A Proven Leader in Talent and Event Staffing

As CEO of one of the nation’s most versatile SAG-AFTRA franchised talent agencies, Hedy leads a team that delivers exceptional staffing solutions for conferences, auto shows, live events, and theatrical productions. Under her leadership, Productions Plus has expanded nationwide, added a Las Vegas presence, and strengthened its position as a women-owned business trusted by top brands like Toyota, Lexus, Salesforce and Google.

Expertise That Spans Industries

Hedy’s background blends the glamour of the entertainment world with the precision of business strategy. She has overseen high-profile theatrical bookings for commercials, film, and TV, while also driving our full-service research division, which delivers actionable insights to Fortune 500 clients. Her ability to navigate both creative and data-driven worlds makes her an engaging and insightful voice for any audience.

A Passion for People

At her core, Hedy is a people-first leader. She champions the careers of our talent, invests in the growth of our internal teams, and advocates for diversity and inclusion across every program. Whether she’s sharing strategies for consumer engagement or reflecting on lessons from the field, she brings authenticity, warmth, and a deep respect for the people who make each event a success.

A Voice That Inspires

Podcasts, panels, or keynote stages—Hedy thrives in all of them. She blends business acumen with real-world stories, offering listeners and audiences practical takeaways alongside memorable behind-the-scenes perspectives. Her energy and insight make her an asset to any conversation.

📣 Book Hedy Popson

Looking for a guest who can inspire, engage, and deliver real-world value? Hedy is available for:

• Podcast interviews
• Conference panels and keynote speaking
• Industry webinars and thought leadership events

To invite Hedy to join your stage or microphone, contact:
📧 info@productions-plus.com
📞 (248) 644-5566

The post Spotlight on Hedy Popson: An Inspiring Voice appeared first on Productions Plus.

1. Embrace Multilingual Talent

In our globalized world, conferences often draw an international audience. Ensuring your staff can communicate with attendees in their native language enhances the overall experience and breaks down barriers. Productions Plus offers a diverse pool of multilingual talent, enabling you to engage effectively with a broader audience.

2. Leverage Specialized Roles

Gone are the days when one-size-fits-all staffing solutions sufficed. Today, tailored roles like Product Specialists and Brand Ambassadors are essential. Product Specialists possess in-depth knowledge of your offerings, ensuring they can handle detailed inquiries with ease. Brand Ambassadors, on the other hand, are skilled at conveying your brand’s story and values, creating a strong emotional connection with attendees.

3. Utilize Promo Models and In-Store Demonstrators

Promo models and in-store demonstrators are not just for retail environments. They can significantly enhance your conference presence by providing engaging, hands-on experiences with your products. Their ability to attract and retain attention can drive traffic to your booth and increase interactions.

4. Incorporate Street Teams for Pre-Event Buzz

Street teams are a powerful tool for generating excitement before the conference even begins. By engaging potential attendees in the days leading up to the event, street teams can create anticipation and draw more visitors to your booth. Productions Plus can deploy energetic and charismatic street teams that align with your brand’s image and goals.

5. Focus on Qualitative and Quantitative Research

Understanding your audience is crucial for effective engagement. Conducting qualitative and quantitative research before the event can provide valuable insights into attendee preferences and expectations. Productions Plus’s research division can assist with online focus groups, surveys, and respondent recruiting, ensuring you have the data needed to tailor your conference strategy effectively.

6. Enhance Theatrical Representation

Creating a memorable experience often involves more than just informative interactions. Theatrical representation, including voice-over talents and actors, can bring your brand to life. Whether through live demonstrations, interactive performances, or engaging storytelling, these elements can make your booth stand out.

7. Invest in Training and Preparation

No matter how skilled your staff, preparation is key. Comprehensive training ensures that everyone is on the same page and equipped to handle any situation. Productions Plus provides thorough training programs tailored to your specific needs, ensuring that your staff is not only knowledgeable but also confident and prepared.

Conclusion

Maximizing impact at conferences requires a strategic approach to staffing. By embracing multilingual talent, leveraging specialized roles, incorporating promo models and street teams, focusing on research, enhancing theatrical representation, and investing in training, you can create a memorable and impactful presence. At Productions Plus, we are committed to helping you achieve these goals with our extensive range of services and experienced talent pool. Contact us today to learn more about how we can elevate your next conference experience.

