Why Foster Marketing Is Your Trade Show One-Stop Shop

Trade shows move fast — and when something goes wrong, it needs to be fixed fast. We sat down with Dustin Ponthieux to talk about how Foster Marketing’s hands-on support and commitment to customer service create a seamless, stress-free experience for clients.

Q: How does on-site support make the week of a show easier for clients?

Dustin:
We handle everything related to the booth, in-booth experience and added customer events. Our clients can show up right before the show starts, knowing it’s completely show-ready. They don’t have to worry about setting up, troubleshooting or last-minute details. They just focus on creating and building client relationshipss.

Q: Time is money. How much travel time does engaging Foster Marketing save our clients?

Dustin:
Typically 3–5 days of travel and production time. We manage setting up before the show and teardown afterward, so clients don’t need to arrive early or stay late. That’s valuable time back for their jobs and families.

Q: What if a client’s flight is delayed, canceled or an emergency comes up before a show, and they are not there when the show opens?

Dustin:
We step in. We make sure the booth is ready, send photos for approval and can, and have, temporarily staff the booth when needed. The show doesn’t stop because of travel issues.

Q: Partnering with Foster Marketing vs. working with multiple vendors. Explain the difference.

Dustin:
We’re a full-service marketing firm, not just a booth builder. We understand our clients’ brands, messaging and goals, providing strategic insight into each show that integrates within the overall marketing objectives. Coordinating everything from graphics and shipping to hotels and customer events, clients have one point of contact, creating an efficient trade show experience.

Q: How does Foster’s vendor relationships help during a show?

Dustin:
We know who to call and how to fix issues quickly. Whether it’s electrical, furnishings, freight or last-minute graphic changes, we don’t need to waste time figuring it out. We’ve done this thousands of times and have excellent vendor partners that have our back when needed.

Q: What kinds of problems do you handle without involving the client?

Dustin:
Power outages, TV issues, freight delays, paperwork errors — you name it.With Foster onsite throughout a show, a A quick text, and we take care of it.

Q: Outbound shipping can be stressful. How do you simplify it?

Dustin:
Clients leave when the show ends. We manage dismantling, labeling, paperwork, freight coordination and driver communication. We make sure everything is tagged correctly and returns safely to our warehouse, or its final destination.

Q: What does “show-ready” mean to you?

Dustin:
The booth is built. Graphics are up. TVs are working. Giveaways are set. Everything is in place. When the client walks up, they can immediately start engaging attendees. No scrambling necessary.

Q: Do clients have to use full-service event support?

Dustin:
Not at all. We can handle everything or just specific pieces, shipping, graphics, purchasing and dismantling. We take the same pride in partial support as we do full-service execution.

Q: What ultimately sets Foster apart?

Dustin:
Customer service. We’re accessible, proactive and solution-focused service. If something needs to be printed 15 minutes before a show, we print it. If graphics need adjusting on-site, we fix them.

We go above and beyond — so our clients don’t have to.