| Shared Knowledge Newsletter

Trade Show Blog

Classic Exhibits Shared Knowledge Newsletter
Shared Knowledge Newsletter from Classic Exhibits

2022 EXHIBITOR Portable Modular Awards

Portable Modular Awards

Do you have a Classic-built design you would like to submit the for a Portable Modular Award? If so, let us know. We’ll review it, assist with the submission, and even pay the entry fee. Contact Katina Rigall Zipay for details. She’s the Classic Zen-master on structuring your submission for “finalist” consideration by the judges.

Entries must have debuted between 02/11/19 – 02/11/22

Since 2014, Classic Exhibits has been an enthusiastic supporter of the PMA (and one of several companies that advocated for the award in the first place). We’ve been fortunate to have finalists and category winners every year.

To review the PMA categories, click on this link.

Build a Better Trade Show Image, Revised Edition

Want to see your client’s project featured in an upcoming book?

Marlys Arnold is working on an updated version of her book, Build a Better Trade Show Image, and is looking for creative new examples to include.

She wants case studies of exhibits that:

  • Use creative themes (sports, food, outdoor, whimsical, etc.) to convey the message
  • Feature unique elements in the overall floorplan
  • Engage attendees with interactive elements or activities (hands-on demos, gamification, tech, etc.)

If you have client projects you’d like to share, contact her on LinkedIn or send a note via her website.

For any case studies chosen, both you and your client will receive an autographed copy of the updated edition.

Display Supply and Lighting Logo

Display Supply and Lighting EDS Gallery

If you haven’t visited the EDS Lighting Gallery lately, we encourage you to take a peek. DS&L has added lots of new LED products and accessories.

LED Products in Exhibit Design Search

Event Marketer Fab 50 & Experiential Marketing Summit 2022

Experiential Marketing Summit 2022

Each year we make the Event Marketer Fab 50 list we’re a little surprised. Not because we don’t think we deserve it. We do. But as a “white label designer and builder,” we’re not always on the industry’s radar. We’re appreciative that Event Marketer recognizes us. We’re also happy for all the other honorees, but we’re especially delighted for the 29 Classic Distributors who also make the list. Congratulations!

If you are planning to attend the Experiential Marketing Summit on April 27-29 in Las Vegas, be sure to stop by and visit us. This will be our first time at this show so any tips, tricks, or techniques for a successful EMS show will be greatly appreciated.

Event Marketer and the Fab 50 Awards

Parsons Counters and Genius Bars

Parsons Counters

Parsons Counters and Genius Bars appear to be all the rage. As a result, we’ve added designs to Exhibit Design Search, in the purchase and rental galleries. The MOD-1705, 1706, and 1707 Parsons Counters all have storage, wireless charging, and either backlit or vinyl graphic options. The MOD-1714 has a backlit graphic. The MOD-1709 and MOD-1708 are more basic (less expensive) options for someone who doesn’t need backlighting or charging.

The Genius Bars (available as rentals) are the same general shape as Parsons Counters but are wider and lack storage. Depending on the kit, they’re available in black or white laminate and with USB charging ports. See RE-1583, RE-1579, and RE-1578.

To see all the designs, including exhibits with these counters/bars, search “parsons” or “genius” in EDS.

Wunderman Thompson Annual Trends Report for 2022

The Future 100: Trends and Change to Watch in 2022

Every year, we look forward to downloading the Wunderman Thompson report on annual trends. It’s their snapshot of the year ahead. It charts 100 Emerging Trends across 10 sectors, spanning culture, tech, beauty and more. It’s free and easy to download HERE. The report is not your typical PDF teaser with minimal content. You’ll need to carve out a few hours (or days) to browse the 223 pages.

From the foreword written by Emma Chiu, Global Director:

This year ushers in a resolute positivity that encourages playfulness and creativity—so much so that Pantone created a completely new color to define 2022 (see unbounded optimism, p13). Brands and marketers are eager to provide joy in people’s lives by creating euphoric ads (p85) as they too ride the optimist wave.

The Worldwide Leader in Trivia Entertainment

EDPA Texas Chapter

Who is the Official Sponsor of the EDPA Texas Chapter Trivia Contest?

