Apple iPad and Tablet PC Options for Trade Shows

Trade Show Blog

Apple iPad

Apple iPad

Apple iPad and Tablet PC Ideas

Back in late 90’s, Geoffery A. Moore wrote Crossing the Chasm, a book that explained how many high-tech products are purchased by early adopters. After the early adoption phase, a lull occurs before mainstream buyers purchase them — but when they do, sales skyrocket.

For some products, this “lull” barely exists. The Apple iPad is a great example. We saw few requests for iPad stands with version 1 and 2, but now that version 3 has hit the market, we’re seeing a dramatic upswing in activity. We expect this trend to continue as more customers want iPads or tablet PCs incorporated into their trade show displays. Make no mistake. Your customers expect that you already have iPad solutions for their display. I emphasize “solutions” because there’s not a one-size-fits-all approach.

At Classic Exhibits, we are looking at multiple options for trade shows and events.

I thought I’d share five examples. These are intended for iPads, since Apple is the first mover in this market right now, and we’re only getting iPad requests. But the concepts can be adapted to PC tablets once we see more of them.

iPad Counter Insert (MOD-211)

This insert fits in most Classic Exhibits counters and pedestals, assuming the counter top is large enough. The iPad installs underneath the counter top without tools in under a minute. Once installed, it’s secure, seamless, and practical. The MOD-211, an inexpensive and impressive addition to any counter, workstation, or pedestal. $295 retail

MOD-211 iPad Counter Insert

MOD-211 iPad Counter Insert

iPad Portable Kiosk (MOD-1312 and MOD-1314)

This one is a slam dunk. The Classic iPad Kiosk is durable, affordable, and secure. It’s perfect for trade shows, retail applications, events, or anywhere there’s a need for a portable iPad application. The steel and aluminum kiosk comes with a locking clamshell lid, wire management, and a 4-plug outlet. Choose from a silver or black version, both powder-coated.  Its lightweight construction makes it the ideal accessory when your customer wants convenience and security at an attractive price. See MOD-1320, MOD-1321, MOD-1322, MOD-1324, and ZB-221 for Accessory Options. $495 retail

iPad Kiosk

iPad Portable Kiosks (MOD-1332, MOD-1333, and MOD-1334)

Let’s not mix words, the sleek Port\Land iPad Kiosks are stunning — graceful, elegant, and lightweight. But don’t let their supermodel looks fool you.  The engineered aluminum construction is designed to withstand the most grueling trade show or event schedule. The locking clamshell frame fits iPad 2 and 3 and includes the innovative Swivel Stop feature for an effortless transition from portrait to landscape mode. All three models, including the MOD-1334 with two Clamshell Frames, assemble easily and pack in the TF-700 or TF-701 fabric cases.

iPad Clamshell Extrusion Connection (MOD-1316)

We’re surprised no one else thought of this yet, but, we’re awfully glad we did. The MOD-1316 enables you to attach one, two, or multiple iPads, in a secure clamshell with locks, to engineered extrusions like MODUL and AGAM. The iPad clamshell case locks into the groove of the extrusion using a hex key. One turn and you have a convenient and adjustable iPad on your counter, backwall, or island upright. Very smart. The MOD-1316 comes in silver (powder-coated aluminum). $129 retail

MOD-1316 iPad Extrusion Attachment

iPad Extrusion Attachment

iPad Frame/Stand

The iPad Frame/Stand is constructed with MODUL aluminum extrusion and connects securely to the counter. Although it doesn’t work with every Classic counter and workstation, it can be adapted to fit many standard kits. The extrusion includes a plastic insert to protect the iPad from scratches. Pretty nifty! Plus, tThere are hundreds of powder coat and anodized color choices.

iPad Frame

iPad Frame/Stand

iPad Frame/Stand

iPad Frame/Stand

iPad Kiosk (MOD-1276)

There’s probably no more attractive or practical iPad kiosk anywhere than the MOD-1276. The modular construction consists of engineered aluminum extrusion, a laminate base, and a MODUL clear-coat aluminum frame. The power cord feeds through the vertical support and base. $825 retail

MOD-1276 iPad Kiosk

We’d enjoy hearing your thoughts about these iPad options from Classic Exhibits, and we’d love to hear your ideas about iPad fixtures for trade shows and events. Send us an email or comment via this post. What have you seen?

Update:  Tim Patterson at Tradeshow Guy blog writes about the Exploding iPad Use at Tradeshows and how they are being used. Great post with lots of links.

–Mel White
https://www.linkedin.com/in/melmwhite
mel@classicexhibits.com

*********************************

Based in Portland, Oregon, Classic Exhibits Inc. designs and manufacturers portable, modular, and custom-hybrid exhibit solutions. Classic Exhibits products are represented by an extensive distributor network in North America and in select International markets. For more information, contact us at 866-652-2100.

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.