Trade Show TalesBlog

Archive for May, 2025

Classic Exhibits Chicago? Never Gonna to Happen!

May 27th, 2025 COMMENTS
Classic Exhibits Private-Label Business Model

Ever wonder why there’s never been a Classic Exhibits Phoenix, Charlotte, or Missouri?

Two Reasons

First, we’ve never believed our brand was more important than your brand. Customers identify with your brand because you’re their personal trade show expert, their marketing partner. Exhibit design, building, storage, and services are still largely regional with clients typically within a day’s drive of their exhibit house.

Second, your brand is an asset. It should have long-term financial value. It shouldn’t depend on the whims (or mistakes) of a manufacturer. Anyone who’s been in this business knows of someone who’s business has suffered because of the shortsighted (and selfish) actions of a supplier.

Private-Label Business Model

Admittedly, Classic Exhibits isn’t well-known outside the exhibit industry. And that’s OK. We’re committed to a private-label model and dedicated to supporting you with design and build services, purchase and rentals, and unbranded marketing support.

Finally, we’d be lying if we said we aren’t proud of the Classic Exhibits brand… we are, but we’re happier when we’re a trusted resource rather than a logo on a building in Boston.

Who We Are

For over 30 years, Classic Exhibits has been designing and building creative custom solutions for our Distributor Partners and their clients. As North America’s largest private-label exhibit manufacturer, we have the unmatched capability, capacity, and creativity to create 3D projects ranging from 10 x 10 inline displays to 60 x 80 double-deck islands. 

Find success on the trade show floor with an exhibit that reflects your marketing message. For more information, see www.classicexhibits.com and explore Exhibit Design Search or request a meeting with a Classic Distributor Partner.

Exhibit Rentals are Bigger, Brighter, and Bolder

May 27th, 2025 COMMENTS
Trade Show Rental Exhibit

Exhibit rentals have gotten bigger, brighter, and bolder. Which is good news for everyone. At Classic Rental Solutions (CRS), our island to inline mix is about 50/50. Many inlines combine Gravitee Modular Wall System, SuperNova lightboxes, and custom counters with locking storage.

Small is Beautiful

However, we also rent a significant number of basic 10 ft. displays w/ options. These include simple LED lightboxes, tube frames with pillowcase displays, and quite a few Symphony Portable flat and curved SEG frames. Not everyone wants to buy a trade show display.

Instead, they want a rental with the following features and benefits:

  • An easy-to-assemble, high-quality 10 ft. display with vibrant graphics
  • Choices. The freedom to create the optimal marketing experience at each show
  • Predictable delivery, installation, and dismantle (w/ no stress, no sweat)
  • No storage or turnkey charges ever!
  • An attractive, reliable display for a smaller trade show, event, or meeting

5 Examples

So what do we mean by basic 10 ft. exhibit rental displays w/ options? Here are 5 examples from the EDS Rental Inline Gallery:

Who We Are

For over 30 years, Classic Exhibits has been designing and building creative custom solutions for our Distributor Partners and their clients. As North America’s largest private-label exhibit manufacturer, we have the unmatched capability, capacity, and creativity to create 3D projects ranging from 10 x 10 inline displays to 60 x 80 double-deck islands. 

Find success on the trade show floor with an exhibit that reflects your marketing message. For more information, see www.classicexhibits.com and explore Exhibit Design Search or request a meeting with a Classic Distributor Partner.

The Ultimate Guide to Trade Show Giveaways: Best Ideas & Examples

May 27th, 2025 COMMENTS
Trade Show Promotional Incentives

When used wisely, trade show giveaways are an investment in your business. They serve as silent salespeople, promoting your company long after the trade show or sales event is over. If you are considering adding incentives to your marketing strategy, you are in luck. The incentives industry is a multi-billion-dollar business with a vast range of products that can be printed, embossed, programmed, or custom-made to enhance and bring attention to your trade show exhibit.

What are Trade Show Giveaways— and Why Do They Matter?

