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“I’ll Know It When I See It” | Every Designer’s Nightmare

January 4th, 2023 Mel White COMMENTS

nightmare

For the Classic Designers, delivering a design that meets all the client’s needs — functionally, aesthetically, and fiscally — is the ultimate goal.  Collectively, our designers have over 30 years of industry experience designing trade show exhibits and graphics. We understand that most clients are not immersed in exhibit or graphic design, so the process can be challenging. But it doesn’t have to be. We are here to help!

5-ish Design Red Flags

Occasionally, we get an ambiguous request that requires Mind Reading. Which is understandable. We all come from different levels of experience. Thankfully, we are pretty good at addressing these requests before they become frustrating for everyone. But… that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few “Design Red Flags.”  Here are some we’ve identified over the years.

#1. I Need This by Tomorrow 

Good design takes time. Great design takes even more time. Think back to college. Did cramming for that psychology test result in an A? Probably not. There’s a process. Not to mention there are other design deadlines already in the queue. It’s not that we can’t do it if our schedules allow. And we want to, but we want to do it right.

high_five#2. My Client Wants Five Completely Different Options 

Clients like to see options, and this can be achieved by showing them portfolio images, discussing their objectives, and defining a budget. In the end, the client is only going to buy one booth, one that matches their marketing goals and budget. One spectacular design is better than five OK designs, if it is on point and includes revisions. Choose a designer who can delve into the project and deliver exactly what the client needs.

#3. If I Like It I’ll Find the Money to Buy It, So Design with an Unlimited Budget! 

No client has a truly unlimited budget. They might have lots of resources, but there will be a limit. Our advice, throw out an exhibit budget number and gauge their reaction: $50,000 for a 10×10? Either they’ll nod and say “Go for it!,” or they’ll take a big gulp and reveal their actual budget — $8K, $15K, $25K. Perfect, now the designer can give the client the best 10×10 they’ve ever seen within their budget.

#4. I’ll Know It When I See It — a.k.a., IKIWISI (pronouced icky wishy)

Design is not a poker game where revealing your hand is a disadvantage. Most clients have an idea of what they want, or at least what they want to achieve. At a minimum, they know their product/service and how it should be presented. Every designer loves the opportunity to be creative, but a guessing game is the exact opposite of creative. Whether you are paying for design or not, there is a cost. The cost can be as simple as frustration, revisions, and unmet expectations.

#4b. You’re the Creative One. Whatever You Think is Best.

This is a version of #4. Yes, we are the creative ones. We are designers and we take pride in that. HOWEVER, everybody is different, we all have our likes and dislikes. While we want to use our creativity to reflect your likes and dislikes, we can’t if we don’t know you or what you want.

#5. The Client Wants a Rental, But I’d Like to Show Them a Purchase Option

re-9017-1We understand the motivation. A purchase is more expensive than a rental. But it’s not a very good sales strategy. It’s another way of saying, “I don’t really know what my client wants so I’ll give them multiple options.” See Red Flag #2 above. Designers like to design, but what often gets forgotten is that designers want their designs to sell. We want our work to mean something, to come to fruition. When our designs sell, it validates our talent and our efforts.

So what’s the exact opposite? Clear communication and specific goals. At Classic Exhibits, we want you to succeed. We know you don’t live in exhibit design every day, so the process can frustrating. We also know that your best path is to work with industry professionals and to tap into Exhibit Design Search for ideas. Exhibit Design Search is a terrific place to see ideas and price points.

Over the years, we’ve learned there are three keys to a winning design and a happy customer.

  1. Understand Your Trade Show Goals and Have a Budget in Mind.
  2. Work with a Trade Show Professional Who Can Guide You.
  3. Whenever Possible, Communicate Directly with the Designer.

Best of all, no nightmares . . . for you or for your very favorite designer. Have questions about exhibit design, give us a call or send us an email.

The Classic Exhibits Design Department

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Based in Portland, Oregon, Classic Exhibits Inc. designs and manufacturers portable, modular, and custom exhibit solutions. Classic Exhibits products are represented by an extensive distributor network in North America and in select International markets. For more information, contact us at 866-652-2100 or www.classicexhibits.com.

 

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10 Common Myths about Trade Shows

December 27th, 2022 Mel White 12 COMMENTS
10 Myths about Trade Shows

If you’ve ever attended a trade show, you have an opinion about trade shows, trade show marketing, or exhibit design. I won’t try to dispel every myth, but here are 10 Common Myths about Trade Shows.