The post Maximizing Impact: Innovative Strategies for Conference Staffing appeared first on Productions Plus.

The Power of Multilingual Talent

Imagine hosting an international conference, a bustling trade show, or a vibrant street festival. Attendees come from all corners of the world, each bringing their unique language and cultural background. Without the right linguistic support, valuable connections can be missed, and key messages can get lost in translation.

This is where Productions Plus shines. Our extensive network of multilingual talent ensures that no matter who your audience is, we have the right people to connect with them. Whether you need in-store demonstrators fluent in Spanish, product specialists who can converse in Mandarin, or brand ambassadors who speak French, we have you covered.

Enhancing Customer Experience

Language is more than just a means of communication; it’s a bridge to understanding and connection. By having talent who can speak the language of your audience, you create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. This not only enhances the customer experience but also builds trust and loyalty.

For example, at a recent automotive show, Productions Plus provided multilingual product specialists who engaged with attendees in their native languages. This not only facilitated smoother interactions but also allowed for more in-depth product discussions, leading to higher customer satisfaction and increased sales leads.

A Competitive Edge

Incorporating multilingual talent into your live events strategy offers a competitive edge. It demonstrates your commitment to diversity and inclusion, setting you apart from competitors who may overlook this crucial aspect. Moreover, it opens doors to new markets and customer segments, expanding your reach and potential for growth.

Our talent agency is dedicated to providing top-notch multilingual talent for any event, whether it’s a corporate conference, promotional event, or an online focus group. With Productions Plus, you can be confident that your message will be communicated effectively, regardless of language barriers.

The Productions Plus Advantage

Productions Plus is not just a promotional agency; we are a full-service staffing and research firm. Our multilingual talent is carefully vetted and trained to ensure they meet the highest standards of professionalism and expertise. From theatrical representation and voice-over work to in-store demonstrations and street teams, our talent is equipped to handle a wide range of roles, making us the go-to choice for all your live event needs.

We understand that every event is unique, and we tailor our services to match your specific requirements. Whether you need brand ambassadors for a multi-city tour or promotional models for a high-profile launch, our multilingual talent is ready to deliver exceptional results.

Conclusion

In a world where communication is key, having the right multilingual talent can make all the difference. Productions Plus is committed to helping you bridge language barriers and connect with diverse audiences effectively. By booking our multilingual talent, you not only enhance your live events but also create meaningful connections that resonate long after the event is over.

Reach out to Productions Plus today and discover how our multilingual talent can elevate your next live event to new heights. Together, let’s create experiences that speak to everyone.

The post Multilingual Talent: Bridging Language Barriers in Live Events appeared first on Productions Plus.

We sat down with influencer talent, Tatum Fischer, to talk about her experience and what advice she has to anyone who is just starting out in the industry.

How many years have you been working with Productions Plus and how many years have you been in this industry?

I signed with Productions Plus eight years ago (wow!) and began my influencing career about three years ago. I started off modeling, but a few years in I discovered Brand Ambassador work and fell in love. Throughout the years I worked at countless automotive events and Auto Shows across the state of Michigan. I realize now that my modeling and Brand Ambassador experience taught me many traits needed for influencing such as how to pose in front of a camera and how to effectively promote a brand or product to a consumer.

What was the first job/client that you booked and how has your influencer presence grown since then?

My first influencer campaign was with a women’s athletic wear company called Lilybod (@Lilybod on Instagram). Since working with Lilybod, I have partnered with plenty of other brands where I promote women’s fashion, accessories, and health supplements. I have gained countless professional connections through influencing and have even been featured on an Instagram account with over 2 million followers!

Is working with Productions Plus different than other agencies?

Absolutely. Productions Plus is a talent agency at heart, which means that while they help brands make strategic decisions to achieve their marketing goals, they also focus on helping their talent grow by providing expert level advice and guidance through each campaign.

What is your advice to companies who are looking for the right influencers to promote their brand?

We live in a time where consumers are smarter than ever. We make fewer impulse decisions and more research-backed purchases. Consumers are more likely to buy a product if it is recommended by a trusted source; this could mean the nano-influencer in your neighborhood or the macro-influencer on your Instagram page. It is important to find the right influencers for your needs.

