Trade Show Tales Blog

Trade Show Tales is your comprehensive guide to informative articles about trade show marketing, exhibit industry news, promotions, and updates on Classic Exhibits. 

For specific topics, use the Search Tool in the blog or visit the Trade Show and Event Tips in Exhibit Design Search.

The 7 Truths about Renting a Trade Show Exhibit

The 7 Truths about Renting a Trade Show Exhibit

Trade Show exhibit rentals are growing. Rapidly. And exhibit companies are trying to position themselves based on their individual strengths. Some rental-only exhibit companies are touting renting as the only solution. They say, “Why buy when you can rent? No more storage fees. You can change the display for every show. The cost is less.”

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What to Look for in an LED Lightbox Manufacturer

What to Look for in an LED Lightbox Manufacturer

Stroll through any airport, mall, event, or trade show and you’ll see hundreds of colorful LED lightboxes in every shape and size. Over the past few years, most have switched to backlit tension fabric SEG graphics. The reasons are obvious. Not only is fabric more durable than direct print graphics, but it’s also cheaper to ship and easier to maintain. And depending on the print process, the colors are vibrant and the details nearly photographic. 

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Recent Posts

2016-17 Design Insights by Katina Rigall (Vlog)

Katina Rigall, the Creative Director at Classic Exhibits, shares her perspective on 2016 and what to expect from the Design Department in 2017. It was challenging year with the loss of Mike Swartout, our long-time Design Director. Since last spring, the Design Department has added two experienced (and amazing) designers and a stable of contract designers.

Is Imitation the Sincerest Form of Flattery? Nope!

In the past month, our designs have been copied three times. Three clear examples, all very different in scope. Question: When do you throw up your hands vs. taking legal action to protect your intellectual property? Thought you might like to read what we decided to do in each situation.

| EDS Tutorial Videos

Recently, a tech savvy Classic Distributor and friend created four Exhibit Design Search tutorials. These 2-3 minute tutorials cover: Exhibit Specials, Search, My Gallery, and Photo Galleries. You can find them in our Video Library and on YouTube, but I’ll make it even easier by posting them below. Enjoy and let us know your thoughts.

Free 2017 EXHIBITOR Hall Pass from Classic Exhibits

Get a Complimentary Exhibit Hall Pass to EXHIBITORLIVE from Classic Exhibits. Code 4044. Click on the link or the graphic to register.

And while you are there, take a moment to vote for the Portable Modular People’s Choice Award. You can vote once a day until EXHIBITOR. Classic Exhibits has (5) finalists for the 2017 PMA, our most ever!

Holiday Greetings from Kevin (vlog)

Kevin shares his Happy Holiday vlog (I know. It just doesn’t sound right). He also discusses 2017 business trends, including predictions about corporate environments, Gravitee One-Step, and our internal expansion.

We would love to hear your thoughts about 2017 trends, and let us know if you enjoy these vposts (which sounds better to my ears).

We would love to hear your thoughts about 2017 trends, and let us know if you enjoy these vposts (somehow “vposts” that sounds better to my ears).

| Finalists

It’s that time of year. The 2017 Portable Modular Award Finalists were released, along with the People’s Choice Voting page. From it’s inception four years ago, Classic Exhibits has been a huge supporter because we believe that portable and modular exhibits deserve creative recognition. And each year, the competition gets better, with spectacular designs from some of the best suppliers and exhibit houses in our industry.

Is It Too Early for 2017 Predictions?

Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve. Then 2017. Yes, it might be a little early for predictions, but we just completed our 2017 budget so the future has been on our minds for several months.

Here’s what our Magic 8 Ball tells us. Industry predictions from Kevin and Mel.

Shared Knowledge University Vlog by Kevin Carty

We wrapped up Shared Knowledge University last week. Another amazing group of attendees! There’s just something about SKU that sparks joy, delight, and the urge to sing kumbaya (at least silently). Kevin offers his take on SKU, EDPA Access, and several other topics in this vlog.

| Final Day

The Past is Not a Predictor of the Future.

Just ask Nokia and Blackberry. But that doesn’t mean you can ignore it. So, let’s end on a happy note and chat about trends. Namely, what we’ve seen in 2016 that (we believe) will continue in 2017.

| Day #4

You Love Your Children Equally.

But you have a favorite, even if just a little. Yesterday, we talked about the Top 5. Today, we discuss five online children who deserve more love and attention.

| Day #3

Finding the Right Tool is a Blessing.

What tools do your fellow distributors use on the Classic Exhibits website? Here are the Top 5. Some may surprise you.

So which tools do your fellow distributors use on the Classic website? Here are the Top 5.

| Day #2

Today, we stroll through the colorful history of our product names. We’ll even touch on the funky Classic Exhibits logo. Don’t scoff. It’s more interesting than you think.

| Day #1

I’m a giver. What can I say? It’s who I am.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I thought I’d share 25 “Classic Tips and Insights” over the next week. Five per day. Some you may know. Others probably not. I promise to keep them short, sweet, and easily digestible.

Short and Sweet EDS Video by Tim Patterson

Last week, Tim Patterson, aka the TradeshowGuy, created a three-minute video for his clients showing recent Exhibit Design Search updates. It’s concise, informative, and interesting. The video trifecta. Thought I’d share. Enjoy!