Facebook Timeline Design Dilemma

Facebook Timeline Design Dilemma

Now that Facebook has changed to a Timeline format choosing the right size for a profile and cover image can cause a dilemma. 

Let's start first with the profile image which use to be 125 X 125 pixels. Facebook has increased the profile image to a minimum of 180 X 180 pixels BUT will automatically shrink it down to 160 X 160 pixels. So before you upload your profile picture be sure to re-size to the appropriate pixels.

Now for the cover image, this will need to be 851 X 315 pixels. See the below example. Remember to re-size the image to match these dimensions before uploading.

Make an EXPO Game Plan

Get ahead of your competition before coming to EXPO and take advantage of the tools the Tradeshow has to offer.

Make an EXPO Game Plan:

• Utilize the online Exhibitor search and find products and exhibitors you want to meet 
• Register by July 27th for the Early Bird Deadline and save your place at classes and events, EXPO offers a wide array of courses during the Education Conference and Networking opportunities including the TNLA Awards Dinner and Welcome Party
• Save time and money by booking in the EXPO block, Reserve your room by July 27th for Special Deals
• Post information about your company EXPO's social networking sites Facebook and Twitter, let the industry know where you will, who you are representing and the products you are searching for (be sure to use #TNLAEXPO2012)
• Receive updates from EXPO's Mobile App, download on iTunes OR bookmark the EXPO mobile website

Don't Make Trade Show Social Events Optional

The hustle and bustle of a trade show can make it challenging to see everything and could cause you to bypass event functions. However, by making trade show events optional you could miss out on some prime social opportunities to take your business to the next level.

Picture if you will, filmmaker Steven Spielberg seated at a White House State Dinner next to producer Jeffrey Katzenberg and music mogul David Geffen. Conversation during this social event lead these gentlemen to follow up thirteen days later to start a movie production studio called DreamWorks.

This is a prime example of opportunities trade shows can offer through conversation at social engagements, events, welcome parties, awards dinners, happy hours and friendly conversation at an education session's breakfast or lunch.

Don't make trade show social events optional. Attend the next trade show social function and introduce your company to potential industry leads and possible business ventures.

To find out more about what social functions you can take part in at EXPO print out the Schedule of Events at www.nurserylandscapeexpo.org.

Unlocking the Secret to Twitter Hashtags

Reading a tweet on twitter can look like a different language one must unlock with a secret code with @ this and # that. The twitter hashtag is not used for a mathematical equation, but does create a way for a tweet to be categorized by key words or topics. Twitter hashtags can also serve as an avenue for companies to identify with their audience and learn more about what their competitors are doing.

Twitter Hashtag Tips:

1.Research the latest trends and read what others have to say by searching for hashtags, click on Discover and enter keywords such as #landscaping or #irrigation.

2. If tweeting don't use more than three hashtags.

3. When at trade show tweet the hashtag for the event to identify your company's presence and experience.
(An example of this could be, Come visit @LandscapeTexas at the TNLA booth #TNLAEXPO2012)

4. Re-tweet a hashtag used in another person's tweet you want to share with your followers.

5. Start a twitter discussion using the hashtag by identifying a keyword for the discussion such as #drought and invite your followers to join you on a specific day and time by typing your discussion hashtag in their tweets.Give it a try, join EXPO @LandscapeTexas for a LIVE twitter chat on Friday's at 2:00 pm CST for EXPO's Hashtag Friday's, Discover #TNLAEXPO2012 and join the conversation. During EXPO's Hash Tag Friday's we will share ideas on marketing your company at EXPO, branding with social networks, new industry trends and more.

EXPO Changes Badge Process

UPDATE TO EXPO’s NEW REGISTRATION PROCESS: EXPO’s Registration is changing to a scan-and-go bar code system. Please note, name badges will be presented onsite and will NOT be mailed this year.

Important Steps to register for the 2012 EXPO’s Scan-and-Go:

1. Register online by visiting here, fax your registration form to (301) 694-5124 or send it via post mail to the following address: Nursery/Landscape EXPO - c/o Experient; P.O. Box 4088; Frederick, MD 21705
2. An email confirmation will be sent immediately after registering online and 5-7 business days after faxing or post mailing your registration. This email confirmation will include a bar code specifically for your name badge. To register additional people, a registration form must be filled out per person.
3. Print your email confirmation including the bar code and remember to bring a copy to EXPO.
4. Once at EXPO, use your printed email confirmation and scan the bar code at an available scan-and-go machine located at the Registration Counter in Hall B at the George R. Brown Convention Center. After your bar code is scanned someone will assist you in printing your name badge. (If you forget your printed email confirmation with bar code there will be kiosks located at the Registration Counter allowing you to search for your name and a badge will be printed upon confirmation of your credentials.)
5. Before you leave the Registration Counter pick up your printed badge and lanyard and you are ready to enter the entrance to the 2012 Nursery/Landscape EXPO.

Enhance Your Business and Improve Your Bottom Line

It’s no secret, surviving in today’s economy is challenging. There is a balancing act to maintaining your company’s brand while generating revenue. Participating in trade shows can help you do both.

Six Ways Trade Shows Enhance Company Brands:

1. Meet up with old friends and make new ones, there is nothing better than face-to-face interaction to build trust and customer loyalty by taking part in a trade show.
2. A company’s exposition presence serves as a reminder of the company’s viability within the market.
3. Trade shows provide the latest trends and technology to help businesses get stocked and up-to-date for the busy seasons ahead.
4. Education Sessions during a trade show allow companies to gain the knowledge base needed and provide the ability to take new found curriculum back to the office in order to stay competitive.
5. Since time is of the essence companies can visit multiple exhibitors and gain business sales leads lasting them throughout the year and all under one roof!
6. Trade shows offer the opportunity for businesses to further brand themselves through sponsorships which allow the company’s logo to have a printed impact on signage for all to see and remember.

Put the above into action and mark your calendar to join the Nursery/Landscape EXPO, August 16-19, 2012 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas. Come See What You Will Discover!

Product Demonstration Stage is the place to be!

Come to the product demonstration stage at 11am to hear Ellen Johnson of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers speak about Membership then at 12pm David Stockman with Living Natural First will do a LIVE broadcast from EXPO! #TNLAEXPO