What is your advice to Influencers who are just getting started?

Building your own brand from the ground up takes time and dedication. If I were to go back and tell myself what I know now, I would make sure to take every possible opportunity to grow connections with people in real life and virtually. You cannot have influence if you are not trusted by your followers, so be sure to stay true to yourself and what you represent- this may mean you have to turn down campaigns in order to stay authentic.

Interested in working with us as an Influencer?

Register with our agency.

The post Influencer Talent Spotlight – Tatum Fischer appeared first on Productions Plus.

Or it HOT enough to jump off the shelf all by itself? Most of us have a few outdated memories of product demonstrators. For some, it’s a door-to-door salesman selling vacuums, or a sweet old lady offering you a sample of the latest cheese wedge in a grocery store. But if that’s all you think of when you think Field Marketing, then perhaps it is YOU who is out of date! In today’s world of fast-paced and tech-savvy buying behavior, consumers can be overwhelmed with choices when purchasing almost any product. And while the “buy now” option can be appealing, research shows that the one thing often holding back a purchase is the peace of mind offered by a hands-on interaction. When end-caps, standees, and packaging aren’t enough to put your product in the shopping cart, consider the highly successful product demonstration program.

Field Marketing’s primary function is more than just selling a product. It is building brand awareness while increasing consumer engagement. The busier people are, the less time they want to spend “shopping”. When they do venture out to explore their buying options, they expect entertainment and an experience that caters directly to them. Malls and stores are evolving to meet these demands, and it is more critical than ever to offer consumers a unique, high-quality 1-to-1 interaction. As the marketplace changes, so must retailers, brands, and the highly important “face of your brand”.

Here are 5 ways that Productions Plus Demonstrators have evolved to keep up with a changing marketplace:

1. A good Demonstrator must understand that it is a privilege to have even a few moments of someone’s attention. Understanding that consumers are living and operating at a fast speed, our talent are trained to quickly to create a personal connection. Our agency’s focus is to have our Demonstrators and Talent treat every guest as if they are the most important person they will talk to that day. Our Talent approaches every interaction with the highest level of service, and when a consumer is treated like a guest in your home, your product often finds its way to their home.
2. Our Talent are carefully looking for opportunities to “WOW” the consumer. Our Field Marketers know how to ask questions, build instant rapport, and find common ground with guests (maybe it’s noticing something a consumer is wearing, or offering an opportunity to engage in a social media sharable moment). The personal connection between the Demonstrator and the consumer makes for a memorable experience, which then transitions into a successful demonstration. Making an immediate impression and connection is key. It fosters trust, which ultimately translates to your brand.
3. Not being afraid of “difficult conversations.” Consumers often arrive with preconceived notions or incorrect brand and product information based on things they have heard in the marketplace or online. If a consumer is skeptical, doubtful, or has it all wrong on your product and its performance capabilities, the most successful way to change them is through an informed conversation. A good demonstration will help combat product-related concerns presented by a buyer. Our staff is trained to view buyer concerns simply as a request for more information, and not a condemnation of their solution. Productions Plus Talent embrace these challenging moments with potential buyers, and see them as a true opportunity with a new consumer.
4. Being tech-savvy. Technology allows for a more fluid and informed experience for the consumer. Technology brings more streamlined communication and encourages hype around a new product launch. While consumers “need” the technology, our Demonstrators understand the need to connect personally with those consumers. Understanding and participating in the same technology with guests helps to stimulate interest, convey ownership, provide the proof of the product, and combat potential concerns. Technology is often the bridge between the consumer and the brand, and the tech-savvy staff knows how to join the experience. This furthers the opportunity for brands to continue their reach long after the interaction is over.
5. When it comes to KPI & ROI reporting, each of our Talent is highly capable at delivering qualitative and quantitative metrics to our clients. They are accustomed to utilizing any client-provided portals/apps, but also our own Productions Plus client portal to provide sales metrics data. In addition to these ‘hard’ metrics, our Talent can help provide additional ‘soft metrics’, such as key consumer comments & common themes of discussion. Productions Plus has developed a proprietary Consumer Engagement Tracker, which our talent use to log their consumer conversations. This has proved to be successful in providing additional real-time metrics to our clients about consumer purchase funnel position, length of consumer interactions, traffic patterns, and more.

