direct link to customers all over the world. Now, Brien Tate from Reed Business and Walker Fenton from NewsGator Technologies share their expertise on how you can develop and monetize iPhone content for your business via a free webinar on March 31st. Some of the ground they'll cover:

The differences between iPhone Apps and web applications

The benefits of making your content available via an iPhone App

How to monetize your iPhone App

How to publicize your iPhone App

An iPhone App case study featuring Reed Business/Variety.com

Did I mention it's free?? Click here to learn more and sign up for this awesome and informative session.

Don't Be Fooled

2009-03-25T05:03:00.000-07:00

Scammers are always looking for an angle and this time they've found a good one: tapping into the economic stress. I received this email today, supposedly from the IRS, offering my tax refund for the year:

It's a pretty sloppy attempt, given the spelling errors and poor construction. Nevertheless it left me wondering: how many people are falling for this in their haste to get some cash in their wallets? The hysteria that surrounds us can lead people to do dangerous things in order to see some relief.

And thieves are all too happy to capitalize on our foolishness.

The "Holy Cow, It's A Free Set" Contest

2009-03-23T09:59:00.000-07:00

We've got a brand new contest for ya'll... and we think it's pretty rad! Starting in April 2009, we'll be giving away a free set to one of our clients every month. It's our way of showing loyal customers that we care and want to help keep meetings and events going strong this year.

How can you be part of this contest? Simple: if you're a CDP client, do nothing. You're already entered! And if you aren't a client, any order from a single podium to an entire scenic environment enters you to win up to $10,000 of stock scenery rentals. So what are you waiting for?

Learn more!
Contest Rules
Tell A Friend
Ask Us Stuff

Friday Roundup: Issue 8

2009-03-20T16:19:00.000-07:00

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:

Save bucks on your next meeting with this cost-saving advice from Jeffrey Melin of the American Epilepsy Society. (MeetingsNet, registration req.)

What do clients look for when booking a hotel for their event? Good cell phone reception! Also, cruise-based facilities are trending toward luxury when it comes to booking clients in 2009. (Successful Meetings)(TravelTrade)

Why strategic partnerships are the way of the future when it comes to building sales for your small business. (Duct Tape Marketing)

Are you suffering from communication overload? Alyssa Gregory at SitePoint shows you how to manage your client communications. (SitePoint)

Seth Godin explores the struggle to reach decision-makers and why circumventing the whole process may just be the key. (Seth Godin)

Small business owners think their competitors are doing worse than they are. The grass isn't always greener! (Small Business Trends)

Beginner's Guide to Video Storytelling

2009-03-18T15:26:00.000-07:00

A great video can do wonders for a presentation. The marriage of solid performances, moving music, and striking visuals can speak to audiences in ways that few mediums can. So it seems like a no-brainer that you'd want one of these for your next meeting!

But how?

David Intrator (president of Strategic Documentaries) has a great article in "Successful Meetings" that gives you the basics on how to (and how not to) tell a great story using a video presentation. Here's the scoop:

Let video do what it does best. Video is best at telling stories and providing your presentation with a human dimension. Use video only to offer something the rest of your presentation can't.

Start with a working title. This will unify the entire development and production process and guarantee that your film is focused and coherent. The working title doesn't have to be witty or clever. Just simple. It can be a question, a fact, a belief, a theory, a feeling. In short, a unifying concept.

Simplify your script. You'll probably start out with loads of great ideas that you would like to include in your movie. Pare them down to the essentials that support your story. If your film includes interviews, make sure the questions you pose will lead to responses that reinforce the central idea.

Now comes the good part. With a working title and simplified script in hand, you're now on solid ground to...
(MORE)

Q&A With Marketing Genius: Scott Ginsberg

2009-03-16T10:23:00.000-07:00

Today we bring you a special treat - noted author and authority on approachability Scott "The Nametag Guy" Ginsberg shares some tips for becoming a business superstar in 2009. Read on...

CDP: Who IS the nametag guy?
Scott: A guy who wears a nametag 24-7 (3,000+ days now) to make the world friendlier.

What is the most important thing people can do to build trust with their clients?
Be vulnerable. Be radically honest. Be YOU.

