Steelhead Blogs

Category - Strategy
Strategy
February 15, 2024

3 Ways to Advocate for More Trade Show Funds in 2024

Secure the budget you need to perfect your trade show program with the right approach.

December 14, 2023

Revolutionizing Trade Show Strategy: A Guide for the Modern CMO and Event Planner

7 tough questions every CMO, Marketing Manager, and Event Manager should ask themselves about their trade show exhibits.

November 15, 2023

The Access Model: The Modern Event Marketer’s Most Necessary Resource

Event marketers can utilize the Access Model for everything they need to exhibit without the burden of ownership

August 9, 2023

How to Maximize Trade Show Engagement Through Technology

Tech is all the buzz, but being intentional with its use is the key to a successful event.

July 19, 2023

Mastering Show Floor Location: 3 Tips to Boost Trade Show Engagement

Elevate your trade show game by unleashing the power of location to drive engagement

June 21, 2023

Top 5 Indicators It's Time for an Event Strategy Review

Steelhead is excited to share resources to help event planners through their partner evaluation process, beginning with 5 key indicators that should trigger a review.

May 9, 2023

How to Navigate Your Trade Show Competitive Landscape Like a Pro

Understanding your brand positioning among your top competitors will significantly impact how you show up and stand out at your next event.

March 13, 2023

Beware! Trade Show Hidden Fees

No one likes “surprise” invoices at the end of the event. Here’s what corporate event managers need to know about avoiding hidden costs.

January 16, 2023

The #1 Way to Save Money on Trade Show Booths in 2023

Despite a shaky economy, event planners have more control over budgets than they might think — if they get savvy with planning.

October 18, 2022

Why We Don’t Quote Existing Design

Why obtaining a design from one exhibit firm, then shopping out for the production isn't this the most efficient way forward in establishing an successful tradeshow presence and valuable partnership.

August 4, 2022

The Great Re-Evaluation: Why Team Synergies Matter in our Current Society

The rise of the Values Economy amid a post-pandemic society forging ahead of uncertainty has made team synergies increasingly essential.

June 7, 2022

3 Tips for Mitigating Impact of Inflation Costs in the Events Industry

While price increases everywhere have event marketers working to re-strategize and reprioritize their trade show and event programs, there are a few things to consider when considering the impact on event marketing budgets.

May 3, 2022

Why It’s Time to Untether from the Old-School “Rent or Buy?” Question

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve spent some time in your career as a corporate event planner researching and responding to the question, Should we rent or buy our company’s trade show exhibit?

March 21, 2022

Post-Show Outreach via Virtual Environments

Event marketers know that post-show outreach is probably the most critical, yet most overlooked step in event marketing strategy.

March 14, 2022

Developing Your Virtual Trade Show Experience

Event marketers are still navigating uncertainties in show scheduling and attendance. That’s why it’s important to incorporate virtual strategies in trade shows and corporate events moving forward.

March 9, 2022

3 Tips to Navigate the Post-Pandemic Supply Chain Issues in Events

Labor shortages and supply chain delays are a stark reality of a post-COVID world. The events industry is no exception, which is why it’s critical for event planners to remain agile.

January 31, 2022

How to Navigate Uncertainty in Trade Show Schedule Changes

Whether the trade show reschedules or cancels, or your company decides to pull out at the last minute, here’s how to regroup and reach your audience.

January 23, 2022

The Access Model is Flexible

Custom accessibility gives you the flexibility to create the perfect booth for the perfect price, at every trade show you visit.

December 13, 2021

How to Utilize a Hybrid Model to Maximize Your Event Marketing Efforts

Get the best ROI on your next event by implementing a hybrid strategy for each stage of your show presence.

December 6, 2021

How to Take Advantage of Modern Economics for Your Marketing Events

Understanding and utilizing the modern economy can benefit your trade show program and result in a higher ROI.

November 15, 2021

5 Ways to Disrupt an Outdated Event Marketing RFP System

At Steelhead, we value and respect the RFP process. But we also know that the traditional RFP process for trade show and event marketing providers is flawed.

