Are you ready for GDPR?

Don’t worry, it’s not a trick question!  But it is an important one.

You may have seen the term ‘GDPR’ as you scrolled through various news feeds, along with a vague warning to make sure your business is compliant.  But you were too busy to click on the full story just then, so you resolved to find out more later on.

If this is you, we know the feeling!  But this EU regulation (yes, it does still apply to the UK) is going to affect most companies.  Since we don’t have all that long to prepare for it, we thought we’d bring you nicely up to date in one handy blog post.  Not only that, we’ll tell you about how exhibiting your business can actually help you along the way to compliance!

Are you ready?  Then let us enlighten you.

What is GDPR, anyway?

An easy question to start us off with.  The EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a new regulation that will govern how businesses handle and protect the personal data they collect.  Effectively, we will all have more rights regarding our own data.

When will it become effective?

From 25^th May 2018.  You’ll need to ensure your company is compliant beforehand, so it’s not as far away as you might think!

What will I need to do?

Firstly, you’ll need to keep records of all personal data – along with proof that individual consent has been given.  You’ll also need to show what you intend to do with the data you’ve collected, where it will be stored and how it will be protected. 

The GDPR differs from the current Data Protection Act in its definition of “personal data”.  The extended definition includes categories that include computer IP addresses and genetic make-up.  In short, absolutely anything that could be used to identify an individual person will count as “personal data”.

So if you collect business cards, sign-up or feedback forms for example, the new regulations will apply.

What are the implications of not complying?

As well as complying with the regulations in full, you will need to ensure you report any incidences of personal data being stolen within 72 hours.

Non-compliance could lead to fines of 4% of global turnover, or up to €20 million – whichever is the greater.

So, what should I do now?

You’ll need to establish methods to ensure you gain visible consent for any data you collect.  Then, make sure you tell people what you will do with their data.  For example, this means you will have to ask before signing people up to your mailing list – you won’t be able to assume that you can do so just because they gave you a business card.

Then, you must make sure the data you collect is securely stored.

You could implement a ‘data audit’ in readiness for May 2018, appointing a team to check your current systems and processes and implement any changes.  A regular audit schedule will then need to be arranged once May 2018 has passed.

How can exhibitions help me with GDPR?

We’ve saved the best part until last!  Exhibitions are a fantastic way of collecting lots of individual data in one place, and as long as you get visible permission (such as asking people to sign a consent form when they pass you a business card), you’ll be able to continue.    

The regulations also provide a great excuse to follow up with people you met at the event, since you’ll have to request further consent to sign them up to your regular mailing list or database.

In short, there’s nothing to be scared of with GDPR, as long as we all take a little more care over how we handle client data…the new regulations should benefit all of us in the long run (we’ll have to endure far less cold-calling, for a start!).

Can we help you answer any questions about data handling at exhibitions…or about exhibitions in general, for that matter?  Our friendly team is always willing to help, so why not get in touch?

Take your business on holiday this Autumn!

So September has finally arrived, heralding a reluctant return to work for many.  As you dust off your coffee mug, fill your diary with catch-up meetings and respond to all those emails, wouldn’t it be nice to have something to look forward to?  Wouldn’t it be even nicer if that something to look forward to could also be fantastic for business?

If you’re nodding along in agreement, exhibiting your business in Europe could be just the solution you’re looking for! 

The leading destination for trade fairs, Europe offers a tempting smorgasbord of opportunities to promote your company and boost your brand.  According to Expo DataBase, more than 90% of leading international trade shows are held in Europe – so if you’ve been focusing all your exhibiting efforts in the UK so far, you’re probably missing out (yes, even with Brexit looming on the horizon).

Of course, you probably already know that our friendly team at Guardian Exhibition & Display can help you make the most of your company’s UK showcasing ambitions, with our expertise and dedicated years of experience. 

But what you might not already know is that our expertise and experience travels extremely well!  We’ve designed and built exhibition stands at prestigious events all over Europe, on tours that amongst others, have covered destinations including Sweden, France, Italy, Poland, the sunny island of Jersey, and Germany – otherwise known as Europe’s most popular location for trade shows.

