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.

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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EuroShop 2014 Update: Day 5 Video and Photos

Don’t you just love the last day of a show? The crowds have thinned, and the conversations are more casual and informative. We took a break yesterday and spent the day in Cologne, a thirty minute train ride from Dusseldorf. Today, we were back at EuroShop with more detail photos. Katina went a little camera crazy today in a last ditch effort to capture as much design information as possible.

We hope you enjoyed our EuroShop blogging as much as we enjoyed sharing it with you.

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EuroShop 2014 Update: Day 3 Video and Photos

Even without cell phone service, we heard you say, “Show me more creative, elegant, and bizarre exhibits from Europe.” Well, we are delighted to be your trade show mules of images from EuroShop. We toured the remaining exhibit halls on Day 3, and then had time to revisit some of our favorites and discover many new exhibits (which we still can’t believe we missed the first time).

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EuroShop 2014 Update: Day 2 Video and Photos

The EuroShop 2014 adventure continues with Mel and Katina. On Day 2, they visit the smaller tradeshow exhibition hall with the mostly 3 x 3 and 3 x 6 meter booths, and then turn their attention to mannequins, retail fixtures, supermarket displays, refrigeration, and all things esoteric to retail merchandising and marketing.

Be sure to see the photo describing the lightbox that even the “ladies” can assemble and a photo of Katina with Mary Poppins. We half expected to see Ron Burgundy in the “Ladies Lightbox” space.

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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.

Word on the Street — April 26th thru April 30th

International Partners Visit

This week was busy both with orders and meetings. But I want to speak in particular about the meetings we held on Monday and Tuesday with our friends and partners from MODUL International.

Shooting from the Hip — 1.10

Starting this week, you will see a weekly blog posting from me, typically not more than a paragraph or two (or three). Look for it on Wednesday or Thursday.