1. Trade Show Marketing is Marketing.

Yes and no. If you are a skilled marketer, you will grasp the nuances of trade show marketing, but it will take time. Most marketing managers gravitate to their strengths by focusing on the structure, the graphics, or the show promotion and planning. Intellectually, they know these are interconnected, but they may not know how to maximize their results. Work with professionals, whether it’s a graphic designer, an exhibit consultant, or a certified trade show manager. Trade show exhibit marketing is a craft learned the hard way through trial and error. It’s easy to burn through a lot of money before you figure out what works and what doesn’t. Don’t stumble through a year or two of mistakes when exhibit experts can save you time, money, and embarrassment.

2. Trade Show Labor is Hostile, Incompetent, and Expensive.

10 Common Trade Show Myths

Again, yes and no. No one will dispute that trade show I&D can be expensive, particularly in certain well-known venues. However, most I&D contractors are very competent. They can solve almost any last minute trade show display crisis. You may disagree with the show hall rules regarding labor regulations, but the actual laborers in your booth didn’t write them. If you disagree with the rules, don’t take it out on the person assembling your display. Contact your I&D labor provider or show management.

This is a sad but true fact regarding show labor at most trade shows. If three people are assigned to your booth, one person will be a star, one person will be average, and one person will be a zombie. Hire nine people and you are guaranteed to have three stars and three zombies. Sometimes you get lucky, and the ratio works in your favor. Sometimes not.

You have the power to control your labor costs, beginning with exhibit design. Consider assembly and packaging during the design phase. Are the components labeled, can it be packed without relying on a 20 page manual, and are the packaging materials reusable?

3. Anyone Can Staff a Booth.

Too often, companies send the wrong folks to work the trade show booth. Even worse, they don’t train them. Not everyone has the temperament, the knowledge, or the discipline for a trade show. Here’s my rule:  Find those employees with previous retail sales experience who love assisting customers with product or service solutions. It doesn’t matter if they are in Sales, Marketing, Engineering, or Production. What matters is their attitude and their knowledge.

Want to know who not to send? “Joe.” Every company has a “Joe.” He drinks too much, he gambles too much, and he wanders around too much. About a half a dozen times a day, you’ll wonder what happened to Joe. Five minutes ago he was sucking down his third espresso, leaning on the counter, and ogling anything with two X chromosomes. Suddenly he’s gone . . . AGAIN!

4. Trade Shows are One Big Party.

For some companies, that is true. They wine and dine customers to excess, party until daylight, and don’t attend any show sponsored events.

Inevitably, those are the same companies that grumble about their trade show ROI. They spent “X” but can only measure “Y” sales from the show. When you ask them about their pre-show promotions, their lead qualification, their client meetings at the show, and their follow up with prospective customers, you get a big “DHuh?”  They didn’t plan their trade show marketing program, and now it shows.

5. Trade Shows are a Waste of Time.

If you love sitting in a cubicle all day creating spreadsheets, then trade shows make not make sense to you. You fly to desirable locations like Las Vegas, San Francisco, Orlando, New York, New Orleans, or Chicago. You have to meet people, listen to their needs, talk about your company, stand on your feet, and generally be helpful, pleasant, and knowledgeable. Even worse, you may have to join clients for breakfast, socialize with them after show hours, mingle with potential suppliers, and attend educational seminars about your industry. That’s really tough

You either embrace the opportunity to build sales and learn something new, or you grumble about the airport, the food, the hotel, and the hassle of time away from the office. It’s all about your attitude.

6. Trade Show Displays are Expensive (Part 1).

Very true, but so is almost any investment in capital equipment or advertising. Let’s explore this from another perspective. Let’s say your company purchased an $18,000 inline display (10 x 20). Then, let’s assume your company participates in four trade shows a year and you expect the booth to last five years. Now, take the average cost per show including show space, literature, airfare, hotels, meals, entertainment, transportation, and labor. If you are frugal, you’ll spend:

Exhibit Booth Staff Tips
  • $25,000 per show
  • Multiply that by 20 shows (4 shows x 5 years) = $500,000
  • Then divide the booth cost $18,000 by the $500,000 in expenses
  • = 4.3% which is the display cost to total expenses

Let’s take it to the next step. Your company takes trade show marketing seriously (and you should). You conduct pre-show promotions, you send the right folks to the show, and you aggressively follow up on all leads. You expect the show to generate sales (or you wouldn’t be participating). On average, you demand $150,000 in new sales from each show. $150,000 x 20 shows = $3,000,000 in sales.