November 2, 2021

Provocative Questions: The Key Element That Creates Understanding and Connection

The modern consumer cares more about solving problems. Asking the right questions is the key to forming and deepening relationships between the buyer and the provider.

September 30, 2021

10 Questions to Ask When Selecting a New Exhibit Provider

Digging deep to develop a clear checklist of your exhibit program needs will save time and hassle in your search.

August 18, 2021

3 Critical Questions for Your Live Event Strategy

Event marketing strategy isn’t always easy to plan, especially when you’re buried in the hundreds of logistical details required to successfully execute exhibiting at a trade show. That’s why Steelhead has developed this resource to help event planners get started with their strategy brainstorming process.

May 18, 2021

Face-to-Face Marketing: Unique Money Saving Ideas

What’s the most effective way to be thoughtful with marketing event budgets in emerging times? The answers may surprise you.

May 22, 2018

The Perfect Booth For The Right Price

The trade show floor can be overwhelming. It’s a multisensory experience. Colors. Noises. Smells. It’s difficult to stand out. That’s why you need the perfect booth. It needs to be fresh for all audiences, at every show. And, it needs to fit within your budget.

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Culture
Strategy
Sustainability
Trends
April 22, 2024

Steelhead Productions Strengthens Its Commitment to Sustainability This Earth Day

Forward-thinking exhibit firm advances corporate responsibility through eco-friendly operations and community volunteer initiatives.

April 8, 2024

Steelhead Productions Launches Generous Employee Matching Program to Support the Give Happy Foundation

Exhibit firm elevates the power of charitable giving, matching up to $100 per employee donation to the Las Vegas charity.

March 25, 2024

Steelhead Productions Once Again Recognized on EXHIBITOR Magazine’s FindIt Top 40 List!

FindIt – Top 40 highlights the best exhibit producers in the trade show industry; this is the 5th year Steelhead has been named to this prestige list.

March 18, 2024

Steelhead Productions Announces Trajectory-Changing Move to Accelerate Growth and Innovation

Exhibit firm relocating to a new facility for enhanced customer and employee experience.

February 16, 2024

Steelhead Productions Publishes 2023 ESG Report, Demonstrating Continued Leadership in Sustainability

Exhibit firm’s blueprint for responsible growth keeps pace with expanding sustainability and inclusivity.

February 15, 2024

3 Ways to Advocate for More Trade Show Funds in 2024

Secure the budget you need to perfect your trade show program with the right approach.

January 9, 2024

John Giordano Joins Steelhead Productions as Chief Operating Officer

Exhibit firm expands its executive team to keep pace with tremendous growth

December 14, 2023

Revolutionizing Trade Show Strategy: A Guide for the Modern CMO and Event Planner

7 tough questions every CMO, Marketing Manager, and Event Manager should ask themselves about their trade show exhibits.

November 15, 2023

The Access Model: The Modern Event Marketer’s Most Necessary Resource

Event marketers can utilize the Access Model for everything they need to exhibit without the burden of ownership

November 8, 2023

Steelhead Productions Named to Inc.’s Second Annual Power Partner Awards

Premier event, exhibit, and marketing services provider, proudly announces its inclusion in Inc.'s Directory of B2B Excellence. These 389 companies across 100-plus categories provide top-notch products and services for your business.

September 25, 2023

Human-Centric Trade Show Booths: A Return to Comfort and Engagement

Attract the right people to your booth AND invite them in for a thoughtfully curated experience

September 20, 2023

Steelhead Productions Launches Multimedia Employee Onboarding Experience

Steelhead amplifies company culture through inclusive storytelling.

August 22, 2023

Steelhead Productions’ Give Happy Committee Unveils Brand Makeover

Steelhead Productions’ Give Happy Committee Unveils Brand Makeover

August 15, 2023

Steelhead Productions Earns Coveted Spot on Exhibitor Group’s 2023 Find It – Top 40

FindIt – Top 40 highlights the best exhibit producers in the trade show industry; this is the 4th year Steelhead has been named to this prestigious list.

