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.
IMEX America Hosted Buyer Lounge (Condensed Version)
IMEX America 2025 brought together 17,633 participants, including more than 6,000 buyers from 75 countries, reinforcing the event’s position as a high-value marketplace for the global meetings industry. At the center of this ecosystem was the CORT Events’ Hosted Buyer Lounge, designed as a dedicated environment.
Your 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.”
40 Weird Things You Do @ Trade Shows
Trade shows can be a strange world whether you are an exhibitor, attendee, or an industry insider. While many behaviors might seem normal to you as a member of the trade show community, others are downright bizarre to those who rarely set foot in a trade show hall.
Why Are Companies So Bad at Trade Show Marketing?
Some companiees will hint at it. Then there are the ones who are honest. They simply don’t understand trade show marketing. That’s not surprising. It’s rarely taught on the undergraduate or graduate level. At best, it’s mentioned in passing in a marketing textbook.
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Recent Posts
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.
Hybrid Booth Layout Tips for Hardware & Software
In the days of yore, trade show exhibits were simple: graphics, products, and lights. Today’s exhibits feature hybrid booth layouts blending hardware and software. This physical and digital combination creates both design complexity and marketing opportunities.
EXHIBITOR 2026 FindIt Top 40 Exhibit Producers
The EXHIBITOR Group recently announced the 9th Annual FindIt Top 40 Exhibit Producers. And for the 9th consecutive year, Classic Exhibits made this prestigious list.
10 Answers to Common Rental Exhibit Questions
10 Trade Show Rental Answers
BOGO Offer on Symphony Portables & BannerBug Stands
Purchase a Symphony Portable in March and April and get a FREE BannerBug Banner Stand (BB-001). Choose from over 80 Symphony 10, 20, and 30 ft. kits. See the details in the promotional flyer.