Trade Show Outlook for 2012

While the economy seems to be picking up and unemployment is on the decline there are still questions about the future of the economy and the outlook for 2012.  For many manufacturing companies there has been a decline in marketing budgets in recent years and the decision whether to invest in attending trade shows has been challenging. Some positive news is finally emerging though.

Recently the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) released their report on the “The Changing Environment of Exhibitions”.  One aspect of the report looked into executives opinions about the importance and benefits of exhibitions and their future.  The result summarized by CEIR Research Director Nancy Drapeau is that  “the overall findings from this study indicate that business-to-business exhibitions are an integral part of a company’s marketing mix today and will continue to be so in the near term.”

Other findings indicate the most important factors when deciding to exhibit are:

Quality of Attendees – 84%
Favorable ROI – 54%
Positive Past Performance – 50%

While much information was gathered we think it speaks well to the 2012 trade shows that “99% of surveyed marketing executives identified a unique value of business-to-business exhibitions that is not provided by other marketing channels. The most popular value is the ‘ability to see a large number of prospects and customers over a short period of time,’ selected by 60 percent of executives.”  With this kind of endorsement hopefully the decision to travel to trade shows will be much easier in the future.

If CalCo can help you with any aspect of your trade show display please call us at 847/639-3858 or contact us.

On-Site Training Simulators, To Go

Real world training is so important to a product’s performance, longevity and operation. Without the proper tools to make something work correctly, time and money that could have been saved may fly out the window.

Training tools range from in-person classrooms to at-home virtual instruction and everything in between. Many times a simulation needs to be set up, whether with actual equipment or using virtual simulations, and every instance is unique.

In the above shown example, Honeywell came to CalCo with a need for an on-location demonstrator, inside a semi-portable carrying case for easy use during training, and easy storage all other times. By the end, the case was a working representation of a product group that works together in a building. A trainee could walk through the various instances and operations of each mode and test for proficiency.

The case was designed for strength and longevity with 2 wheels on one end and telescoping handle on the other. The removable face plate is texture painted aluminum diamond plate, and fabricated to fit all pieces securely.

When looking into a training simulator for your team, you will need to consider the audience, the location and the information that needs hands-on simulation. This is something your team will make great use of in the education of your employees, distributors, customers, service technicians and sales people. The more people that are familiar with the operation and maintenance of your equipment, the better experience will be had by all.

Click here for email information and be sure to reference this article and the scope of your project.  Or call 847/639-3858.  Find us on Facebook too.

You Can’t Mix Up a CalCo Cutaway

There are many reasons why CalCo has been a leader in the cutaway business for decades and why so many clients keep coming back.  The most important  reasons are our knowledge, skill, and attention to detail which make a CalCo cutaway stand out above and beyond expectations.  Another reason is our ability to listen and work with clients to achieve the optimal and desired finished product.  Working with our clients to achieve the desired results is a cornerstone of our business and one of the main reasons that our clients return.  We use our extensive mechanical knowledge to show your product to its full advantage while telling the story that your marketing department wants to highlight.

We were recently asked to create a cutaway of a mixer, seen below, that would be displayed at one of the biggest fluid handling trade shows in the country.  It was on display at the WEFTEC show in Los Angeles.

The company conveyed to us how they wanted the mixer to look, including cut area and color scheme matching, we replicated those instructions and included this rail and T block support system which resembles the system used in the field. The company got exactly what they were looking for and we got another satisfied customer.

At CalCo exceeding expectations is what we strive to do for all of our customers.  We want to give you the best display possible so that you and your product look good.  If you need help with a display please contact CalCo at 847/639-3858 or click here for more contact information.  Find us on Facebook too.

A Training Engine Cutaway Tells the Whole Story

How exactly does an engine work? What is the difference between a gasoline and a diesel engine? What is an EGR cooler?

When it comes to training people on the common principles and uncommon details that every single engine contains, nothing beats a full size cutaway of an engine. Whether on a moveable piston engine, a static turbine engine or any other kind of engine, training departments across the globe rely on the realistic detail of an actual engine cutaway to best relay standard and model specific information to students.

At CalCo, you can be sure that widest viewing angles for the most cost effective prices can be achieved with the same high level of attention to detail as found in trade show floor displays. The finish level may be a bit subdued, but the longevity of the training equipment and quality of craftsmanship is just as high.

Training engines highlight the areas you want to teach and give a working knowledge of how the engine functions. Whether an entire engine or just a few key components, CalCo puts together just the right model to help you describe the part relationships and stories behind new or complex technologies.

Add color coded passageways to clarify the function of each section, custom cutaway areas exposing internal parts and paint to emphasize the parts of the engine you want to draw attention to.