August 9, 2023

How to Maximize Trade Show Engagement Through Technology

Tech is all the buzz, but being intentional with its use is the key to a successful event.

July 19, 2023

Mastering Show Floor Location: 3 Tips to Boost Trade Show Engagement

Elevate your trade show game by unleashing the power of location to drive engagement

July 12, 2023

How B Corps Contribute to Employee Well-Being Beyond Compensation

Learn what your company can do to contribute to your employees’ financial, physical, professional, and social well-being.

June 22, 2023

Steelhead Continues to Exemplify its Commitment to Company Culture by Hosting “Future Leaders” Event

Trade show exhibit firm dedicates a day for “Future Steelheaders” to immerse themselves in their parents’ careers.

June 21, 2023

Top 5 Indicators It's Time for an Event Strategy Review

Steelhead is excited to share resources to help event planners through their partner evaluation process, beginning with 5 key indicators that should trigger a review.

May 17, 2023

Steelhead Continues to Rank as One of The Nation’s Top Workplaces as It Snags Two Prestigious Awards

Exhibit company recognized among Nevada’s and the Nation’s Best Workplaces of 2023 by the Las Vegas Business Press and Inc. Magazine.

May 9, 2023

How to Navigate Your Trade Show Competitive Landscape Like a Pro

Understanding your brand positioning among your top competitors will significantly impact how you show up and stand out at your next event.

April 19, 2023

How Event Companies Championing Sustainability Are Winning

How successful sustainability programs begin with leadership.

March 13, 2023

Beware! Trade Show Hidden Fees

No one likes “surprise” invoices at the end of the event. Here’s what corporate event managers need to know about avoiding hidden costs.

February 13, 2023

Steelhead Embraces the Season of Love by Partnering with Children’s Heart Foundation to Support Nevada “Heart” Families

Exhibit company’s Give Happy Committee worked with the Nevada nonprofit to fulfill wish lists for families affected by heart conditions this past holiday season and continues its support in future events.

January 26, 2023

Steelhead Productions Celebrates 2022 Team Promotions

The trade show company continues to flourish after a successful year of revenue growth and internal promotions.

January 16, 2023

The #1 Way to Save Money on Trade Show Booths in 2023

Despite a shaky economy, event planners have more control over budgets than they might think — if they get savvy with planning.

December 1, 2022

Trade Show and Live Event Design Trends for 2023

What's new, what's hot and what's happening in 2023 in regards to design trends? The Steelhead Design team is here with the emerging trends coming up for the new year.

November 18, 2022

3 Practices Purpose-Driven Companies Implement To Tie Purpose to Outcomes

Here are three things purpose-driven companies do to continue on their path to improve their triple bottom line.

November 11, 2022

Activate Your ‘Give Back’ This Holiday Season

While you’re making your list and checking it twice, this is your friendly reminder to include an organization (or two) that could greatly benefit from your charitable contribution.

November 2, 2022

Why Design ROI is the Marketing Metric of the Future

"Did the design of my trade show environment help me hit my trade show objectives? " Sean Combs, Steelhead's CEO, is here to share his insights on measuring Return on Design.

October 18, 2022

Why We Don’t Quote Existing Design

Why obtaining a design from one exhibit firm, then shopping out for the production isn't this the most efficient way forward in establishing an successful tradeshow presence and valuable partnership.

October 17, 2022

Why You Should Consider Buying Refurbished Versus New

The consumer benefits available are make purchasing refurbished products a better choice for many and the planet.

October 12, 2022

IRL Examples of Unique Trade Show Experiences

Our clients’ most recent successful experiential activations are thoughtful and engaging at every budget point!

October 5, 2022

Steelhead Hosts Successful Food Drive for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Las Vegas

Exhibit company’s event brings 4,376 total items to families with children in critical care at Sunrise Children’s Hospital.

September 20, 2022

How Event Marketers Can Start Offsetting Their Carbon Footprint

While Scopes 1-3 are clearly defined by the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol, these scope measurements look different for each company. Considering each of these categories and how the events industry influences emissions, we can see some common themes emerge about where emissions come from.

