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.

RECENT Exhibit Design Search Updates (see the GIFs)

RECENT Exhibit Design Search Updates (see the GIFs)

Your Branded Exhibit Design Search

Nearly every month, we push functional or visual changes to your branded Exhibit Design Search website. Some you may notice. Some you may not.

Do you want to know a secret? I’m a obsessed with EDS (OK, that may be the world’s worst kept secret). And I force Tony, Glenna, and everyone else at Classic Exhibits to share that obsession. If only there was a 10 step program for an EDS addict?

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Trade Show Marketing Success Video (Very Practical Advice!)

Earlier this week, Classic Exhibits hosted the Countdown to Trade Show Success webinar with trade show marketing expert Marlys Arnold. I wish EVERY EXHIBITOR would take 45 minutes and watch it. She presented practical advice about exhibit marketing, graphics, and booth etiquette. If nothing else, start watching at the 29 minute mark, “The 10 Commandments of Booth Staffing.” Excellent advice and spot-on photos of bad and good behavior.

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Reconfigurable Custom Inline Exhibit

All Custom. More Than Modular.

One of the most overused terms in the exhibit industry is “custom modular.” Too often, it means, “At some point in the future if you purchase more components, you can transform this display into another size, but you’re unlikely to do it any time soon.”

However, when done well, it truly means “custom” and “modular.” Here’s an excellent display example, narrated by Charlie Shivel, a project manager at Classic Exhibits.

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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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Recent Posts

Word on the Street — September 26th thru October 1st

Survey Results and Responses — Part 2 of 2

Again, thank you for your participation and feedback on our recent survey. This week I’d like to cover some of the numbers in addition to answering many of your comments and questions.

Shooting from the Hip — 14.10 (Making Customers Happy)

(4+1) Ways to Make Your Customers Happy

A while back, I posted “6 Surefire Ways to Tick Off Your Customer.” Now let’s address this topic from another angle, namely how to make your customers happy, satisfied, and most importantly, loyal. We all know how much easier it is to retain a customer than to find a new one. This applies to the manufacturer/distributor model as well as a typical retail setting. Since I’m most familiar with the manufacturer/distributor model, I’ll discuss it from that perspective.

FAQ — Fabric Pop Up Displays

Is there any trade show display more familiar that Xpressions and Burst? The Fabric Pop-up has become popular with exhibitors because it’s portable, attractive, assembles fast, which combines for a great trade show experience. As familiar as you are with these products, you probably still have questions. We hope the following FAQs answer many of them.

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.