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 Jocks, Band Geeks, and Preppies of the Exhibit Industry

The Jocks, Band Geeks, and Preppies of the Exhibit Industry

Back when I was in high school, there were various cliques and groups. Whether you were a Jock, a Band Geek, a Nerd, a Freak or a Preppie, your group influenced where you sat at lunch and who you hung out with on the weekends. Last week’s Shared Knowledge University held at Classic’s facility in Portland reminded me of those high school groups. In a positive way. See if you can spot your exhibit...

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Trend Report: LED Video Wall Panels & Tiles for Trade Shows

Trend Report: LED Video Wall Panels & Tiles for Trade Shows

Trade show designers have always known that “movement and light” attract attendees. And while backlit fabric graphics transformed exhibition design over the past 10 years, the next evolution is LED video panels, which combine the benefits of light and movement, turning a static exhibit into a dynamic, interactive experience.    

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Recent Posts

Our Secret Tips to Mastering Production Lead Times

Lead times should be a straightforward topic… but they’re not. Every design in EDS has a stated lead-time, like 12-17+ Business Days — about 2-3 weeks in this case. Meaning the ship date can vary depending on when you submit your PO, your client’s artwork, and our current production schedule.

Designing Large Format Graphics for Trade Shows

Most designers rarely design a layout larger than a corporate booklet or perhaps a 20″ x 30″ poster. Designing for large format, like trade show graphics, is actually quite simple once you know the basic steps. And, if you do large format designs on a regular basis, you might find that it is enjoyable. All it takes is a leap of faith… and trust in my advice.

Thoughts on EXHIBITORLIVE 2025

It’s a frequent question for trade show people, like you and me. Vegas? Orlando? Chicago? This week it was San Antonio, TX to attend the trade show about trade shows… EXHIBITORLIVE.

Tariffs, Prices, and the Exhibit Industry

Tariffs, Classic Exhibits, and the Exhibit Industry. Lots of questions, speculation, and intrigue about tariffs. Even if you try to avoid the news, you’re still hearing about tariffs along with inflation.

Booth #339 at EXHIBITORLIVE 2025

Number 339 just happens to be the most highly researched and studied number in our Arabic Numbering System. What you may not know is that Classic Exhibits and “339” have a long and somewhat mysterious relationship. Some think it’s a coincidence. Perhaps even a conspiracy!!

Peek-a-Booth Webcams

Classic Exhibits provides Distributors with live video to review their projects using the Peek-a-Booth webcams. Occasionally, we’re asked about that level of transparency, but we believe it’s important to Classic Distributors (and their clients) to preview their projects. It’s also a reflection of Classic’s Shared Success culture.

Popular Home Trade Shows (& Tips to Stand Out!)

At some point, you have probably attended a local home improvement show where landscapers, contractors, interior designers, and other companies showcase their products and services. Now, imagine these trade shows at a 10x or 20X scale in Las Vegas, Orlando, or Chicago.

Trade Show Booth Selection. An Alternate Approach.

EXHIBITOR Magazine recently published “Space Case,” an informative article about selecting floor space at a trade show. They asked nine exhibit industry experts to share their booth selection strategy based on a show floor plan. See the image above for their selections.

The 40 ft. Inline Exhibit Challenge

Does the size of your exhibit matter? Yes, but perhaps not in the way you think. Let’s say you budgeted for 400 sq. ft., which typically translates into a 20 20 island exhibit. Islands have advantages. They’re usually centrally located. They are surrounded by four aisles.

Mirroring Retail Customer Service: The Best Practices for Trade Shows

At a trade show, booth staff training is often the deciding factor between making a lasting impression or being forgotten. While your sales, marketing, and C-level staff in the booth have excellent customer service skills, they may be unfamiliar with how to maximize their impact in a trade show booth.