These are 5 simple reasons why Fortune 500 companies repeatedly put their trust in Productions Plus Demonstrators across the nation. They know our Talent will be consistently energetic and enthusiastic, trained on product, sales, and consumer engagement, and able to capture metrics and data that allow you to make important marketing decisions.

Let us change your perceptions of In-Store Demonstrations. We are excited to show you how our skilled Field Marketers can result in increased sales and a larger return on investment for your brand!

The post 5 Ways Our Product Demonstrators Have Evolved appeared first on Productions Plus.

1. ROI is now “ROE,” or Return on Experience

Brands are becoming less focused on specific dollars generated by an event, but more about how the overall experience made an attendee feel. Tradeshows are now expected to evoke an emotional connection to consumers, and the goal is always to surprise and delight the crowd. “Consumerization” was also discussed, which is a refocus on the individual, instead of groups of consumers. While a significant 68% of B2B brands see consumerization as an important trend, an even higher percentage of attendees (77%) feel consumerization is important. This trend speaks to agencies like Productions Plus, as we train and coach our talent in the unique importance of the one-to-one consumer engagement at events and shows. Staffing an event with the right “face of your brand” has become more important than ever before, and this “messenger” must be able to relate to the experienced and individualized consumer.

2. Metrics

There has been an increasing amount of focus on the need for metrics and usable KPI’s in the event space. As consumers are more leery of giving their personal information, clients are in need of more than just the basic hand raiser and lead generation data. Now brands are looking for ways to track consumer dwell time, brand interactions, changes in brand sentiment, and more. Productions Plus has taken steps to help our clients with this by creating our patent-pending Consumer Engagement Tracker. This allows our trained event staff to quantify each and every consumer interaction in a variety of ways, such as: ownership/loyalty, position and change in the purchase funnel, product of interest, and more. This data is gathered without the need for any personal consumer data and helps our clients tell a more complete story about the impact of their experiential activations.

3. Event Technology

The word is simple and ubiquitous, but the needs are ever-changing. The fact is that technology is key, and phones are life. Event staff often spends more time giving directions and helping confused attendees than they do communicating key company messaging. Time is spent communicating event instructions, versus engaging with consumers and attendees on the brands and the booths they’re meant to see. While many events now have a mobile app, many are hastily conceived and clunky to operate. Attendees also now prefer text message-based communications versus email announcements. If people only have a few minutes to get from one event to the keynote speech, they need immediate communication. To that end, Productions Plus has adjusted our own best practices to ensure our Talent are tech savvy and able to troubleshoot along with attendees. As event technology trends change, so must every aspect of the event marketing world, including staffing.

4. Group Activities

When attendees want to engage on their own terms, a simple wine mixer won’t do… though it seems people still like wine! We’re seeing event trends that include professional matchmaking technology, group fitness activities, and more elevated food and wine portions of the larger event. Attendees want to decide what they eat, where they sit, and when they interact, instead of being corralled into a set schedule. Nothing is out of the box anymore. The more creative one can make their own experience; the more likely attendees are to return and simultaneously share their experiences with colleagues and online communities.

5. Instant engagement is expected

There will always be time for a keynote speech, or larger business meeting, but attendees are now expecting shareable moments with personalized content. Micro trends include unexpected greenscreens, facial recognition, virtual reality, and photos on food and lattes. If you decide to invest in these engagements, make sure the staff at your booth is outgoing and engaging. The brightest engagement needs the right staff member to bring it to life, and oftentimes, attendees won’t engage unless specifically invited. Proactive, not reactive, and outgoing each time. Our event staff are experts at this, and reading the room to tailor their level of engagement to the specific person.

6. Event Duration

Two days is becoming the preferred time frame for events, and due to busy schedules, this keeps things on pace to accomplish a lot in a short time. This is usually broken up into a first day afternoon start, followed by a quick networking introduction or mixer, a very full second day, and a final morning before the event ends. This trend allows people to travel and work off-site more efficiently, while also allowing some freedom to explore the city they are visiting. Activities get planned accordingly, and it’s of much importance to keep things timed to maximize the schedule.