August 4, 2022

The Great Re-Evaluation: Why Team Synergies Matter in our Current Society

The rise of the Values Economy amid a post-pandemic society forging ahead of uncertainty has made team synergies increasingly essential.

August 1, 2022

Harnessing the Power of Gamification for Your Trade Show Program

No event marketing environment is complete without some form of gamification

July 21, 2022

Why Companies Industry-Wide Should Embrace Virtual Environments Now and Into 2023

Businesses that recognize the evolution of the buyer’s journey and adapt to using virtual environments as a sales enablement and marketing education tool will flourish in a post-Covid society.

July 18, 2022

How B Corp Has Changed the Traditional Sales Process

Rounding out our series on the Values Economy, we uncover how B Corp has changed the sales process at Steelhead and how our business model supports brand's sustainability initiatives.

July 15, 2022

Attracting Values Based Clients

As we continue our conversation on the Values Economy, we dive into on how Steelhead communicates it's values to prospective clients and how these values help attract specific types of clients.

July 12, 2022

Steelhead Incorporates New Virtual Environment to Expand Target Reach and Promote Brand Awareness and Education

Steelhead responds to a shift in the modern buyer’s journey by creating a new virtual learning platform.

July 6, 2022

Steelhead Productions Named to Real Leader®️ Inaugural Eco Innovations Award Winners

As a longtime advocate for businesses that build sustainability into their business models, Real Leaders wanted to recognize the products, projects, and initiatives that are actively contributing to a healthier planet.

June 29, 2022

Being a Values Match: Cox Automotive

Sustainability consultant, Eliza Erskine, spoke with VP of Sales Lance Randall, to discuss how values play a role with Steelhead's framework and our values match with Cox Automotive.

June 7, 2022

3 Tips for Mitigating Impact of Inflation Costs in the Events Industry

While price increases everywhere have event marketers working to re-strategize and reprioritize their trade show and event programs, there are a few things to consider when considering the impact on event marketing budgets.

June 1, 2022

4 Tips for Harnessing the Current Opportunities in the Event Landscape

The trade show industry has been navigating uncertainties for the last couple of years. Although challenges remain, there are many opportunities.

May 23, 2022

How Are Exhibitors Responding to Current Events?

We have the recent stats from industry and trend experts HOPIN and Exhibitor Magazine, now let’s hear from the boots on the ground walking the trade show floors and working with exhibitors day in and day out.

May 13, 2022

What Can Recent Stats Teach Us About The Trade Show Industry and Where it Stands?

It has been a tumultuous couple of years for trade shows and live marketing events. The looming question for 2022 has event marketers and planners asking: where do trade shows stand?

May 11, 2022

Steelhead Productions Ranks Among Highest-Scoring Businesses on Inc. Magazine’s Annual List of Best Workplaces for 2022

Steelhead Productions named among best workplaces in the U.S.

May 9, 2022

How the Values Economy Will Impact Future Events

The Values Economy combines profit with purpose and determines who customers do (or don’t do) business with.

May 3, 2022

Why It’s Time to Untether from the Old-School “Rent or Buy?” Question

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve spent some time in your career as a corporate event planner researching and responding to the question, Should we rent or buy our company’s trade show exhibit?

April 25, 2022

3 Tips for Expanding Your Sustainable Event Initiatives

Expanding your sustainable event initiatives doesn't have to be tough. If you’re ready, here are some jump-start initiatives any company can incorporate.

April 19, 2022

The History of Earth Day & Making Sustainable Decisions for Your Trade Show Program

If you’re wondering how to celebrate Earth Day and keep an environmental frame of mind, start with making your events more sustainable.

April 18, 2022

Creative & Sustainable Events

Designing creative and sustainable exhibits on a budget is easier than many realize.

April 12, 2022

Steelhead is Proud to Join the Ranks of Nevada’s Top Places to Work - AGAIN!