Based on those numbers:

  • $500,000/$3,000,000 = 16% trade show cost to sales
  • $18,000/$3,000,000 = 0.6% display cost to sales

I don’t know about you, but those numbers look pretty good to me. And unlike magazine, television, or direct mail advertising, they’re measurable if you put the right metrics in place.

7. Trade Show Displays are Expensive (Part 2).

Probably 60 percent of all trade show displays never go to large, industry shows in Las Vegas, Orlando, or Chicago. The owners take them to Chamber of Commerce mixers, local business shows, corporate events, regional industry shows, and hiring and recruitment fairs.

At these shows, you won’t see island exhibits, but you will see pop ups, table tops, banner stands, and lightweight hybrids. These displays range in price from under $200 for a basic banner stand with graphics to $8000 for an upscale portable hybrid. Considering the cost of most advertising, buying a trade show display is a bargain that you’ll use for years and years.

8. All Shows are the Same.

Really? If your experience has been that “all shows are the same,” you may be approaching every show EXACTLY the SAME. Not every show has the same audience. There may be similarities, but the attendees vary even in shows focusing on the same industry.

If you are serious about trade show marketing, then contact show management and request attendee and exhibitor data. Have them describe the goals, mission, and audience of the show. Then go to the next step and ask for exhibitors who have been loyal to that trade show for many years. Assuming they are not competitors, contact the Marketing Manager or Trade Show Coordinator. Ask them why they attend, how they tailor their message to the audience, and how that message differs from other shows. And then do what professional marketers do . . . create a message, design appropriate graphics, and plan a pre-show, show, and post-show campaign.

9. Trade Show Leads are a Waste of Time.

Trade Show Leads

Leads can be a waste of time if:  a) You collect business cards in a fishbowl for a cool product giveaway like an iPad, b) You don’t qualify the attendees who visit your booth (or jot down their needs), and c) You don’t contact them until a month or two after the show.

More than anything else you do at a trade show, your lead quality is a byproduct of your pre-show planning, booth staff training, and timely post-show follow-up. There is a direct correlation. A trade show is a salesperson’s nirvana, namely a captive audience that spent money to see you.

Now, you may get lucky and acquire a game-changing customer while sipping coffee, clipping your fingernails, and chatting with co-workers. But that’s rare. Finding good customers takes time, enthusiasm, knowledge, and patience. You have to be at your best because they can (and will) walk down the aisle and find another solution.

10. Virtual Trade Shows will Replace Real Trade Shows.

There is a place for virtual trade shows just as there is a place for dating websites. But at some point, you have to meet in person. And unless you’re looking for a mail order spouse, you’re not going to get any action unless you shake hands, look one another in the eye, and share your story face-to-face.

Want to learn more about trade shows, trade show marketing, and displays? Click here for more than 80 expert articles.

–Mel White
http://www.linkedin.com/in/melmwhite
mel@classicexhibits.com

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Ask the Experts: Trade Show Flooring Ideas

December 22nd, 2022 Mel White COMMENTS
Trade Show Flooring Ideas

Trade show flooring doesn’t have to be boring. It can be so much more these days with bright colors, direct printing options, and wood grain and stone patterns. 

Trade show exhibitors spend hours designing their display structure. It makes sense. They want the exhibit to attract attention, communicate the perfect messaging, and facilitate client engagement on the show floor. So they’ll agonize over the graphics, choose the perfect promotional giveaways, and even storyboard a killer video for the video wall. Every single step is made in order to achieve their trade show marketing goals and maximize their return on investment. 

And then, someone will ask about the flooring, and they’ll realize they haven’t considered it. It’s a mistake they wouldn’t have made when remodeling their office or renovating the kitchen in their home. 

Smart exhibitors know that trade show flooring can transform a great booth into the talk of the show. 

Trade Show Flooring Ideas & Tips

Too often, exhibitors default to a solid black, gray, or beige carpet with basic padding. And that’s OK. A neutral carpet may be the best choice for your exhibit presentation and budget. There are, however, other choices such as inlay patterns, custom colors, raised floors, printed flooring, tiles, and vinyl surfaces. Knowing what’s available is the first step. 

