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.

RFP Certification Program: Word on the Street — April 7th thru April 11th

RFP Certification Program: Word on the Street — April 7th thru April 11th

The EDPA RFP Certification program seeks to verify that certain items are in existence, that industry standards and best practices are met and adhered to, based on various benchmarks. Research conducted in 2012 with the assistance of Exhibit Surveys to Corporate Exhibitors proved there “was unanimous enthusiasm for the concept of an EDPA ‘Good Housekeeping Seal’ that would prescreen exhibit house vendors on the basis of business integrity and operational practices and capabilities.

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RFP Certification Program: Word on the Street — April 7th thru April 11th

Sour Apple(s): Word on the Street — March 24th thru March 28th

I have long admired the folks in Cupertino for their innovative thoughts, ideas, product aesthetics, design intuitiveness, etc. Apple is a model in many ways of how marketing and product development should be.

Well . . . even the shiniest Apples sometimes have a worm in them, or best said, sometimes they are picked a little too early. This apple is a little sour once you take that second or third bite.

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Why EXHIBITOR Matters (But Should It?)

Why EXHIBITOR Matters (But Should It?)

Each year, I have to remind myself why participating in EXHIBITOR matters. That may seem odd. After all, EXHIBITOR spends a mountain of cash listing all the reasons to attend. Who am I to argue with them. They know their audience. But, I still have to ask myself why should I attend? I’ve gone at least fifteen times.

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RFP Certification Program: Word on the Street — April 7th thru April 11th

The EDPA Portable/Modular Summit: Word on the Street — March 3rd thru March 7th

There’s one event/meeting I would strongly encourage you to attend — The Annual EDPA Portable/Modular Summit. This meeting will be held at EXHIBITOR on Tuesday, March 18 from 3:45 – 4:30 pm right on the show floor. It’s free. Just head towards the Food Service Area (far right of exhibit hall) and look for the sign leading you to the meeting.

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Even For Ladies

Even For Ladies

A product description sign at EuroShop. Honestly, I half expected to see Ron Burgundy standing in the booth pitching the product.

“You know I love the ladies, but when it comes to most lightboxes . . . ”

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Reflections on EuroShop 2014

Reflections on EuroShop 2014

As I write this, I’m 3 hours into a 10 hour flight back to Portland after an 8 day trip to Dusseldorf for EuroShop and meetings with MODUL International. Yes, I’m tired (and sick with a head cold), but that’s a fair trade for the wonderful, educational experience of the past week.

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Recent Posts

FAQ — Euro LT Modular Laminate Exhibits

When you select a Euro LT Custom Modular Exhibit, you get modular flexibility, solid construction, and sophisticated laminate designs for your trade show exhibit. The Euro LT Custom Modular Exhibit does what no other trade show display system can do because no other exhibit can match the Euro LT for price, performance, flexibility, and elegance.

Word on the Street — September 20 thru September 24

Survey Results and Responses — Part 1

Our thanks to everyone who participated in the recent Classic Exhibits survey. Your feedback is greatly appreciated. I know surveys can be a nuisance, but the data and the comments you shared will not fall on deaf ears. Much to the contrary. Like surveys of the past, we use this information to keep evolving as a company. So again, thanks!

FAQ — Visionary Designs Hybrid Exhibits

I love the name Visionary Designs. It’s the perfect description for a trade show system that represents the cutting edge of portable/modular trade show design. Only Visionary Designs combines vibrant tension fabric graphics, durable aluminum extrusions, and elegant laminates into an unmistakable island or inline trade show exhibit. OK, enough bragging. Here are some informative FAQ’s about VD : 😉

FAQ — Flooring (Carpet and Padding)

Attractive flooring is essential to any successful trade show display. The first choice is often carpeting. The reasons are obvious. It’s available in many colors, it’s easy to transport and maintain, and paired with the right padding, it’s comfortable. To get you started in the right direction, here are some basic FAQ’s.