Whether you use the term premium incentives, promotional products, or trade show giveaways, the goal should be the same. You want to capture the attention of potential clients AND be remembered for all the right reasons.

So, what are the right reasons? Everyone loves a freebie, and giveaways are a proven method for attracting people at a show. However, “If you think of them as trade show giveaways,” according to Rama Beerfas, owner of Lev Promotions“They will have as much value to your recipients as they do to you. If you reframe them as promotional incentives or gifts, you’ll start to realize that a target branded incentive can bring you closer to achieving your goals and providing measurable results.”

Many companies start by searching the web for incentive ideas. Which isn’t a bad way to explore what’s available. However, the choices can be overwhelming. Is that really a wise use of your time? Spending hours searching for the perfect ink pen? Don’t make that mistake! Work with a promotional incentives expert who will ask you the right questions and narrow down your choices. It’s what they do. And it won’t cost you any more.

Trade Show Giveaways

Tradeshow Giveaways vs. Promotional Incentives: Is There a Difference?

These terms are often used interchangeably, and in fact are the same in theory if not in practice. However, trade show giveaways and promotional incentives have distinct purposes and strategies. 

Promotional incentives is a broader term that encompasses any offering designed to motivate a specific action or behavior from a target audience. While trade show giveaways are a type of promotional incentive, promotional incentives can be used in many other marketing contexts beyond tradeshows.

The Primary Goals of Trade Show Giveaways:

  • Increase Booth Traffic: Giveaways act as a magnet, drawing attendees to a booth amidst a crowded exhibition floor. People are often more likely to approach a booth if they see the possibility of receiving something free.
  • Boost Brand Awareness and Recall: When attendees leave with an item featuring a company’s logo and contact information, it serves as a tangible reminder of the brand long after the event. This helps keep the company top-of-mind.
  • Generate Leads: Giveaways can be used to incentivize attendees to provide contact information (e.g., scanning a QR code, signing up for a newsletter, or participating in a game) which can then be nurtured into potential sales leads.
  • Spark Engagement and Interaction: Handing out promotional items provides an easy icebreaker for booth staff to initiate conversations with potential customers.

The Primary Goals of Promotional Incentives: 

  • Drive Sales and Revenue: By offering discounts, free gifts, or other perks, businesses can encourage immediate purchases.
  • Improve Customer Loyalty and Retention: Loyalty programs, rewards, and exclusive offers make customers feel valued, strengthening their bond with the brand and encouraging repeat business.
  • Customer Acquisition: Incentives can attract new customers to a business, expanding the client base.
  • Generate Demand: Creating interest in products or services to stimulate purchases.
  • Increase Brand Engagement: Encouraging customers to interact more deeply with the brand.
  • Collect Customer Data: Offering incentives in exchange for data like email addresses, preferences, or feedback.

While trade show giveaways are a tactical tool for immediate engagement and brand presence at events, promotional incentives represent a broader strategic approach to influence behavior across various marketing and business objectives.

The Four Types of Incentives or Giveaways

  • Apparel (T-shirts, hats, golf shirts, etc.)
  • Office Supplies (pens, calendars, clocks, mousepads, mugs, etc.)
  • Fun Stuff (toys, gag gifts, electronics, etc.)
  • Perishables (candy, mints, food and beverage, etc.)

Identifying Your Trade Show Giveaway Strategy

With thousands of possible options, choosing the right one(s) is less about a Top 10 list and more about achieving your marketing goals and sales results. Start by identifying your:

  • Target Audience
  • Budget
  • Quantity (it’s not about having something for everyone)
  • Theme (and/or the theme of the show)
  • Branding
  • Strategy


If you’re looking to do what’s hot/trendy/cool/new, then you’re probably going to be one of many on the show floor handing out the same item. Incentives trends are a moving target, and suppliers are nimble at finding and promoting the latest gadget. It may be a charging pad this season and earbuds the next season.

