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.

You Like Me, You Really Like Me!

You Like Me, You Really Like Me!

EDPA ACCESS was great in so many other ways too. The theme was “Band Together.” Shared ideas about our beloved industry was practiced throughout the seminar and speaker sessions. In addition, Jim Shelman, Reid Sherwood, and I participated in the Supplier Showcase where we connected with current and potential customers, vendors, and even other suppliers in a way that was low-key and comfortable.

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Is Santa Real? Yes, For One More Year!: Word on the Street — December 22nd thru December 26th

Creating a Game Plan for Victory: Word on the Street — November 10th thru November 14th

I Love College Football

It’s exciting. It’s fun. It’s often unpredictable. Whatever you think of the current debate about college athletics, I still believe that the college game has far less of the “show and glow” arrogance of pro athletes.

To me, the time and effort that goes into creating a winning game plan is amazing. Some teams have a clear defensive mindset, others are more offensive. Which approach creates the highest victory percentage is debatable.

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What Did We Learn from the Recession: Word on the Street — April 11th thru April 15th

It’s Been Over Two Years. What Did We Learn?

I’m curious what we/you learned over the past two years about our industry, your business, and our customers? Here are my thoughts. Please share your thoughts as well.

First, it goes without saying that the last two years have been hard: on people, our industry, as well as our customers. But it sure feels like we are all much stronger in so many ways. Here is what I feel I’ve learned:

SEGUE Sunrise Hybrid Display Animation

Our compliments to Mike Swartout, our Design Director, for another fantastic product animation. This time he put on his BIG BOY CREATIVE PANTS for the SEGUE Sunrise video.It’s excellent!

The SEGUE Sunrise Portable Hybrid is an affordable trade show exhibit designed as an alternative to a traditional pop up display. The aluminum frame assembles without tools using attached quick-turn knobs. The vibrant fabric graphics slot into the frame using a silicone edge beading.

Word on the Street — April 4th thru April 8th

One Quarter Down . . . 3 to Go!

It’s hard to believe how quickly the first quarter flew by. But it did, and what an interesting first quarter it was. January was strong. February a little dicey. March was a monster! I am glad to report that the Q1 2011 was one of the best in Classic’s history. We owe it all to your hard work with your customers and to the positive attitude of the Classic team . Thanks so much!

Exhibit Videos from Exhibitor 2011

ey all,

Just wanted to share with you a great little video of our booth in Las Vegas last week at Exhibitor 2011.

For those of you that could not attend, this really highlights the beautiful job the Classic crew did on the design and implementation this year. Thanks again to the entire Classic Exhibits, Exhibits Northwest, and Eco-systems Team for all your dedication and hard work.

The Classic Exhibits Video — Who We Are!

For EXHIBITOR, we create this two minute video, which played on the monitor above the fireplace. Not only does it offer a summary of current designs, but it also does a terrific job of highlighting the core values, services, and personality of Classic Exhibits. We thought you might enjoy seeing it if you didn’t happen to attend EXHIBITOR this year.

Word on the Street — March 28th thru April 1st

EXHIBITOR Show Follow-up

To those who attended EXHIBITOR in Las Vegas, I hope you had an enjoyable time.

This past month was exciting at Classic. I am delighted to announce that March will be the second largest sales month in Classic Exhibits’ history! Thanks to you, our distributors and friends, for your support, your orders. and for believing in our “Shared Success” philosophy.

Word on the Street — March 21st thru March 25th

Exhibitor Show 2011

Well this past week has been filled with final show prep at Classic and a very full plate of new business.

The booth looks great! We are very excited to see your reaction to our “home away from home.”

ClassicMODUL Opens Southeast USA Extrusion Facility

ClassicMODUL, a designer and manufacturer of aluminum extrusions and accessories, announces the opening of a Southeast USA facility.

The Birmingham, AL manufacturing and warehouse facility will stock select aluminum extrusion profiles for exhibit houses, retail designers, and museum display builders. The Birmingham facility along with the current Cheshire, CT facility serve as regional distribution hubs for MODUL aluminum extrusions.

Word on the Street — March 14th thru March 18th

It’s Showtime! EXHIBITOR SHOW 2011.

It is that time of year . . . and if you have been “peeking” at Peek-a-Booth, you probably already know what a creative and exciting display we have in store for the show. It’s a “Home” (of sorts) where you can relax and learn about all the great things happening at Classic Exhibits, Exhibits Northwest, Eco-systems Sustainable, and ClassicMODUL.

The EDPA Portable Modular Summit

he EDPA Portable/Modular Summit will return to Exhibitor this year after a 2010 hiatus.

This session will meet on Wednesday, March 30th from 9:30 am to 10:30 am in Tropics A-B of the Mandalay Bay North Convention Center (look for the NORTH Convention Center sign on the right side of the main entrance hallway, just past the Starbucks).

Bye Bye Pop Ups? Hello Hybrids!

Distributor Open House

I attended a Distributor Open House recently, where the distributor invited customers to see the latest trends in trade show marketing (ExhibiTrends 2011). Over 20 exhibit-related companies participated, ranging from portable manufacturers to lead generating companies, and from flooring suppliers to graphic providers. The event was well-organized and extremely successful. About 300 current and potential customers walked the event.

Jeopardy Questions — Test Your Knowledge of Classic Exhibits

Several weeks ago, a Classic Distributor asked me to create Jeopardy questions for his weekly sales meeting. He planned to test his Account Executive and Project Managers on their knowledge of Classic products and services. Since I enjoyed writing the answers/questions, I thought I’d put you to the test as well.

Below are all the answers and then the corresponding questions. So grab your buzzer and discover how well you know Classic?

Word on the Street — February 21st thru February 25th

Avoiding Arrogance

“Avoiding Arrogance” is an insightful blog entry by Tom Cox that appeared in Oregon Business last week. It reminds us of things NOT to do or to assume as we interact with colleagues and customers on projects. Below is the blog entry.

Word on the Street — February 14th thru February 18th

First Timer’s Experience

This past week had a running theme — First Timer’s. That is, people who were either attending and/or coordinating their first trade show, or in one case, preparing for their first retail installation. You know what this is like. It’s draining, exhilarating, and frustrating –usually at the same time.

Looking for a Deal is Easy . . .

Well, after last week’s sales calls, I decided that all anybody wants to talk about anymore is price. The price of EVERYTHING. Not just trade show exhibits, but everyone is looking for a deal. Looking for a deal is easy, because there is always someone or something cheaper. That doesn’t necessarily mean that it is equal, just cheaper.