Trade Show Tips to the Beat of the 2000s
It’s exhilarating and tiring, and by the end of the trade show, you are ready to escape. Your own bed, your family, your car, your pets, your routine — everything you want is at home. But before you take off, be sure to wrap things up right. Check all the small things before heading out.
| October 2016
October 2016 is a busy month for trade shows in North America. Maybe they are on your radar. Maybe not. But it’s always nice when you don’t have to go hunting for information.
So sit back and enjoy 10 BIG Trade Shows happening in October.
Trade Show Tips to the Beat of the 1990s
As a smart marketer, you attend as many trade shows as you can, all while managing the day-to-day operations of your business. Eventually, you may feel as if you’ve been everywhere. You may question if another one is worth it.
Trade Show Tips to the Beat of the 1980s
What do customers want? It’s not complicated. They expect you’ll be good to them. How you respond makes all the difference, and saying and showing them that I’ll be good to you sets the right tone. However, even when you are paying attention and putting customers first, unexpected things can and will happen. Being human means that errors will occur.
Trade Show Tips to the Beat of the 1970s
Taking care of business means taking care of your customers. Giving them your time and attention and always being courteous. It can all be done — or at least started — at trade shows. You want your customers to look at your booth and think that nobody does it better.
Trade Show Tips to the Beat of the 1960s
Eventually, you will find yourself at a trade show in Las Vegas. Before you hit the road, make sure your booth is up to the magic moment.
It’s time to consider a new exhibit, new graphics, and an updated approach to your trade show marketing. If you are truly honest with yourself, you know the same old song won’t attract customers.
Five (5) Sober Mid-Year Resolutions
Perhaps it’s time to start a new tradition — Mid-Year Resolutions. Now, you’re probably saying to yourself, “I never keep my resolutions, so why should I make more in July.” Think back for a second. Did you make those 2016 resolutions around 11 pm December 31st? With a drink in your hand?
Trade Show Tips to the Beat of the 1950s
What’s the biggest mistake that exhibitors make? They wing it rather than plan. It could happen to you. Maybe you don’t know what to expect, or you just need a refresher. Here is some friendly trade show marketing advice with a few entertaining music videos along the way. Enjoy!
College Scholarship Deadline — EDPA Foundation
As many of you know, I am on the EDPA Scholarship Foundation Committee. The Exhibit and Designers Association Foundation offers college scholarships to member families who apply and qualify. It’s a great opportunity for the Association to give back to its members and a benefit to you.
SEGD (Society for Experiential Graphic Designers) Conference Notes
Several Classic employees attended the SEGD “Experience Seattle” Conference from June 9-11. It was well-attended by top professionals in the Experiential Graphic Design community and beyond, well-stocked with expert presenters, and well-staffed with knowledgeable personnel.
Recent Posts
NEW Features in Exhibit Design Search (EDS)
For those Exhibit Design Search groupies, and you know who you are, we’ve added some enhanced features. These features are available on Classic’s EDS, on your branded EDS sites, and on the unbranded version (www.exhibit-design-search.com).
Additions Include:
Add P5D photos to My Gallery. Now you can send kits and photos in one email. Much easier
An iPad Kiosks/Solutions Gallery. This product line continues to grow and deserved a dedicated gallery
A “Show All” feature — Now you can view larger searches and galleries in a single window
Alphabetical Sort. Very convenient if you want to view a search in alphabetical order
New Fabric Swatches page showing all current and available Front Runner, Prelude, and EcoFi fabrics in our assortment
Spring SKU 2013 Graduation: Word on the Street — May 6th thru May 10th
To the Spring 2013 SKU Graduates
What can I say? I am honored you attended Shared Knowledge University. Thanks for participating in an amazing SKU. By the email commentary (that’s still going on), I feel confident in saying that we had the most successful session yet. For those who attended, please share your thoughts in the blog comment section. Future SKU attendees need to hear from you!
$445 iPad Kiosk Special
iPad Kiosk Special
Save $50 on iPad Kiosk designs MOD-1312/1314 through June 30. The MOD-1312/1314 features a convenient clamshell frame with two anti-theft locks. The kiosks have integrated wire management with a 4 outlet power strip.