Flooring is the second largest surface in any booth. Don’t ignore it. Ask your exhibit and graphic designers to include the flooring in the overall presentation. When designers are encouraged to be creative with flooring, it’s like loosening the cap on a jar. Fun things happen!   

Trade Show Booth Flooring Ideas to Avoid

  1. Selecting the Wrong Color. The flooring should complement your booth graphics, not distract from them. Bright colors can be a hit or a miss depending on the overall design. Along the same lines, neutral colors can be positive or negative. 
  2. Choosing the Wrong Type of Flooring. For example, interlocking tiles, both foam, and vinyl are popular, reusable, and inexpensive. They are a great choice for inlines and smaller shows. However, a custom exhibit, inline or island, demands a more upscale solution that elevates the overall presentation of the booth. 
  3. Padding. Buying padding is an added expense, one many exhibitors decide isn’t worth the money. If you’ve ever walked into a booth with cushy flooring after a long day on concrete floors, you know the impression that makes on your mood and your feet. It matters. Even if you don’t want to reward potential customers with soft flooring, consider how your booth staff will feel after standing on an uncomfortable floor for 6-8 hours 3 days straight. 
  4. Buying the Wrong Flooring for Your Electrical Layout. At North American trade shows, electrical cables are taped to the concrete floor before the carpet, rollable vinyl,  raised floor, or padding is installed. When done well, the cables are nearly invisible under the flooring with no bulges, ripples, or humps. However, not all flooring is equal when it comes to minimizing the effects of those cables. Better flooring and/or double-padding will ensure that the wiring is hidden. 
  5. Installation. If you plan to reuse your flooring, then installing it correctly will ensure it lasts. Professional trade show installers know how to apply tape to minimize damage, how to cut the flooring so the slices are unseen at the next show, and how to protect it before, during, and after the show. If you’ve ever had forklift tracks on your beige carpet on the opening day of the show, you know how maddening that can be. 

Types of Booth Flooring

Carpeting. Carpet is the “go-to” choice for most exhibitors. It’s available in multiple weights (50, 32, and 18 oz) and an array of colors. Advantage XL carpet for example is available in 24 colors, ranging from grays and black to magenta, orange, purple, and blue sea. 32 oz. is by far the most popular weight, representing 65% of total exhibition carpet sales. 

trade show booth flooring ideas

Inlay Carpeting.  Inlays allow designers to use multiple colors to create patterns or pathways in a booth. By mixing bright and neutral colors, exhibitors can reinforce their branding or create a visual story. 

booth flooring

Vinyl Flooring (Flex Flooring). Rollable vinyl floor is easy to install, simple to clean, and durable enough to reuse. Traditional vinyl flooring comes in both wood grain and stone patterns. 

Custom Vinyl Flooring. Two options:  There’s custom inlay flex flooring which can be used to delineate space or highlight products using both vinyl patterns and carpet. There’s also custom-printed vinyl flooring similar to printing on fabric or rigid surfaces on an exhibit. Printed vinyl allows exhibitors to extend their branding and messages on all available surfaces. 

Custom Vinyl Flooring for Trade Shows

Graphic Overlays.  Graphic overlays are a great solution to customize with the ability to remove the graphics after the show. The base flooring can be reused after the event and new overlays printed and installed at the next show in no time. 

Soft Floor Interlocking Tiles. Comfortable, convenient, and economical, SoftFloor 2 ft. x 2 ft. Interlocking tiles are available in 14 colors, They require no adhesives, install quickly, and ship in portable cases. Colors can be mixed and matched to create custom designs. 

Turf. Artificial turf brings the beauty of the outside to the inside with a durable flooring surface. Add turf painting for a distinctive look.  

Infusion Dye Carpet. Exhibit houses have diversified over the years to handle not only their client’s trade show but also their event, marketing, retail, and mobile engagements. Infusion Dye Carpet is distinctive and memorable. Casinos, hotels, high-rise lobbies, and convention centers often have this type of flooring. 

Infusion Dye Carpet

Raised Wood Flooring. Wood flooring is the ultimate high-end addition to any booth. However, it’s neither cheap to rent nor install which makes it special whenever it’s on a trade show floor in North America. In Europe, it’s far more common. Raised wood flooring is the ideal surface for booths with significant electrical or cable management. 

Can You Rent Trade Show Booth Floors?

Absolutely. Not everyone wants to own their flooring. Plus, flooring can be expensive and awkward to ship. Trade show flooring providers and General Service Contractors (GSC) have rental carpet and padding options. These include several carpet weights in popular colors with basic or thicker padding.   

