By Mary Bonesz, Trade Show Management

1.  Read the Exhibitor Service Manual and Understand the Booth Regulations

The exhibitor manual contains mandatory forms and information on show regulations that you must adhere to when exhibiting. What are the rules regarding the height of your booth? Is it a line of sight show? (What does line of sight even mean?) What are height restrictions for hanging signs? Do you need a certificate of insurance? It’s better to understand the rules before you get to the show site or you could make a costly mistake, so read the Exhibitor Service Manual and Booth Regulations provided by the show organizer.
 
2.  Review the Exhibitor Checklist

Be sure to check out the Exhibitor Checklist from show management. This simple checklist includes all important dates and discount deadlines. Did you know by ordering your show services early, you receive discounted pricing? Check out the Exhibitor Checklist. Add the dates to your calendar to ensure you’re getting your orders in early and taking advantage of those discounts.

A successful tradeshow takes a lot of planning and it starts with reviewing the Exhibitor Manual found on the show organizer’s website. Understanding the exhibiting rules and discount deadlines will help keep you from making costly mistakes.
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We hope you have a great trade show, and just remember—if you need printed banners, flyers, booth supplies and/or even expert trade show advice, Twist OP is just a call or an email away! We would love to be part of your trade show success story!

Reposted with permission by navitor.com  Written by Emily Roycraft

​We know that sometimes your sales can slow in the summer, but that additional space in your schedule could give you the opportunity to build momentum that can continue through the end of the year! Here are just a few of the ways that you can keep your business moving during the summer months.
1. Take the Opportunity to Make a Personal Connection
When things are a bit slower, consider using that extra time in your schedule to contact customers directly. You could take a moment to give top customers a call to thank them for their business—and let them know about products that they might be interested in—or you could call customers whose sales have flagged to encourage them to come back to your business. Not only will this help encourage sales during a slower time of the year, but it will help make your customers feel more emotionally connected to your business at the same time.
2. Prepare for a Busier Season
Just like a more open schedule gives you the opportunity to connect with customers, it also gives you the chance to work ahead. Organize your financial information from the first half of the year so that your documentation is ready come tax season or prepare your emails for upcoming events. Go through your files and remove documents that you no longer need. The slower season is a chance to take those tasks off your plate before sales pick up again in the fall.
3. Take a Look At Your Goals
You made your goals early in the year, but you might not have spent much time looking at them since. After all, between winter weather and customer needs, you’ve had a lot on your plate. The summer slump is a great time to take a look at your goals, see how you’re doing on those goals, and readjust as needed.
4. Build New Habits
Is there something you want to do better in your business? Do you want to get better about building to-do lists or more diligent about sending updates on customer orders? Do you want to neaten up your desk at the end of every week or file documents more regularly at the end of a project? This is the time to build those habits! When business is slower, it’s easier to get into good habits and ensure that they’ll stick around during busier months.
5. Take a Break
Rest is important, and whether you’re a workaholic or tempted by the sunny days outside the window, taking a break can help you be more productive in your day-to-day work. When you take a break, you’ll come back rested, refreshed, and ready to work harder and smarter.
Do you have tips for staying productive during the summer season? We’d love to see your tips in the comments below.

Working in cold conditions isn’t just uncomfortable, it can be dangerous. Frostbite, numbness, dehydration and hypothermia are real concerns from chilly outdoor weather. If you’re working outdoors this winter, be aware of the dangers and stay safe.

• DRESS FOR THE CONDITIONS

Dressing in layers is key, as it not only keeps you warm but allows you to adjust to changing temperatures. The layers should fit loosely because tight clothing reduces blood circulation and warm blood needs to be circulated to the extremities. The goal should be to expose as little skin as possible to the cold environment. Make sure to protect the ears, face, hands and feet in extremely cold weather Proper gloves, socks and footwear are essential. Choose headwear that keeps your head and ears warm. Balaclavas can also help to warm your neck and warm the air you’re breathing. Boots should be waterproof and insulated. When choosing clothing, be aware that some clothing may restrict movement which, in and of itself, may create a hazardous working situation

• STAY DRY

 
Damp clothing can quickly drop your body temperature. It’s more important than ever to stay dry in the cold. Wear a moisture-wicking base layer to draw away sweat as you work. Wear waterproof gear as an outer shell to prevent your under
layers from getting wet. Remove any wet clothing immediately.
 