How to Choose the Best Trade Show Giveaways: The 4 “Make It” Rules

  1. Make It Non-breakable. There’s nothing worse than getting a cool incentive only to have it break within days.  
  2. Make It Lightweight.  You don’t want them to abandon it mid-day just to lighten the load.
  3. Make It Compact. It can’t be bulky since it often has to pack in checked luggage.
  4. Make It TSA Friendly. Nothing is worse than seeing your promotional products in the trash can just outside the airport security checkpoint.

What Makes Good Marketing Merchandise?

You want items that appeal to your specific target market and that are tied into your overall marketing message. Your target market may be active adults. However, if your marketing focus is summer wear, a fall or winter incentive like beanies won’t make sense… even if you would REALLY LOVE to have a branded beanie.

The perfect marketing merchandise for one company (or even one campaign) may be completely inappropriate for another.

Tier Your Giveaway Marketing Strategy with BEST / BETTER / GOOD

  • BEST is for your top prospects and best clients
  • BETTER is for your good prospects, good existing clients and maybe even staff
  • GOOD is for attendees who are qualified, but not really a hot prospect.


So how do you make the incentive feel like a gift rather than a giveaway? Store the nicer or higher value items out of sight, like in a counter, kiosk, or pedestal. Once you’ve qualified the prospect, then present them with a special gift, one they know not everyone else is getting. Perception matters!  

10 Trade Show Giveaway Ideas to Inspire You

1. 3M Post-It products designed for outdoor or wet settings. Great for the construction and manufacturing industries.

trade show giveaway ideas

2. Custom or packaged gifts that can be handed out or shipped to recipients.

3. Create a custom gift kit with a bit more flair, start with the packaging.

4. Personalize a branded product to the next level.

trade show giveaway ideas

5. Full-Color imprints are perfect for complicated logos or photo-quality imprints

6. Go au Naturel – Green thumb gifts increase indoor oxygen, add color, and can provide herbs for the kitchen.

eco friendly marketing merchandise

7. Bring your lunch to work.

8. Retro-inspired items are always a hit.

retro inspired trade show giveaways

9. Travel Items to make your trip easier, more comfortable, and safer.

travel themed marketing merchandise

10. Your pre-show mailers will be more memorable if you make them “bulky”.

Trade Show Giveaways That People Actually Keep

Keep or toss? Have you ever asked yourself that question when packing your bag after a trade show? Trade show attendees are more likely to keep giveaways that are practical, useful, and memorable. Items like water bottles, tote bags, pens, and notebooks are popular choices because they have everyday applications. In addition, consider high-quality items which are more likely to be kept. 

1. Insulated Water Bottles:  Think stainless steel, double-walled bottles from reputable brands (like Hydro Flask, Yeti, Aladdin). These are used daily, whether at the office, gym, or on the go.

2. Reusable Tote Bags: Not just for carrying other swag at the show, but a durable, stylish tote bag made from canvas or recycled materials will be used for groceries, errands, or even as a daily bag. Insulated tote bags, while more expensive, are a must have for many shoppers. 

3. Quality Pens:  Ditch the 49 cent pens with a half-life of two weeks. Quality pens have a comfortable grip, balanced weight, and a smooth, consistent ink flow. Attendees will keep gel pens, rollerball pens, and an upscale ballpoint pen.  

4. Moleskin (or equivalent) Notebooks:  Many trade show attendees love upscale blank notebooks with secure clasps and 80+ pages. 

5. Custom Apparel:  Instead of large, billboard-style logos, consider subtle branding on quality t-shirts, hoodies, or caps from popular brands. People are more likely to wear them if they look good.

By offering practical, useful, and memorable giveaways, you can increase the chances that attendees will keep and use your promotional items, which can help to increase brand awareness and generate positive buzz for your company. 

5 Business Promotional Items to Avoid

#1 Anything in questionable taste: (e.g., a knife in many Asian cultures signifies cutting ties).

#2 Anything against the law or that shows a lack of understanding of social customs: (e.g., chewing gum in Singapore).

#3 See the “4 Make It” Rules previously mentioned.

