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.

Why Our Brains Love Curves

Why Our Brains Love Curves

In my last blog post, “Exhibit Designs that Sell,” I offered some tips on how to achieve a nearly 100% success rate. This time, I want to delve into a design element that connects to a deep-rooted preference in many people — graceful, mesmerizing curves!

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Happy Holidays from Your Classic Exhibits Family: Word on the Street — December 16th thru December 20th

Happy Holidays from Your Classic Exhibits Family: Word on the Street — December 16th thru December 20th

Is the tree up? Are the packages wrapped? Are you ready for the mayhem?

It’s the best time of the year in my humble opinion. Christmas and New Years are just around the corner. Literally! And just when you think you’re done with all your holiday shopping and you have everything prepared for the big day, you always find that you have one more thing to do or to get.

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Eco-Systems Sustainable Exhibits Annual Letter

Eco-Systems Sustainable Exhibits Annual Letter

This week, we’re sharing the Eco-Systems Sustainable Exhibits Annual Letter from Eric Albery, the VP of Marketing and Business Development. As many of you know, we have a manufacturing partnership with Eco-Systems. For those unfamiliar with Eco-Systems, we encourage you to visit eSmart Galleries in Exhibit Design Search or spend time on their website (www.ecosystemsdisplays.com).

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| Best Practices Webinar (now on YouTube)

| Best Practices Webinar (now on YouTube)

FREE BLOGGING WEBINAR

Experts say blogging is probably the most important tool in your social media toolbox. More important than Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or LinkedIn.

Join Tim Patterson from TradeShowGuyBlog and Mel White from Trade Show Tales for a free interactive “How To” blogging webinar.

https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/853229842

Wednesday, December 4 from 10-11 am PST (1 pm EST).

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Resolute This!  Word on the Street — December 30th thru January 3rd

EDPA ACCESS 2013 Review: Word on the Street — December 2nd thru December 6th

Marco Island was the setting and what an incredible setting it was. It was 20 degrees in Oregon all week, windy and crisp. But in Marco, it was in the mid-80’s and sunny. Not that I got to experience much of the sun. We had a jam-packed week of content rich sessions and enjoyable networking.

Prior to the ACCESS event, as a member of the EDPA Board of Directors, I participated in a motivating Board Meeting with my fellow Board Members.

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Resolute This!  Word on the Street — December 30th thru January 3rd

I Get Questions: Word on the Street — November 25th thru November 29th

Next week, I am off to Marco Island, FL for the Annual EDPA ACCESS meeting. Something I look forward to every year as a proud sponsor and member of the Board of Directors.

Since I will not be seeing some of you there, I thought I would use this week’s blog as an opportunity to practice my elevator pitches to the usual (and unusual) questions that I’m often asked.

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What are Silicone Edge Graphics (SEG)?

You may have noticed something new at trade shows and events. Traditional fabric graphics are frequently being replaced by Silicone Edge Graphics (SEG). So what is SEG and what are the benefits?

What is SEG (Silicone Edge Graphics)?

Silicone Edge Graphic (SEG)
Silicone Edge Graphic (SEG)

SEG is a high-resolution dye-sublimated fabric graphic finished with a thin silicone strip (or welt/gasket). The silicone strip is sewn directly to the edge of the graphic, and the strip is then inserted into a frame with a recessed groove.

‘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.

Shooting from the Hip — 6.10 (More Favorites)

Last week was also favorite’s week. Food and beverage favorites to be exact. Here are some of my other favorites, and the why’s. I have nothing to base these on but my opinion, so if you don’t agree, that’s fine.

Eco-Systems Sustainable and Classic Exhibits Forge Equity Partnership

For Immediate Release – June 1, 2010

Eco-systems and Classic Exhibits Inc. Forge Equity Partnership| Demand for Green Exhibits Draw Partners Closer

Grand Rapids, Michigan – Effective June 1, 2010, Eco-Systems Sustainable Exhibits and Classic Exhibits Inc. will forge an equity partnership. The two companies have been joint venture partners since November 2007. The Board of Directors for Eco-Systems Sustainable Exhibits approved the sale of stock to Classic Exhibits, making Classic a substantial equity partner in the company.

Word on the Street — May 24th thru May 28th

Why Does Classic Exhibits participate in TS2

As I traveled this week, I was asked this question several times. And not for any other reason than people were curious why we participate in TS2, when we already exhibit at EXHIBITOR, EDPA, and HCEA.

Shooting from the Hip — 5.10 (My Favorites)

This week is going to be a bit Seinfeld-like. After 11 years of traveling almost 30 weeks a year, I am officially qualified to list some of my favorites. And the “why’s.”

For the sake of brevity, let’s keep this about food and drink. That way we have hotels, cities, and all the other travel stuff for another blog.

Shooting from the Hip — 4.10 (Traveling in Ohio)

Well, this week has been a whirlwind of travel and appointments with some fun scattered in. I did a whirlwind tour of Ohio this past week. From Michigan to Cincinnati (Jimmy Buffett Concert), North to Dayton, over to Columbus, then Cleveland, Akron and Canton. About 1300 total miles were driven.

‘s a Segue Hybrid Display?

ou may have noticed references to Segue over the past three or four months. So, what’s a Segue?

Segue is a new hybrid design line from Classic Exhibits. What makes Segue different from other lines, such as Perfect 10, Sacagawea, and Magellan, is that Segue incorporates Silicone Edge Graphics (SEG) and MODUL TSP aluminum extrusion profiles.

Word on the Street — May 10th thru May 14th

Distributor Sales or Direct Sales? Why Distributors Matter.

This has been a hot topic all week.

Not that it’s something Classic has contemplated. Much to the contrary. But for some reason, I was asked about this several times.

“Do you sell direct?” . . . “Hey, can I order directly from you?” . . . “Why don’t you sell direct?”

Word on the Street — May 3rd thru May 7th

What’s Your Corporate Culture?

When it comes to your corporate culture, do your customers and stakeholders share your perception? Too often, the answer is an emphatic “NO!”

I read an interesting blog post this week regarding American Airlines that I would like to share. And let me start out by saying I am an “American Guy” when it comes to flying. I fly American Airlines almost exclusively. Having said that . . . This posting really made me reflect on AA and realize a few things.