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.

Our Five $200 Rental Rewards Winners

Our Five $200 Rental Rewards Winners

In July, Classic Rental Solutions (CRS) launched Rental Rewards, a program designed to reward our distributors for rental returns without damage or missing components.

Since July, we’ve issued 49 Rental Rewards Credits to 32 Classic Distributors. We’re thrilled with the early success of this program!

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Promotional Product Trends in 2015

Promotional Product Trends in 2015

At nearly half a cent per impression, promotional products are a proven, cost-effective way of marketing your company and increasing your brand awareness. They have a lower cost per impression than nearly every other form of advertising. In addition, they have staying power with an average of just over seven months. If you’re not using promotional items, here are some reasons you should be.

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OTM Portable Trade Show Furniture

OTM Portable Trade Show Furniture

Because of this experience and others like it, I developed On The Move Furniture with Classic Exhibits, a line specifically for trade shows and events. It includes the upscale NEO line and the new, affordable Express series. This high-quality portable and brandable furniture this is logistically friendly, attractive, and cost-effective.

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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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Who is Optima Graphics (and Why are We so Darn Shy)?

We Work Hard at Not Getting in the Way

Who is Optima Graphics? It’s simple, we are the wholesale graphics supplier to the trade show industry that helps you retain customers and grow your business. It sounds so mundane, but we listen to you, stay out-of-your-way, break the rules, provide you more time to sell, bring experience to your project and much more. Our behind-the-scenes business philosophy keeps your brand upfront with trade show consumers and keeps our brand out-of-sight. Think of Optima as an extension of your business, your own private factory. You sell exhibits, and we make sure you get those repeat sales from your client. Call us shy? I don’t know, some may refer to this approach as shymart. After all, you’re better at what you do, leaving us to focus on one thing — custom graphics.

Exhibit Specials in May and June

It’s time for a Miracle or perhaps just a little MOR. In May and June, every Magellan Miracle, MOR, and Mirror kit is on sale. Save 10 percent on these already affordable portable hybrid displays. Choose from (24) 10 x 10 and 10 x 20 inline displays.

What’s not to like about these Classic Displays:

* Lightweight Aluminum Frame
* Easy Knob-assisted Assembly
* Large Format Tension Fabric Graphics
* Reusable Die-cut Foam Packaging
* Portable Roto-molded Cases with Wheels
* Counter, Pedestal, and Workstation Options

Click on the Exhibit Specials button in Exhibit Design Search to see the full assortment. The sale is effective immediately and runs through June 30, 2011. Have questions? Give us a call @ (866) 621-2100.

Word on the Street — April 18th thru April 22nd

Happy Easter!

Taking a week off from the typical Social Media entry. 🙂 But, I encourage you to view our newest product video on the SEGUE Sunrise. Very well done!

I hope you all had a great Easter Weekend with your family. And hopefully the EB left your little ones lots and lots of fun gifts and candy treats.

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.