What advice would you give to our readers for finding success in 2009 (while everyone else is running for the hills)?
Get up an hour earlier and you will have added 31 full work days to your 2009 output. Think what you could get done!

How can a person go from ordinary to remarkable?
You are already remarkable, you just need to channel it. Ask yourself: What are you known for KNOWING?

What impact does "personal brand" have on business success and how can we live it out?
Personal Branding is a fancy way for saying, "Embracing who you are and shouting from the rooftops." Living it out? Ask yourself: If everybody did exactly what I said, what would the world look like?" The answer(s) are the framework for your brand.

What are the three ways business owners can start earning more business tomorrow?
1. Start blogging.
2. Stop telegraphing neediness.
3. Work harder, smarter and longer than everyone else.

People are bombarded with thousands of advertising messages every day. How can business owners rise above the fray and make their message heard?
Figure out what the people who do what you do "always do." Then do the opposite.

What is the key to truly effective communication?
Remembering that nobody cares about you.

Friday Roundup: Issue 7

2009-03-13T08:50:00.000-07:00

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:

Travel industry leaders met with President Obama last week to discuss the importance of bolstering meetings & events nationwide, despite the negative PR (MeetingsNet, registration req.)

The Duct Tape Marketing blog puts a spotlight on the new Facebook and how you can use their Pages to promote your business. (DTM)

What's your superpower? Seth Godin gives advice on networking that matters. (Seth Godin)

Green Meeting Industry Council has a challenge for you: help them divert or recycle one million tons of trash within the meetings industry by Earth Day. Will you join the call? Also, a funny take on the dangers of going "too green." (GMIC) (xkcd.com)

Landry & Kling are starting a brand new cruise-based events website - SeaSite. Check out their blog as they lead up to their official launch. (SeaSite)

Are you an entrepreneur? Trying to get your dream off the ground? Take heart - many great companies were founded in recessions. Check out this chart and see the good company you're in. (Brad Feld)

A Beginner's Guide to Social Media

2009-03-11T14:27:00.001-07:00

If you had to rate your social marketing efforts today, what would grade would you give yourself? An "A"? C? Q minus? The reality is, marketing for small businesses is going digital and if you're not on the bandwagon, you're being left behind.

That's why Smart Meetings has put together this excellent primer on the top social media outlets and how you can be part of them. Keep reading and learn what you need to know to get new business in the digital age:

"Today’s savvy meeting professionals are forging new ways to connect to clients and contacts by putting social networking websites to work—think of it as the contemporary version of working the room. What’s more, the universe of social networking venues, or social media, is expanding beyond..." (MORE)

The Social Media Toolkit

2009-03-09T10:34:00.000-07:00

You have and event coming up and you want to promote the heck out of it using social media (like the web 2.0 genius that you are!) But with so many tactics out there, which one is right for you? Julius Solaris from Event Manager Blog has a handy graph that makes choosing as easy as pie:

Friday Roundup: Issue 6

2009-03-06T16:14:00.000-08:00

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:

Sound & Video Contractor has a fantastic podcast on how you can overcome budget limitations and still create a stunning show. (SVC Blog)

Hotels fight back against anti-meetings rhetoric in the media. Also, a great networking community is available to help meetings professionals stick together. (MeetingsNet.com)(MeCo)

Ben Casnocha dishes out some great tips on in-person conversational skills for all you networkers. (Ben Casnocha's Blog)

Looking for a job? Guy Kawasaki gives takes you inside his brain and lists what makes (or breaks) a resume. (How To Change The World)

Site Point has a great article on the five ways to keep clients and why it matters. (SitePoint.com)

Marketing guru Seth Godin mentions meetings professionals in is latest post about finding ways to say 'yes.' (Seth Godin)

Cheer Up, Charlie

2009-03-04T15:21:00.000-08:00

This has been a difficult year. It's easy to get lost in the panic and despair... but before we fall too far deep, we should zoom out and look at the big picture. Here's a chart showing the Dow for the last century. The trend is surprisingly... optimistic!