So if you’re looking to take your business on holiday this season and beyond, you can rest assured that our professional team will help you make the most of your company’s European experience.  Here’s how.

Our stands travel (almost) as well as we do

If you don’t know where to start when it comes to choosing a stand for a European trade show, relax: we do.  Our team will advise you on the best materials, accessories and design for your chosen show, and we’ll pre-build your stand for you to approve before you go.

Better still, you’ll have the option to hire your stand if this works best with your budget.  Better still, we’ll store and seamlessly transport your stand direct to your chosen venue.

We’ll look after logistics and liaise with show organisers

…so you won’t have to!  We’ve got the experience and the know-how to organise your event in the background, so you can spend your valuable time in the foreground, promoting the show and ensuring your event-day smiles are fully polished up.

Boutique or grand, we’ve dealt with a wide array of European venues, so it’s likely we’ll already be familiar with the process for the one you’ve chosen.  We’ll deal with any associated documentation and admin, and when it comes to exhibitions we’re well-versed in European regulations and etiquette, so we’ll make sure you’re fully compliant.

We’ll take care of on-site services

Flooring, electrics, WiFi… wherever and however you decide to exhibit, we’ve got it all covered!

So there you have it – if you’re looking to branch out into European exhibiting, all our team need to know are the details of your chosen show.  Just tell us where you want to go, brief us on your exhibiting aims and your ideal stand size, and we’ll take care of absolutely everything else.

As they say in France: “travail bien fait!” (That’s “job well done”).

If you’re looking for some examples of our work, our website showcases the diverse stands we’ve created for our clients.  Why not ask us your questions about exhibiting in the UK or Europe?  Our team love to talk, and we love putting our expertise into practice even more.  Simply get in touch (here).

Boost your eco-credentials (along with your business) – choose a Versaform stand!

If you’re a regular follower of our blog (and why wouldn’t you be?), then you’ll probably already be familiar with the wonders of Versaform.  But just in case you’re not, let us make a quick introduction!

In short, Versaform is a UK-manufactured, modular display system that can be easily used by just about any business, whether you’re a seasoned exhibitor or you’re attending your very first trade event.  

What makes Versaform particularly special is its versatility – something you may have guessed from its name!  The true chameleon of the exhibiting world, what’s even better is that you decide everything: from the shape of your stand to its interchangeable graphics and range of bespoke accessories.  The end result is a stylish stand that’s completely on-message with your company and branding. 

Versaform’s modular system also ensures plenty of flexibility, meaning you can test out multiple stand options from show to show, if the mood should take you.

As if all this wasn’t enough, you can exhibit your company safe in the knowledge that your green credentials will be fully in tact.  Versaform isn’t only a fantastic display system; every effort is also made to ensure it’s great for the environment.  

Here’s how.

Your entire stand is reusable

Versaform stands can be used again and again, making them ideal for companies that have developed a healthy taste for exhibiting! 

Complete with a lifetime hardware guarantee, Versaform represents fantastic value for money, as well as ensuring you’ll never need to waste any part of your painstakingly-designed stand by throwing it away.

(If you’re just dipping your toe into the exhibition waters, don’t worry!  We’re happy to offer Versaform stand rental options so you won’t miss out on any of the benefits – simply (click here) to find out more).

Versatility is the name of the game

If you’re easily bored, or you simply want to try out a few different stand options, no problem.  Changing stand graphics from show to show is ridiculously easy with Versaform, while your stand itself can be effortlessly reconfigured to fit the majority of exhibition spaces: large or small, walls or no walls.

How about a few add-ons, too?  With an extensive range of accessories that include everything from shelving, counters, tables, literature holders and media screens, you can customise and prime your stand to attract just the event visitors your company is looking for!

Oh – and just in case you were wondering, all Versaform lighting options are low-voltage LEDs.

Versaform is easily transported

Choosing a Versaform stand means saving on gas-guzzling transportation.  Why?  Well, since the lightweight system packs handily down into small, wheeled cases it will fit perfectly into the boot of your own car, or the luggage rack in a train carriage if preferred!