The event exhibit and marketing services firm received the honor from Top Workplaces Nevada, joining a list of other prestigious companies across the state

April 11, 2022

Being Green Does Not Equal B Corp

Many companies claim to be “green”. So what does it mean to be a B Corp, and how is this different from other sustainable initiatives?

March 30, 2022

B2B B Corp Benefits

Hear more from Eliza Erskine, sustainability consultant, on the increased B Corp benefits for B2B partnerships.

March 21, 2022

Post-Show Outreach via Virtual Environments

Event marketers know that post-show outreach is probably the most critical, yet most overlooked step in event marketing strategy.

March 14, 2022

Developing Your Virtual Trade Show Experience

Event marketers are still navigating uncertainties in show scheduling and attendance. That’s why it’s important to incorporate virtual strategies in trade shows and corporate events moving forward.

March 9, 2022

3 Tips to Navigate the Post-Pandemic Supply Chain Issues in Events

Labor shortages and supply chain delays are a stark reality of a post-COVID world. The events industry is no exception, which is why it’s critical for event planners to remain agile.

March 7, 2022

What The Heck is The Metaverse?!

First things first. We need to have a basic understanding of our current situation as a society, and the en masse movement of certain aspects of our work and lives going digital.

March 1, 2022

What is B Corp Month and Why Does it Matter?

Being a B Corp is something we’re really proud of so we're sharing what that means to us and why it matters. Come and find out what's Behind the B.

February 21, 2022

Creating Impactful Moments at Trade Shows

Now that your prospects have taken time from their hectic conference schedule to hang out in your booth, what can you do to offer them a unique and memorable experience?

February 14, 2022

Pre-Show Email Ideas

Now that you have your email list refined and narrowed down for the event, what are the options for attention-grabbing, thoughtful, personalized outreach?

February 7, 2022

Event attendance is down. Now what?

Why creating shared experiences is a critical bridge between your brand and the people it serves.

January 31, 2022

How to Navigate Uncertainty in Trade Show Schedule Changes

Whether the trade show reschedules or cancels, or your company decides to pull out at the last minute, here’s how to regroup and reach your audience.

January 25, 2022

The Access Model is Sustainable

Waste is a huge black mark on the trade show and live events industry. It’s up to conscious consumers and brands to make a difference.

January 24, 2022

The Access Model is Creative

The most effective marketing campaigns capitalize on a specific moment. Each trade show you attend represents one of those moments. If you’re approaching that opportunity by dusting off a booth you’ve owned for three years, you’re missing out.

January 23, 2022

The Access Model is Flexible

Custom accessibility gives you the flexibility to create the perfect booth for the perfect price, at every trade show you visit.

December 13, 2021

How to Utilize a Hybrid Model to Maximize Your Event Marketing Efforts

Get the best ROI on your next event by implementing a hybrid strategy for each stage of your show presence.

December 6, 2021

How to Take Advantage of Modern Economics for Your Marketing Events

Understanding and utilizing the modern economy can benefit your trade show program and result in a higher ROI.

November 29, 2021

Exhibit Happy®: Chip’s Story

Meet Steelhead’s smiley mascot and the brand promises he represents.

November 15, 2021

5 Ways to Disrupt an Outdated Event Marketing RFP System

At Steelhead, we value and respect the RFP process. But we also know that the traditional RFP process for trade show and event marketing providers is flawed.

November 2, 2021

Provocative Questions: The Key Element That Creates Understanding and Connection

The modern consumer cares more about solving problems. Asking the right questions is the key to forming and deepening relationships between the buyer and the provider.

October 14, 2021

Steelhead Productions, Inc. Dedicates Entire Page of Website to Non-Profit Outreach

With the launch of their new website, Steelhead Productions made a commitment to not only market themselves, but the non-profit organizations they hold close to their hearts.

October 12, 2021

Steelhead Productions Launches New Website

After many months of hard work and dedication from our marketing team, Steelhead is pleased to announce the launch of our new website!

September 30, 2021

10 Questions to Ask When Selecting a New Exhibit Provider

Digging deep to develop a clear checklist of your exhibit program needs will save time and hassle in your search.

