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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Sacagawea vs. Magellan vs. Perfect 10 vs. Visionary Designs

Comparing Four Hybrid Display Systems from Classic Exhibits

Are you comfortable describing the differences between the Sacagawea, Magellan, Perfect 10, and Visionary Designs Hybrid Display Systems with your customers? If not, here’s a helpful summary of each of these product lines.

It’s actually fairly straight-forward (and it makes a lot of sense). Please understand (which translates to me CMA) that these distinctions are broad-based, and there are always exceptions.

Shooting from the Hip — 9.10 (TS2 and LeBron)

TS2 and LeBron

Well, a couple weeks have passed since I posted. I think Mel thought I had given up on the blog, but the reality is the 4th of July, a couple vacation days (if you call working a charity poker tournament in Detroit vacation), and TS2, and you are into late July.

Not much happened in late June and early July so I will catch up very quickly.

Word on the Street — July 12th thru July 16th

Post-TS2 Review and Highlights

This past week I was in Boston attending the TS2 Conference and Expo — a show that, to be honest, has had questions attached to it lately.

Questions like: What is the show’s direction? What is the show’s future? What is the motivation and/or reason for attending the show? All very valid questions.

Social Media 101 — Sponsored by Classic Exhibits

Social Media 101 – Sponsored by Classic Exhibits

Want to get into Social Media but don’t know where to get started? Join us for a fun, info-packed webinar on the basics of Social Media.

Tim Patterson, VP of Sales and Marketing for Interpretive Exhibits (a Classic Exhibits distributor) is a Social Media Guru, and he’s agreed to transform you into a guru too.

Word on the Street — July 5th thru July 9th

Who’s to Beantown? And Have You Voted Yet?

Classic Exhibits Inc. will of course be at TS2. We are in booth #315. Be sure to come by and check out the beautiful 20 x 20 island we have designed. It is highlighting many of the new TSP profiles from ClassicMODUL which accept Silicone Edge Graphics, most of which we are showing “backlit”! We are also showing one of the newest Sacagawea PS kits and a totally redesigned Magellan kit that will looked somewhat familiar but much improved.

TS2 Guest Passes and a Free, Flexible Waterproof Keyboard

Attend the 2010 TS2 Show in Boston compliments of Classic Exhibits and ClassicMODUL. Simply download a guest pass and register on the TS2 website with the Special VIP Code (CLASSIC).

Your VIP Guest Pass entitles you to FREE admission to the following:

‘ Choice Awards

Classic Exhibits has been nominated for the Best Exhibit House in the 2010 TSEA Exhibitors’ Choice Awards.

We’re shocked, flattered and frankly a little overheated at the moment. To the person or persons who nominated us — thank you very, very much!

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

Your First Day in High School

Do you remember your first day in high school? This week I am doing something I have not done in almost 12 years. Going to a show for the first time.

Now as you might imagine, I have been to many, many trade shows over the years — just like you. But this week I am attending as a first time exhibitor. I can’t remember the last time that happened. And it is an interesting process.

Recent Updates, Price Lists, and Kit Sheets

Recent Updates, Price Lists, and News

Kevin’s on his LIVESTRONG ride this weekend. As you read this, he’s either struggling to climb the final hill on his 100 mile ride (Sunday) or in bed with enough Motrin in his bloodstream to disorient an adult hippopotamus (Monday).

In his absence, we’ve collected two months of Recent Updates, Price Lists, and News about Classic Exhibits and ClassicMODUL into one convenient blog posting.

Shooting from the Hip — 8.10 (Really Columbus?)

Really Columbus?

The week’s travels were challenging, but the meetings made up for any hassles. I can’t complain too much. A couple of canceled flights allowed me, on my 23rd wedding anniversary, to have dinner with my wife instead of my good pal, Kevin Carty. Vicki, thank you for the 23 years of adult child care you have provided. Remember, I am still the acorn waiting to become the giant oak.

Portable and Modular Trade Show Displays — Lesson #1

Are you confused about trade show displays? Well, I am, and I’ve worked in the trade show business for over 10 years. Browse through the web and you’ll discover hundreds of websites showing similar products with prices ranging from bargain basement to “Are you friggin’ kidding me?” It shouldn’t be this complicated. And, honestly, it’s not.

Word on the Street — June 7th thru June 11th

What’s the Best Business Advice You’ve Ever Received?

I am going to dovetail this week’s blog with my friend Reid’s blog from earlier this week. Reid talked about the advice he has received from his bosses over the years.

‘ve Learned from My Employers)

What I’ve Learned from My Employers

It’s official. It’s June. Looking back, business should have tapered off in May. Instead, orders were steady throughout the month, and we’re grateful as we gradually wind down into the normal summer doldrums. We’ll enjoy it for a few days (or maybe even a week) but then we’ll be antsy for the insanity to return.

Word on the Street — May 31st thru June 4th

What a Difference 60 Minutes Can Make!

Really think about that for a moment and then apply it to your own life, whether it’s at work or at home. Think about how much difference there can be in just 60 minutes. What can happen . . . good and bad? Life changing or trivial.

Trade Show Exhibit Websites

Lately, I’ve been researching websites of trade show displays and trade show distributors. What works, what doesn’t, what looks good and appealing, what looks good and appealing but doesn’t offer any fruit? Personally, I want to find information quickly, which is why I like Classic’s Exhibit Design Search.