Ask your exhibit house about your options. They may even have rental flooring available as an alternative to renting from the show. 

Trade Show Flooring Ideas with Classic Exhibits

If “flooring is boring” has been your motto in the past, it’s time to up your game. Flooring can be so much more with inlays, overlays, and printing that brings color and texture to your trade show marketing. Review your options early and don’t be afraid to be creative. You just might be surprised at all the compliments you receive when you make bold flooring a must-have in your booth.   

Classic Exhibits has been honored as an Exhibitor Magazine Find-It Top 40 Exhibit Producers and an Event Marketer Fab 50 Exhibit Builders multiple times. Along with numerous Portable Modular Awards. 

With over 200 Distributor Partners throughout North America, there’s a Classic representative close by to assist with any rental project. Contact us today whether you need an inline rental display, a double-deck island exhibit, or a contemporary kiosk rental. At Classic, we’re not just different. We’re better.

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A Guide to Portable Exhibits

December 21st, 2022 Mel White COMMENTS
Portable Exhibits
VK-1970 Portable Lightbox Exhibit

Portable Exhibits are the backbone of many regional trade shows and events. In fact, most exhibitors start their trade show marketing programs with a portable display, then gradually upgrade to modular or custom exhibits as they participate in larger shows. Their portable display(s) don’t go away. They continue to use them for smaller shows or when a larger exhibit isn’t necessary. 

However, choosing the “Perfect Portable” can be challenging since designs, prices, features, and assembly varies considerably. A casual Internet search will show thousands of choices from hundreds of suppliers. So how do you decide when every display looks great and every description promises an easy setup? Remember that portable displays are no different than any other product. If it seems too good to be true – price, service, and delivery – then be wary, ask questions, and request information about the warranty and return policies. It’s easy to create a beautiful rendering. Designing, building, and delivering a quality display is much, much harder. 

That said, the display you purchase will depend on your budget, your marketing requirements, and your show schedule. Not every exhibitor needs a portable exhibit with all the bells and whistles, like monitor mounts, locking storage, shelves, or backlighting, when a straightforward fabric graphic on a lightweight tube frame is fine. Others, however, need a robust portable with functional accessories that are designed to last years and perform flawlessly from show to show. 

So… let’s begin by transforming you into a knowledgeable portable display buyer. This will ensure you ask the right questions before making a purchase. 

What are Portable Exhibits?

There’s the exhibit industry definition and then there’s the typical portable display buyer definition. The exhibit industry defines a portable as any display that can ship via FedEx or UPS. Meaning the weight and dims fall within their guidelines for ground or air shipments. That’s it. 

The typical portable display buyer, however, would define a portable exhibit as having the following features and/or benefits. 

  1. Lightweight. It can be carried or wheeled into a show by one person. Or at most, two people. 
  2. Assembly. It’s easy to set up with no tools or minimal tools. 
  3. Graphics. Primarily fabric graphics with some direct print graphics.
  4. Packaging. Packs in a nylon carrying case or a roto-molded case with wheels
  5. Installation and Dismantle. Show labor isn’t required to assemble it.

Our Favorite Portable Trade Show Exhibits

“Putting the cart before the horse” is a common mistake when buying an exhibit. Displays buyers become fixated on size and price instead of asking the following:

  • What are our marketing goals for the show or shows?
  • Is this a short-term or long-term purchase?
  • Will we need accessories like shelves, locking storage, tablets, or monitors?
  • And who will be assembling the booth?

Once you’ve answered those questions, it’s time to start shopping. These are five of our favorite portable display systems. 

1. Symphony Portable Exhibits

portable tradeshow exhibits

Symphony blends easy toolless assembly with elegant design and clever accessories. Choose from 8 frame shapes and 16 accessories like portable counters, monitor mounts, iPad clamshells, and wireless charging pads. 

2. Sacagawea Portable Displays

portable trade show exhibits

The affordable Sacagawea Portable is a contemporary display designed with lightweight engineered aluminum and vibrant tension fabric graphics. Using knob-assisted assembly, the Sacagawea sets up quickly, typically in less than 40 minutes for a 10 ft. display. 

3. Tension Fabric Pop-up Displays

portable trade booth exhibits

The Fabric Pop-up Display is popular with exhibitors for local shows or events. It’s portable, attractive, and assembles in minutes making it the ideal choice for both novices and seasoned exhibitors. Choose from over 60 designs, including backlit options.  