You won’t need to drag a toolbox around with you, as your stand can be quickly and easily set up without the need for spanners or screwdrivers – not to mention confusion!  (After all, who said exhibiting your company meant you also had to double up as a handyman?).

As we’re sure you’ve worked out by now, we’re big fans of Versaform systems here at Guardian Exhibition & Display.  If you’d like to learn more, or take a look at some of the flexible, eco-friendly stands we’ve created for our clients at shows all over Europe, all you need to do is (click here).  We also offer 3D visual presentations and on-site demonstrations if you’d like to see the systems in action!

Our friendly team are full of exhibition knowledge and expertise that’s just waiting to be shared, so why not (contact us) and get started on a brand-new creation for your next event?

Get a Head Start On The Competition: Plan For Your Next Exhibition!

Booked a space at the perfect trade show?  Fantastic!  Just don’t think you can rest on your laurels until the event begins. 

To make trade events work successfully for your business, you’ll need to plan for each one well in advance.  Here at Guardian Exhibition & Display, we recommend planning at least four months before your event is due to get under way.

Yes, you read that right.  Four months (trust us, it’ll go by in a flash!).   Though this may sound daunting at first, creating an exhibition plan won’t take as much effort as you might think – and will result in everything running smoothly on the day, as you leave your competition straggling far behind!

Looking for even more tips on creating the perfect exhibition plan?  Then look no further, because we’ve got you covered.

Put an event committee together

Get a small team together to help create your plan and work to specific deadlines.  If you don’t want to do it yourself, appoint an exhibition co-ordinator to allocate tasks and take overall responsibility for the plan.

If possible, before confirming your stand booking, check to see if you qualify for an ‘early bird’ discount (many events will offer this – it’s just one of many bonuses that planning in advance brings!).

Check the background to your event

Booked your stand space? Now it’s time to make sure you’re in the best position you can be, and check whom you’ll be meeting on the day.  

You’ll also need to ensure your space is not only large enough, but also incorporates everything you’ll need, such as WiFi, electricity, and prime positioning for those all-important refreshments.

Ask the show organisers for a venue plan and an attendee profile – and don’t be afraid to check the list of other confirmed exhibitors for any competition!

Write out a clear exhibition plan

With your committee, make a detailed list that includes the following:

• Your budget and show objectives (are you looking for more leads, for example, or to promote a new product?)
• Time scales for each aspect of your plan
• How you will promote your attendance at the show
• Details of your stand and on-brand messaging
• Who will man your stand on event day (include plenty of cover for breaks!)
• If necessary, details of pre-event team training
• Logistics and transportation checking for your stand and your team – will anyone need to stay overnight before or after the event?
• How you will gather data from interested visitors
• How you will follow up on leads
• How you will know if the event has been successful for you

Don’t forget to circulate your plan to everyone who needs to see it!

Set deadlines and accountability

With your plan firmly in place, all you need to do now is make sure you follow it.  Ask your co-ordinator to allocate tasks and assign accountability for each one (not forgetting to chase them up if needed!).

Consider requesting extra help along the way

Ask the show organisers what they’ll be doing to promote the event – how can they help you in the process?  If possible, you could also contact some of the event’s previous exhibitors for any tips.  What could you learn about what went well or badly for them?

And finally…don’t forget to ask us for extra help, too!  After all, what our professional team don’t know about exhibitions isn’t worth knowing.  We’re passionate about helping clients exhibit for success, and we’re always happy to talk – so why not start a conversation?

Why You Should Hire a Custom Exhibition Stand This Autumn

Those precious few seconds of British summer sun have been and gone, and as your colleagues and clients start to return from their holidays, it’s time to get back to business!

If you’re planning to take advantage of one of the best and most reliable methods of boosting your business – exhibiting at a trade show – this Autumn and beyond, it can be difficult to know quite where to begin. 