  • George Strait
  • Matthew McConaughey
  • Carol Burnett
  • Classic Exhibits

If you guessed Classic Exhibits, you would be correct. Classic is proud to be the OFFICIAL SPONSOR of the monthly EDPA Texas Chapter Trivia Contest. And now that the leadership torch has been passed from Matthew Little to Noelle Webster, we’re praying the number of questions about the Texas Tech Red Raiders declines significantly.

If you are interested in participating in the monthly trivia fun, contact noelle.webster@willwork.com. You don’t have to be from, live in, or plan to visit Texas to participate.

EXHIBITORLIVE 2022 Teaser

Exhibitorlive and Classic Exhibits

Of course we’ll be there. But that’s not the exciting news. We’re planning something exciting for Classic Distributors who attend EXHIBITORLIVE.

Details to come in April. Keep it on the down low… we’ve already said too much.

Recent Posts

Top Technology Trade Shows and Exhibit Setup Tips

Technology companies understand that a successful trade show can boost their sales for the year. As a result, they take their trade show planning seriously. They develop a comprehensive strategy for their pre-show, show, and post show activities.

Hybrid Booth Layout Tips for Hardware & Software

In the days of yore, trade show exhibits were simple:  graphics, products, and lights. Today’s exhibits feature hybrid booth layouts blending hardware and software. This physical and digital combination creates both design complexity and marketing opportunities.

EuroShop 2026 Design Trends

Recently, Kevin Carty and Katina Rigall Zipay from Classic Exhibits attend EuroShop 2026 in Duesseldorf, Germany. While there, they posted two videos of their experience including exhibition design trends like colors, shapes, materials, and lighting

Small Booth Strategies for First-Time Fancy Food Exhibitors

Are you a first-time exhibitor at the Summer Fancy Food Show in NYC? Congratulations! The SFFS is a marathon of tasting, networking, and business deals, open only to qualified members of the food trade. Think retail buyers, distributors, chefs, and the press. Expect to see over 32,000 attendees, 2500 exhibitors, and 180,000 specialty food and beverages on display.

Booth Design Ideas That Help Biotech Brands Stand Out at BIO 2026

Are you an exhibitor or an attendee at BIO? If you’re an exhibitor, you’re probably wondering how individual biotech brands stand out at the BIO International Convention? The key is knowing your audience, creating a comprehensive strategy, and designing a stunning biotech booth design.

Trade Shows are a Journey. Send Sacagawea.

The Sacagawea Portable Hybrid Display is an American-engineered and built system designed for professional exhibitors. It’s meant to last for years, look amazing, and setup fast from the first to the fiftieth show. No compromises.

Introducing the New Classic Website!

Good websites are never fully done. They evolve… and the new Classic website makes changes much easier. So, if “stuff” moves around or we add new features, it’s because we’re antsy about the status quo at Classic Exhibits. Which shouldn’t surprise you.

What Makes a Good Trade Show Booth?

When it comes to creating a good trade show booth, you are in luck. The booth design is the fun part for most exhibitors. You get to work with an exhibit designer who has your trade show goals and budget, along with an understanding of your customers, your culture and your branding. While the question “What makes a good trade show booth?” depends on the exhibitor, there are commonalities to every good trade show exhibit. We’ll explore those similarities in this article.

More Mix & Match Rentals from Classic Rental Solutions

About a month ago, we launched Classic’s Mix & Match Rental Guide as a tool to streamline the rental decision process with a comprehensive set of towers, counters, lightboxes, and kiosks. This “smarter not harder” approach was intended to make your job easier.

Our Membership in the Xperiential Marketplace

Classic Exhibits announces our membership in Xperiential Marketplace (XM), an innovative buying and education group for the exhibit industry. XM was founded by two industry veterans, Jason Weddle and Rob Cohen with a mission to unlock savings, create stronger partnerships, and increase growth.

The Power of a Branded Trade Show Exhibit: Strategy + Examples

Marketing professionals and exhibit designers know how to create a branded trade show exhibit that attracts traffic to the booth and maximizes the attendee’s experience. It starts with understanding the brand’s identity and creating a detailed strategic plan for the trade show.