Sometimes we just need a little perspective. Cheer up, Charlie.
(Hat tip to Ben McConnell at Church Of The Customer Blog)

Five Industries That Are Still Doing Work

2009-03-02T09:48:00.000-08:00

If you're as tired as we are with all the bad news in the events industry, here's something that might cheer you up. Fresh from our Corporate Production newsletter comes a slide show of five industries that are still going strong when it comes to live events. Check it out!

Friday Roundup: Issue 5

2009-02-27T15:19:00.000-08:00

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:

The 81st Academy Awards premiered this past week and with it came parties galore. Check out the simple, zen-inspired designs featured in this year's Governer's Ball. (Biz Bash)

A recent report by EventView shows that decision-makers are turning to event marketing as an engagement tool for reaching new customers this year. (Adobe Acrobat reqd)

Bell Event Services takes going green to a whole new level! This year's Hermosa Beach "Fiesta Hermosa" will run entirely on biodeisel fuel made from cooking oil. (Daily Breeze)

Are you a freelancer? This tool could help you big time! Check out this handy rate calculator that helps you figure out what to charge for your services and still make a profit. (FreelanceSwitch.com)

Spark your creativity for the new year with these five original theme event ideas from Special Events. (Special Events)

Is your company suffering from the "AIG effect?" Read on to see how today's PR moves could be affecting your business. (Special Events)

Finally, the smarties over at Duct Tape Marketing have some great tools to help you add social media on your web site. (Duct Tape Marketing Blog)

Product Tutorial: Bradford Panels

2009-02-25T08:18:00.000-08:00

We've just launched a brand new web series called Amilcar's Amazing Product Tutorials. Featuring our resident show-site expert, Amilcar Torres, these videos help our clients understand how to assemble CDP products in a fun way. Check out our first episode: Bradford Panels. It's video-tastic!

Superstar Client Profile: Tawny White

2009-02-23T08:28:00.000-08:00

We love our customers. Not only do they help us keep the lights on, they're also a really cool bunch of people! So to show our appreciation for their loyal patronage (and to give you the inside scoop on what the brightest in the industry are thinking) we present a profile on a superstar client.

Today's awesome client is Tawny White from White Entertainment Television. Here's her story:

Tell me about your company. What does your business do?
White Entertainment Television is a video and live event production company.

Who are the clients and marketplaces that you serve?
We produce live events for major corporations and video direct for headline musicians. We also produce foundation videos for various NFL athletes.

How did you get started in this business?
I interned on a feature film in my hometown of Tucson, AZ. Upon completion of the film, the producer offered me a production coordinator job in LA. That lead to a great gig at Entertainment Tonight. I branched out on my own seven years ago.

What are you doing to stay successful in 2009?
Staying true to my mission which is loyalty, commitment, customer service. Also, I'm making sure to enjoy the journey from morning 'till night!

What advice would you give to our readers about producing successful events?
I would say being completely available to the client is the most important thing you can do. And for your own well being, take time out to get rid of any undue stress that comes from putting together a large program.

Friday Roundup: Issue 4

2009-02-20T09:35:00.000-08:00

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:

Event Solutions randomly polled their Conference '09 attendees to see what brought them to the event. Here's what these industry insiders had to say... (Event Solutions)

Alyssa Gregory at SitePoint offers five easy ways to deal with unhappy clients. But some clients are so aggrivating that you should heed these six warning signs of client worth dropping. (SitePoint.com)

Marketing guru Greg Stielstra has some thoughts about change in the marketplace and how you can prepare. (PyroMarketing)

Good news for health & pharmaceutical related events - attendance at meetings has gone up this past year! (HCEA.org)

Melanie Berry, president of the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, talks about preparations for the 38th Annual Juno Awards and the events that surround the big event. (BizBash)

And finally, check out this great article on where the top designers in the industry get their inspiration to create event magic. (Event Solutions)

Share Your Story and Win $25,000

2009-02-18T14:37:00.001-08:00

Intuit (of Quickbooks fame) has just announced a contest where small business owners can win up to $25,000. Called the Small Business United contest, participants are called to submit a true-life story that happened in their business and some tips for other business owners. That's all there is to it!

Over $300,000 worth of prize money and Intuit services are available, with 50 winners picked in all. The deadline is March 23 for the first round. Click here and share your story - it could be the easiest money you'll ever make!

For The Love of God, Don't Make Stuff Up!

