President's Notes

I am sure you have heard the phrase, "A recession is a terrible thing to waste." Of course, many companies know that a recession is the perfect time to focus on positioning and increase, or at least maintain, marketing because competitors may pull back or disappear.  As a good friend and industry colleague, Jay Burkette of Expo Displays, recently put it, "The sky did not fall, but it sure did get low." 2009 has indeed been a very challenging year for everyone.  However, I believe the companies that benched their marketing programs are beginning to realize they can't stay on the sidelines any longer.  Those that stayed the course throughout the downturn prophesied their success - creating an impression of stability helped to maintain it.  We are finally beginning to see glimmers of light that give us hope.  The most recent VoIP Expo in Miami, FL, had a 29% increase in attendance over 2008.  The PMA Show (a Top 100 Show) was the largest in its history.  Pack Expo Las Vegas was a great success, becoming the 2nd largest show since 1995. JC Rose exhibited at Medtrade last month and came away with more positive feedback and quoting opportunities than the two previous years.    

New Client Spotlight

Congratulations!  Wireless Communications, a Verizon Wireless authorized retailer, has opened a new branch in Anderson, SC.  JC Rose worked with Krish Patel, Director of Operations, to create striking fixtures that highlight the Verizon brand while maintaining functionality.  The Demo Bar in the center of the store catches your eye with its sleek design and backlit panels - but also gives customers a place to try out many of the phones. The Small Business Center kiosk and laptop station use the same rear lit white panels but target specific products.   
Does your showroom or lobby need a facelift?  JC Rose can design a whole new look or help target special services with creative display architecture.

A Few Exhibiting Tips

After exhibiting in MedTrade 2009, I'd like to pass along a few tips to our exhibitors.  As we all keep our expenses under control, many exhibitors are packing up their own booths to avoid paying for labor-however, this could cost you more in the long run if you are not careful and don't follow the rules:

1.  Clearly label all pieces of your shipment with the correct return address, carrier, and piece number (ie: 1/3, 2/3, 3/3, etc)
2.   Always turn in your Bill of Lading to the Exhibitor Service Desk when your booth is ready to ship. Do not leave it in the booth on top of your freight! This will postpone and potentially void any shipping arrangements you have made for your freight. It may be "force shipped" by the show contractor at a greater expense to you.
3. Always ask for a preliminary copy of your show services (electrical, drayage, etc) charges before leaving the show, and check for any discrepancies.  Show contractors are human and can make errors - catching them at the show, rather than after you are off site, will make it much easier to rectify .
   

And remember: when in doubt, contact your friendly JC Rose Field Service Rep!  We want you to have a great show!