Choose from multiple graphic solutions including face plates, halos, wings, and direct prints on the post.
As Transparent as EVER: Word on the Street — April 29th thru May 3rd
As I write this, I’m completing final preparations for Shared Knowledge University (SKU). Thirty Distributors, three Vendor Partners, and a host of Classic Exhibits, Exhibits Northwest, Eco-Systems Sustainable Exhibits, Classic Rentals, and ClassicMODUL employees will participate in the two-day training program at Classic Exhibits. To say that I am excited does not convey my true feelings.
To Move or NOT to Move: Word on the Street — April 22nd thru April 26th
Or Should I Say, WHEN to Move?
Since last fall, we have been wrestling with this question at Classic Exhibits, Exhibits NW, and ClassicMODUL.
It’s no secret, we have been growing. And our growth has been at a consistent pace. But with growth comes the conversation of when to move into a larger building.
‘s EXHIBITOR2013 Commercial
On occasion, Trade Show Tales is literally a commercial for Classic Exhibits. 😉
Classic Exhibits — Chosen for the FAB 50 “Masters of Exhibits”
Earlier today, Event Design and Event Marketer Magazine announced the FAB 50 MASTERS OF EXHIBITS in their April 2013 issue. From the architects of the Ex Awards, Event Design Awards, and the Top 100 Event Agency List comes the first editorial ranking of the best exhibit builders. Classic Exhibits Inc. was chosen as one of North America’s top exhibit designers and builders, one of the few systems builders selected for this honor.
Giving Credit Where Credit is Due: Word on the Street — April 15th thru April 19th
After nearly 19 years in this industry, I have had my fair share of gripes with how General Service Contractors and Show Management manage trade shows. And I have certainly voiced those gripes, hopefully, in a respectful manner.
Well, this past week I was in Chicago for GlobalShop 2013 at McCormick Place as both an exhibitor and an attendee. Freeman was the General Service Contractor for the event. And all I can say is — KUDOS from start to finish.
‘s Hot in this Beauty Pageant?
Rate the iPad Kiosks in this Pageant?
Below are many of the basic iPad Kiosk shapes (without graphic face plates, halos, and wings to influence your decision). Think of it as the swimsuit competition.
All competitors scored 10’s in the talent portion. MOD-1333 was voted Miss Congeniality.
SWA $25 – KC $0: Word on the Street — April 8th thru April 12th
It’s Saturday morning at 6:00 am. Why am I up so early on the weekend? It’s a travel day tomorrow, and I want to check-in at Southwest at exactly the 24 hour pre-flight mark. My goal is an A. It’s always an A.
EXHIBITOR2013 Show Photos
Each year, EXHIBITOR posts photos showing all the exhibitor’s booths. This year is no different. Click here to see them.
However if you’d like another perspective . . . Our friend, Matt LaBruzza from Exhibit People, loves to take show photos and living in Las Vegas gives him lots of opportunities.
Conformity No Longer Leads to Comfort: Word on the Street — April 1st thru April 5th
Yes Yes Yes, I am on another Seth Godin rant. Like the others, this one is too good not to share, especially in light of what we are seeing in our own businesses and industry
“The Industrial Age” is dying, and we’re experiencing a new economy, one based on connection, knowledge, and most importantly, choice.
New Fabric Color Swatch Tool
We just launched a web version of our Fabric Color Swatch tool in Exhibit Design Search. These fabrics are available for Quadro Pop Ups and Intro Folding Panel Displays.
Happy Easter: Word on the Street — March 25th thru March 29th
This past week has been nothing short of chaotic! Good chaotic mind you.
The week following EXHIBITOR Show is always nuts, unless you did something really wrong. 🙂 Seriously, we have been amazed by the feedback coming off the show. And trust me, we have been working very hard on the follow-up. We came home from Vegas with nearly double the leads from any other prior show. It’s quite humbling to be honest.
Siegfried, Hamilton, and Melvis — EXHIBITOR Review: Word on the Street — March 18th thru March 22nd
It’s Vegas Baby
Why would you expect anything less than seeing famous people, staying out too late, and being apart of the BEST show of the year?
And the title is true. We saw Siegfried at dinner with his entourage. I saw George Hamilton at the airport on the way out of town, and I see Melvis everyday.