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 One-Step Wall System

| The One-Step Wall System

Yes, Gravitee really is as simple and clever as it appears:

Panels Connect without Tools or Loose Parts
Upper Panels Stack without Tools or Loose Parts
Attach Direct Print or SEG Graphics
Flat and Curve Panels (60, 90, and 120 Degrees)
Lightweight, Durable Engineered Aluminum Extrusion
Connects to Euro LT and ClassicMODUL Extrusions

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A Subtle Update to Exhibit Design Search

A Subtle Update to Exhibit Design Search

How often have you heard me say, “Exhibit Design Search is a work in progress, always evolving and changing.” I’m glad I can’t see you. It would hurt my feelings… just a little.

Nearly everyday, we make little changes to EDS. Sometimes it’s as simple as changing the wording, adding a kit, or linking to a new photo.

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Women in Exhibitions Meeting at EXHIBITOR

Women in Exhibitions Meeting at EXHIBITOR

Hi everyone, Katina here!

Calling all women in the exhibition industry! I’ll be leading the Women In Exhibitions (WIE) meeting on Monday, February 29 at 5 pm. Please join us as we network and build key relationships with other women in our intriguing industry. The Mandalay Bay conference room assignment has not been made yet, but if you are interested, please do two things:

1) Join the WIE Group on LinkedIn

2) Send me an email so I can follow up with you personally as soon as I have the location. My e-mail is katina.rigall@classicexhibits.com.

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EDS Training Video by The TradeshowGuy

EDS Training Video by The TradeshowGuy

Tim Patterson, aka The Tradeshow Guy, created a quick video tutorial on Exhibit Design Search. He covers the major EDS points in just 7:34 min., something I couldn’t do under any circumstance. You’ll learn how to do a quick search, review details about a design, save them in a gallery, see exhibit photos, and share trade show marketing tips. Frankly, it’s hard not to be a little jealous of Tim’s video and audio panache.

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Top 10 Trade Show Rental Designs

Top 10 Trade Show Rental Designs

When I started in the this business, waaaayyyyyy back when folding panel systems and pop ups were duking it out for design supremacy, rentals were an afterthought. Really a non-thought. The Great Recession changed that. Rentals are now HUGE. And CUSTOMIZED. And BEAUTIFUL. At least those from Classic Rental Solutions.

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Classic Rental Rewards Winners

Classic Rental Rewards Winners

Several years ago, the Classic Rental Solutions Division had a problem. A large percentage of our returns were coming back with significant damage and/or missing components. We weren’t sure what to do, but we knew we had to do something. We couldn’t restock those components since our policy has always been “If it doesn’t look like new, we won’t ship it. Period.”

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Recent Posts

‘re More Than You Think We Are: Word on the Street — Nov. 5th thru Nov. 9th

For the past two years, Classic Exhibits has pursued “alternative” markets such as retail, environments, events, etc. with our distributors. Our CNC production capability, skilled workforce, and ClassicMODUL aluminum inventory make these natural fits. This week, I want to share pictures and a video that show some of those projects. It’s our hope, quite selfishly, that your view of Classic will broaden.

‘s the Deal with Hybrid Displays?

I challenge you to search Google for “Hybrid Displays” or “Hybrid Exhibits.” Five years ago, your search would turn up a handful of links. Now . . . Yikes a Momma! Hybrid Exhibits have gone from curiosity to mainstream for trade show exhibitors. But why?

Our Holiday Season Gift to You . . . SAVINGS!

SAVE 10% on all Rentals from Classic Exhibits through February 2013.

Need another reason . . . Offset your shipping costs by saving $100 on every $1000.

Review the complete line of rental solutions below or contact Jim Shelman (jshelman@exhibitsnw.com) for a rental solution designed to your specifications.

Classic Exhibits Town Call Meeting — Q3 Recorded Video

Every quarter, Classic Exhibits conducts a Town Hall Meeting with the Classic Distributor Network via GoToWebinar. In this meeting, we review sales and and design trends, new products, rental program changes, and industry news. The video is approximately 60 minutes.