#4 Anything of poor quality or has a poor/incorrect imprint on it. The quality of the item will reflect on your brand.

#5 Anything demonstrating a poor understanding of your target market: (e.g., a $1.50 tape measure given to contractors).

How to Make Your Trade show Giveaway Part of the Experience

Many exhibitors view trade show giveaways as a “grab and go” incentive and don’t take the time to integrate into their overall marketing experience. One way of turning a trade show giveaway into a memorable incentive is to make it contingent on an interaction, education, or simply something fun. Here are a few ideas:

Games and Contests: Consider games like Spin the Wheel, Trivia Challenges, Product-related Puzzles, or Digital Games.

Photo Booths or Virtual Reality Experiences:  Photo booths are always a draw on the trade show floor and both photo booths and VR experiences are ideal as social media shares.

Tiered Giveaways: Offer attendees tiered giveaways based on their level of engagement. A grab and go attendee gets a basic inkpen but a potential client who books a meeting receives a tech gadget. 

Personalize the Giveaway: Customize a hat, shirt, or even a pen onsite with an engraving machine. 

Limited Edition or VIP Giveaways: Announce that a limited number of high-quality giveaways  will be available each day. Or reserve your best incentives for high-priority leads or existing clients. 

Remember, your trade show giveaway should have a “connection” to your brand, product, or your theme. In addition, it should have a purpose, a clear objective, whether that’s lead generation, branding, or increased engagement. Finally, higher quality giveaways are more likely to be kept and used. Lower quality products are often left in the hotel room or are trade show treats for someone’s kids.

Your Partner for Trade Show Giveaways

Premium incentives can be an effective trade show or event marketing tool when connected to your company, product, or campaign. There are thousands of choices in incentive items, and the choices change all the time.

Your consultant can guide you through the process of selecting appropriate incentives. In some cases, it is as simple as a pen or pad. In other cases, you may want multiple items linked to your overall marketing message. Incentives can be fun, effective, and expensive.

A special thanks to Rama Beerfas at Lev Promotions for sharing her invaluable advice about promotional incentives. 

For over 30 years, Classic Exhibits has been designing and building creative custom solutions for our Distributor Partners and their clients. As North America’s largest private-label exhibit manufacturer, we have the unmatched capability, capacity, and creativity to create 3D projects ranging from 10 x 10 inline displays to 60 x 80 double-deck islands. 

Find success on the trade show floor with an exhibit that reflects your marketing message. For more information, see www.classicexhibits.com and explore Exhibit Design Search or request a meeting with a Classic Distributor Partner.

The (In)Complete Glossary of Trade Shows, Pregnancy, and Childbirth

May 5th, 2025 COMMENTS

What to Expect When You’re Expecting Exhibiting

Harold Mintz
Harold Mintz, Regional Sales Manager

A close friend of mine recently had her first child – a healthy baby boy. When I hear that a friend’s new baby is about to be born, I head to CVS or a newsstand and purchase as many newspapers and magazines as I can find with that day’s date. The papers can be major ones (Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, New York Times, etc.) as well as more regional papers. For magazines, I grab Time, Newsweek, Sports Illustrated and my fave… TV Guide.

I place each newspaper and magazine in thick clear plastic bags (specially purchased for this purpose) to keep them airtight and clean. Then I put my cool little Time Capsule in a box and send it off. The baby might not appreciate it now, but he/she will when they grow up.

Unfortunately, I often don’t learn of the baby’s birth until a day or two later which totally thwarts my Time Capsule concept. When that happens, I buy a baby Levi jean jacket and have it embroidered on the back with something like Zampella & Son, Since 2025 (see image below). It’s a goofy but fun keepsake that will make Mom and Dad (and eventually the baby) smile for years to come.

What does all this baby talk have to do with me? Absolutely nothing. But ever since my friends Jackie and Gina recently had their healthy baby, I’ve had baby brain. So, without further ado, I present you with my new glossary of trade show terms about “pregnancy and childbirth”!

