 
Eight new products earned prestigious Buyers Choice Awards at EXHIBITOR2008, March 9-13, in Las Vegas. A panel of 13 judges reviewed all 60 items launched in this year’s New Product Showcase. Together, they selected the following entries as the top exhibit-related products of 2008. For a complete list of products that made their debut at EXHIBITOR2008, visit www.ExhibitorWebLinks.com.
The small, lightweight Digi Showbox from Digi International Inc. won raves from the judges, many of whom plan to purchase it for their own programs. The presentation player can display images on an attached monitor, or digital signage on exhibit walls, and can replace laptops as a way to display presentations. Simply plug a USB drive containing your presentation or graphics into the box, and your data is displayed on a monitor attached to the Showbox. Contact: Digi International Inc., Minnetonka, MN, 952-912-3444, www.digishowbox.com
 One judge touted the Illuminated Rail System from Display Supply & Lighting Inc. as “an adjustable lighting solution for the trade show floor.” The system’s rails, which are available up to 96 inches long, can accommodate plug-in halogen or LED lights. The system also offers shelf-support pieces with their own integrated slots to accommodate the plug-in lights. Contact: Display Supply & Lighting Inc., Itasca, IL, 800-468-1488, www.dslgroup.com
 Kaon Interactive Inc.’s v-Brief software creates customized on-screen product demos and presentations featuring touchscreen technology, high-performance graphics, and integrated messages. One judge said, “It’s perfect for those times when you can’t ship large equipment to a show.” Rather than transporting products or literature, the v-Brief allows you to display them on a monitor, cutting down transportation, setup, and drayage costs. It can also be used on laptops or PCs with the help of a mouse. Contact: Kaon Interactive Inc., Maynard, MA, 978-823-0111, www.kaon.com
The high-tech hoopla of the PhotoOpticon from PeopleVisionFX spoke to the judges, who said it “allows you to offer consistent presentations.” The product uses a transparent screen to create 3-D holographic images including everything from your company logo and product photos to interactive games and an in-booth product spokesperson. PhotoOpticon can even incorporate audio synchronized to the hologram’s movement, or you can install motion sensors so the hologram pops up when attendees walk by. The judges also appreciated that the product can be customized for large or small exhibiting programs. Contact: PeopleVisionFX, Roselle, NJ, 973-509-2056, www.peoplevisionfx.com
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Judges loved the Information Resource Center’s literature-management capabilities, and said, “As Green initiatives become more prevalent, literature management is critical.” The software program stores your company’s literature in an electronic format, allowing attendees to choose the information they want, which is then e-mailed to them. Eliminating hard-copy literature, the program is an environmentally and economically friendly option for exhibitors.
Contact: Kinetic Business Applications, Stamford, CT, 203-564-1909, www.kineticapps.com
 The idea of easily installed wood flooring appealed to the judges. They said Brumark Inc.’s new TraxFlex Hardwood Flooring System “looks like a real hardwood floor, but it packs and ships in a small package.” The flooring installs on spring-mounted tracks that require no tools. It is easily disassembled, reused, and reconfigured, and comes in four different finishes. Contact: Brumark Inc., Marietta, GA, 800-291-9606, www.brumark.com
Get personal with attendees at your next show. The ExpoPURL is a trade show technology involving a series of personalized communications and a personal URL (aka PURL). Judges noted the product’s versatility and said its “reasonable price makes it a fit for most budgets.” The customized direct mail, e-mail messages, and PURL create a pre-show marketing campaign that gives each recipient a singular experience. Plus, ExpoPURL includes real-time tracking tools to monitor the campaign’s success. Contact: Experient Inc., Twinsburg, OH, 866-516-1461, www.experient-inc.com
 The judges called “Are You Game?” — a new staff-training software from Marketech Inc. — “a turnkey, out-of-the-box solution” to the sometimes difficult chore of training employees for booth duty. The software includes customizable options such as role-playing opportunities, a listening quiz, show trivia, and an exercise about effective exhibiting, all designed to motivate, educate, and inspire booth staff. Contact: Marketech Inc., Westboro, MA, 508-836-2633, www.marketech360.com
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