We decided to consolidate our blogs into one “Inside RSPA” blog where you can read posts from several bloggers at RSPA. So now you only have to keep up with one blog instead of 5 or more. Visit us at http://InsideRSPA.wordpress.com.

Cheers!

We’re finalizing the details on the parties now and we hope everyone will be thrilled with the improved networking this year. The Tuesday night awards banquet is getting a make-over too.  We’ve heard from you that it’s needs a face-lift, so we’re spicing it up this year with some great entertainement.

I’m actually working on the details of RetailNOW 2011- never a dull moment here!  Keep your eyes out for secret codes on the show floor with destination information!

We also can provide other marketing tools through our RSPA’s marketing services. We’ll be talking about some of the other resources exhibitors have available at our June 9th webinar. Register now at: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/240487329. See you then!

Here are a couple of things to remember when planning for RetailNOW:

• The South Seas ballroom is already carpeted.
• If you would like to rent a suite, it must be approved by RSPA prior to confirmation. This is to make sure that our exhibitors and attendees have the best experience possible.
• RSPA is offering some special pricing for Cirque du Soleil and Lion King tickets. Check out the website for more info.
• If you’d like to rent a motorized scooter while you’re at the show, you can make reservations through the Bell Desk at Mandalay Bay.
• The business center will handle coat check and shipping under 150 lbs. It’s helpful to bring FedEx & UPS airbills with your account information already filled in for speedy shipping. They are open from 8 am – 5 pm and are located on the 1st floor of the convention center.
• Exhibitor Services is also located on the 1st floor of the convention center next to the business center and is open from 8 am – 5 pm daily. They are available to help you with all of your orders on-site as well.

We’re working to provide more resources to our exhibitors to help maximize their RetailNOW experience. We’ll be hosting a webinar on June 9, 2010 to answer your questions and provide helpful hints. Visit www.GoRSPA.org/Education for more information. We’ve also posted an exhibitor budget worksheet: http://www.gorspa.org/files/public/ExhibitorBudgetWorksheet.pdf 

Great, Free Exhibition tips at TSEA: http://www.tsea.org/Resources/FreeExhibitionTips/tabid/106/Default.aspx

APEX’s exhibit term glossary: http://www.conventionindustry.org/glossary/

Great Blog for exhibitors: http://www.exhibitresources.com/blog/category/all/  (Excerpt below)

“So why should companies still exhibit during an economic downturn?

To Close Deals & Sell More Product – Why would you want to shut off a stream of revenue when every bit counts?  Studies have shown that sustained marketing during a recession yields higher sales in the short-term. And market share increases accomplished in while weathering a recession are often maintained or expanded during the recovery and subsequent boom years.

To Remain “Top of Mind” for Prospects and Existing Customers – Let them know that your company is still strong, or maybe even take this opportunity to kick it up a notch and stake your claim to the top player position in your niche.

To Take Advantage of Less a Crowded Space – Perhaps your company can secure more prominent booth space that may have been vacated by the competition. And with fewer exhibitors, there will be less noise, allowing your message get through and resonate longer with attendees and the media.

To Make High Quality Connections – Although the industry has seen a drop in the number of total show attendees and the sizes of booth spaces have been reduced, the QUALITY of the visitor now is much better. Companies may no longer be sending 25 reps to a conference or industry expo, now it’s maybe 10 or 12 – but those that they are being sent are the key decision makers and top representatives of companies you are looking to connect with. While companies are watching travel and entertainment expenses, they still feel that it’s important for their staff to stay connected, stay current on emerging trends in their industry, and to participate in education opportunities typically offered in conjunction with trade shows and other events.

Face-to-Face marketing experiences are personal, sensorial, tactile, emotional, and tangible.  No alternate or surrogate for that kind of direct contact exists.“

Well I’m off to Vegas next week for some site planning. Looking forward to being at Mandalay Bay again this year!

Registration for RetailNOW opened this week and I have to say that I’m excited about all the new features we have to offer in 2010! We’re offering more networking events during lunch, a CSR opportunity for the spouse’s excursion, and we’re going Green! Another exciting feature is our Women in Retail Technology group which will meet for the first time this year during RetailNOW.

For the past couple years, RSPA has been talking about starting a group for women in retail technology and we’re excited that it now has come to fruition. We are going to have our first networking function on Monday, July 26th from 1:45pm – 2:45 pm. This is an opportunity for the women in our industry to meet and form stronger relationships. While this group is just taking shape, we envision that it will provide a resource for women as they enter retail technology and advance their professional careers.

Other cool new things to look for: One-on-one opportunities with industry experts, more panel discussions, and QR codes in all of the show marketing!