Feb 17, 2016

Trade Show Swag Artists We Loved

Ideas for the 2016 Trade Show Season

Hey folks, it’s Ping here. I’m a little bit tired at the moment because I’ve been traveling near and far attending some of the industry’s best trade shows. It’s no secret that having a successful booth is all about getting the attention of passersby, and I have to say, I witnessed some pretty impressive displays during my recent journey. Being the kind penguin that I am, I thought I’d share my travel scrapbook with you and fill you in on some of my favorite trade show booths.

Take it from a penguin who knows, standing out is the name of the game when it comes to trade shows, and If you’re thinking about your next trade show display, I’ve got tons of inspiration.

Here are some of my faves:

BIC makes pens fun
I’ll be the first to admit, I’ve got quite the sweet tooth, so even though I was a little bummed that all the delightful glass jars at the BIC booth didn’t actually contain candy, I appreciated their display. BIC took something ordinary and made it fun by displaying their products in an nontraditional way. It’s so good I could almost eat it.

Sugarfina makes you feel fancy
Speaking of candy, I greatly enjoyed the attention-to-detail at the Sugarfina booth. By styling the space like a high-end boutique, Sugarfina made me feel like the distinguished penguin king that I am, and that’s something I can definitely appreciate.

Sofia’s Cookies brings style to the cookie game
Cookie companies are a dime a dozen, but Sofia’s Cookies’ sleek packaging and clean display really set them apart from the rest. This penguin doesn’t settle for just an ordinary cookie, and the simplicity of this booth made it no ordinary display.

Numo gets colorful

Sometimes all you need is a pop of color to attract an audience. Numo’s use of color could have distracted from the product, but by keeping the display itself simple, it felt unique and fun.

OrigAudio does OrigAudio
OrigAudio is a unique brand with a super original product, and they weren’t afraid to let their quirkiness and fun-loving spirit show with their booth design. There’s no truer way to attract die-hard fans and ideal customers like letting your freak flag fly, at least that’s what a wise polar bear told me once.

So there you have it, my favorite swag artists from the trade show world. (Did you notice that a lot of them had to do with candy and sweets? Now I am hungry...) These companies did a stellar job of showing off their products and attracting a crowd. I hope that my scrapbook of ideas will help you as you plan your next foray into the trade show world. If you’re looking to impress at your next event, don’t forget to contact one of our Creative Experts. They can help you find gifts and swag that will impress even the most persnickety of clients.

Until next time, stay cool!
Ping

Feb 8, 2016

Ping’s Guide to Making a Great First Impression

How the Creative Experts at The Icebox Help Clients Shine

Hey guys, it’s Ping here. Today I wanted to share with you a valuable lesson I learned on my most recent first date. My lady friend wanted to cook my favorite meal (squid), so on my way to her house, I popped into my local wine shop. The shopkeeper asked me if I needed help selecting a wine, but I played it cool even though I know nothing about wine. Where I’m from, we don’t really have wine, just lots and lots of squid.

I wandered the bottle-filled aisles, finally selecting the one with the most colorful and eye-catching label and a cheaper price tag. I know you’re thinking—I’m a cheapskate, but wine is wine. No need to shell out extra cash when it’s all the same at the end of the day, right?

Wrong!

The wine and our date were both equally horrible. The wine tasted like it had been aging in a hot garage for a few years. My date was not impressed.

The Quality of Your Gifts Reflects the Quality of Your Brand.

What I had forgotten was one of the key ideas we hold dear here at The Icebox; that every gift you give is an expression of your brand. I missed out on a golden opportunity to show my dashing and chivalrous qualities by choosing a wine that wasn’t up to par with how simply amazing I am.

What we all need is a guide, and here at The Icebox our Creative Solutions Experts are here to help you choose the best gifts for your clients. Our experts have a knowledge and passion for promotional swag and branded apparel, and they will guide you through when to save, when to splurge, and how to choose an item that is going to make a memorable impression with your clients and prospects. If you can dream it, chances are our Creative Experts can find it for you.

You will definitely buy uniforms, apparel and promotional products more than once for your organization. Icebox Creative Experts aren’t “order takers.” They are professionals who develop a deep understanding of your brand and a relationship with you. Your branding expert is someone you know and trust, and this person will likely become your “personal swag concierge.”

Icebox branding experts have access to product and supplier resources that are not available to the general consumer. They know the vendors personally and have seen and touched the products to evaluate their quality. Take bags and totes, for instance. Of course, anyone can find a bag online (and spend hours of looking). Using a true Creative Expert and personal swag concierge will allow you to focus on your job while your “swag concierge” presents you with a variety of bag options, ensuring that your choice will be recipient’s favorite bag that is used every day.

Take it from a penguin who knows, there’s only one chance to make a great first impression. I’m personally calling up my dedicated Creative Expert today to help me find something special for my next first date this weekend. Wish me luck!

Stay cool, my friends!

Ping