Quick Hits

Looking For Tradeshow
Exhibit Ideas — February

Josh Long, Antac Pest Control, San Diego, Calif.
I was wondering if anyone has created a nice-looking tradeshow exhibit display. I really need some good ideas to create mine. Thanks for all your input!

David Helm Jr., ProTreat Pest & Termite, Rockwall, Texas
We contacted the local poison control center and they provided us with poisonous spiders and snakes in jars — they were great. We also have brochures to pass out and other informational material along with our service info.

Michael Crose, Mr. Bug Guy.Com, Dunedin, Fla.
We did home shows for two years then took a year off. We start again this month. We had a nice banner, a table with our sales sheets and what really brought the people into the booth was our tank of Madagascar hissing roaches. (Thanks Jeff Ledford!)

Tim Leatherman, Perfection Pest Control, Union, Ky.
We used Madagascars and conducted cockroach races.

Dennis Goins, Pesky Critters, Troy, Mo.
Use one of the digital “picture frames” to download pictures of company trucks, technicians working and some of the insects people are always interested in — spiders, termites, roaches, etc. It doesn’t make a whole booth but will enhance whatever else you’re doing.

James Driver, RID Pest Control Services, Ulladulla, New South Wales, Australia
We maintain glass cabinets with a very large display of insects and spiders. The cabinets are also loaned to elementary schools each year when that lesson comes around. We also have containers that people can pick up and eyeball deadly (but dead) spiders. Every time I see a dead snake on the road I look to see if it’s not mangled. They go into large glass jars. People love to see “dangerous” up close. Giveaway, printed, helium-filled balloons are a tad expensive but a good source of advertising at shows. Giveaway pens and fridge magnets can prove very useful after the show is over.

Jefferey Ledford, valuepest.com, Sun Valley, Idaho
I loved using the roaches. Did a kind of “Fear Factor” competition for those who would handle them from one place to another, and gave away a prize at the end. We had the busiest booth there. (P.S. — No animals were harmed in the tradeshow.)

Paul Alley, Pestmaster Service, Kingston, N.Y.
Just got home from working a home show. We have a bed bug/termite dog. We were very busy, but we also have a display with about 25 common household insects from our area. We also have a drawing for a free inspection, etc. Thought about having one of my techs dress up as a giant roach or spider and walk around the show giving out fly swatters that are Velcro’d to the arms/legs of costume but for some reason none of my employees are available for that home show. Any takers?

Michael Lowe, Pro Pacific Pest Control, Escondido, Calif.
Ha Paul, that’s funny! Fly swatters are actually a pretty good idea as long as your phone number is on it. We are getting ready to do a show and will be taking a live beehive. It is called an observation hive. We have never brought one before, but we have a pretty good feeling that it will attract some attention.

Jerry Martin, Martin Exterminating Co., Winston-Salem, N.C.
Also I got some worker termites and put them on display. I drew a circle on a piece of paper and the termites kept walking around in circles. It drew a lot of attention.