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.

Stephanie  L’Herault, Designer for Eco-Systems Sustainable Exhibits

Stephanie L’Herault, Designer for Eco-Systems Sustainable Exhibits

Eco-Systems Sustainable Exhibits welcomes Stephanie L’Herault to the Eco Design team. Stephanie works directly with Eco Distributors on exhibit and environment design projects and then with internal project managers, detailers, and production specialists to turn those 3D concepts into reality. We asked her to share a short bio about her personal life and professional background.

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The New Evolution: EDPA Portable Modular Summit @ EXHIBITORLive 2015

It’s only two weeks until EXHIBITORLive 2015, and there’s ONE EVENT you want to lock into your schedule. Here’s my personal invitation to the annual Portable Modular Summit.
The EDPA Portable Modular Summit — The New Evolution

The summit will be held on the show floor Tuesday March 3 at 3:30 pm, immediately after normal show hours. It will be hosted by my friend Jay Burkette from ExpoDisplays and yours truly (Kevin Carty). There’s no cost to attend.

| EXHIBITORLIVE 2015

Last week, I was attending the EDPA Las Vegas Chapter mixer at the Foundation Room in Mandalay Bay when it HIT me! EXHIBITORLIVE is less than a month away, and we have yet to cover all the Vegas Shows. So, without further adieu, let’s moonwalk.

| EXHIBITORLIVE 2015

It turns out that there are good things and not so good things to do in Las Vegas. I’ve done a few that should be kept on the down-low, like New Year’s Eve on the Strip or walking from the Stratosphere to Mandalay Bay (Trust me, get a cab!). With these follies in mind, I’ll share some “Things to Do” recommendations while at EXHIBITORLIVE.

The Best Exhibit. The One You Already Own.

There are lots of reasons to purchase a new exhibit. You may have an expanded trade show program or your company has a revised marketing focus. Or the style may simply be outdated. I won’t discourage you from buying a new display. That would be idiotic, since we design and build trade show displays.

But . . . that still doesn’t mean you should buy a new exhibit. Here’s why.

‘t Pity the Pop Up Display

Recently, I attended half a dozen trade shows, mostly small regional events where 10 x 10 booths are the norm. These are the bread and butter events in our industry, the ones that don’t get much press compared to the big electronics, medical, and construction shows. There aren’t many large exhibits. Mostly banner stands, vinyl banner signs, tube and tension fabric displays, homemade exhibits, and the ever ubiquitous pop up display.

Things You Learn from 8 Year Olds: Word on the Street — January 26th thru January 30th

8 … What an interesting age. Not quite the age where you start thinking you know everything, and not quite the age when you feel totally dependent on your parents.

Each Friday and Saturday, I am surrounded by 20 of them, including my twins, as their youth basketball coach. This includes one team of 10 boys and another of 10 girls. All 8 or approaching 8. Each week, they are a wealth of insights and lessons.

| EXHIBITORLIVE 2015

Several years ago, I shared my VEGAS LOCALS perspective on places to eat, shows to see, and things to do while at EXHIBITOR. A lot has happened since then, and I wanted to suggest some new places. These are not your standard tourist fare and many are (thankfully) outside the Hacienda Triangle (Mandalay Bay, Luxor, and Excalibur). In Part 1 — Dining Options.

Everything I Know About Business, I Learned From “THE Batman”

To me, the best issues have never been about crime fighting or adventure, but instead are the issues that focus on a forcefully driven man forcing the world to play by his rules, against all odds.

THIS is the Batman that has focused so much of my adult life and that has — believe it or not — helped shape the way I approach my professional life. You see, everything I know about business I learned from Batman.

A Wish and A Prayer — Trade Show Marketing

This cartoon, designed by our friends at American Image (www.american-image.com), speaks to the “wish and a prayer” marketing approach of most exhibitors. It’s a cautionary tale we can’t repeat enough to our customers. Our thanks to Charles Dugan and Jacob Norris for permission to reprint it.

NETGEAR Showroom Tour at CES 2015

This video, produced by NETGEAR, shows their 2015 CES Exhibit. Except for the tables in the hallway in the beginning, it’s entirely a Classic Rental Solutions exhibit. Thanks to Steve Riches at Laguna Displays for sharing and for the order. A pat on the back the the CRS Team. This is a terrific example of how they create customized solutions for Classic Distributors every single day.

Our Five $200 Rental Rewards Winners

In July, Classic Rental Solutions (CRS) launched Rental Rewards, a program designed to reward our distributors for rental returns without damage or missing components.

Since July, we’ve issued 49 Rental Rewards Credits to 32 Classic Distributors. We’re thrilled with the early success of this program!

Promotional Product Trends in 2015

At nearly half a cent per impression, promotional products are a proven, cost-effective way of marketing your company and increasing your brand awareness. They have a lower cost per impression than nearly every other form of advertising. In addition, they have staying power with an average of just over seven months. If you’re not using promotional items, here are some reasons you should be.

|’s Choice Voting

The EXHIBITOR People’s Choice Award is open for all Portable Modular Award finalists. Classic Exhibits has four entries, either submitted by Classic or by distributor. And one entry by Eco-Systems Sustainable, a strategic partner.

‘ll Receive This Year

Because of this experience and others like it, I developed On The Move Furniture with Classic Exhibits, a line specifically for trade shows and events. It includes the upscale NEO line and the new, affordable Express series. This high-quality portable and brandable furniture this is logistically friendly, attractive, and cost-effective.