A professional photography shoot of the training engine can be included to add to the training materials provided to students as well. Employees, distributors or anyone in the training session can follow along with the materials, make notes and leave with a visual reminder of the session. These trainees will have an easier time remembering the parts when they are color coded, they can remember the key points of the product when they are highlighted and they will remember the training when this unique engine is used.

A recent article in Industry Week discussed the importance of assessing your needs and using relevant materials. To access the article click here.

Training is more dynamic when it is hands-on and with a visually stimulating and interactive product it can be even more exciting. Let CalCo help to make your training sessions memorable!

Call CalCo at 847-639-3858, click here for contact information or visit CalCo’s Facebook page.

Manufacturing Trade Show Season is in Full Motion

Navistar Booth at MATS 2011

Spring and Fall have traditionally been the busy months for manufacturing trade shows and this year is starting off well.  We attended the 40th Anniversary of the Mid-America Truck Show in Louisville, Kentucky which was held March 31-April 2.  The auto industry problems of the last few years seemed to be a thing of the past.  With over 1000 vendors, 71,000 attendees and all the latest trends and products on display the MATS show showed great promise for the future.   There were many large displays, engine manufacturers including Navistar had large booths with all the latest technology on display.  There was a lot of conversation over the latest emissions filters for trucks.  All in all the show was a great opportunity to see new products and meet new people.

We also visited the ConExpo/IFPE show in Las Vegas,  which is always a big show due to its occurrence only every three years.  This year there were over 2400 exhibitors and 120,000 registered attendees of which 24%  were from international destinations, including 150 different countries.  While the attendance didn’t break records it was still impressive given the tough times the construction industry has endured over the past few years.  Large crowds gathered and there were some big, impressive booths with monstrous equipment. Manufacturers went all out to ship their equipment to the show in hopes of delivering big sales.  Time will tell but those exhibitors we spoke to were happy with the results. The next Con Expo/IFPE show will be held in Las Vegas again on March 18-22, 2014.  See you there!

At the beginning of May we attended the OTC Show in Houston.  This years Offshore Technology Conference was the largest exhibition since 1982 in Houston, TX with over 78,000 people in attendance. The energy levels were cautiously high and new products and developments were on display from all over the world.

CalCo sees many of their cutaways and displays end up at this show year after year, and with the high profile attendees and press coverage, it is easy to see why. With more than 2,500 companies on display, it is important to catch the eyes and attention of the right people in a way that spurs healthy conversations and ultimately attracts more business.

From working models to engine displays to hose cutaways, CalCo’s work was all over the 2 massive halls. Whether its in the oil and gas industry, the automotive sector or even the military, the importance of high quality displays is a must. CalCo has been creating the highest end product displays for almost 60 years, and all that history works for you in showing your expertise by leveraging and outsourcing to true experts in the industry.

When the details are important, the service is a must, and the show goes on with or without you, turn to CalCo and get it done right.

Hopefully the high attendance at these trade shows indicates that the lagging economy is recovering nicely.  We came away with a more positive outlook on the future of the automotive and construction industries.  If you have any information about a recent trade show you have attended we would love to hear it!  To contact CalCo call 847/639-3858 or click here.

A True Custom Engine Display Story

Before and After

With over 130 years of German engineering and expertise, Deutz Corporation consistently presents themselves as leaders in the industry through memorable and well executed branding and marketing efforts.

When Deutz had an opportunity to rework one of their temporary training engine displays into a full fledged tradeshow exhibit, they turned to CalCo and their equally stringent quality commitment and standard.

CalCo was able to match a standard paint scheme set in Germany just by inspecting an existing display and using their vast knowledge base and ability to think on their feet to recreate their winning design. This included a textured paint finish with a satin sheen in both Deutz red and silver, as well as a gold finish plating process that was indentified and duplicated as well or better than the example display.

CalCo’s ability to match existing display schematics or branding specifications allows for the seamless introduction of an alternative to creating displays in house to free up valuable expertise that can concentrate on other hot areas instead.

Deutz also had a brilliant idea on how to accentuate some of their exhaust after-treatment components that install onto a factory engine. The idea . . . to make the engine all but ‘disappear’ to instead feature the additional components while still showing how these innovative parts connect to an engine.

The engine block was recreated using clear acrylic panels mounted to the stand in parallel formation, and the after treatment parts were displayed as if they were bolted right to the phantom engine.

The look was impressive and amazing, and according to Nolan Madden of Deutz Corporation,“Our new EAT display was the star [of the show] , garnering nothing but accolades from customers and colleagues alike.”

When your presentation on the sales floor or in the field needs to be expertly deliberate and reflective of your commitment to excellence, trust the 50+ years of industry experience of having already solved the potential problems everyone else will be having.