1. How do I calculate the amount of carpet I need?

Word on the Street — September 13th thru September 17th

The Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic is Right Around the Corner!

Berkeley Hills – Duluth GA | Monday, October 4, 2010 | RSMGC.ORG

Many of you know that I revere this event as the most important event of the year in our industry. And it has nothing to do with Sales, Revenues, Competition, Marketing Plans, etc.

FAQ — Trade Show Rental Displays

The trade show rental business is booming. That should be no surprise given the economy and the constrained marketing budgets of most companies. So . . . when does it make sense to rent vs. buy a trade show display? Here are some tips from the FAQ section of Exhibit Design Search. To see the complete rental design gallery, click here.

Blogging for Beginners — Sponsored by Classic Exhibits

Free Blogging 101 Webinar

Do you ever ask yourself: “Should I start a blog?” Or wonder “Where do I start?”

Most people ask the same questions. After all, blogging is not as simple or straightforward as joining Facebook or Twitter.

FAQ — Exhibit Design Search

So you think you know Exhibit Design Search? I’m sure you do, but just in case you need a refresher, here are Frequently Asked Questions about EDS, the world’s largest database of exhibit designs.

1. What is Exhibit Design Search?

Exhibit Design Search (EDS) is a comprehensive display database and search tool. There’s nothing even remotely close anywhere in the world. With EDS, you can select from over 1500 designs, ranging from banner stands to 50’ x 50’ Islands to find the perfect display for your budget and your marketing objectives.

Social Media 101 Webinar Slides by Tim Patterson

Slides from the Social Media 101 webinar that Tim Patterson conducted in July. Tim is the VP of Sales and Marketing at Interpretive Exhibits. The webinar was offered to Classic Exhibits Distributors.

Word on the Street — September 6th thru September 10th

When to order from Classic Exhibits vs. ClassicMODUL

This is a topic that comes up quite frequently, and I apologize for not addressing it sooner . . . or at least more often.

Here is the “2-Second Answer”: When you want it turnkey, order from Classic Exhibits, but if you want to order the extrusion and build it yourself, order from ClassicMODUL.

FAQ — Eco-Smart Displays

From small portable displays to large island exhibits, Eco-Smart Sustainable Displays are now front and center in most exhibit discussions. All of our eco-smart products are designed and constructed with the most environmentally friendly materials available. Review our Eco-Smart FAQ’s to learn more.

FAQ — Banner Stands

Banner stands are everywhere: retail stores, trade shows, conventions, churches, lobbies, and sporting events. I’m starting to think some folks even have them in their homes (“Bathroom — Third Door on the Left” or “Please Remove Your Shoes in the Family Room”). Still a little confused about your banner stand options? Me too! Here’s a quick FAQ about banner stands from Exhibit Design Search.

FAQ — Quadro S Pop Up Display

A few days ago we covered the FAQ’s for the Sacagawea Hybrid. Now, let’s review Frequently Asked Questions about the Quadro S Pop Up Display. To see the complete list, click on the FAQ button in Exhibit Design Search.

1. What is the difference between a Quadro S and a Quadro EO pop up?

FAQ — Sacagawea Portable Hybrid Displays

Several weeks ago, we added Frequently Add Questions to Exhibit Design Search. There are over 90 questions/answers in this FAQ database. Now, we aren’t foolish enough to think you’ll read them all in one sitting, although we’d be very flattered if you did. Instead, we’ll share samples in the Trade Show Tales blog over the next week or so. We know you read the blog. We have statistics to prove it!!

We’ll begin with the very popular Sacagawea Portable Hybrid Display System:

Word on the Street — August 30th thru September 3rd

It’s the kickoff of College Football Season! This weekend, homes, bars, neighborhoods, and stadiums will be filled with rabid fans who have been waiting for this weekend for eight plus months, waiting to see their favorite teams and/or Alma mater take the field for yet another season on the gridiron.