2009-02-16T16:46:00.000-08:00

As Web 2.0 becomes the new standard of marketing, many corporations are clamoring to get on board. (Right on!) But with the cover of the web comes the temptation for marketers to do sneaky stuff to promote their brand. I mean, it's the internet. It's the wild west of marketing. You can do anything you want, right?

Turns out, things like spamming customers, sneakily getting people's info - and in this case - posting fake comments to plug your company are generally frowned upon.

A comedy blog called "The Blog of Hilarity" wrote a story about Papa Johns and their Valentine's Day heart-shaped pizzas. It seems the pizzas came out looking more like a lung than a heart. (Oh well, it's the thought that counts.)

The real story though was a comment left by "Ashley" singing the praises of this pizza and how she loves eating at Papa Johns. Only problem was that her IP address revealed that she worked at Papa Johns... she wrote the comment from their corporate office! Needless to say, the blog's author called her out on it and now her screw-up has been posted and twittered across the webiverse.

Whoops.

Here's the takeaway: don't, under any circumstances, EVER make up information about your company. People will see through you and you'll lose all credibility. The real story is too easy to get these days - be above board or reap the consequences.

Friday Roundup: Issue 3

2009-02-10T13:46:00.000-08:00

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:

Sara Waller dishes up 10 tips you can use to market your event on Facebook. (Events Manager Blog)

Meeting Professionals International’s MeetDifferent conference recently addressed the ramifications of new regulations on corporate meetings for TARP-assisted companies. But before you stress, here's a post by Andy Sernovitz reminding us why optimism during this economic season pays off. (MeetingsNet, registration req.)(Gaspedal.com)

It's time again for the Rental & Staging Systems/InfoComm 2009 Product Awards and your product could be featured! Click here to enter (Rental&Staging)

Also, a sneak preview of some of the designs premiering at this year's Event Solutions Conference & Tradeshow 2009. (Event Solutions)

Finally, check out this awesome resource page that helps you choose the right talent for your event. (Exhibitor Online)

The Most Interesting People I Know

2009-02-10T12:13:00.000-08:00

I was reading one of my favorite blogs this morning, Scott Ginsberg's Hello my name is BLOG, and noticed a rad post about "30 Ways To Become The Most Interesting Person You Know." I've always been fascinated by interesting people and enjoy learning what it is that makes them tick. Scott's post covered a lot of ground and I was digging the message until...

BRAIN ZAP!

Oh no. Am I interesting? What if I just think I'm interesting, trying to apply all the lessons I've learned over the years about interpersonal jujitsu, but don't come off that way to other people?

I decided to get away from the theoretical and make a list of the most interesting people I know in the real world and what draws me to them. As I wrote, many of the same personality traits kept appearing throughout the list. If you've ever had a brain zap yourself and worried how interesting you appear to others, I share my list of the four defining characteristics of the coolest people I know and how you can use them to rule the galaxy (or at least get people to like you more):

Make People Laugh. Almost every person on my list is hilarious. Each has a different style - some are wacky, others sarcastic, and still more are just plain quirky - but they always find ways to put a smile on someone's face. Are you making people laugh? What can you do to inject your own brand of humor into life?
Radiate happiness. Good vibes are contagious and the most interesting people I know spread happiness to everyone they cross. This can be frustrating for the realists out there (myself included) who know life isn't all ponies and rainbows. But the world is full of barriers and limits already. Why not focus on lifting people up with positivity?
Get fired up. One of the reasons we like dogs so much is that they're always excited to see us when we get home. After a long day at the office, what's better than being greeted as if your arrival is the most exciting thing on the planet? Super-interesting people are always excited and approach life with purpose and vigor. Drink your Red Bull and get cracking!
Just be interested. The most interesting people I know are the most interested people I know. They don't worry about scoring cool points, they just focus on learning all about you. Get out there and ask people questions. Follow-up. Actually care about the answers. When we engage someone and get interested in his or her life, we can make an impression that lasts a lifetime.

Our industry is all about networking, impressions, and creating experiences for people. Now, with these four principles, we can take those steps toward becoming super-interesting people and making an impact on our clients like never before.

-Jeff
(Hat tip to Scott Ginserg)