Give CalCo a call at 847-639-3858 or contact CalCo to discuss your great ideas and turn them into a dazzling reality!

A Transmission Cutaway that is a Thing of Beauty

CalCo Cutaways has always prided itself on our attention to detail and nowhere has that been more evident than in this Case New Holland Transmission Cutaway.  The entire side was removed to show the internal components and then inside the cutaway there are more areas cutout to reveal the exact function of each area.  Each area is cut to maximize the detail of the components and to give a greater knowledge of how the transmission functions.  In this case the areas are labeled so more detail can be given.   The greatest care was taken to make sure that all areas are smooth and plated to shine so this cutaway can attract attention from across a trade show floor.

A transmission of this size is hard to move so it makes it more of a challenge to cutaway.  The parts have to be completely dissassembled before any cutting can begin so our technicians have to be adept with machinery.  Each cut has to be determined and performed precisely.  Each piece must be accounted for and put back in the right location.  Each piece must be sanded smooth after cutting and production machining marks have to be smoothed too.  All parts need to be painted or plated so the product looks better than new.  We want every display and cutaway to look the best it can so we work hard to make it happen!

From the most complex cutaway, like this one, to a simple valve or bearing CalCo will give you a product you can display with pride.  Call us at 847/639-3858 for more information or click here for more contact information.

Signs of Economic Recovery -What should you do to get ready?

Now that the rays of a recovering economy are starting to shine on many industries, the time is right to get ahead of your peers and grab the lion’s share of the upcoming new business.

This means getting in front of them with your best and latest development along with a compelling offer or story. When telling your story, you need to present the information in an easy to comprehend manner in order to make a favorable and memorable first impression.

Many times industrial product sales require in person interaction or a trade show environment to engage the audience and to tell the full story. Both of these venues are expensive and time consuming so it is imperative that you have everything you need in advance to make your presentation meaningful.

When it comes to product presentations that are expertly crafted, CalCo can be trusted to convey the desired message for your product in the most professional manner. Whether a simple cutaway will suffice to show a hidden feature, or an interactive digital presentation is more suited to this end, CalCo has the tools to quickly and efficiently create a winning product exhibit.

Some of the most popular services by request are:

Product cutaways and painted displays
Motorized or hand actuation products
Passageway and part colorization
Internal and external lighting effects
3D animation and interactive online presentations
Full color scale modeling and prototyping
Plus YOUR IDEAS for the ultimate presentation

The past is behind us, and now is the time to move ahead and get that new market share before your competition does. Take advantage of the enhanced outsourcing capabilities available at CalCo to move with your best foot forward.

As we begin this upturn, get started while your competition is still recovering and build your sales and marketing program to take advantage of the many opportunities on the horizon. Get your customers, and the industry as a whole, excited about your new offerings with some innovative marketing displays or presentations for your next tradeshow or sales call.

For more information or to contact CalCo call 847/639-3858 or click here for contact information.

Cutaway your Product Line and See the Impact

Recently CalCo worked with Kimray to create cutaways that spanned a large majority of their product line. You can see the incredible impact this has in their office building as well as when traveling to tradeshows.

Cutaways are invaluable sales tools whether they are traveling to tradeshows or with salespeople on calls and as a bonus the top photo shows that when your cutaways aren’t being utilized for sales they can make a huge impression on visitors to your office or even your own employees.

Cutaways are interactive.  Prospective buyers can see and touch the features that make your product better than your competitors.  In many cases the unit can be turned or motorized so the buyer has a better understanding of the function and design.  And with a stand out paint job your product begs to be noticed!

If your products could use some help to show themselves in their best light, give CalCo a call at 847/639-3858 or click here for contact information.  At CalCo, “Your Product is Our Profession”.

Spherical Fitting Display Uncovers Mystery

Sometimes a product is so well engineered, that only a hands-on demonstration can provide the “ah-ha” moment that commonly signifies clear understanding.

This was the case with the Mueller NO-BLO® Spherical Stopper Fitting display as shown recently at the AGA Show in Pittsburg:

“The spherical fitting was a huge hit with our people and the customers. It succeeded in garnering increased interest in the product, which has been out for several years. Our people praised it. Many people stopped to show their associates how such a fitting works. . . It was fun to watch peoples’ faces when they rotated the piece and finally saw how this thing works.”

Robert Abbott
Mueller Co.

The display incorporates a hidden bearing that allows the lower hemisphere of the display to be rotated 180 degrees, thus changing the direction of flow from side facing to bottom, or vice versa.

The fitting is suspended from the top in order to create this simulation, and the rotation indexes into each position to hold it in place.

Giving an audience the ability to manipulate and operate your products is an experience they will take with them long after the event is over.

For information on unique product display ideas click here to contact CalCo  or call 847/639-3858.