After all, there are so many intimidating-seeming stand options and exhibition advice available, that it can be tempting to abandon the idea altogether and just stick with the promotional methods you know (endless cold calling, anyone?)

But that would be a mistake, when here at Guardian Exhibition & Display, we offer a complete one-stop shop for all your exhibiting needs! 

Our custom exhibition stand hire package turns exhibiting your company into one of the easiest marketing decisions you’ll ever make.  To get started, all our professional team need to know is your ideal stand size, when your planned show is taking place, and where it is – then we’ll get on with the rest. 

Sounds fantastic, doesn’t it?

Just in case you need any more convincing, here are a few more fantastic reasons to hire a custom exhibition stand from us:

Dip your toe into the water with ease

If you just want to exhibit a few times to see if it’s right for you, hiring a custom stand is not only more affordable than a permanent option – providing excellent value for money – it also frees you of commitment.  Not to mention freeing you of the need (and expense) to store and protect an expensive stand.

Change your image whenever you like

If you want to try a different look for each show you attend, no problem!  Along with your stand framework, graphics can be replaced and accessories can be hired that include everything from flooring, media, counters and furniture. 

You can road-test as many options as you like, or stick with your favourite…the choice is completely yours.

Take advantage of our expertise

When it comes to exhibiting, we know what works, and we can help you get a head start on your competition… a handy weapon for larger shows! 

We help take the stress out of exhibiting, by professionally building your stand anywhere in the UK or Europe (we’re pretty well-travelled, and we know most event venues like the backs of our hands).  When the show is finished, we’ll carefully break your stand back down for you, too.

Not only that, our fantastic creative team will bespoke-design a stand and graphics that work perfectly with your company’s brand, unique approach, and the audience you most want to attract.

Exhibiting is starting to look much easier now, isn’t it? 

Here at Guardian Exhibition & Display, that’s exactly what we love to do – make exhibiting effortlessly easy.   We take all the stress out of what shouldn’t be a stressful experience at all, but enjoyable…promoting your business to a bustling and engaged audience that’s full of potential clients.

So prime your team, perfect that sales pitch, and leave the logistics and behind-the-scenes work to us, as you get ready to work your exhibition magic this Autumn and beyond!

Are you curious to see what compelling brand displays we could create together?  If so, it couldn’t be easier to get started!  Simply contact our friendly team for a no-obligation chat.

Dressing for Success Part Two – over to you!

We’ve just realised something here at Guardian Exhibition & Display.  We’ve been so busy telling you all about how to style your event venue, and how to dress your stand for success…that we’ve completely neglected you and your team!

After all, if you’ve been following our advice up to this point, your stand will be primed for admiration.  So shouldn’t your team also look the part?

We don’t claim to be cutting-edge fashion victims (something you’ll see for yourself if you decide to pay us a visit!) – but we do claim to know what works when it comes to styling your business for success at trade shows.

So this week we’re going to complete the “dressing for success” story with some advice on what makes the perfect exhibition and conference attire.  Feel free to think of us as your dedicated event style gurus!

How do you usually dress for work?

We ask because what you wear in the office may not be appropriate when chatting to potential customers at an event – particularly if your stand team aren’t normally customer-facing.

Events are all about attracting business, so begin by thinking about how your ideal customers dress (if you’re not sure, find out). 

Is there a ‘look’ that’s common for your industry? For example, if you’re exhibiting at a sporting event, it might be perfectly acceptable to wear a tracksuit! 

Consider a uniform approach

We know, school uniforms were boring and you couldn’t wait to get out of them.  But for a lot of event visitors, there’s something reassuring about talking to a well-dressed person in company uniform. 

Not only does a uniform give a polished edge, it shows you’ve put some thought into how you’d like your business to be represented.

So if you’re considering a uniform approach, get your team involved!  Explain your approach, ask for style suggestions – and then make sure comfort is the name of the game.  If you can, ‘test drive’ your uniforms before the show…after all, you’ll be spending most of the day wearing them.

(Tip: we find extra insoles for your shoes are particularly handy to help avoid stand-weary feet!)