The post Six Top Event and Trade Show Trends (New for 2019) appeared first on Productions Plus.

Here are 8 tips we teach our talent to increase the sales and the success of their demos.

1. Look the Part

You are the first impression that a retail customer has of the brand and product you are representing. Your appearance and the appearance of your demo station are a reflection of the brand and will set the tone for your demo. Your clothing should be clean and pressed. Hair and makeup should be done. You should be wearing the required wardrobe, and your station should be stocked and clean.

2. Be Prepared

Reciting a script is not enough. Be prepared to help a customer make an informed decision. It is imperative that you know your product and brand history. Brand and product knowledge should be deeply ingrained so that it flows naturally. This frees you up to focus on the customers’ needs and how you can fulfill them.

3. Stand, Smile, and Stay off Your Phone 

Standing during your demo shows you are ready and open to engaging with the customer. You should be physically able to stand for the entire 4-hour demo, aside from your allotted break. Smiling and looking someone in eye is a friendly, non-verbal, and non-threatening greeting. A smile can disarm a customer and draw them in. Sitting and not smiling during a demonstration implies disinterest and laziness. Stay off your phone. Being on your phone during a demo is unprofessional and unacceptable.

4. Approach the Customer 

The most successful demonstrators are those who don’t sit back and wait for customers to ask the first question. Approach customers with a smile and fun opening line. “Hi! Looks like you may be ready for a coffee break. Would you like to try some?” “Welcome! Is it still cold out? How about a hot cup tea to warm up?” “I see you’re looking at wine openers. My mom loves this one! Are you familiar with this product?” The more comfortable you are, the more receptive the customer will be. Role play some opening lines before your next demo.

5. Ask Questions

Turn the demonstration into a conversation, not a presentation. Assisted selling is not about the hard sale. It is about asking the right questions to help the customer understand their needs. This includes asking for the sale when the time is right. Take a more personalized approach to selling. Ask their name. Ask how often they open a new bottle a wine. Ask the color of their kitchen to see if our product line would match their decor, or if they use whole beans or ground, etc. The more you know about the person, the easier it is to show how the product fulfills their specific needs, without being pushy.

6. Actively Listen

If you ask questions, you must actively listen to their reply. Don’t cut customers off. Let them work through their thoughts as they decide if this is the right purchase for them. Listen for clues that may suggest a sale is imminent. A great technique is to listen to what a person says, and repeat it back to them. “So what I am hearing you say is that you really need a machine that fits under your counter, is that correct?” “You mentioned you love red wine, but your husband only likes white, and that one of you always has to compromise. How would you feel about not having to compromise anymore?” This approach helps customers feel heard, builds trust, and deepens the conversation.

7. Involve the Customer

Having a customer take an active role in the demo will help them understand how the product works. People love to “try before they buy.” Let them push the buttons, or put the pod/capsule/teabag/fruit in the machine. If they want to know how heavy it is, guide them pick it up. If they want to know how something works, walk them through it. Remember, you learned the product by “doing”, not by watching. The more hands on the customer can be, the more they will understand the product, and the more they will feel personally involved in the demo.

8. Know How to Handle Objections

Handling customer objections to buying a product can be easy if you know how to do so confidently. Keep a list of frequent objections and your responses. What did you do? What did you say? What did they do or say? Try to dig down to the root of their objection. You can say something like, “I am hearing you say this is too expensive right now. Another customer of mine didn’t want to lose out on having this machine because of price. So, she asked her entire family to chip in for her birthday. Is that something that’s an option for you?” “Based on our discussion, this is really the perfect wine opener for your wine habits. Is never having to compromise again on what bottle to open something you find worthy of saving up for?” The more you understand why they are not buying, the easier it is to give a clear and concise, yet personalized response. Have some responses prepared before your next demo and see if it makes you feel more confident.

Bottom Line:

Companies like Coravin, Philips, Nespresso, De’Longhi, illy, The Cookware Company and more have been putting their trust in Productions Plus demonstrators nationwide for years. They know our talent will be trained on the brand, the product, and on sales techniques, which will result in increased sales and a larger return on their investment.

The post 8 Reasons Productions Plus Demonstrators Sell More appeared first on Productions Plus.