4. Banner Stands

Portable Exhibits Banner Stands

Banner Stands are a must-have item for recruiting fairs, retail displays, events, and exhibitions. Choose from retractable units, telescoping, and eco-friendly stands. Add a banner stand to update an existing display or combine multiple units to create a dramatic back wall.

5. Portable LED Lightboxes

Portable Exhibits LED Lightbox

LED Lightboxes have become the star attraction at many trade shows. They include vibrant Silicone Edge Fabric Graphics (SEG), lightweight aluminum extrusion, and long-lasting LED lights. SEG fabric graphics are easy-to-install, durable, and colorful. LED light modules come installed on the frames, making set-up quick and trouble-free.

6 Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Portable Trade Booth Exhibit

#1. Price. Or when the price is not the price… Many portable display websites show really low prices, which are merely the starting point. You then have to add graphics, accessories, cases, and shipping which can increase the price by as much as 3X to 6X.

Not all portable websites are constructed this way so it’s important to compare the “build a bear” pricing with the “what you see is what you get” pricing.  

#2. Quality. You might not like to hear this, but the price is a pretty good guide. Higher-quality systems with a proven track record tend to cost more. They use sturdier frames, stronger connections, and better cases and packaging (but more on that later).

Always ask about the warranty and the return policy. Quality display products are backed by strong warranties and reasonable return policies.

#3. Assembly.  Assembly matters but probably not as much as you think. Some require tools. Others do not, which shouldn’t be the only determining factor when choosing a portable display. Is the assembly process intuitive? Are the parts labeled and numbered? How stable is the display when it’s done?

Remember… you will be assembling the display multiple times over months or even years. Each time it should be faster and easier to set up.

Portable Trade Show Display
TF-410 Portable Trade Show Display

#4. Graphics. If you’ve shopped for a TV recently, you know the same size screen can vary in price, often by hundreds in not thousands of dollars. Graphics vary too. Low-quality graphics are printed on older machines, using thinner materials, and use less ink per square inch.

Just as important is the fit of the frame. Too loose and the graphic appears sloppy and cheap. Too tight and the images are distorted and fitting them to the frame is like putting pants on a sleeping bear. 

#5. Replacement Parts. Some portable systems are considered disposable by the manufacturer. If you lose a part, then your only option is to buy a whole new display. With others, getting a replacement part to match your frame is nearly impossible.

Better portable displays are designed and manufactured with exact-fit tolerances and interchangeable parts. The parts are available via quick shipping.

#6. Packaging. Poor packaging contributes to lost parts, damaged components, dirty graphics, assembly frustration, and overall long-term satisfaction with a portable display.

High-quality portable systems use reusable packaging, like foam inserts, nylon bags, and heavy-duty corrugated boxes. Everything has a spot and every item is protected during shipping. 

Your Partner for Portable Exhibits

Purchasing a trade show display, regardless of the size or price, is a sales and marketing investment. If you’ve ever walked a trade show floor and said to yourself, “Seriously dude?!” about someone’s display then you know the harm a cheap portable display can do to your image. Before buying a display, consider meeting with a Trade Show Exhibit Professional to discuss your needs and marketing goals.

Classic Exhibits has been honored as an Exhibitor Magazine Find-It Top 40 Exhibit Producers and an Event Marketer Fab 50 Exhibit Builders multiple times. Along with numerous Portable Modular Awards.

With over 200 Distributor Partners throughout North America, there’s a Classic representative close by to assist with any rental project. Contact us today whether you need an inline rental display, a double-deck island exhibit, or a contemporary kiosk rental. At Classic, we’re not just different. We’re better.

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Phone Charging Station: A Buyer’s Guide

December 19th, 2022 Mel White COMMENTS
Charging Solutions at Trade Shows and Events
Charging Solutions at Trade Shows and Events

In today’s trade show environment, power matters. Electrical power that is. The exhibits with easy, fast, and uncomplicated charging stations are destinations for attendees. Having a charging station almost guarantees more booth traffic, and since charging any device takes time, your “charging” sales leads will be qualified. Plus, there’s not a booth staffer in the world who doesn’t love having a charging solution for their phone within reach.  No more wandering the show floor in search of a 110 outlet. 