Enjoy! Please add your terms in the comments section.

Glossary A-C

Breech – When your graphics are printed backwards or upside down

C-Section – The third level of Classic’s Gravitee display

Conception – When that brilliant booth design first sparks

Contraction – Going from a 30×30 to a 10×20

Cravings – Show hours are from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm and you’re starving

Crowning – Winning “Best of Show”

Glossary D-F

Dilation – What happens to aisles during I&D

Embryo – Your client’s very first 10×10

Epidural – When you find time to get a foot massage from the booth next door

False Labor – When show labor has to wait for your crates to clear material handling

Fertility – Your client gets their new budget and is ready to spend it

First Trimester – Your booth’s first of three back-to-back shows

Fontanelles – Conference Room walls using SEG fabrics

Full Term – You tell your Client you need artwork no later than 4:00 pm and you get it at 3:59 pm

Glossary F-N

Gestation – The time it takes your Designer to create the next award winner

Home Birth – Trade show exhibitors building their first booth in-house

Induced – Slipping labor a $50

In Vitro – A booth design that uses pillowcase graphics (tubes… get it??)

Labor – Sometimes late, usually painful, and never the same

Midwife – Your work wife who continually reminds you to save your receipts

Morning Sickness – When your rookie booth staffer stays out way too late the night before the show

Natural Birth – When you suggest designing with Classic’s ecoSmart Sustainable Exhibits

Newborn – A new booth at its very first show

Nursery – The warehouse or dock where crates are stored during the show

Glossary P-Z

Pelvic Floor Exercises – How you prepare for being on your feet for 12 hours

Postpartum – Having to do a week’s worth of laundry after returning from a trade show

Premature – That one exhibitor who begins to dismantle their booth – 2 hours early!

Presenting – When the edge of your booth creeps into the aisleway

Stretch Marks – SEG graphics that have seen one too many shows

Ultrasound – The booth next to yours that has their presenters mic set too loud

Umbilical Cord – That one extension cord that magically connects ALL your electronics

Water Birth – That $12 bottle of Aquafina water (so refreshing but so painful)

Water Breaking – Spilling that full $12 bottle of Aquafina water

Harold and Baby Shy

Who We Are

For over 30 years, Classic Exhibits has been designing and building creative custom solutions for our Distributor Partners and their clients. As North America’s largest private-label exhibit manufacturer, we have the unmatched capability, capacity, and creativity to create 3D projects ranging from 10 x 10 inline displays to 60 x 80 double-deck islands. 

Find success on the trade show floor with an exhibit that reflects your marketing message. For more information, see www.classicexhibits.com and explore Exhibit Design Search or request a meeting with a Classic Distributor Partner.

What’s Orange, Retractable, and 10% Less? Banner Stands!

May 5th, 2025 COMMENTS
BannerBug USA

Several months ago, we added (3) BannerBug USA banner stands to Exhibit Design SearchThey’re now on sale to Classic Distributor Partners at 10% less through June.

BannerBug stands are manufactured in the USA and covered by an Unconditional Lifetime Warranty on the hardware. If the product fails, regardless of the reason, BannerBug USA will repair or replace it for free, for life.

Order your BannerBug stands directly from the manufacturer (not Classic). Let them know you’re a Classic Distributor to receive this exclusive discount.

(3) BannerBug products are in the EDS Lightboxes and Banner Stands gallery:

For more information, including wholesale prices, contact David Holladay, (205) 793-9600, david@bannerbugusa.com

BannerBug USA 10% Promotion

Who We Are

For over 30 years, Classic Exhibits has been designing and building creative custom solutions for our Distributor Partners and their clients. As North America’s largest private-label exhibit manufacturer, we have the unmatched capability, capacity, and creativity to create 3D projects ranging from 10 x 10 inline displays to 60 x 80 double-deck islands. 

Find success on the trade show floor with an exhibit that reflects your marketing message. For more information, see www.classicexhibits.com and explore Exhibit Design Search or request a meeting with a Classic Distributor Partner.