10 Questions about Trade Show Labor
On May 21, 2024, Jim Wurm from the Exhibitor Appointed Contractor Association (EACA) presented a webinar on the State of the Labor Industry particularly as it relates to the production of trade shows and events. Jim was joined by Bill Muller from Nth Degree.
Share, Rent, or Buy — Your Next Trade Show Display
As a parent, you teach your children to share — share their toys, their candy, their whatever.
At Classic, we’ve seen this rental trend since 2008. At first, it was driven by necessity. Exhibitors were committed to a show and/or committed to trade show marketing and their budgets were slashed. Now, however, that trend has less to do with slashed budgets and more to do with personalization, capacity, ownership, storage, and design.
Rental Exhibits Q&A: 12 Questions about Renting a Trade Show Display
Rental exhibits have become as popular as leasing a car. It’s no longer just an economic consideration. It’s also about design flexibility and convenience, such as no storage.
Life as a Traveling Sales Representative
Snake Oil Salesman or Snake Charmer. The traveling salesman has always had slightly negative, slightly shady reputation. If you’ve ever seen The Music Man, particularly the opening scene on train, you’ll know what I mean. I would like to think business has changed from the days of the “snake oil salesman” to what we now refer to as a “manufacturer’s rep.
29 Ways to Cut Your Trade Show Costs
Many exhibitors are guilty of two self-inflicted mistakes when it comes to trade shows. They don’t have a comprehensive sales and marketing strategy, and they don’t manage their trade show costs before, during, and after the event. Let’s change that.
10 Online Tools for Classic Exhibits Distributors
At a recent Shared Knowledge University, we reviewed ten online tools available to all Classic Exhibits Distributors. The attendees told us that these tools are invaluable to their sales, marketing, and customer service teams and are unique within the exhibit industry.
Why Small Businesses Fail to Grow by Jay Goltz
Excerpt from the “Art of Running a Small Business.” Many, if not most, Classic Exhibits distributors fall into the small business classification as defined by the Small Business Administration. Small businesses have challenges that larger businesses do not.
Top 12 Trade Show Bad Habits
All animals, humans included, are creatures of habit. We learn how to survive, then follow those routines day after day. Trade shows are no different. Exhibitors and attendees find their safe space and get comfortable: same shows, same people, same message.
Your Trade Show Marketing in 2026
When it comes to trade shows, many exhibitors don’t have a detailed plan on how to market their company. They purchase a display, which they think is the key to a successful show. Your exhibit may be the star of the show but it’s only one element in a comprehensive strategy.
Customer Service and Success on the Trade Show Floor
We all recognize this scene from Seinfeld: The rental car desk. The banter between Jerry and Elaine. And the snide, indifferent response from the rental car agent. We’ve all experienced this poor customer service from an overbooked flight, a missed service appointment, or a bait and switch on an advertised product.
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Exhibit Design Mistakes Most Companies Don’t Realize They’re Making
What one exhibitor views as an exhibit design mistake another may view as a brilliant strategy. For example, some companies contend that a hanging sign should only include the company’s name and logo. Others would insist that it include what the company does or the problem they solve. To be fair to both… It depends.
The Ultimate Guide to Trade Show Giveaways (2026 Edition)
When used wisely, trade show giveaways are an investment in your business. They serve as silent salespeople, promoting your company long after the trade show or sales event is over. If you are considering adding incentives to your marketing strategy, you are in luck.
What are Silicone Edge Graphics (SEG)?
You may have noticed something new at trade shows and events. Traditional fabric graphics are frequently being replaced by Silicone Edge Graphics (SEG). So what is SEG and what are the benefits?
What is SEG (Silicone Edge Graphics)?
Silicone Edge Graphic (SEG)
Silicone Edge Graphic (SEG)
SEG is a high-resolution dye-sublimated fabric graphic finished with a thin silicone strip (or welt/gasket). The silicone strip is sewn directly to the edge of the graphic, and the strip is then inserted into a frame with a recessed groove.
What’s the Expiration Date of Your Trade Show Display? 20 Clues.
Trade show displays, like yogurt and milk, have expiration dates. While it may not be printed on the box, it’s not hard to spot one that’s starting to spoil. Here are 20 Clues that it’s time to buy a new exhibit.
What “Budget Portable Displays” Really Means
Buying a budget portable via the Internet is like placing $3000 on 26 Black at the roulette table. You might win… but the odds are not in your favor
9 Ways a Trade Show is Like a Smartphone
You probably don’t consider smartphones and trade shows as having much in common. After all, one is small enough to hold in your hand, and the other is a large attractive display in an exhibit hall. However, you might be surprised at how similar they really are.
How to Convert Trade Show Attendees to Customers
What are the best ways to turn trade show visitors into paying customers? Try the following tips to show off your business in the best light and attract great, loyal customers like bees to honey.
10 Reasons Why I Love Attending Trade Shows
Over the years, I’ve read 100s of articles about why trade shows are important, why exhibit marketing is effective, and why we MUST attend them. They make sense, in the same way that taking vitamins makes sense.
Check the Meter on Your Trade Show Display. It’s Expired!
Several years ago, I wrote “What’s the Expiration Date of Your Trade Show Display?” Has your trade show display reached its expiration date? Here are 20 more clues that time has expired on your exhibit.
Trade Show Games: The 5 Elements of Success
Trade show games are a fun way to get more traffic into your trade show booth. They add an element of play, competition, and excitement that wakes up attendees dulled by trudging down countless trade show aisles. To make your trade show games a success, be sure to follow these 5 Elements of Success:
7 Tips to Working with an Exhibitor Appointed Contractor (EAC)
I am often asked, “Why use a Trade Show Exhibitor Appointed Contractor (EAC)?” For our discussion, let’s focus on companies that set up and take down the exhibits for exhibit houses and exhibitors across the country. These labor service providers offer the expertise necessary to get shows up on time and on budget.
Top 5 Fallacies About Trade Show Exhibit Rentals
Probably nothing has changed more in Trade Show Land than exhibit rentals. What used to look like subsidized housing on the show floor is now indistinguishable from purchase exhibits.
Becoming Bigfoot at EXHIBITORLIVE
“Would you ever consider dressing up as Bigfoot on the show floor to help promote our Believe theme?” Are you kidding me? Did you even have the slightest sense of who you are speaking with? Do you think there is even the slightest chance I might say no? Come on! Dressing up as Bigfoot and walking the show floor for my last show? YES, PLEASE!
Eco-Friendly Giveaway Ideas for Trade Shows
Trade shows and giveaways go together like peanut butter and jelly. Promotional products, as the industry likes to call them, are irresistible when done well. Recently, customers have been asking for eco-friendly or sustainable products.
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.