Brand your team

We’re not talking red-hot pokers here, so don’t worry!  But branded apparel, such as company-labelled T-shirts for your stand team, can achieve the same reassuring and professional effect as a full uniform. 

Not only that, your team will be advertising your business even when they’re not manning your stand.  A visible company logo can be a great conversation-starter in the refreshments area, or as you’re walking around checking out the competition.

There’s just one caveat: be subtle!  Head-to-toe branding can come across as a bit…well, tasteless.

Don’t forget hygiene

It’s an obvious one, so much that we apologise for mentioning it…but would you want to chat to someone if they had bad breath?

Try to avoid eating smelly foods if you’re coming into contact with potential customers, and make sure you bring deodorant and mints to keep fresh. 

(Tip: a tube of hand sanitiser can come in ‘handy’ too – particularly if you’re shaking hands with people all day!)

If all else fails…

If you’re unsure what approach to take with your event attire, be professional above all else.  This will most likely mean a smart suit for men, and formal business dress for women. 

Keep shoes shined and heels low – oh, and don’t forget to smile!

Whether you’re dressing your venue, your stand or yourselves, our friendly team can provide the perfect advice.  You’ll also find us ready with plenty of information about how to boost your business at trade events, so why not get in touch for a chat?

How to Buy an Exhibition Stand: Five Essential Tips

Most investment advice carries a high element of risk.  Yes, you can make plenty of money, but you can also lose it pretty quickly if you’re not careful.

Luckily, when it comes to event stand investment, the outlook is far brighter!

Exhibiting is one of the most reliably proven business-boosting methods around, meaning all you have to do is follow our five essential stand purchasing tips – which we’ve based on many years of practical experience – then get ready to enjoy all that wonderful return on your hard-earned investment.

1. Understand your space 

First up: make sure you know where you’ll be exhibiting!  This doesn’t simply apply to the event, or even the venue, but your actual exhibition space.

Your space will determine the type of stand that will work best for you, as each will have different features.  If you’ve booked a shell scheme, for example (a modular system that can be built to just about any size), you will need walls, while island spaces will have exposure from all angles – so your branding will have to be seen from all angles!

2. Think flexible future-proofing

Think practically about how many times per year you’ll exhibit your company at trade events (beware: once you start, you may find it becomes addictive!). 

Flexibility may not be too much of an issue if you’re planning to book similar spaces at similar events, but if you’re looking to branch out and experiment then a simple, self-build stand that can be easily customised may be the perfect solution, such as Versaform Flex or Lite.

If you’re booking larger spaces with maximum impact, our team can help take the stress out of setting everything up by installing your chosen stand for you!

3. What will you use the stand for? 

Do you want your stand to be interactive, informative, or simply act as an eye-catching company backdrop? 

If you know how you plan to use your stand, you’ll save money on unnecessary gadgets and add-ons.  After all, if you’re promoting a specific product launch or showcasing a media demonstration, your focus and setup will need to be different from a stand on which you’ll be holding client meetings. 

4. Accessorise!

The fashion industry tell us all the time that accessories are everything – and so it goes for event stands!  So, once you’ve decided how you’d like to use your stand, it’s time to browse the rails. 

For example, comfy seating and a coffee bar will probably be at the top of your ‘must-have’ list if you’re arranging on-stand meetings, while shelving and a stock room for literature will be key for promotional displays.

5. Customise your stand

The X Factor is awash with singers who “made that song their own.”  Now it’s time to do the same with your stand!

We’ve stressed the importance of working with your event space, but it’s just as important that your stand tells visitors – quickly, cleanly and at first glance – about your company.  Ideally, it will also offer something different to your competitors.

So don’t forget to incorporate your company’s unique branding and colours, with original themes that work well alongside your product or service.  

Now that you have the perfect stand, all that’s left to do is put it firmly to work at your next event…and watch all those enquiries come flooding in!

If you found our stand investment tips helpful, why not get in touch with our professional team?  You’ll find us friendly and approachable, not to mention full of expertise and practical advice on how to make exhibiting your business work for you. 

What are you waiting for?