Month

February 2020

Tradeshows are a great way to get valuable face time with potential customers and business partners. In order to get those leads into your booth though, you need to create an attractive and inviting booth. While preparing for your next event, think about what you will need to draw customers in and what you can provide to keep them engaged. Below are a few ideas to refresh your tradeshow booth:

Eye-Catching Graphics

Order signage and tablecloths in company colors with a large logo. If your business name doesn’t say what your company does, graphics or a tagline should also be included so show attendees know what your business offers as they are walking by.

Inviting Aesthetics

If room allows, bring comfortable seating so your potential customers can rest while they discuss business opportunities. Bringing an area rug or carpet squares can completely change the look of your booth and will also make standing for long periods of time more comfortable.  Setting up your own lighting can also help your booth to standout and completely change the aesthetics of the space.

Informative Technology

Large televisions with videos or slideshows can attract attendees into your booth and can also be a great tool for showing what your business does. Using a tablet or laptop while talking to potential customers is an easy way to show examples or your work and engage with attendees.

Making a few changes to your current setup can help to attract more attendees to your booth and hopefully convert those attendees into customers. Reach out to the Keeney’s team to refresh your booth design for your next event!

How and where employees are working has changed a lot in the recent decades. With portable computers, wireless internet and the technology to work with teammates remotely, offices are adapting to create flexible workspaces. These spaces allow workers to work in various places throughout the day, interact with a variety of co-workers and be more comfortable in the workplace. So what makes an office a “flexible workspace”?

Adjustable Furniture

When selecting furniture for a flexible office space, consider the many ways in which an area can be used. Furniture with wheels can be easily moved and adjusted to fit the need of the workers using it. Some types of tables easily fit together to accommodate large, conference-style meetings, then can be separated to create individual work stations. Movable walls and wheeled whiteboards help to provide privacy when needed and are useful during meetings.

Collaborative Areas

One of the main issues in traditional offices spaces is lack of collaborative areas. Make sure there are multiple spaces available in your office for teams, both small and large, to meet and brainstorm. Incorporate whiteboards, projectors and lots of seating to encourage creative ideas and teamwork.

Power Sources

A very important element when designing a flexible workspace is incorporating power sources throughout the space. This will allow employees to work where ever they want for however long they’d like. Outlets can be added to columns, built into chairs and added to conference tables to make sure devices are powered all day long.

Lounge Spaces

Create a space for your team to relax and unwind throughout the day. Lounge areas are also a great place for casual meetings or team building activities. Consider creating an outdoor lounge area as well so your team can get outside during nice days.

A workspace that adapts to a worker’s needs can help to make them a happier and more productive employee. Schedule an on-site furniture consultation with the Keeney’s team for help creating a more flexible office.

*Product shown: OFS Obeya

Hosting an off-site meeting can be an exciting change of scenery for your team but it means a lot more thought needs to go into preparing. Since you will not be at your office with access to your desk, printer and supply room, you need to think ahead about everything that will be needed for the day. Take a look at the list below to make sure you are prepared for your next off-site meeting.

Office Supplies

Pack a box of basic office supplies you will need (or might need) throughout the day. Remember to include scissors, pens, tape, Sharpies and note pads. If you are bringing together groups that don’t typically work together, pack name tags so attendees can easily mingle. You hopefully won’t need a first aid kit but pack one in your boxes just in case.

Meeting Materials

Make sure you have enough meeting handouts for all attendees and print extras in case you have last-minute sign ups. If you are presenting a slideshow or videos, be sure to add a copy of each onto a USB drive in case you have computer issues. A printed list of meeting attendees as well as a printed agenda may also come in handy.

Technology Accessories

The most commonly forgotten items for off-site meetings are technology accessories. Remember to bring computer and phone charging cables, connecting cords, a portable speaker if the room is not wired, a projector and a presentation remote. Packing batteries and extra power strips is also a good idea.

Moving Equipment

Lastly, think about the logistics of getting all your materials to and from the meeting. A hand truck or cart will be helpful in moving everything in quickly, without straining your back. If you are bringing a lot of things, make sure you have room in your car or arrange for an alternate way to get everything to your meeting site.

By planning ahead, it will help to relieve some of the stress and make for a seamless guest experience. If you are hosting several off-site meetings each year, keep all the items listed above together in a tote to eliminate the need to re-pack for each event and ensure you don’t forget anything. Check before each meeting for any items needing to be restocked!

*Product shown: AIS Day to Day

There are many reasons to buy a height-adjustable desk but with so many choices, it can be a challenge to find the best fit for your needs and budget. When choosing a sit-stand desk, consider the five factors below:

Ease of Movement

To adjust your sit-stand desk, you can either choose an electric version or crank model. Electric desks are easier to use and often are programmable to certain heights. Crank models are typically less expensive and don’t require being near a power source but are harder to adjust.

Height and Width

Desk tops come in a variety of different sizes so consider the amount of space you have in your work area as well as how much surface you will require. You should also think about the maximum and minimum heights you will need. While most desks come in a wide range, it you are petite or extra tall, you may need an extended range to be comfortable.

Noise Levels

Electric height-adjustable desks come with a noise rating for the motor that adjusts the desk. If you are in a private office, noise won’t be an issue but desks in a shared space should be as quiet as possible as to not disturb nearby colleagues.

Aesthetics

Height-adjustable bases and tops come in a variety of different finishes so you should be able to find a look that compliments your other office furniture. Adding privacy screens can help define spaces and add pops of color as well. Make sure to add wire management and storage pieces so your spaces have clean lines and look uncluttered.

Anti-Fatigue

Don’t get rid of your office chair! While sitting all day can is unhealthy, standing all day can be too. Pairing accessories like gels mats and perching stools will help to avoid leg fatigue when standing and keep you comfortable all day long. When switching to a sit-stand desk, remember to alternate throughout the day and gradually build up your standing times.

While using a sit-stand desk can be beneficial to your health, choosing the right one is essential. For assistance selecting a desk, contact the Keeney’s team today! Our furniture experts can find a desk that meets your needs and looks great in your workspace.

*Product shown: AIS Aloft Height Adjustable Desking