August 18, 2021

3 Critical Questions for Your Live Event Strategy

Event marketing strategy isn’t always easy to plan, especially when you’re buried in the hundreds of logistical details required to successfully execute exhibiting at a trade show. That’s why Steelhead has developed this resource to help event planners get started with their strategy brainstorming process.

May 18, 2021

Face-to-Face Marketing: Unique Money Saving Ideas

What’s the most effective way to be thoughtful with marketing event budgets in emerging times? The answers may surprise you.

April 1, 2021

Face-to-Face Marketing: Event Trends 2021

Finally, we are returning to tradeshows and live marketing events and it feels SO good! Knowing what to leave behind in 2020 and what to bring into 2021 will help designers and corporate event marketers plan for creating the most impactful and aesthetically impressive marketing environments.

March 30, 2021

Steelhead Productions Earns B Corp Certification

At the end of 2020, Steelhead Productions, a Las Vegas based exhibit builder, announced it had been awarded the B Corp Certification from the nonprofit B Lab, becoming the only B Corp Certified tradeshow company in North America.

October 27, 2020

Steelhead Productions Wins No. 1 Spot in Nevada’s Top Workplaces

The event exhibit and marketing services firm won first place in the competitive Small Business category in Top Workplaces Nevada, along with winning the New Ideas award.

October 21, 2020

The Future Of Event Marketing: Blending The Physical & Virtual

It’s clear that virtual marketing is having more than a moment. It’s here to stay, even when as live events return in full swing. Why? Because consumers understand what the future holds — an appropriate blend and usage of both physical and virtual environments.

September 30, 2020

How to Reduce PPE Waste

In one paper describing how the COVID-19 crisis will change how we use plastic, scientists estimated in June 2020 that monthly the global population was using 129 billion face masks and 65 billion gloves each month.

August 17, 2020

8 Ways to Engage Your Customers in a Virtual Environment

One huge benefit of owning a virtual marketing environment for your brand is that it goes way beyond a 3D experience of a physical installation. Here’s the list of our favorite virtual environment features:

June 3, 2020

Let Your Support For Equality Be Bigger Than A Social Post

As the events of the last year have highlighted - severe inequality still permeates in our country despite years of work to move the needle. If progress is truly the vision, then we need all hands-on deck, in all ways.

May 14, 2020

Shifted from Working ‘In Office’ to ‘Out of Office’

Steelhead has invested tons of energy creating a physical space where our organizational culture and values can flourish. However, at the time of the closure, we had yet to figure out how to fully and seamlessly integrate our remote employees into the vibe.

April 22, 2020

Steelhead Productions Announces One Tree Planted Partnership

In celebration of Earth Day, Steelhead Productions, a Las Vegas based event production company, has chosen to partner with One Tree Planted.

February 19, 2020

Trade Show Gamification: What It Is And How To Do It

You’ve probably heard the buzz word “gamification” floating around. In the trade show industry, it’s all the rage. If you haven’t heard the term, though, here’s a quick definition for you: Gamification is integrating gaming elements into a non-gaming setting.

February 7, 2020

6 Trade Show Booth Design Ideas To Help You Stand Out

What are your customers looking for in their trade show experience? And more importantly, what are they looking for in the kinds of products/services you offer?

May 21, 2019

5 Things To Consider Before Designing A 20' x 20' Booth

The 20' x 20' booth is the bread and butter of the trade show world. It’s tempting in the early stages of your booth design to pack as much in as you can, but we recommend taking a step back and thinking about a few key elements.

November 6, 2018

Keeping Your Event Sustainable

Estimates peg the trade show industry as one of the most wasteful in the world, creating over 600,000 tons of garbage every year. Learn how you can help offset this staggering statistic:

May 22, 2018

The Perfect Booth For The Right Price

The trade show floor can be overwhelming. It’s a multisensory experience. Colors. Noises. Smells. It’s difficult to stand out. That’s why you need the perfect booth. It needs to be fresh for all audiences, at every show. And, it needs to fit within your budget.