Some of these are “spot on”: Tom Arnold, Carrot Top, Lindsay Lohan as trade show exhibits? Just use your imagination my friend.
Banner Stands (cheap, attractive, but not always reliable): Tara Reid, Andy Dick, Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan
Custom Exhibits (talented, larger than life, but occasionally temperamental): Meryl Streep, Orson Welles, Dame Judi Dench, Aretha Franklin
Overhead Tension Fabric Signs (highly visible and stretched tight): Joan Rivers
Table Tops (small, perky, occasionally cute): Kathy Griffin, Danny Devito, Herve Villechaize, Dakota Fanning
Pop Up Displays (versatile, portable, and over-exposed): Hannah Montana, Jonas Brothers, John Mayer, Jennifer Aniston
Modular Exhibits (adaptable, upscale, modern): Denzel Washington, Anne Hathaway, Jimmy Stewart, Christopher Walken
Hybrid Exhibits (lightweight, re-configurable, contemporary): Johnny Depp, Robin Williams, Madonna, Tom Hanks
Green (eco-friendly but pushy): Ed Begley Jr., Al Gore, Sheryl Crow
Aluminum Extrusion Systems (durable, versatile, supporting role): Keith Richards, Alfre Woodard, John Tuturro, William H. Macy, Vivian Vance and William Frawley
Homemade Cardboard Display (barely functional, always tacky): Tom Arnold, Jon and Kate Gossling (but not the kids), Omarosa, Carrot Top
Vinyl Hanging Signs (last resort, unstable): Screech (Dustin Diamond) from “Saved by the Bell”
Play along!! Add your favorite (or not so favorite) celebrity to the list (and the reason why).
–Mel White
http://www.linkedin.com/in/melmwhite
Additional Articles:
What Smells? The Top 10 Trade Show Odors
Love on Aisle #600 — Trade Shows and Events
Trade Shows as First Dates
What Not to Wear (at a Trade Show)