Babies, babies everywhere! We’ve been adding to our extended SoftSpace family lately with two new little bundles of joy.  Congratulations to our Art Director Ben on baby Luke born in April, and congratulations to our Metal Department’s Tommy on baby Spencer, born in May.  Both are total cutie-pies, and they each already have their daddies wrapped around those tiny fingers.  We’re thrilled for you guys and your families!

Luke Dudley ~ 10lbs, 4oz                               Spencer Liam ~ 6lbs, 13oz

We have been partnering with Somerset Design Group over the past few months to put together a children’s area for the Birmingham Museum of Art, which has been a wonderful step outside of our normal box.  Great materials, fun pieces, bright colors, and a chance to really show our stuff.  The team has done some incredible work.  Check out some pictures from the latest install…   For more pictures, visit us on Facebook – www.facebook.com/softspace1

Happy National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day!  What is it about a grilled cheese sandwich that’s so comforting?  Is it the warm, gooey cheese?  The buttery, perfectly toasted bread?  The throwback to our childhood and simpler times?  Either way, there’s something about that first bite that makes you just want to say “Ahhh”, sit back in your chair, and smile.  Kinda like the feeling you get when you know your tradeshow exhibit is in the best hands possible.  When you know that everything is taken care of, and there’s no worries.  SoftSpace can give you that “grilled cheese kind of feeling”.  Give us a call for your next project or show and get ready to sit back, smile, and say “ahhh.”

Spring is in the air, and it’s definitely been in our step over the last month or so as we’ve jumped into our tradeshow season.  We recently just wrapped up our biggest show yet – 30+ booths for the Digital Dealer 12 show in Orlando.  From new booths to new clients to new opportunities with previous clients and everything in between, we’ve definitely been staying on our toes.  Check out some pictures of our work on Facebook - www.facebook.com/softspace1 We were able to incorporate some new technology like video walls and interactive kiosks, as well as new pieces like custom lit cafe tables and brand new booth designs.

Technology changes every day, and it’s important to stay on top of the trends.  We’ve recently teamed up with our technology guru to develop a touch screen wall made of fabric.  No need for a keyboard or mouse, laptop or computer!  With a flick of the finger, you can control the programming, switch between 6 channels, and more - pretty great huh!  We’re working on some exciting new pieces – from walls in any design or shape to interactive kiosks.  Stay tuned for more info or contact us for details!

Sprinkles Cupcakes recently introduced their cupcake ATM, which not only dispenses freshly baked treats, but also cupcake mix, clothing, and even dog treats!  Talk about a one-stop shop!  Imagine a tradeshow vending machine stocked with rolls of tape, sewing kits, lint rollers, sharpies & pens, notepads, shipping and packing supplies, mints, batteries, etc. that would be accessible at all time for those little emergencies.   Could specialized vending machines be a new trend? 

There are already several unique vending machines out there now that feature:

• Fruits & Vegetables
• Makeup
• Movies
• Socks
• Electronics
• Wine
• Board Games
• Pizza
• Books

What kind of vending machine would YOU like to see?

Center for Exhibition Industry Research Report Indicates Trade Show Industry Activity Increased 2.7 Percent in 2011; 3.8 Percent in Q4 2011

In the latest Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s CEIR Index Report not only did the fourth quarter end with a 3.8-percent increase in overall trade show industry activity, compared with the same time period last year, but the industry also saw an overall 2.7-percent increase in 2011, compared with 2010.
 
The trade show industry also continues to score better numbers than the GDP, which only grew 1.6 percent in the fourth quarter.
 
In all, the trade show industry outperformed GDP for three of the four quarters during 2011 and by 1 percent for the year, with the GDP growing 1.7 percent.
 
“The positive momentum of the exhibition industry, which has experienced six consecutive quarters of growth, gives strong reassurance that the industry has emerged from the economic downturn and is making progress toward recovery,” said CEIR’s economist Allen Shaw, Ph.D., Chief Economist for Global Economic Consulting Associates.
 
In the past, the trade show industry typically has been a lagging indicator to the rest of the economy, but current numbers seem to be bucking that trend for now.
 
In fact, 2011 closed out with several shows reporting double-digit increases in attendance growth, as well as other metrics.
 
For example, the SEMA Show, held Nov. 1-4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in conjunction with Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week, attracted approximately 135,000 attendees and 2,100 exhibitors spanning 950,000 square feet of exhibit space.
 
The 35th annual event boasted an 11-percent increase in exhibitors and a 10-percent increase in size, compared with 2010, when the event drew 114,000 attendees.
 
Other events, such as the International Association of Exhibitions and Events’ annual meeting and  Hanley Wood Exhibitions’ International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo also saw upticks.
 
CEIR Index data for the fourth quarter of 2011 shows increases in all four metrics of measurement: net square feet grew 4.2 percent; revenue grew 5 percent; attendance grew 3.6 percent; and exhibiting companies grew 2.4 percent.
 
“We are very pleased with the results we are seeing,” said CEIR President and CEO Doug Ducate. “The data continues to show a positive upswing and confirms the prediction of moderate growth made in last year’s Index. This is very positive for the industry and the individual sectors.”
 

The 2011 CEIR Index will be published this spring and will detail the exhibition industry’s progress, long-term comparisons and predictions for the next three years, according to CEIR officials.
 
This year also is off to a strong start with several shows, including International CES, The Show Show, NAMM Show, the Professional Convention Management Association’s annual meeting, the National Retail Federation’s show and many more all seeing big increases, with some even breaking records.

This is a great article of what NOT to do’s at tradeshows, courtesy of Mike Thimmesch at Skyline Exhibits and The Tradeshow News Network.  Enjoy!

Don’t Be ‘That Guy’ (or Gal) at Trade Shows

Does your current tradeshow display make you feel like hiding in a hole like the groundhog waiting out six more weeks of winter?  We can help get you ready for the Spring season with a fresh new look!  We’ve got several new designs and a growing rental inventory that can help transform your exhibit.  Visit our website and check us out on Facebook to see pictures of our latest projects.

The slow economy can put a tremendous amount of pressure on a business, and we’ve seen the effects of that along with several others.  But just like coal under pressure produces diamonds, SoftSpace is transforming those hard times into gems.  We’ve launched a new Distributor Partnership Program for 2012, in which distributors can choose the level, discounts, and perks based on their business model and what works best for them.  Interested in becoming a SoftSpace distributor?  Contact us for an informational packet.  We’re looking forward to a great year with great partners!