Welcome, Librarians!

Why your library should include Build a Better Trade Show Image

Trade shows and events provide important opportunities for businesses to connect with their audiences and promote their brands. For libraries serving entrepreneurs, event planners, sales and marketing professionals or students, Build a Better Trade Show Image offers advice to help navigate the complexities of exhibiting in straightforward, easy-to-understand language.

What this book offers:

Practical Guidance: Whether your patrons are newcomers or seasoned exhibitors, this updated guide offers step-by-step instructions on trade show planning, designing, staffing, promoting, and follow-up strategies.

Broad Audience Appeal: The book is applicable for a variety of event types beyond traditional trade shows, including craft fairs, recruiting events, consumer expos, and more.

Expert Author: Marlys Arnold draws on her work as an exhibitor, show organizer, and consultant to provide insights grounded in real-world experience from a variety of industries.

Award-Winning Content: Winner of the 2024 BIBA® Award in Business/Marketing, the book has been recognized for excellence as an in-depth resource.

Additional Online Materials: Readers can access supporting resources online including checklists, interviews, case studies, and other tools — extending the book’s value beyond the printed page.

This book will help your patrons:

Set clear goals and research appropriate events
Design effective exhibits that attract attention and communicate key messages
Train staff how to engage visitors and manage leads
Craft innovative pre-show promotions and strategies to attract attendees
Master follow-up strategies to maximize return on investment

Who it’s ideal for:

Small business owners and startups
Marketing and event planning students
Entrepreneurs looking to expand brand visibility
Anyone involved in organizing or participating in trade shows or similar events

Adding Build a Better Trade Show Image to your collection provides your patrons with a trusted blueprint to transform basic trade show participation into a strategic opportunity for growth.

What people say about this book:

“Regardless of your tenure and experience, Marlys has taken lessons and experiences across events of all sizes and types and offers them to you in an easy-to-follow and concise manner. This holistic approach provides new ideas and concepts to reimagine your event experience.”

~ from the foreword by Richard S. Vallaster III, DES, CEM,
The Trade Show Wonk, Personify – A2Z Events

“I am finding my clients are getting younger and younger and do not have the experience yet in managing and planning for their company’s trade show marketing events, plus many are not being taught this in college — more reason they will need this valuable book by Marlys Arnold!”

~ Al Mercuro, Genesis Exhibits

“Build a Better Trade Show Image has pertinent examples, timely ideas, and a clear path for both large and small budgets. In fact, it levels the playing field for large companies and small companies by giving them tips on how to pre-market their booth, how to draw in attendees, great marketing, and giveaway ideas that won’t break the bank.”

~ Janice Shokrian, Tausi Brands

Download a PDF sample of the updated edition!

Available at Ingram in either hardcover (ISBN #9780971290587)
or paperback (ISBN #9780971290570)

About the Author

Marlys Arnold combines firsthand experience as both an exhibitor and a show organizer to help others improve their trade show results. An exhibit marketing strategist, she has led workshops at events ranging from local expos to some of the largest U.S. trade shows.

Marlys also hosts the Trade Show Insights blog/podcast and is the award-winning author of Build a Better Trade Show Image and Exhibit Design That Works.

Exhibit Design That Works

This specialized guide helps exhibitors stop wasting money on displays that aren’t effective, or worse yet, could damage their company brand.

Teaches exhibitors how to:

Avoid the most common – and not always obvious – mistakes in exhibit design
Craft a memorable and effective theme
Speak the audience’s language and give them what they want
Create a multisensory experience that exceeds expectations and connects with attendees on an emotional level
Get all design elements in place to make their booth a success

Exhibit Design That Works is for any exhibitor seeking better results from their trade show investment – whether they’re a rookie starting from the beginning or a long-time veteran wanting to up their game.

Available at Ingram in paperback (ISBN #9780971290563)

Host an Online Event with Marlys Arnold

Offer your patrons the opportunity to learn directly from Marlys Arnold, author of Build a Better Trade Show Image and Exhibit Design That Works. An online program with Marlys provides insights into trade show planning, exhibit design, and lead management, tailored to your community.

What your patrons will gain:

Practical tips to make the most of trade show participation
Ideas to create engaging and effective exhibits
Ways to promote events and follow up with leads
Opportunity to ask questions and get expert answers in real time

This interactive session would be an excellent complement to the book. Give your patrons a chance to connect with an industry expert without leaving home and help them build better trade show experiences.

If you’re interested in exploring this idea, please contact Marlys for details about scheduling, format, and topics covered.