We’re all addicted to our smartphones and tablets. And when our battery indicator edges dangerously close to 25%, we start to panic. Rightfully so. We need these devices to conduct business and stay in touch with family and colleagues, like at a trade show or exhibition. Savvy exhibitors are adding charging options, like dedicated kiosks or charging ports/pads into their exhibit design in counters, tables, and pedestals. 

Why Invest in a Phone Charging Station for your Event?

Ten years ago, charging stations were an attraction. Five years ago, they were a convenience. Now, they’re an expectation. Not having charging options, whether wired or wireless, says to potential clients and to your staff that you just don’t care. That you’re fine with them wandering the floor in search of a connection. 

Connections Lead to Conversations: Charging takes time. That time allows people to chat and learn more about one another and their business needs. Conversations are good. Think of charging stations as the 21st Century water cooler. Want to know the latest gossip or tap into the latest trends? Hang out at the charging station.

Charging Sends the Right Message: Ever see someone sitting on the floor at an airport, convention center, or event charging their phone or tablet? Was that someone you? Then think of those times when a convenient charging option was available where you could sit, relax, eat, and talk with other people. Which one made you happier?

Charging is Inexpensive: Not so long ago, charging kiosks were ugly and expensive. More like electrical octopuses than an attractive accessory in your booth or at your event. Anymore, charging can be incorporated into counters, pedestals, tables, and stands at a modest price. Best of all, those counters, etc. will not only match your overall design aesthetic but also be inconspicuous (yet easily available). 

Phone Charging Station: Our Top Picks

Towers

MOD-1470 | Power Tower: The Power Tower is available in three designs, all with two-sided backlit graphics and multiple charging pads. These standalone kiosks are elegant yet rugged enough to survive years of trade shows and events. 

wireless charging station

MOD-1475 | Lightbox Stand: Think of it as a visual beacon attracting clients. The stand includes large double-sided backlit graphics and (4) wireless/USB pads. It even has LED accent lighting around the countertop for an added design flair.  

MOD-1474 | Monitor Stan: Back-to-back monitors make this an ideal choice for sharing information about products and services while charging a phone, computer, or tablet. 

Conference Tables

MOD-1488 | Conference Table: At 72” L x 42” W, this executive conference table with charging pads is perfect for a meeting room or an island exhibit.

phone charging station table

MOD-1482 | Charging Table: A stylish and upscale table for meetings with potential clients at an exhibition. 

small phone charging station table

Bistro, Coffee, and End Tables

MOD-1465 | Bistro Table: A modular table complete with LED accent lighting and wireless charging pads. Options include RGB programmable lights and graphics. 

bistro phone charging station table

MOD-1464 | Coffee Table and MOD-1466 | End Table: These coffee and end tables match the bistro table. Ideal for larger exhibits with meeting rooms and casual seating. 

coffee table phone charger

Charging Counters

MOD-1721 | Backlit Counter: This backlit L-shaped counter is guaranteed to attract attention. Complete with charging pads and locking storage. 

phone charging counter

MOD-1707 | Parsons Counter: Parsons counters are quickly becoming a trade show favorite of exhibitors. It’s the ideal height for demos or promotional products. Comes with a backlit logo and locking storage. 

GOD-1558c | Modular Counter: This large modular counter assembles quickly. Includes charging pads, a large fabric graphic, and locking storage. 

custom phone charging station

What Are My Wireless and USB Charging Station Options?

We make this almost too easy. Charging solutions can be designed into any inline, island, or accessory like counters, pedestals, or tables. Unsure about where you need wireless or USB charging? We make that decision easy since our charging pads include a wireless pad and USB A and C connections.  

Click here to explore 67 charging solution designs. Better yet, remember that charging pads can be added to any of the 1700 exhibit designs in Exhibit Design Search. 

Stay Connected with a Phone Charging Station from Classic Exhibits

When it comes to phone charging options for a trade show or event, Classic Exhibits has the widest selection. Choose from existing counters, kiosks, stations, tables, or pedestals, or add charging to hundreds of accessories both for purchase and rental. There’s a solution for any budget. 

Classic Exhibits has been honored as an Exhibitor Magazine Find-It Top 40 Exhibit Producers and an Event Marketer Fab 50 Exhibit Builders multiple times. Along with numerous Portable Modular Awards. 

With over 200 Distributor Partners throughout North America, there’s a Classic representative close by to assist with any rental project. Contact us today whether you need an inline rental display, a double-deck island exhibit, or a contemporary kiosk rental. At Classic, we’re not just different. We’re better.

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