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.

Will COVID End “Build & Burn” Exhibits and Events?

Will COVID End “Build & Burn” Exhibits and Events?

By Al Mercuro, Senior Account Director, Genesis Exhibits What is Build and Burn? In recent years there has been a movement toward minimizing waste in the exhibit and event industry, from minimizing printed materials to laying down carpet tiles that can be re-used. Nancy Zavada founder and president of MeetGreen, was thinking outside the box when she found a way to donate graphic murals from the...

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Removing Tariffs is the Key to Economic Relief

Removing Tariffs is the Key to Economic Relief

By Rob Cohen & Dasher Lowe & Kevin Carty The following is from an opinion article in the Washington Examiner. Reestablishing Economic Security President Biden took office last month and was tasked with bolstering an economy that has struggled with the devastating effects of the coronavirus pandemic for almost a year. With millions of people still unemployed due to the...

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6 Questions with Harold Mintz

6 Questions with Harold Mintz

Reprinted by permission. Original post 7/31/2015 by Optima Graphics. "Before I finished reading the first answer, I was grinning as I realized how much fun it was working with Harold. You can hear his voice as he tells it the way it was. By the answer to the sixth question, I was laughing out loud for real. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did." -- Gary Camarato 1. Tradeshow industry lore...

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Ahhh, The Elusive Email Subject Line

Anyone who writes marketing or sales emails sweats over subject lines. Admittedly, I’ve read quite a few articles from experts, each with kernels of wisdom. Yesterday, I read a great one from Tina Brown at Warp Corp, a builder and printer of tension fabric structures in Seattle. Tina brought it all together in a tidy, well-written package. So, I’m sharing.

EXHIBITORLIVE — Get the Skinny from Classic Exhibits

I don’t know about you, but we are delighted EXHIBITORLIVE is a bit later this year. It was a crazy January at Classic Exhibits, and February has already gotten even wackier with designs, quotes, and orders. Thanks for all the business.

So, what can you expect from Classic Exhibits at EXHIBITORLIVE? [All future references to the show will be “EL.” If I have to type all caps and then change LIVE to italics again, I will lose my friggin’ mind]. As a reminder, the show runs from March 12-16 at Mandalay Bay.

10 Big Trade Shows in March 2017

March can be a little crazy both in weather and in basketball. Not only do we have the “Luck o’ the Irish” working in our favor, but there are also some OUTSTANDING trade shows that month.

10 Big Trade Shows in February 2027

January was a slamming month for trade shows. February holds strong and makes us wanna say, “I Heart Trade Shows!” Here are 10 of the Biggest Shows in North America this month.

“Inclement” Weather Via the Aerial Tram and Oregon Zoo

You either love snow… or you don’t. I love snow and have no hesitation braving the elements either in a car or on foot. However, there is the reality of how cities handle winter weather conditions. Portland, “bless its heart” (as they say in the South), is ill-equipped to manage snowstorms. That’s not a criticism of PDX. We get so little snow that the capital investment would be silly. So rather than complain or grumble, let’s revel in the beauty. Here are two videos: one showing DT Portland via the aerial tram and the other at the Oregon Zoo.

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.

Exhibit Design Search 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).

Portable Modular Awards 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.

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.

25 Classic Exhibits Tips — 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.