• PLAN BREAKS FROM THE COLD

 
Just like you need to take breaks from your work throughout the day, your body needs to take breaks from the cold. Plan frequent, short warm-up breaks throughout your day taken in warm, dry shelters to avoid numbness and shivers.
Working in cold conditions isn’t just uncomfortable, it can be dangerous.”
 

• STAY WELL NOURISHED BY EATING AND DRINKING ENOUGH

 
Make sure to drink enough fluids, as you dehydrate faster in cold weather conditions. Dehydration causes headaches, dizziness and fatigue, and it’s important to stay alert outdoors. Eating enough food during the day, especially fats and carbohydrates, high-calories is also important. Your body uses those nutrients as energy to stay warm in cold temperatures.
 

• STAY WELL RESTED

Working outdoors can be challenging,
and increases risks to your safety. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep to stay alert on the job when conditions are more dangerous. Avoid exhaustion and fatigue because they sap energy, and energy is needed to keep muscles warm.
 
https://safetylineloneworker.com/blog/cold-weather-safety-tips/
https://allonehealth.com/7-tips-working-extreme-cold-6/

Because the breakroom is a shared space, everyone needs to pitch in to make it pleasant.  It's all about consideration... here are a few tips:

#1 IF YOU MAKE A MESS, CLEAN IT UP
Put your trash in the wastebasket, wipe up spills and crumbs.
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#2 THE REFRIGERATOR IS FOR TEMPORARY STORAGE
Put your meal or snack there until you eat it, but don't forget about it... no one likes to see moldy food in the fridge!

#3  PUT A LABEL ON IT
Protect your food in the fridge by putting you name on it.  If you bring a dish to share, use a label to let people know it's cool to dig in.

#4  KILL IT? REFILL IT
If you finish the coffee, make a fresh pot.  If you use the last of anything, replace it... paper towels, napkins, creamer, sugar... be sure there's some for the next person.

#5  DON'T DITCH YOUR DIRTY DISHES
Wash them and put them away immediately after use.

#6  BE MINDFUL OF OTHERS.
You don't like it when your food gets mashed in the fridge or if someone cooks or opens a smelly dish.  Your co-workers don't like it either.  Think before  you eat.

​Just landed a new job? Congrats! As a fresh face in the office, you’ll certainly want to make a great impression. This means bringing your professional ‘A’ game, sharing your friendliest smile, and – of course – coming prepared with the right supplies. Check out the desk items below that are a must for your new job.

Calendar​
The number one key to success at any job? Organization. A good calendar with plenty of space to pencil in due dates and reminders will be your best buddy at your new gig. Whether you prefer a large desktop calendar, go digital, or something you can hang on the wall of your cubicle is totally up to you. With so many choices, you can let your personality shine through.

A Few Personal Care Items
Sometimes the biggest workday distractions end up being the littlest things—like chapped lips or a painful hangnail. It’s definitely worth grabbing a few personal care items for your desk drawer as a quick fix to these little nuisances. Think of things like hand lotion, nail files, chapstick, clear nail polish and even extra contact lens solution.

Sanitizers and Disinfectants
There’s not much you can do when your sniffling coworker stops by your desk to brief you on an upcoming project. Fend off any colds and viruses (and save up those precious sick days!) by keeping some disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer handy.

Desktop Organizers
A messy desk is sure to drive stress when you’re juggling important tasks at work, but that’s just the half of it. Your managers, coworkers, and possibly even important clients will catch a glimpse of your work area from time to time, and a cluttered desk isn’t exactly the best impression in the workplace! Keep your quarters tidy with organizational desk tools like supply holders and organizer trays. Shown is items from our My Pretty Office Collection.

Reusable Water Bottle
The water cooler is the ultimate office hotspot. You’ll take frequent trips there making sure you’re getting in your eight glasses a day, or just as an excuse to give your eyes a break from your computer screen. Either way, your own reusable water bottle works much more conveniently than those little plastic cups sitting atop the cooler.

Desk Decor
Even in the corporate world, your desk doesn’t need to stay stark and mundane. Why not add a little touch of personality? Show your coworkers your personal style by embellishing your desk or cubicle with decor that really displays who you are. You’ll be spending a lot of time there, anyway. Might as well make the space feel homey, right?

Does your child ask about where you work and what you do? This Thursday is your chance to show off your workplace and make your child proud during Take Your Child to Work Day! The whole idea behind this day is to get your kids to start thinking about career possibilities for themselves and to give your child a taste of your job. To ensure that both you, your child and your co-workers have an enjoyable day, see below for some great tips/tricks! Planning ensures that your kids don’t become bored because bored kids=kids that get in trouble.
 
