• Cost consciousness – The recession is making many companies rethink their marketing strategies. Savvy business leaders know that cutting out their marketing is not a wise move. Instead, they are trying to market more efficiently. To get the technology they need many are choosing to rent high- end equipment that helps them connect with their audience. By renting instead of buying, they can save significant amounts of money.

• Social media – Using Facebook and Twitter, exhibitors can send messages quickly to trade show attendees. According to MOD Displays, a company that sells trade show displays and blogs about trade show trends, use of social media skyrocketed in 2008 and is expected to “flourish” in 2009.

• Multimedia exhibits – MOD also expects the trend toward multimedia displays to continue. In fact, they believe that booths without A/V components will be a rarity. A/V components may seem like a luxury in today's economy, but trade show computer rentals make it possible to obtain new, attention-getting displays for less. More on that below.

• Fewer attendees who are more rushed – Because of the recession, companies are sending fewer people to trade shows. Exhibitors with less staff cannot deal with each visitor. In turn, visitors cannot always spend a lot of time at each booth. Trade show technology can help in both cases by presenting a sales pitch for exhibitors and giving visitors a chance to absorb marketing messages, and leave their names (via an interactive display) for further communication with a company.

Trade show computer rentals are ideally suited to the streamlined trade shows of today. With minimal investment, a company can take their trade show booth from run of the mill to “must-see”. Here are just a few ideas:

• Even the smallest booth can be livened up with a plasma or LCD display. Tell your trade show computer rentals agent the size of your booth and they will come up with the right display solution for you.

• The right computer is the key to powering a great display. Talk to your trade show computer rentals company about getting a high-powered laptop or desktop that can handle the graphics demands of your presentation.

• Interactivity is a real bonus in a trade show booth. Some trade show rental agents offer interactive kiosks, personalized for your company. These kiosks can act like another sales agent by tracking customer data and even giving customers the option to print brochures or other information about your company.

It is imperative that your company put up a strong front during these challenging economic times. Continued marketing shows customers that you are a dependable and successful company. Make the most of your presence at industry trade shows – contact a firm that specializes in trade show computer rentals and make your booth a winner.