In this Town Call, we also share our 2013 predictions, as well as details about our new iPad Kiosks and changes to Exhibit Design Search.

Amnesia or Arrogance: Word on the Street — Nov. 5th thru Nov. 9th

Has This Happened to You?

A person walks up to you at an event and says, “Hello, I am Robert. I am the VP of TooSee Displays.” All the while you are thinking, “We met six months ago. Does he not remember meeting me?”

I suppose it can happen to the best of us. But what if I told you this happened to me this week — for the 5th time with the same damn person! I kid you NOT.

Trade Show Garbage. Eco-friendly Solutions.

Our compliments to Smash Hit Displays for producing this graphic about waste from tradeshows and some smart solutions for reducing the overall volume. It can be as simple as recycling the waste, using recycled products, and making smarter decisions about your marketing materials. One additional “green option” is rental displays. Rental displays are ideal for exhibitors who are still deciding about how to optimize their trade show marketing or for those situations when a show requires a unique display solution.

Getting Over Ourselves: Word on the Street — Oct. 29th thru Nov. 2nd

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, I wanted to share some poignant advice from Seth Godin this week. I hope our friends in the NE and Mid-Atlantic States are getting things back on track and are seeing some light at the end of the tunnel. Know that you have been and will continue to be in the thoughts and prayers of your Classic Family.

Four New iPad Kiosks from Classic Exhibits

We’re excited to announce four new iPad Kiosks at price points and shapes we’re sure you’ll love. We’re serious about iPad Kiosks and Stands with 14 unique solutions. Most feature our patent-pending “Swivel Stop” which allows you to switch from Portrait to Landscape mode with two fingers in two seconds. It’s that simple.

Back from the Randy Smith Golf Classic: Word on the Street — Oct. 22nd thru Oct. 26th

I just returned home from the Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic in Atlanta, an event presented by EDPA and E2MA. As many of you know, Kevin has been attending this event for many years. This was my third trip, and this year I filled in for Kevin who couldn’t attend. I golfed with Reid Sherwood, Cindi Cody, and Bill Glasser, and we had a great time.

Randy Smith, Jim Shelman, and Cindi Cody

A few weeks ago, Rich Johnson (one of the founders of the RSMGC) asked me if I would serve on the board of The Randy Smith. Obviously I accepted. I have been a loyal fan and supporter for 11 years. The Randy is a non-political group of industry folks who provide emotional and financial support to other industry people who have fallen on difficult times.

EDPA ACCESS 2012 in Palm Springs, CA

EDPA ACCESS: Complete Program Released

The 58th Annual EDPA ACCESS conference full agenda has been released! Join your peers at the only executive conference for designers, builders and suppliers of exhibits and experiences for three days of learning, networking and growth.

|| Reserve Your Seat!

Register NOW and reserve your seat for the quarterly Town Call Webinar on Thursday, November 8. Kevin, Reid, Jen, Jim, and Mel will provide a snapshot of industry trends, upcoming events, and all things Classic Exhibits. It’s your chance to grill us on what’s new, what’s different, and what’s the what. Don’t miss it . . . It’s like watching five monkeys at the zoo speak English.

Why Blog? What Bloggers Say.

We’re often asked by Classic Exhibits Distributors about the benefits of blogging: “Isn’t it time consuming? How do you decide on topics? How often should I submit posts?” I have a hard time answering those questions because the answer is, “It depends.” I ask them if they enjoy writing about our trade shows and events, or if they feel they have something to share about sales, marketing, or small business. They do, even if they don’t realize it. That’s the first reason to blog. Everything else is frosting on the cake.

Finding Your Voice at Trade Shows — American Image Blog Post

Admittedly, I read a lot of trade show blog posts. Partially, because it’s my job, but also because I enjoy seeing how Classic Distributors, industry suppliers, and competitors tackle familiar topics. As you can imagine, there’s a fair amount of repetition. There’s only so many ways to list “critical” trade show supplies or how to handle leads. But, there’s also a lot of creativity.