Many of us think we are not “creative.”
When asked to describe what creativity is, the answer inevitably involves the ability to draw, paint or visualise.
But that’s too narrow a definition.
I don’t know if JRR Tolkien could draw, but he could undoubtedly paint some vivid pictures in the minds of his readers.
Similarly, “practical” people, many of whom also categorise themselves as “uncreative,” visualise solutions to physical problems the arty cannot fathom.
Without them and their skills, the world wouldn’t work.
Luckily, live events, trade and consumer shows abound with people with creative ideas for promoting their businesses and others.
If you’re not one of those ideas machines, is there a way to train yourself to be creative?
One answer lies in looking at things as subjects for creative emulation.
Retail is an industry where excellent ideas abound; many things there transition beautifully into the events world.
- Special offers and sales (great for pre-show marketing)
- Signage innovations (big digital and touchscreens)
- Product placements in shopping centres
- Display systems
- Roomsets
- Features and attractions
If you’re looking for exhibiting ideas and inspiration, attending one of the events for the retail industry could help.
The people attending deal with attracting and handling crowds as part of their day-to-day routine.
Apart from Retail, there are many other sources of inspiration from which to draw.
Fashion, vehicle marketing, travel, theatre, cinema, publishing, music and other forms of media and entertainment can all produce ideas.
Taking lots of pictures, reading widely (and tearing things out), walking around cities and making notes of beautiful store windows, arcades, buildings, signs and other elements of urban living is another route to thinking differently.
The Trade Show Stand Mastery Course Part 1 is another excellent source of ideas and skills and it help speed improve event results.
Click here to see what it covers and how to get its six invaluable modules into your inbox.
Very best,