Questions to Ask Yourself if You are the Company/Person Hosting the Event:

1. Will you host it as an “official event?” As a business, this shows your dedication to your employees and recognizes that they have lives outside the office. This is an opportunity to increase engagement and motivation (and see some adorable kids in the process).
2. What ages will be invited to attend? Some companies have a minimum age of 6 or 7 but others include all children.  The activities planned will be dependent on the ages of the kids attending.
3. Will the day be all day or ½ day?
4. Are there any hazards or sensitive areas the kids need to stay away from? (For instance, if you work on a construction site, laboratory or area with toxic chemicals.)
5. Are there specific activities you will do (see ideas below) or a certain schedule you want everyone to follow?
6. Will you provide lunch or should the parents go out with their child for lunch on their own?

Questions to ask yourself if you are the Parent:

1. Have you gotten approval from your manager?
2. Does it make sense for your child to stay for the entire workday?
3. Where should your child sit?
4. Are there any hazards or sensitive areas you need to be mindful of and keep your kid(s) away from?
5. Is it okay to take a longer-than-usual lunch break with your child?
6. What is the plan for the day? Does your office have activities planned or do you need to come up with your own schedule?
7. Did you call your child’s school to check them out and ask about any make-up work they may have?

 
Fun Activities/Ideas
All Ages

• Workplace Tour - Lead the kids on a tour of the office. Have them stop at each different department and ask them what they think it is responsible for. Try to connect each department with something the kids have learned in school. The finance department, for example, can be connected to math. The R&D department can be connected to science.
• Chocolate Challenge – make sure you have TONS of chocolate candy bars on hand (Hershey bars work great since you can break them into different sizes). Break the kids into groups, and have them build a structure with the candy bars. Once everyone is done (set a time limit), walk around and discuss them—which is the safest? Tallest? Most unique? Then, let the kids eat the candy!! This let’s the kids think creatively and learn how to work in a team setting.

Elementary School Age (and below)
Kids LOVE arts and crafts. Arrange art stations around the office (or in your area if it isn’t the whole company participating). Fun ideas to get them started:

• Imagine and draw a new logo for the company.
• Draw a picture of their parents doing their job (great for preschoolers too!)
• Write and illustrate a story about what they envision for the future of office supplies, computers, food, construction or whatever the main focus of your business is.
• Building projects such as making a house out of cereal boxes or even friendship bracelets—it doesn’t HAVE to be related to your job/company.

Middle School Age
This age is starting to grasp more of what is going on and are beginning to think about what type of career they want to pursue. You can get a bit more technical with them. Fun ideas to get started:

• Mathematics – give them a story problem related to your company. Twist’s favorite is:

If Customer Wonderful ordered 5 boxes of BSN pens at $5.29 each, 2 Lorell Chairs at $172 each and 10 reams of paper at $35.00 each, how much did they spend on this order? If they would have spent 10% more at Staples, how much did they save by ordering from Twist?

• Budgeting – About 50% of Americans would be unable to write a $500 check to cover an emergency. That being the case, it’s never too early to get your kids to start thinking about managing a budget. Use this budget worksheet as an activity to teach them a little bit about finances.
• Interviews – let the kids interview a few people from various departments. Before they do, have them prepare questions for the interview based one what they think is important for that job. Alternatively, you can have employees interview the kids. Be sure to film it as I’m sure it could turn in to an episode of “Kids Say The Darnest Things!”
• Marketing – have them look at your company’s current website and see what ideas they have for an advertisement. You never know what they may come back with for you!

High School Age
You might not have as many at this age, as they may be TOO COOL to come. However, tell them they are TOO COOL…FOR SCHOOL that day and bring them anyways! Here are some ideas for this age:

• Job Shadowing – have your kid shadow someone at your office that does a job they find interesting. It will give them a realistic view of the actual job and if it is something they really want to pursue.
• Interviews – similar to above, but step it up a notch and help the high school kids prepare for their future. Who knows, maybe this will help them prepare to land that summer job they really want!
• Marketing – again, have them look at your company’s current website, email blasts, ads, etc and offer their ideas for it. You could also arrange a case study to show them how to analyze marketing analytics or build the website.
• Mathematics – if your job is heavy on excel, maybe introduce them to EXCEL 101 to get them started. This will give them a leg up as they look for a job!

 
Just remember, HAVE FUN on Take your Kid to Work Day. Spending time with  your children and having fun is what really matters!